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Biography Back Previous Next Steve Appel Vice President of Campus Facilities & Athletics, Head Baseball Coach New Mexico native Steve Appel has served as Vice President of Campus Facilities & Athletics at the University of the Southwest since 2022, providing strategic leadership over athletic operations and campus facility development. Since joining USW in 2014 as Head Baseball Coach, Appel has played a central role in transforming the university’s athletic department into a competitive and growth-oriented program within the Red River Athletic Conference. Appel’s leadership has driven significant progress in both performance and infrastructure. As head baseball coach, he built the Mustang program into a consistent contender, recording over 200 wins in his first seven seasons and leading the team to back-to-back RRAC Tournament appearances, including a 33-win season in 2022—one of the best in program history. That success laid the foundation for broader departmental growth and helped elevate the university’s athletic profile. At the administrative level, Appel has been instrumental in advancing major facility projects across campus. He helped secure the largest donation in university history, which funded a state-of-the-art indoor baseball facility and comprehensive renovations to Jake Williams Field. Under his leadership, enhancements have included a new playing surface, upgraded fencing, grandstand improvements, a rebuilt backstop with modern netting and padding, new bullpen areas, and a fully enclosed complex. Additional projects under his direction include the construction of a new on-campus softball field and the development of upgraded baseball facilities featuring a locker room, weight room, and restroom complex—significantly improving the student-athlete experience and recruiting capabilities. Appel’s leadership extends beyond facilities and competition. He has emphasized a culture of academic success and community engagement across the department, with teams consistently achieving strong academic performance and actively contributing to community outreach initiatives. In 2019, Appel was named Director of Athletics, expanding his oversight to all athletic programs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he led a decisive relocation of USW athletic teams to Sky Ranch in Texas, allowing programs to continue training and competition during a challenging period when many institutions were unable to operate. A native of Socorro, New Mexico, Appel began his collegiate playing career at Fort Scott Community College before transferring to the University of Bridgeport, where he served as team captain, graduated Magna Cum Laude, and earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He began his coaching career at Bridgeport, rising to top assistant and pitching coach while developing one of the nation’s top pitching staffs. Through a combination of strategic vision, operational leadership, and a commitment to student-athlete development, Appel continues to shape the athletic and physical landscape of the University of the Southwest.

Career Services Welcome to USW Career Services! We're here to help students and alumni with career planning and development in the following areas: Applying to on-campus jobs through Work-Study program Choosing a major or c areer path Career exploration Resume and cover letter writing Interviewing preparation Networking skills Job and internship search Studying for graduate school exams (GRE, MCAT, LSAT, etc.) Applying for graduate school Schedule an Appointment Today! Contact one of our career advisors, listed below. Career Resources Career exploration CareerOneStop provides resources and self-assessments to help explore career paths that match your interests, skills, and values. Check it out! Networking Around 70-80% of jobs are obtained through networking (personal connections) —review these tips and tricks for networking in college. Check it out! Handshake USW's career development hub for career exploration, finding jobs/internships, joining career events, and networking. Check it out! RESUME Builder & Reviewer Build/update your resume with guided help and get instant feedback on how to strengthen and tailor it to jobs you're applying for. Check it out! ChatGPT Resume Assistant While using the Resume Builder/Reviwer, use this Resume Assistant GPT as a supplemental tool to further strengthen your resume. Check it out! cover Letter Builder & Reviewer Write your cover letter with guided help and get instant feedback and tips on how to tailor your cover letter to jobs you're applying for. Check it out! Interview Practice Practice answering interview questions in virtual mock interviews and get instant feedback and tips to prepare for interviews. Check it out! Resume/Cover Letter/Interview Prep Toolkit This toolkit provides additional resources to help with resume and cover letter writing and interview preparation. Download Explore Health Careers ExploreHealthCareers.org provides the latest health career information and tools to guide you as you prepare for a future in healthcare. Check it out! Career Intelligence Association (CIA) The CIA is our student organization that helps to promote and support career development. If interested in joining, contact us! Check it out! Career Fair Prep Guide Check out this guide for how to successfully prepare a resume, dress, and talk to employers at the Mustang Career Fair! Check it out!

Biography Back Previous Next Dr. Brianna Lopez Vice President of Instruction & Academic Affairs, Chief Academic Officer Born and raised in Midland, TX, Brianna Lopez embarked on her academic journey in Hobbs, NM, joining the University of the Southwest (USW) in 2013 as an undergraduate student-athlete. Her dedication and commitment to her studies at USW led her to attain a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, followed by two Master of Business Administration degrees in Marketing and Strategic Management, and lastly, in 2021, earning a Doctor of Business Administration with a specialization in Strategy and Innovation. Professionally, Brianna began her journey with USW in 2017. Over the years, she has taken on multiple roles and responsibilities within the College of Business Administration. Presently she serves as Chief Academic Officer and Vice President of Academic Affairs.

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Accreditation Our Memberships Click a logo to learn more! University of the Southwest participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements. University of the Southwest is an accredited member of the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) with headquarters in Chicago, Illinois, one of the six regional agencies that evaluate educational institutions. The accreditation process assesses such characteristics as governance and administration, financial stability, admissions and student personnel services, institutional resources, student academic achievement, institutional effectiveness, and relationships with constituencies outside the institution. This voluntary accreditation function has two fundamental purposes: quality assurance and institutional and program improvement. University of the Southwest was granted accreditation in 1980, and has maintained continuous accreditation. The most recent HLC review took place during the 2023-2024 school year. Click here to access supporting documentation. University of the Southwest holds current approval from the New Mexico Higher Education Department (NMHED) as a regionally-accredited, private, post-secondary institution of higher education. Click here to access supporting documentation. The New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED) holds regular and on-going program reviews of degrees which lead to New Mexico teacher or education professional licensure. University of the Southwest holds current accreditation through NMPED for all licensure programs offered in the College of Education. Click here to access supporting documentation. The College of Business Administration at the University of the Southwest has received specialized accreditation for its business programs through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) located at 11960 Quivira Road in Overland Park, Kansas, USA. For a list of accredited programs please view our IACBE Member status page . Click here to access supporting documentation. Click here to access the most current Public Disclosure of Student Achievement. USW’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling 60-hour fully online degree program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Counseling Related Education Programs (CACREP) . Click here to access supporting documentation. Supporting Documentation

Future Students how to apply Before you apply, learn more about the admissions process and academic offerings. More Info affordability Once you've applied, explore the value of a USW degree and options for financing your education. More Info Mustang Life Upon admission, it's time to get excited! Discover USW's student services and campus life. More Info New Student Resources

Transfer students Admissions Questions? Contact us. I have a question! Admission requirements Transfer admission is based on your most recent grade-point average and academic standing. To be considered for admission to USW, you must satisfy the following admission criteria: Minimum 2.0 GPA (4.0 scale) Good standing at all previous institutions Transfer students who do not meet the standard undergraduate admissions requirements will be required to submit an appeal to be reconsidered for admission. Transfer students who left most recent institution on academic or disciplinary probation or suspension will be admitted on academic probation if appeal is approved. If you are an international SEVIS transfer, click here . HOW to apply If you have graduated high school and have attended or are currently attending another college or university and would like to pursue an undergraduate degree at University of the Southwest, you’re in the right spot and one step closer to officially becoming a Mustang! Follow these steps to apply as a Transfer Student: 1 discover usw Take some time to explore our academic offerings and decide what program you'd like to apply to. Explore Programs 2 Submit your application Once you've decided what you want to study, it's time to submit your application! Apply Now! 3 Send in required admissions documents Applications typically require additional documentation such as transcripts, test scores, transfer coursework, etc. What else do I need? 4 apply for housing (Optional) If you plan to live on campus, make sure to apply for housing and its included meal plan. Housing & Dining 5 apply for scholarships & financial aid (Optional) If you plan on utilizing financial aid, make sure to fill out your Federal Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and check out additional scholarship opportunities. Learn More completed your application? Once your application and all required documentation has been received, allow three (3) business days for your application to be processed. Upon receipt and processing, you will be sent an acknowledgement via email by the Academic Advisor . Next steps, additional information, further requests (if applicable), and initial admission decisions will be shared via email. If you are then offered admission to USW, it's time for orientation! In-person students will attend Annual Student Orientation ! You will receive details for this via email. Online-only students will complete the Virtual Orientation using their USW login.

Federal Loans Back Previous Next Direct Unsubsidized Loans 1. Purpose and Eligibility: Direct Unsubsidized Loans are federal student loans offered through the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program. Unlike Direct Subsidized Loans, eligibility is not based on financial need. Direct Unsubsidized Loans are available to eligible undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. To qualify, a student generally must: Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen. Have a valid Social Security number, unless an exception applies. Be enrolled at least half-time in an eligible degree or certificate program. Meet the general eligibility requirements for federal student aid. Maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP). Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The institution determines the amount a student is eligible to borrow based on the student’s cost of attendance, grade level, dependency status, enrollment, applicable loan limits, and other financial aid received. 2. Interest Accrual: Interest begins accruing when a Direct Unsubsidized Loan is disbursed. The borrower is responsible for paying all interest that accrues, including interest that accrues while enrolled in school, during the six-month grace period, and during most periods of deferment or forbearance. Borrowers may choose to pay the interest while enrolled or allow unpaid interest to remain outstanding. Borrowers should review their loan information and contact their federal loan servicer to understand how unpaid interest may affect repayment. 3. Fixed Interest Rates: Direct Unsubsidized Loans have fixed interest rates, meaning the interest rate assigned to a loan remains the same for the life of that loan. Federal student-loan interest rates are established under federal law and may change each award year for newly issued loans. The applicable interest rate is generally based on the student’s academic level and the date the loan is first disbursed. Current rates are available on the Federal Student Aid website. 4. Borrowing Limits: Direct Unsubsidized Loan limits depend on several factors, including the student’s academic level, grade level, dependency status, program type, cost of attendance, other financial aid received, and previous federal student-loan borrowing. Beginning with applicable loan periods in the 2026–27 award year: Annual loan limits must be reduced when a student is enrolled less than full-time. New annual and aggregate loan limits apply to graduate and professional students unless the student qualifies for a limited interim exception. A federal lifetime borrowing limit may also affect eligibility. Institutions may establish lower loan limits for students enrolled in particular programs when applied consistently in accordance with federal requirements. Students must be enrolled at least half-time to receive a Direct Unsubsidized Loan disbursement. Changes in enrollment may reduce the amount a student is eligible to borrow. Federal annual, aggregate, and lifetime loan limits are established by law and are subject to change. 5. Repayment Options: Available repayment options depend on when the borrower received the loans, the types of federal loans held, and other borrower-specific circumstances. Options may include: A standard or tiered standard repayment plan with scheduled monthly payments. An income-driven repayment plan, including the Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP), when the borrower and loans are eligible. Other repayment plans available to borrowers with qualifying older federal loans. Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) for borrowers who work full-time for a qualifying employer and make 120 qualifying monthly payments while meeting all other program requirements. Federal repayment options are changing under federal law. Some existing repayment plans are being phased out, and not every borrower will qualify for every plan. Borrowers should use the Federal Student Aid Loan Simulator or contact their federal loan servicer to determine which repayment options are available for their loans. Additional information is available on the Federal Student Aid repayment plans webpage . 6. Loan Fees: Direct Unsubsidized Loans have a federal loan origination fee. The fee is deducted proportionately from each disbursement, so the amount credited to the student’s account will be less than the amount borrowed. The borrower remains responsible for repaying the full amount of the loan. Current loan fee information is available on the Federal Student Aid website. 7. Application Process: To be considered for a Direct Unsubsidized Loan, a student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Although eligibility is not based on financial need, the institution must use FAFSA information and other eligibility criteria to determine the student’s loan eligibility. If offered a Direct Unsubsidized Loan, the student must accept the loan through the institution’s financial aid process and complete all applicable requirements. Students should complete the FAFSA and any additional institutional requirements by the applicable deadlines. 8. Loan Counseling: Before receiving a first Direct Loan, a student may be required to complete entrance counseling. Entrance counseling explains the loan’s terms and conditions, interest accrual, repayment obligations, and the borrower’s rights and responsibilities. A borrower may also be required to complete exit counseling after graduating, leaving school, or dropping below half-time enrollment. 9. Master Promissory Note (MPN): Before receiving a Direct Unsubsidized Loan, the borrower must complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN). The MPN is a legally binding agreement under which the borrower promises to repay the loan, accrued interest, and any applicable fees. The MPN also explains the terms and conditions of the loan and the borrower’s rights and responsibilities. Loan acceptance through the institution may be a separate step. 10. Grace Period: Direct Unsubsidized Loans generally have a six-month grace period after the borrower graduates, leaves school, or drops below half-time enrollment. Payments are generally not required during the grace period, but interest continues to accrue. Borrowers should contact their federal loan servicer before the grace period ends to confirm their first payment date and available repayment options. 11. Responsibilities of Borrowers: Borrowers are responsible for: Remaining enrolled at least half-time to receive loan disbursements. Maintaining eligibility for federal student aid and satisfactory academic progress. Using loan funds only for authorized educational expenses. Notifying the institution and loan servicer of changes to enrollment, contact information, or other relevant circumstances. Completing required entrance and exit counseling. Understanding the loan’s interest, fees, repayment terms, and total amount owed. Making required payments on time. Monitoring loan balances and progress toward forgiveness, when applicable.

Institutional Effectiveness The Office of Institutional Effectiveness at the University of the Southwest is committed to serving students, stakeholders, and the general public in a variety of capacities to ensure accountability, transparency, and success. The responsibilities of the Office of Institutional Effectiveness: Collect institutional data related to academic and non-academic areas Analyze institutional data to determine future planning and action Provide support and training to faculty and staff related to program/departmental assessment Promote continuous institutional improvement through the examination of research-based strategies and ongoing collaboration between the institution and its constituents Director of Institutional Effectiveness Melissa Williams mwilliams@usw.edu (575) 492 - 2144 Office location: Mabee Teaching & Learning Center (MTL) Enrollment Quick Facts By Degree By Ethnicity By Gender By Age Supporting Documentation Helpful Links USW Accreditation Information US DoE IPEDS New Mexico Workforce Solutions

Free Application for Federal Student AID (FAFSA®) What is the FAFSA? The FAFSA® (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is a government form in the United States that students and their families complete to determine eligibility for federal financial aid programs, including grants, loans, and work-study opportunities, to help pay for higher education expenses. USW uses the FAFSA® for all financial aid consideration, so it's crucial that students complete it every year. To complete your FAFSA®, you will need USW's federal school code: 013935 Helpful tips: Check Email Each student will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) which summarizes information provided on the FAFSA® to the e-mail used on their FAFSA®. Please review the information for accuracy and keep the SAR for record purposes. Corrections can be made to a student's FAFSA® by logging on to the FAFSA® website. USW will send all communication to student's USW e-mail address once admitted. Communication prior to admission will be sent to e-mail provided on application or request for information forms. Promptly Submit any Requested Documentation In order to complete your financial aid application, USW may request student and parent (if dependent) copies of federal tax transcript, W-2's or other documentation required by FAFSA® for verification purposes. Respond promptly to such requests to assure timely processing of student financial aid. Read Award Letter Carefully When the FAFSA is complete and the student has met USW's admission criteria, the Office of Financial Aid will award you as well as provide additional directions. Read the award notification carefully. Instructions for accepting awards and completing the Direct Loan process (if necessary) will be included in the award. Get Started! Step 1 Estimate Your AID Step 2 FAFSA® Tutorial Step 3 Complete FAFSA® Step 4 Review Awards

Federal Loans Back Previous Next Direct PLUS Loans 1. Purpose and Elgibility: Direct PLUS Loans are federal student loans offered through the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program. There are two types of Direct PLUS Loans: Parent PLUS Loans: Available to eligible parents of dependent undergraduate students. Graduate/Professional PLUS Loans: Available after July 1, 2026, only to eligible graduate or professional students who qualify for the federal interim exception. The borrower must meet applicable federal student-aid requirements. The student for whom the loan is borrowed must generally be enrolled at least half-time in an eligible program at an eligible institution. PLUS Loans are subject to a federal credit check. A borrower must not have an adverse credit history unless the borrower qualifies by obtaining an eligible endorser or documenting extenuating circumstances to the satisfaction of the U.S. Department of Education. Graduate/Professional PLUS Loans beginning July 1, 2026 Graduate and professional students generally may not receive new Graduate PLUS Loans for periods of enrollment beginning on or after July 1, 2026. A graduate or professional student may remain eligible under the federal interim exception if the student: Was enrolled in the applicable program of study at the institution as of June 30, 2026; Received a disbursement of any Direct Loan for that program before July 1, 2026; and Continues enrollment in that program and otherwise maintains eligibility. The student does not have to have previously received a Graduate PLUS Loan. A prior Direct Unsubsidized Loan disbursement for the applicable program may satisfy the prior-loan requirement. The interim exception is available only during the student’s expected time to credential. This period is the lesser of: Three academic years; or The published length of the program minus the portion of the program completed before July 1, 2026. Withdrawing, changing programs, changing institutions except under certain federally recognized circumstances, or exceeding the expected time to credential may end eligibility for the interim exception. 2. Interest Rates: Direct PLUS Loans have fixed interest rates. The rate assigned to a particular loan remains the same for the life of that loan. Federal student-loan interest rates are established under federal law and may change each award year for newly issued loans. Direct PLUS Loan rates are generally higher than the rates for Direct Subsidized and Direct Unsubsidized Loans. Current interest rates are available on the Federal Student Aid website. 3. Borrowing Limits: Beginning July 1, 2026, new borrowing limits apply to Parent PLUS Loans and to graduate and professional student borrowing. Parent PLUS Loans For a parent whose dependent student qualifies for the interim exception, the parent may generally continue to borrow up to the student’s cost of attendance minus other financial assistance during the student’s expected time to credential. If the student does not qualify for the interim exception, Parent PLUS borrowing is limited to: Annual limit: $20,000 per dependent student; and Aggregate limit: $65,000 per dependent student. The annual loan amount may not exceed the lesser of $20,000 or the student’s cost of attendance minus other financial assistance. The $65,000 aggregate limit applies collectively to Parent PLUS Loans borrowed on behalf of the same dependent student, including loans borrowed by more than one parent or at more than one institution. The aggregate limit is determined without regard to amounts previously repaid, forgiven, canceled, or otherwise discharged, except as provided under federal rules. Graduate and Professional Students Graduate and professional students who qualify for the interim exception may continue to receive Graduate PLUS Loans up to the cost of attendance minus other financial assistance during their expected time to credential. Students who do not qualify for the interim exception may not receive Graduate PLUS Loans. Their applicable Direct Unsubsidized Loan limits are: Graduate students: $20,500 annually, with a $100,000 aggregate limit. Professional students: $50,000 annually, with a $200,000 aggregate limit. Certain health-professions students: The applicable graduate or professional limit, based on the program’s federal classification. A $257,500 lifetime maximum aggregate loan limit also applies to student borrowers subject to the new limits. This lifetime maximum generally includes qualifying federal loans received for undergraduate, graduate, and professional study, including prior Graduate PLUS Loans. Parent PLUS Loans borrowed on behalf of a dependent student are not included in the student borrower’s lifetime maximum. Students eligible for the interim exception cannot elect to use the new graduate or professional loan limits instead of the pre-July 1, 2026 limits during the exception period. 4. Credit Check: A federal credit check is required for a Direct PLUS Loan. The credit check evaluates whether the borrower has an adverse credit history under federal standards. This is not the same as using a traditional credit score to determine the interest rate. A borrower with an adverse credit history may still qualify by: Obtaining an eligible endorser who does not have an adverse credit history; or Documenting extenuating circumstances related to the adverse credit information to the satisfaction of the U.S. Department of Education. A borrower who qualifies through an endorser or documented extenuating circumstances must complete PLUS Credit Counseling before receiving the loan. PLUS Credit Counseling is different from the entrance counseling required of first-time graduate or professional student borrowers. 5. Repayment Options: Repayment options depend on whether the borrower is a parent or a graduate/professional student, when the loans were received, the types of loans held, and whether the loans have been consolidated. Available options may include: A standard or tiered standard repayment plan with scheduled monthly payments. Other repayment plans available for qualifying loans received under earlier federal requirements. An income-driven repayment plan when both the borrower and the loans meet the applicable eligibility requirements. Public Service Loan Forgiveness when the borrower works full-time for a qualifying employer, makes 120 qualifying monthly payments, and meets all other program requirements. Parent PLUS Loans are not directly eligible for most income-driven repayment plans. Consolidation may make certain repayment options available, but the available plan depends on when the loans were received and current federal requirements. For Parent PLUS Loans, eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness is based on the parent borrower’s qualifying employment—not the dependent student’s employment. Borrowers should use the Federal Student Aid Loan Simulator or contact their federal loan servicer to determine which repayment options are available. Additional information is available on the Federal Student Aid repayment plans webpage . 6. Loan Fees: Direct PLUS Loans have a federal loan origination fee. The fee is deducted proportionately from each disbursement, so the amount credited to the student’s account will be less than the amount borrowed. The borrower remains responsible for repaying the full amount of the loan. Current loan fee information is available on the Federal Student Aid website. 7. Application Process: The student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before a Parent PLUS or eligible Graduate/Professional PLUS Loan can be processed. The borrower must also: Complete the appropriate Direct PLUS Loan application ; Consent to and pass the applicable federal credit check or complete the requirements associated with an adverse credit decision; Complete a Master Promissory Note; Complete any required loan counseling; and Satisfy any additional institutional application or documentation requirements. The institution determines the borrower’s final eligibility and the maximum loan amount based on the student’s cost of attendance, other financial assistance, applicable annual and aggregate loan limits, and other federal eligibility requirements. Graduate/Professional PLUS Loans are available beginning July 1, 2026, only to students who qualify for the federal interim exception. 8. Master Promissory Note (MPN): Before receiving a Direct PLUS Loan, the borrower must complete a Master Promissory Note. The MPN is a legally binding agreement under which the borrower promises to repay the loan, accrued interest, and applicable fees. The MPN explains the loan’s terms and conditions and the borrower’s rights and responsibilities. Loan acceptance through the institution may be a separate step. 9. Responsibilities of Borrowers: Direct PLUS Loan borrowers are responsible for: Repaying the loan, accrued interest, and applicable fees. Borrowing only what is needed for authorized educational expenses. Providing accurate information during the application process. Keeping the institution and loan servicer informed of changes in contact information or other relevant circumstances. Understanding the applicable interest rate, fees, repayment terms, and total amount owed. Completing required counseling. Making required payments on time. Monitoring eligibility for any repayment, forgiveness, or discharge program. For a Parent PLUS Loan, the parent—not the dependent student—is legally responsible for repayment. 10. Changes Effective July 1, 2026 Beginning July 1, 2026, the following changes take effect under the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, formerly known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act: Graduate/Professional PLUS Loans are eliminated for students who do not qualify for the interim exception. Parent PLUS Loans are subject to a $20,000 annual limit and a $65,000 aggregate limit per dependent student unless the student qualifies for the interim exception. Graduate and professional students who do not qualify for the interim exception are subject to new Direct Unsubsidized Loan limits. A $257,500 lifetime maximum aggregate loan limit applies to student borrowers subject to the new limits. Annual Direct Loan limits must be reduced for students enrolled less than full-time, including graduate or professional students receiving Graduate PLUS Loans through the interim exception. Institutions may establish lower loan limits for students or parents associated with particular programs when the limits are applied consistently and in accordance with federal requirements. These requirements are subject to detailed federal eligibility rules. The institution will determine each borrower’s eligibility based on federal guidance and the borrower’s individual circumstances.

Title IX & Campus Safety Title IX & Safety Coordinator Marina Black mblack@usw.edu (575) 492 - 2418 Office hours: 7:30 AM - 1:30 PM (In-Office), 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM (Remote) Monday - Thursday, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Friday Office location: Mabee Teaching & Learning Center (MTL) Title IX University of the Southwest prohibits sex discrimination in all aspects of its operations, including admissions and employment, as mandated by Title IX and other applicable laws. This includes various forms of retaliation. The university's policy also addresses reporting procedures for sex discrimination and sets out processes for investigating and resolving complaints. Additionally, it provides ongoing remedies to individuals affected by sex discrimination and outlines specific supports for individuals experiencing pregnancy or related conditions under a separate policy. Click here to access supporting documentation related to Title IX at USW. All Title IX Personnel – The State University of New York Student Conduct Institute (SCI) For the purposes of compliance with section 106.45 of the Title IX Final Rules, this page includes all training materials created by the Student Conduct Institute for their member institutions to train Title IX Coordinators, investigators, decision-makers, and any person who facilitates an informal resolution process in Title IX compliance and practices as of 8-14-2020. Other resources provided by SCI to member institutions broadly and not used in training are not included. For additional information on your rights under Title IX, click here . How to File a Title IX Complaint: File in person with the Title IX & Campus Safety Coordinator File via email through the Title IX & Campus Safety Coordinator Contact any USW faculty or staff member for assistance On-and Off-Campus Contacts: If you experience sexual harassment, gender discrimination, or sexual violence, we encourage you to reach out! We're here to help. Should you be unable to reach the Title IX & Campus Safety Coordinator , please contact the following during office hours : Veronica Torrez, Human Resources: (575) 492-2146 or vtorrez@usw.edu For after-hours, 24/7 emergency contacts, contact one of the following: Hobbs Police Department: 911 or (575) 397-9265 Lea County Sheriff’s Department: (575) 396-3611 Guidance Center of Lea County: (575) 393-6633 New Mexico Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs: (505) 883-8020 Community Against Violence: (575) 758-9888 Student Training: USW provides Title IX training to all students through Vector Solutions . Access to the full course will be granted by USW to each student. Course Description: Title IX requires colleges and universities to promptly investigate a formal complaint and take steps to protect students. This course provides students with information about the importance of Title IX and what an institution's obligations are when a formal complaint is filed. Topics include: definition of sexual harassment, Title IX regulations and obligations, and grievance procedures. Drug & Alcohol Prevention The Drug‐Free Schools and Campuses Regulations (34 CFR Part 86) of the Drug‐Free Schools and Communities Act require each institution of higher education (IHE) that receives federal funding, including University of the Southwest (USW), to verify that it has adopted and implemented a drug and alcohol abuse prevention program (DAAPP) to aid in the prevention of possession, use and distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol abuse by USW students and employees, both on campus and at university-sanctioned events. Regulation requires, at minimum, for each IHE to disseminate the following information, in writing, to all students and employees on an annual basis: Standards of conduct that clearly prohibit the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees on its property or as part of any of its activities Description of the applicable legal sanctions under local, state, or federal law for the unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol Description of the health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol Description of any drug or alcohol counseling, treatment, or rehabilitation or re‐ entry programs that are available to employees or students Statement that the institution will impose disciplinary sanctions on students and employees and a description of those sanctions, up to and including expulsion or termination of employment and referral for prosecution, for violations of the standards of conduct In addition, regulation requires each IHE to conduct a biennial review guided by two critical objectives: Determine the effectiveness of its DAAPP Ensure consistent enforcement of statutes, ordinances and institutional policies related to drug and alcohol related violations USW recognizes its legal obligation to conduct a biennial review in compliance with the Drug‐Free Schools and Communities Act and has formed a committee to determine if the university fulfills the requirements of the aforementioned federal regulations. Click here to access supporting documentation related to drug and alcohol prevention at USW. Campus Security & Fire Safety At USW, the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff are of paramount importance. Our campus is equipped with a comprehensive security system to ensure a secure environment. Our dedicated security personnel work round the clock to monitor and respond to any potential threats, providing a safe atmosphere for everyone. Additionally, we take fire safety seriously, with fire detection and suppression systems in place, as well as regular drills and training to ensure that everyone on campus is well-prepared in case of an emergency. Your safety is our top priority, and we strive to create a secure and comfortable environment where you can focus on your academic and personal growth with peace of mind. Click here to access supporting documentation related to campus security and fire safety at USW. Campus Wellness At USW, campus wellness is a top priority, encompassing all aspects of our students' health. We recognize that health challenges can arise unexpectedly, and we are committed to providing comprehensive support. Our on-campus health services are staffed with skilled professionals ready to assist students in times of illness, offering medical care and guidance to promote a swift recovery. We also emphasize preventive care through vaccination clinics and health education programs to empower our community to maintain good health. Your well-being matters to us, and we are dedicated to supporting you on your health journey so you can focus on your academic pursuits. Click here to access supporting documentation related to campus wellness at USW. Files, Forms, & Policies