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Request for information What program are you interested in? * Undergraduate Graduate Not Sure Degree/Program Inquiry Contact Information First Name Phone Number Last Name Email Zip Code How did you learn about USW? *REQUIRED* I agree that University of the Southwest may contact me about educational services by phone, email, and text message at the contact information provided. Message & data rates may apply. Check to opt out of text messaging. (Phone contact is still required for communicating sensitive information.) *REQUIRED* I understand that USW is collecting personal information data that will be protected and used according to its Privacy Policy. Access Privacy Policy Submit An error occurred. Check that all fields have been completed.

Loans Understanding student loans Loans are financial instruments that provide students and their families with funds to cover the costs associated with attending college or university, including tuition, fees, and living expenses. Unlike grants or scholarships, loans must be repaid over time, often with interest. They come in various forms, including federal student loans and private student loans, each with its own terms and conditions. While loans can be a valuable resource for financing education, borrowers should be mindful of their long-term financial implications and strive to borrow responsibly to avoid excessive debt burdens after graduation. Financing your education is a significant step in achieving your academic goals. At USW, we are dedicated to assisting you in navigating the complex world of student loans. This comprehensive guide will provide you with an in-depth understanding of the types of loans available, how to apply for them, how to accept loans, and crucial considerations for responsible borrowing. Types of Student Loans Federal Loans Direct Subsidized Loans *Undergraduates Only* Learn More Direct Unsubsidized Loans *Undergraduates & Graduates* Learn More Direct PLUS Loans *Parents & Graduates* Learn More Other Loans Private Student Loans Lenders: Offered by private banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions. Interest Rates: Fixed or variable rates, often based on creditworthiness. Credit Requirements: Typically require a good credit history or a co-signer. Repayment Terms: Vary by lender, with some offering in-school deferment options. State-Sponsored Loans Availability: Residents of specific states may qualify for state-sponsored loan programs. Interest Rates: Competitive rates, often with benefits for in-state residents. Eligibility: State-specific eligibility criteria; research your state's programs. Applying for Student Loans Federal Student Loans To apply for federal student loans, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) . The FAFSA determines your eligibility for federal aid, including grants and loans. Ensure you meet application deadlines. Private & State-Sponsored Student Loans When considering private or state-sponsored loans, research and compare lenders to find the best fit for your needs. Apply directly through the lender's website. Be prepared to provide personal and financial information for credit evaluation. Accepting Student loans Once a student's FAFSA has been reviewed, any awarded financial aid will be available in their student portal ("Self-Service"). For any loans to be applied to a student's account, they must individually accept or deny each loan . This can be done in Self-Service under the "Financial Aid" section. If accepted, awards will be divided equally between semesters, unless otherwise indicated. If a student elects to accept any loans, they must then complete the loan process by 1.) participating in Loan Entrance Counseling ; and 2.) completing a Master Promissory Note (MPN) . These steps are available in Self Service under the "Financial Aid" checklist for each academic year to be completed with your FAFSA login. Students and/or parents who enter into a loan agreement with Federal Direct Loans will have their loan information submitted to the National Student Loans Data System (NSLDS), which is accessible by authorized agencies, lenders, and institutions. Loan Considerations Interest Rates: Understand whether your loan has fixed or variable rates, as this affects future payments. Repayment Plans: Federal loans offer flexible repayment options, including income-driven plans. Use this Loan Simulator to see your federal student loan repayment options. Loan Forgiveness: Federal programs may offer forgiveness for public service or nonprofit work. Loan Limits: Be aware of borrowing limits to avoid excessive debt. Credit Requirements: Maintain good credit for private loan eligibility and favorable rates. Note: When a student leaves/completes school or drops below half-time enrollment, they must complete Loan Exit Counseling .

Consumer Information Here, we are dedicated to providing you with essential details and disclosures about our institution, ensuring that you have access to the information you need to make informed decisions about your education. Our commitment to transparency and accountability means that you can explore information about our programs, compliance initiatives, campus safety, accreditations, and more, all in one convenient location. We believe that informed students and families are empowered students and families, and we are here to support you on your educational journey. Title IX & Campus Safety Institutional Effectiveness Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act Student Right-to-Know Act Articulation Agreements Licensure Disclosures Consumer Privacy & GLBA University Policies

Special Services Welcome to the Office of special services! At the USW Office of Special Services, our primary focus is on providing comprehensive support services to ensure that all students have an equitable opportunity for academic success. Our office collaborates closely with students, faculty, and staff to create an inclusive and accessible learning environment. We offer a range of services to cater to the unique needs of our students. 1. Disability Accommodations One of our key services is the provision of disability accommodations. We understand that each student's needs may differ, and we work closely to tailor accommodations accordingly. These accommodations may include extended test-taking time, accessible classroom materials and technology, sign language interpreters, alternative format textbooks, and assistance with various assistive technologies. 2. Academic Support To help students excel in their studies, we provide comprehensive academic support services. Our offerings include tutoring in a variety of subjects, study skills workshops, and personalized one-on-one consultations. These resources are designed to empower students to reach their full academic potential. 3. Accessibility Initiatives Our office is committed to fostering an inclusive campus environment. To achieve this, we engage in various accessibility initiatives. We consult with faculty and staff to ensure that physical spaces on campus are accessible to all. Additionally, we provide guidance on creating digital content that meets accessibility standards. Faculty members can also benefit from our training sessions on effectively accommodating students with disabilities in their courses. We encourage students with disabilities to reach out if they require our services or have any questions. We are dedicated to supporting you throughout your academic journey. To be eligible for services, students MUST disclose their disability to appropriate faculty and staff at University of the Southwest and provide the appropriate documentation to the Office of Special Services. If students do not have the required documentation of disabilities but believe they may have undiagnosed disabilities, they may contact the Office of Special Services to discuss evaluation options. To make an appointment, contact us below! VP of Campus Life & Student Affairs Amanda Guzman-Appel aguzman@usw.edu (575) 492 - 2176 Office hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday Office location: Scarborough Memorial Activity Center (SMAC) ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: New Mexico Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) Scholarship Opportunities for Students with Disabilities College Guide for Students with Disabilities Files & Policies

Request for information What program are you interested in? * Undergraduate Graduate Not Sure Degree/Program Inquiry Contact Information First Name Phone Number Last Name Email Zip Code How did you learn about USW? *REQUIRED* I agree that University of the Southwest may contact me about educational services by phone, email, and text message at the contact information provided. Message & data rates may apply. Check to opt out of text messaging. (Phone contact is still required for communicating sensitive information.) *REQUIRED* I understand that USW is collecting personal information data that will be protected and used according to its Privacy Policy. Access Privacy Policy Submit An error occurred. Check that all fields have been completed.

Welcome Schedule Know Before You Go Virtual Tour Annual Student Orientation Welcome, Mustangs! We are thrilled to have you join us for our Annual Student Orientation (ASO). This event is designed with all undergraduate students in mind, whether you are returning or joining us for the first time. For many of you who are first-time USW students, we understand that starting or continuing at a new college can be overwhelming, and we're here to support you and your families every step of the way. During orientation, you will: Get set up with IT services, including your university email and online platforms. Meet with the Business Office and Financial Aid Office to set up any payment plans and handle financial matters. Connect with your Resident Advisors (RAs) and learn about campus housing. Meet faculty, staff, and fellow students to start building your Mustang community. Be paired with a cohort of new students ("family groups") and a faculty or staff mentor to help you navigate your first year. We also recognize (and encourage) that many students will be their families, and we are committed to making this experience accessible for everyone. Our orientation team will provide resources and assistance to ensure everyone feels comfortable and informed. Take some time to explore our page and reach out if you have any questions! If you are a graduate student or online-only undergraduate student , access your orientation below using your student account. Virtual Orientation Know Before You Go Want to get ahead before your ASO? Check out the different stations below to see what you might need to bring to each, as well as some steps you can take beforehand to make that station go faster! Station 1 Station 2 Station 3 Station 4 *Station 5 Station 6 Station 7 Station 2 Station Name: Academic Advising Description: At this station, you will meet with your academic advisor to learn how to log in to your student portal ("Self-Service ") and view your class schedule. WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING: Any changes you want to make to your schedule. Any questions you have for your academic advisor. WHAT YOU CAN DO EARLY: Log in to Self-Service and check if you can see your class schedule under "Student Planning." Station 1 Station Name: Welcome Station Description: When you first arrive, you will be greeted by USW staff and have a chance to grab your orientation materials, including a campus map and printout of the stations. WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING: Something to carry all your orientation materials in (ex. a folder, a bag, etc.). WHAT YOU CAN DO EARLY: Read through this ASO website so you are prepared. Station 3 Station Name: Financial Aid Description: At this station, you will talk to a financial aid advisor to make sure any aid that you want to accept has been applied. WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING: Any questions you have about financial aid assistance. WHAT YOU CAN DO EARLY: Learn more about financial aid here . Fill out a FAFSA . Accept awarded financial aid that you want to use in Self-Service . Click here for a financial aid checklist. Station 4 Station Name: Business Office Description: At this station, you will talk to a student account representative to review your student account balance and have a chance to set up a payment plan if you would like to. WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING: Any questions you have about billing and student accounts. WHAT YOU CAN DO EARLY: Learn more about the business office . Pay any student account balances in Self-Service . *Station 5 Station Name: Campus Services Description: At this station, students who will be living on campus will cover mail, parking, and housing with the Department of Campus Life & Student Affairs. WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING: Your license plate number. Your things to move in! WHAT YOU CAN DO EARLY: Learn more about mail services here . Apply for on-campus housing here . Download and set up the Verkada app to access your building (dorm residents only). *On-campus residents-only station Station 6 Station Name: Check-Out Description: Return to the front desk to turn in your orientation check list and receive your free t-shirt! WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING: Your completed orientation checklist, signed off at each station by a USW staff member. WHAT YOU CAN DO EARLY: Enjoy your ASO! Station 7 Station Name: Spirit Store & Snacks WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING: A wallet and an appetite! WHAT YOU CAN DO EARLY: Enjoy your ASO! Description: Don't forget to stop by the Spirit Store to get USW gear for friends and family! Snacks, drinks, and coffee will be available throughout the day as well. Virtual Tour Before you arrive for your ASO, check out our virtual tour to get acquainted with the USW campus!

Biography Back Previous Next Amanda Guzman-Appel Vice President of Campus Life & Student Affairs Amanda Guzman Appel serves as the Vice President for Campus Life & Student Affairs at the University of the Southwest, where she oversees campus ministries, career services, food services, housing, campus security, and student life. In this role, she provides strategic leadership focused on operational efficiency and student-centered resource allocation, supporting the university’s mission and long-term growth while enhancing the overall student experience. She works collaboratively across departments to ensure programs and services meet the evolving needs of a diverse student population. Prior to joining the University of the Southwest, Amanda built her foundation in higher education through student-focused roles in campus life and operations. Throughout her career, she has led initiatives that strengthen student engagement, improve service delivery, and enhance campus life programs. Her work has supported student retention and contributed to the creation of a vibrant, supportive campus environment. She has also played a key role in institutional strategic planning and has demonstrated a consistent commitment to effective stewardship, collaboration, and organizational excellence. Amanda holds a degree in Communication from Angelo State University. Her professional approach is grounded in fostering inclusive, supportive environments that promote student development, leadership, and success. Deeply committed to advancing student success, Amanda works to align campus life programs and operational strategies with the university’s mission. She is particularly passionate about enriching the student experience and ensuring that institutional resources effectively support both students and the broader campus community. Outside of her professional role, Amanda enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and traveling.

Business Office Welcome! At USW, we're dedicated to excellence both inside and outside the classroom. Efficient financial management is vital to the success of our students, faculty, and staff. That's why we've created the Business Office—a central hub for comprehensive financial services and support. Whether you're a student looking for billing information, an employee with payroll queries, or a vendor arranging payments, our team is here to help. We prioritize responsive, customer-focused financial services to support our mission of academic excellence and innovation. Explore this webpage for resources, tools, and information to navigate university finances. From managing student accounts and payments to travel reimbursements and procurement guidance, we're your partners in financial success. Discover our sections, access helpful forms, and reach out to our dedicated team. Thank you for choosing USW—we're here to meet your financial needs. 01. Student Services 02. Employee Services 03. Community Services Student Services Student Accounts Pay your bill, set up payment plans, process refunds, etc. Contact your student account representative to learn more. Contact Us Important dates Take a look at the calendar to keep up with important dates regarding tuition payment deadlines and payment plan schedules. Calendar Policies and procedures Learn more about our payment policies, refund policy, repayment policy, and more. Contact us if you have any questions! Access Policies Forms Access any business office forms, including credit forms, information change forms, and more. If you can't find something, let us know! Access Forms General office Contact: businessoffice@usw.edu Student Account Representative Faith Ogden fogden@usw.edu (575) 492 - 2110 Office hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday - Thursday, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Friday Office location: Business Office, J.L. Burke Hall What I do: Student accounts Student payments Student payment plans VA student finance and billing Student Account Representative AJ Hamm ahamm@usw.edu (575) 492-2171 Office hours: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Monday - Thursday, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Friday Office location: Business Office, J.L. Burke Hall What I do: Student accounts Student payments Student payment plans Student Account Representative/Staff Accountant Adriana Mendez amendez@usw.edu (575) 492-2170 Office hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday - Thursday, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Friday Office location: Business Office, J.L. Burke Hall What I do: Student accounts Student payments Student payment plans Accounts payable Employee Services Payroll Services The Business Office processes all employee payroll. Contact us with any questions. Contact Us Employee Reimbursements Submit employee expense reports to the appropriate staff member below. Contact Us Approved Drivers List Contact the appropriate staff member about getting on the Approved Drivers List. Contact Us Policies, Procedures, & Forms Access employee business office documents, including expense reports and more. Access Now Community Services Commercial Insurance Contact us regarding any insurance inquiries. Contact Us Accounts Payable Contact us regarding any USW accounts payable. Contact Us Investments & Relationships Contact us about investments and/or financial relationships. Contact Us USW Foundation Contact us regarding the USW Foundation. Contact Us Vice President of Financial Services/CFO Jennifer Burrola jburrola@usw.edu (575) 492 - 2113 Office hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday - Thursday, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Friday Office location: Business Office, J.L. Burke Hall Accounting Manager Melisa Lindsay mlindsay@usw.edu (575) 492 - 2111 Office hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday - Thursday, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Friday Office location: Business Office, J.L. Burke Hall Policies, Procedures, & Forms

Student Right to Know Act The Student Right to Know Act (SRTK), officially known as the Student Right to Know and Campus Security Act, is a federal law in the United States that requires colleges and universities participating in federal student financial aid programs to disclose certain information about their institutions to prospective and current students. The primary goal of this legislation is to provide students and their families with important data that can help them make informed decisions about higher education. Key provisions of the Student Right to Know Act include: Graduation Rates: Institutions must disclose their overall graduation rates and the graduation rates of specific student populations, such as athletes and recipients of federal Pell Grants. This information helps students understand the likelihood of completing their degree programs at a particular institution. Campus Security : The law mandates the reporting of campus crime statistics, including incidents of criminal offenses and arrests, on or near campus. Institutions are also required to provide information about their campus security policies and procedures. Financial Aid Information : Colleges and universities must provide information about the types of financial aid available, eligibility criteria, application procedures, and how to maintain eligibility for aid programs. Athletics Data : Schools are required to disclose data related to their intercollegiate athletic programs, including participation rates, financial support for athletes, and completion or graduation rates for student-athletes. Transfer of Credit Policies : Institutions must make their policies regarding the transfer of credit from other institutions transparent to students. The Student Right to Know Act is designed to empower students and their families by ensuring they have access to essential information that can guide their decisions about higher education. This transparency helps prospective students make more informed choices about which college or university is the right fit for their educational and career goals. This information is available for USW at the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) College Navigator website. College Navigator College Navigator is a free consumer information tool designed to help students, parents, high school counselors, and others search for and obtain information about U.S. post-secondary institutions. Click here to launch the College Navigator for University of the Southwest.

Biography Back Previous Next Veronica Torrez Vice President of Human Resources Veronica Torrez serves as Vice President of Human Resources at the University of the Southwest, where she provides strategic leadership and oversight for all human resources operations in support of the institution’s mission and long-term goals. A lifelong resident of Hobbs, New Mexico, Veronica’s professional journey reflects a deep commitment to both her community and higher education. She began her career with the City of Hobbs during her senior year of high school, gaining early exposure to public service and organizational operations. After completing coursework at New Mexico Junior College, she earned her Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of the Southwest. Her experience in municipal government provided her with a strong foundation in human resources, employee relations, and policy administration. In 2013, Veronica transitioned to the University of the Southwest, where she began her career in higher education as Assistant Vice President of Human Resources. At that time, she also decided to pursue her Master of Business Administration at USW, balancing her professional responsibilities with graduate studies and family life. Earning her MBA strengthened her leadership capacity and strategic perspective, further preparing her for executive-level service. Throughout her tenure at USW, Veronica has been dedicated to fostering a culture of integrity, accountability, and collaboration. She values the dynamic nature of human resources and the opportunity to support faculty and staff through thoughtful policy development, compliance oversight, talent management, and employee engagement initiatives. As a member of the Executive Cabinet, she remains committed to advancing the university’s mission while investing in the people who make that mission possible.

graduate Application Personal Information Legal First Name Middle Name(s) Date of Birth Social Security Number (SSN) Are you a U.S. citizen? * Yes No Do you hold permanent resident status? (I-551) N/A Yes No Do you hold a valid student visa? (F-1) N/A Yes No Do you have an alien identification number? N/A Yes No Have you ever been convicted of a felony? * Yes No Legal Last Name Preferred Name(s) Gender * Female Male Other Confirm SSN If no, what country are you a citizen of? If yes, when was it issued? If yes, what is your visa number? If yes, what is your A-number? If yes, provide an explanation. Contact Information Email Primary Phone Number Confirm Email Alternate Phone Number *Note: DO NOT autofill your addresses. It will not submit properly and you will have to resubmit your application. Permanent Street Address State Mailing Street Address State City Zip Code City Zip Code Emergency Contact Information Emergency Contact First Name Relationship to student Emergency Contact Primary Phone Number Emergency Contact Last Name Emergency Contact Email Emergency Contact Alternate Phone Number Demographic Information Hispanic or Latin American descent? * Yes No Unsure Prefer not to say First generation college student? * Yes No Unsure Prefer not to say List all races you identify with. Options: American Indian or Alaska Native Asian Black or African American Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander White Prefer not to say Student Intentions Classification You are applying as a... If other, please explain. Residency Status How will you attend class? Start Term What term do you want to begin classes? Degree/Program Leave blank if undecided Are you seeking teacher licensure? * Yes No Have you been recruited for athletics? * Yes No If yes, which team? Will you be applying for/using financial aid? * Yes No Undergraduate Education Degrees granted Date on diploma Institution Name *Note: DO NOT autofill your school address. It will not submit properly and you will have to resubmit your application. Institution Street Address City State Zip Code Graduate Education Have you taken graduate courses? * Yes No If yes, at what college(s)? (List all) List any degrees granted Currently on academic probation/suspension? * Yes No Have you ever been dismissed from a college? * Yes No If yes, provide an explanation. How did you learn about USW? *REQUIRED* I agree that University of the Southwest may contact me about educational services by phone, email, and text message at the contact information provided. Message & data rates may apply. Check to opt out of text messaging. (Phone contact is still required for communicating sensitive information.) *REQUIRED* I understand that USW is collecting personal information data that will be protected and used according to its Privacy Policy. Access Privacy Policy Submit An error occurred. Check that all required fields have been completed.

International Student Check-in International students are required to check in with the Designated School Official (DSO) prior to their program start date. Failure to complete your immigration check-in will place you in violation of your student status. All required documents must be submitted by July 31 for the following Fall term or January 3 for students attending the following Spring term. Failure to submit all required documentation by the applicable deadline will result in the student not being eligible to attend the upcoming Fall or Spring term. Please bring the following documents to complete your check-in: Passport containing F-1 visa I-94 Signed I-20 Health insurance Social security card and driver’s license (if applicable) Copies of your documents will be made for your file and you will be provided with useful information regarding next steps and how to get acclimated to USW’s campus. International Student Checklist