UNM must make education more accessible
(Friday’s) Journal reported that student enrollment is down at UNM and at CNM. This news comes at a time when constant media reports ... tell us we need to increase the number of workers in the skilled trades and in technical careers. We can’t recruit enough teachers and police. Increased attention to poverty and the homeless means we need more social workers and therapists. Thousands of jobs are unfilled because trained workers are not available.
Though I am long retired and hold two degrees from UNM, I decided this fall to see if I could take advantage of the retiree $5 per credit hour program and take classes at UNM. I finally decided it was too difficult to attend classes on the main campus . ...
At least I can take advantage of UNM Continuing Education, but it would be interesting and challenging to be part of a multi-generational class. It might be good for the young students to see more middle age and older classmates. We have much to learn from each other.
Any employer wanting their employees or prospective employees to increase their education must deal with the reality that their employees must spend as much time getting to classes as they spend in their classes. That might even impact their job performance.
Persistent students might do what I did. It took me 12 years as a retail clerk and manager to finish my B.A. and begin teaching. It took an additional five years to get my master’s, all the while raising a family. The cost was far more than the cost of tuition. My children paid in hours of family time missed.
CNM has multiple campuses, and both institutions are involved in assisting some businesses, especially new or expanding businesses, by providing educational opportunities. Are all these programs offered only on the schools’ campuses? Do CNM and UNM utilize each other’s facilities?
Are there prospective students who would pursue educations or vocational training if it were offered at their employer’s worksite? Do any trade groups have members who cooperate in arranging advanced education opportunities at one or more of their member’s worksites?
UNM in particular has nice palace grounds, but getting to the campus after work hours is a difficult as getting across the moat of a medieval castle . ...
One professor driving to a remote site is much easier and cost-effective than 30 students driving to the campus . ... Could APS and even City Libraries offer space? Perhaps some churches could offer space.
It is time for UNM to put a bridge over the moat and get away from the protected castle. Public-Private partnerships are just a moat away. Students would not have to spend half their time getting to classes. Businesses, schools, police departments, government entities and the public would benefit.