A. "Branch community college educational program", for the purposes of Chapter 21, Article 14 NMSA 1978, includes either the first two years of college education or organized vocational and technical curricula of not more than two years' duration designed to fit individuals for employment in recognized occupations, or both.

B. The calculation of full-time-equivalent student population for the purposes of Chapter 21, Article 14 NMSA 1978 shall include students enrolled in college-level courses and students enrolled in vocational and technical courses taught by a branch community college that is recognized by the instructional support and vocational education division of the public education department as an area vocational school or in courses that are approved by the secretary of public education. Students enrolled in a course the cost of which is totally reimbursed from federal, state or private sources shall not be included in the calculation of full-time-equivalent student population.

History: Laws 1953 Comp., § 73-30-17, enacted by Laws 1957, ch. 143, § 1; 1963, ch. 162, § 1; 1967, ch. 104, § 1; 1969, ch. 94, § 1; 1971, ch. 48, § 1; 1985, ch. 238, § 27; 1990, ch. 25, § 2; 1999, ch. 219, § 8; 2007, ch. 227, § 3.

Cross references. — For the College District Tax Act, see 21-2A-1 NMSA 1978 et seq.

The 2007 amendment, effective June 15, 2007, eliminated the provision that the public school district transfer to the branch community college the tuition and fees for a student who is counted in the membership of the district and who receives credit for coursework at the college.

The 1999 amendment, effective July 1, 1999, in Subsection B, deleted the former second sentence, which read "Full-time equivalent for students enrolled in vocational and technical courses not of college level shall be calculated according to the method prescribed in Section 21-16-9 NMSA 1978".

Branch closing not repeal of statutes. — The statutes governing branch community colleges remain intact, even though the branches may cease operation due to low funding. 1980 Op. Att'y Gen. No. 80-03.

Am. Jur. 2d, A.L.R. and C.J.S. references. — 15A Am. Jur. 2d Colleges and Universities § 1.

14A C.J.S. Colleges and Universities §§ 2, 4.