The Associated Students of Western New Mexico University (ASWNMU) is formally seeking state funding to establish the ASWNMU Learning Hub. This initiative represents a comprehensive effort to modernize the university’s academic infrastructure and revitalize the robust student support systems that have historically served as a cornerstone of the Mustang experience.

The proposal for the ASWNMU Learning Hub emerges as a direct response to the evolving needs of the student body. While previous funding requests focused on specialized high-tech laboratory systems, student government has identified a more pressing need: creating a centralized, holistic environment dedicated to academic retention and peer-to-peer connections. The Hub is designed to revive the successful integrated support model of the former Center for Student Success, which played a vital role in campus life before the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“WNMU is moving forward with a clearer vision,” said ASWNMU President Carlos Carranza. “The ASWNMU Learning Hub is not just a physical renovation; it is a vital investment in building a community of Mustangs who feel supported, capable, and ready to graduate. By reviving the spirit of the Center for Student Success, we are creating a space designed intentionally for community-building and connected learning.”

The proposed Hub will serve as a high-visibility sanctuary for academic advancement, consolidating the university’s most critical support services into a single, accessible location. By bringing student tutoring, the Writing Center, and the Math Café into a single centralized environment, the university aims to eliminate barriers to assistance and foster a culture in which seeking academic support is a natural part of the daily student routine.

Beyond traditional tutoring, the facility will be engineered to meet the demands of a 21^st century workforce. Plans for the Hub include implementing technology-equipped zones where students can complete coursework using industry-standard tools, ensuring they are proficient in the technologies they will encounter after graduation. The architectural vision for the space emphasizes versatility, featuring a mix of:

• Dedicated areas for group projects and peer workshops that encourage teamwork and communication.
• Environmentally controlled spaces for deep concentration and individual research.
• Intentionally designed spaces that facilitate informal mentorship and community-building among students from diverse academic backgrounds.

This legislative request centers on the conviction that modernized, centralized facilities are a prerequisite for student success. By replacing fragmented services with a unified “one-stop” Hub, WNMU expects to see measurable improvements in student retention and graduation rates. The project aims to create a stronger connection between classroom instruction and professional achievement by providing students with the resources to navigate complex degree requirements in a supportive, high-energy atmosphere.

View the complete list of legislative asks.