New Course Numbering System Allows for Growth

When CNM’s new Course Catalog rolled out this spring, a new system of course numbering with four digits instead of three will roll out with it.

According to Jane Campbell, director of Enrollment Services, re-using old course numbers for new courses was not an option because of the College’s repeat limit and repeat processing policies. Also, many established programs had run out of available freshman and sophomore level course numbers. As programs searched for numbers to use for new courses, many had to either add letters at the end of the course number or use a number that was not appropriate for the course’s freshman and sophomore classification.

This resulted in many courses being out of sequence within programs. To work around this problem, many programs changed their course prefixes.

“Changing to a new course numbering system, especially one with four digits, will allow programs to place courses at the appropriate level and in the proper course sequence within the program,” Campbell said. “It will also allow for future program growth and course development; and it will enhance transferability and course

articulation now that courses are numbered appropriately at either the freshman or sophomore levels.

“Other New Mexico colleges and universities will be faced with the same issue as they establish a long-standing history of courses on the Banner system and need to expand and/or change their course offerings.”

The change was approved by ALT under the direction of John Walstrum, former executive vice president for academic affairs.

The new course numbering system is as follows:

0001-0999: Developmental or preparatory courses below freshman college level

1001-1999: Freshman-level courses

2001-2999: Sophomore-level courses

7001-7999: Emeritus Academy, Workforce Training Center and Small Business Development Center non-credit course