Purpose

NMSU seeks to attract and retain a highly qualified workforce, to provide for fair and equitable treatment of all employees, and to ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing the workplace. To accomplish these goals, NMSU shall maintain comprehensive rules and procedures implementing this human resource policy.

Equal Employment Opportunity

New Mexico State University is dedicated to providing equal employment opportunities without regard to age, ancestry, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, serious medical condition, sex, sexual orientation, spousal affiliation or protected veteran status as provided in federal and state anti-discrimination laws. This dedication extends to recruiting and hiring, promotion and other human resources actions such as compensation, benefits, transfers, layoffs, termination, training, education, tuition assistance, social and recreational programs. NMSU’s shall maintain a comprehensive affirmative action program designed to support this effort.

Further, NMSU prohibits any unlawful harassment in the academic and work environments controlled by NMSU, as well as any illegal practice which has the effect of creating a hostile environment.

NMSU administration shall provide for rules and procedures for enforcement of this equal opportunity policy which are in compliance with all relevant federal and state laws and regulations.

C. Authorization for Specific Human Resource Rules and Procedures

The administration is directed to ensure that NMSU adopts and maintains specific rules and procedures providing for the following:

1. Grievance procedures or review/appeal processes for non-discrimination based complaints, including rules establishing the types of matters which may be grieved.
2. Hiring and separation, including the establishment of employment categories.
3. Employee conduct and discipline.
4. Compensation, subject to budget approval by the Board of Regents.
5. Performance evaluation and changes in job status.
6. Benefits and leaves, subject to the restrictions set forth in Section D of this policy.
7. Professional development.

The listing of topics for operational rules and procedures set out above is not intended to exclude other rules or procedures on human resource topics which the administration may deem necessary and appropriate for the benefit of the institution.

Restrictions on Benefits and Leave

NMSU offers its employees a range of benefits including medical insurance, paid leaves of absence, paid holidays and others. The administration is authorized to continue offering those benefits presently offered and to adopt rules and procedures for administering those benefits. Any proposal which would alter the type or nature of benefits offered, or which would result in a significant increase in the cost of such benefits (beyond the changes in cost due to fluctuation in pricing and the number of employees) must be approved by the Board of Regents prior to implementation.

Union Contract

Rules and procedures adopted pursuant to this policy shall not conflict with or abrogate rights of employees provided in a valid collective bargaining agreement.