New Mexico Administrative Code
Title 5 - POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION
Chapter 100 - PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING
Part 8 - CLOSURE OR SUBSTANTIAL CHANGE TO LOCATION UNDER THE POST- SECONDARY EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION ACT
Section 5.100.8.11 - RECORDS MAINTENANCE

A. A post-secondary institution operating with a physical presence in the state of New Mexico upon submitting intent to close must ensure that records are in compliance with the functional records retention and disposition schedule in 1.21.2 NMAC, the records retention schedule set by the department, regulations of any other authorizing agency, or laws, regulations and rules of any other authorizing jurisdiction or territory, whichever is longest in time. If another authorizing agency of the institution requires a longer period of retention than that of 1.21.2 NMAC, the longest retention period shall prevail.

B. If a post-secondary institution discontinues its operation, the manager shall file with the designated custodian of records, the original or legible true copies of all educational records required to be maintained as a condition of state authorization pursuant to 5.100.6 NMAC or 5.100.7 NMAC. For institutions granted express exemption by the department pursuant to Section 21-23-4 NMSA 1978 and 5.100.5 NMAC, the manager must file to the designated custodian of records the original or legible true copies of student records. The institution must maintain at a minimum, the student's enrollment agreement, student transcript, record indicating program completion (either certificate, diploma, degree, or other like proof of completion) and student financial aid records. Any institution that closes and has not operated lawfully pursuant to the Post-Secondary Educational Institution Act, must file to a designated custodian of records, the original or legible true copies of student records to include, the institution must maintain at a minimum, the student's enrollment agreement, student transcript, record indicating program completion (either certificate, diploma, degree, or other like proof of completion), and student financial aid records. A written detailed description for how records will be maintained following the closure shall be provided to the department in a plan for the perpetual care and maintenance of records. The written plan must include, but is not limited to the following:

C. The department must be notified of any update related to the custodian of records or upon any change to the custodian of record.

D. The department must be provided a copy of any contractual arrangements made for the perpetual care, maintenance and accessibility of all records. The department may request any additional records or information to help students gain access to transcripts in perpetuity.

E. In the event that the post-secondary institution does not comply with the records maintenance provisions cited above, the department may seek a court order to protect and if necessary take possession of the records. The institution's surety bond may be drawn on to cover costs associated with the department's efforts in securing records.

F. Students must be made aware of the process to request student records from the custodian of records. The process must be provided in writing to the student and made available on the institution's website.