Highlands Albuquerque Center
Facundo Valdez School of Social Work
The social work program at Albuquerque offers two programs; B.S.W. and M.S.W. The degree is offered in three concentrations; clinical practice; leadership and administration; and bilingual/bicultural studies. We also have a dual MBA/MSW program for students seeking admission into the two-year M.S.W. program.
Just over half our students attend on a full-time basis. The rest are part-time students who have full-time jobs and other family responsibilities. Our flexible class schedules allow students to attend the program without giving up commitments to family or jobs.
Our multicultural city, close to several Indian Pueblos and many rural communities, gives you the chance to work with diverse populations in both rural and urban settings. We have established good working relationships with many public and private human service agencies in the Albuquerque area, so we can help you set up valuable internships.
Contact us:
5041 Indian School Rd. NE, Suite 100
Albuquerque, NM 87110
Main Phone: 505-260-6181
Facebook: www.facebook.com/HUSocialWork
Questions about Albuquerque Center operations:
Q: Is the Albuquerque Center open to students in the spring 2024 (1/16/24-5/10-24) term?
A: Yes. We are open Monday – Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. We are closed Saturdays and Sundays. Services are available in-person or via email, phone, and zoom. Contact Marian Vargas at mrvargas@nmhu.edu for student-related questions.
Q: Is the computer lab/ internet available to students at the Albuquerque Center during the spring 2024 term?
A: Yes. The Albuquerque computer lab is open from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Monday through Thursday, and 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday. Contact the Center via phone (505) 260-6191 for assistance.
Q: I am an Albuquerque student and I need to check out a laptop. Who do I contact?
A: Contact Helen Robertson for assistance with checking out a laptop, hsrobertson@nmhu.edu.
Q: I am an Albuquerque student and I have an ITS-related question, who do I contact?
A: Contact the Center Manager for assistance, jamoreno@nmhu.edu.
Q: Are in-person library services available at Albuquerque?
A: Yes, in addition to email, phone, and Zoom. Contact Helen Robertson at (505) 232-6000, or hsrobertson@nmhu.edu for assistance.
Degrees available at the Albuquerque Center
Undergraduate degrees
BSW in Social Work
Graduate degrees
Social Work MSW: Clinical Practice Concentration
Social Work MSW: Leadership & Administration Concentration
Social Work MSW: Bilingual/Bicultural Concentration
MSW/MBA Dual Degree
We have other degree opportunities in the Metro Area. Visit our Rio Rancho center for more information and to see what works best for you.
The Facundo Valdez School of Social Work is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Course Delivery Methods
The flexible class schedule for both programs affords students the opportunity to attend on a full-time or part-time basis. Face-to-face classes are offered in the mornings, afternoons, evenings and some weekends.
We also offer online synchronous (at a designated meeting time and day) and online asynchronous (on-demand meeting time and day) for your convenience.
Do you work all week? We also have evening and selected Saturday courses, so you can plan your studies around your job.
The Metro Centers at Albuquerque and Rio Rancho conduct outreach visits in the region. Contact a recruiter below:
Laura LaCour-Johnson
Rio Rancho Center
lajohnson@nmhu.edu
505-891-6915
and
Marian Vargas
Albuquerque Center
mrvargas@nmhu.edu
505-260-6191
Student Services Available at the Albuquerque Center One-stop Center
Advisement
We can answer all your questions right here at the center. Both walk-in and appointment times for advisement are available. Call 505-261-6181 to set something up, or just stop by. We can talk about your future right now!
The Albuquerque One-stop Center will also assist with admissions, transferring, and registration. We’ll help you plan your courses of study, your pre-major, and your professional path.
Career Services center at the Las Vegas Campus (505) 454-3048
Assistance with obtaining student IDs
Financial aid, including FAFSA, loans, scholarships, VA certification, and payment plans. Contact Charley Ford at the Rio Rancho Center at (505) 891-6910. We also have financial wellness opportunities for our students.
Assistance with navigating the NMHU Banner system, online degree audit, Brightspace, purchasing books, and username creation
Academic help: You will have access to online tutoring as well as library resources.
Has it been a while since your last term paper? We also offer writing support at our writing center.
Don’t let anything get in your way. We have accessibility services / (505) 454-3252 to help you in every way we can.
Native American Social Work Studies Institute
The Native American Social Work Studies Institute is pleased to highlight activities and collaborations that respond to its purpose statement, as supported through tribal resolutions and state legislative funding. The Institute continues to work diligently to offer optimal learning opportunities to engage social work students, faculty, and staff through a series of activities such as roundtables discussions, courses, and collaborations. Incorporating Native American perspectives and issues impacting social work in Indian Country is a constant work in progress. The Institute offers opportunities to engage tribal social workers and students to participate in education and training that informs their practice and application, and to increase cultural awareness. Preparing future social workers to effectively respond to tribal needs will promote culturally appropriate and informed practices, as well as healthier communities and families. Contact Dr. Melissa Riley for more information, meriley@nmhu.edu
Social Work Educational Enhancement Project-Raíces (SWEEP)
The Social Work Educational Enhancement Project (SWEEP)-Raíces is a grant awarded to the Facundo Valdez School of Social Work (FVSSW) from the Department of Education’s Developing Hispanic Serving Institutions program. SWEEP-Raíces works to support the enrollment, retention, and graduation of social work students, with a focus on Hispanic/Latino and under-resourced communities by building meaningful relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community.
Outreach
Through SWEEP-Raíces we have developed a statewide community-based outreach model, that includes youth/high school, institutions of higher education, and workplace/community outreach. Our outreach approach utilizes what we call the Social Work Career Plática; plática translates to discussion or conversation in English and often involves storytelling and relationship building. For the Social Work Career Pláticas, we pair a current student and faculty/staff member, ideally from the local community, to discuss with the audience what social work is, career paths, and share story on what brought them to the field. Our hope is that through the pláticas we can spark interest in pursuing a degree in social work, ultimately increasing the number of social workers to serve our communities, while also building community wide knowledge on what social work is and the breadth of practice. If interested in hosting or participating in a Social Work Career Plática contact us at SWEEP@nmhu.edu
Student Supports and Community Building
SWEEP-Raíces provides supports and resources for our current FVSSW students by providing opportunities to build human and navigational capital, while simultaneously creating community. Through the development of a three-tier advisement model consisting of advisement drop-ins, faculty advisement, and enhanced advisement we seek to meet the multidimensional needs of students during their academic journey. Additionally, SWEEP-Raíces hosts the Social Work Student Success Series, which includes social work career panels, peer to peer mentorship, and opportunities to build academic wellness skills. Beyond students, we also provide supports and build meaningful relationships with other constituents of the grant, including staff, faculty, alumni, and the community at large. To learn more about SWEEP-Raíces opportunities and resources, contact us at SWEEP@nmhu.edu
Albuquerque Center Amenities
We are at a convenient location in Uptown Albuquerque, near public transportation and with free parking.
Our computer lab offers free printing, and our new spacious student lounge includes device charging stations and plenty of study space. On-site library services are also available for you.
On the run right after work? We have a microwave, refrigerator, and Keurig so there’s no need to spend time and money on restaurants — although there are plenty nearby if you need them.
Campus Life hosts events with giveaways, get-togethers, concerts, games, and much more!
General Store and Pantry
Who qualifies?
All currently enrolled students can use the free pantry. You don’t have to apply. You’re automatically qualified!
How does it work?
Bring your NMHU student ID card (or let us know your ID number). This qualifies you to shop the NMHU store once each day. During your first visit, you’ll receive a reusable tote bag, and we’d love to see you bring it each time you shop! There is no charge. Take what you need.
The pantry is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from March 4-May 10. Walk-ins are welcome during these days and times. Remember, all currently enrolled students can use the free pantry.
Where is it?
We’re in the Albuquerque Center, northwestern kitchen area. Upon arrival, check-in with the front desk staff.
What’s available, and how much?
You’re an HU student, so there’s no charge! You can pick up non-perishable items like canned goods, snacks, paper products, and personal hygiene items.
Sponsored by the NMHU Office of Student Affairs and the Metro Center Campus Life committee.
What Else We Have For You
At the Albuquerque center we offer full-time and part-time degree tracks. We can also arrange career and internship opportunities through field education experience.