The Occupational Training Program is for students who are disabled, but with appropriate training, are able to obtain positions in competitive employment; the program is based around three semesters of training, Fall, Spring, and Summer. Graduation ceremonies for students who complete programs are scheduled at the end of July (or December, depending on entrance semester)  and students receive their Certificates of Occupational Training.

What courses are required to receive the Certificate of Occupational Training?

Certificate of Occupational Training Courses:

• Vocational classes and practicum’s/Job seeking skills/resumes
• Independent Living I, II, III and labs. Advanced IL for second yr.
• Recognizing Conflict/Conflict Management
• Physical Education (adapted)
• CPR/First Aid
• Driver’s Education (optional) with lab

Students must master their vocational training course and practicum with a “C” or higher. They must complete all other courses with at least 60% mastery in order to receive the COT.

What are the entrance requirements and required documentation?

Entrance requirements for the Special Services Occupational Training Program differ from the Academic Programs of Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell main campus.

• A vocational evaluation less than 2 years old. (call our office to schedule, or obtain one privately).
• Complete documentation and full disclosure of medical/developmental disabilities.
• 18 years of age or older.
• Ability to self-medicate with no assistance.
• Independently awaken to alarm/attend classes regularly and on time.
• Maintain appropriate hygiene/laundry/dorm room.
• Demonstrate effective communication skills and appropriate behavior.
• Meet minimum entrance requirements for the selected study discipline.

We have a zero tolerance for any drug/alcohol use; students will adhere to the Standards of Behavior as outlined in the campus handbook and our office.  Students and parents must remember: our educational program is geared toward students with disabilities; however, all students are adults, and must be able to live in the dorms, and attend all classes and work sites with no assistant.  Each student will take responsibility for their educational and personal success or failure, and demonstrate maturity and behaviors appropriate for a college campus. 
A high school diploma is not required; however, it is encouraged. We have GED testing available on campus for any student interested.  (For students who wish to receive financial aid, they must have a GED or high school diploma.)

NOTE:  Based on the vocational program the student enrolls into, additional documentation may be required.  Immunization records are mandatory; drug testing may be required.

Can a student take college credit courses concurrently with the Special Services Occupational Training Program courses?

Yes. If a student is interested in taking academic classes concurrently with the COT Program, or seeking a degree through any academic area, he or she must meet the entrance requirements of Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell, including placement testing.  For more information on entrance requirements for academic courses, contact the Registrar’s Office at (575) 624-7141.  The student must also contact the Special Services office to request courses.

Where do students live?

Most students live in resident housing on campus.  There is a Director of Housing on site and on call to address student issues; there are Resident Assistants on each floor.  Students gain independence as they display responsibility. Housing amenities include laundry facilities, telephone connections in each room, 52 channels of basic cable, student lounge, vending machines, and mail boxes. Staff supervision is active until curfew and, as with any student, our student’s are expected to adhere to dormitory rules/regulations:

• Curfew: 10:00 p.m. M-TR 12:00 a.m. FR-SAT
• Sign in/out log - Weekend check out
• Weekly room inspections - No opposite sex visitation in rooms
• No private transportation for the first semester

Are there social activities planned on-campus?

The housing director schedules social activities, including Monday night movie, weekly dorm competitions, and several dances each semester.  Weekend day trips are available for students to sign up and include hiking trips, water-park trip, and ENMU Portales games.  Students can also sign up for Special Olympics and Ski Club. Students have many opportunities for social interaction in resident housing that supports social development.

What type of health service is available?

Limited health services are provided by a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner.  These services may include diagnosis and treatment of common illnesses.  Our office will assist with medication refills, and scheduling physician appointments. Students are responsible for obtaining and retrieving prescriptions, managing medication, and finding a local physician.  We suggest a student retaining at least $50.00 in their account at all times for times when medical visits or medications are needed at a moments notice.

** When completing the Health Center Registration and Personal Health History: include all medication and conditions/concerns, AND with any change, contact our office to update these pages!

What type of support service is provided?

Support services provided to students in the Special Services Occupational Training Program include voluntary counseling, tutoring once per week/additional tutoring if needed, computer labs.  Driver’s Education is offered as an elective for students wishing to pursue a driver’s license.  Sign language interpreters are available for students with hearing impairments, and academic accommodations are provided to students who provide documentation of disability.

What type of funding support is available?

• State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies: The purpose of Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies is to help people with disabilities achieve employment.   As part of their employment goal, they will fund training programs.
• Financial Aid (Pell Grants): Students can apply for financial aid assistance for most of the Occupational Training programs. For questions regarding financial aid contact Financial Aid Services at (575) 624-7152.
• Scholarships through Special Services are available to students after their first semester if they have maintained a minimum 2.5 G.P.A.

How do I apply?

• Complete an application packet and mail back to Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell Special Services Department.
• The Special Services staff will review application information and notify you with any questions or needed documentation.

Where can I get more information?

ENMU-Roswell Special Services
P.O. Box 6000
Roswell, NM 88202-6000
Ph: (575) 624-7286 or (575) 624-7300(TDD)
Fax: (575) 624-7350