CNM FAQs Regarding Federal Actions

Are there any impacts to CNM related to the funding and staffing cuts at the U.S. Department of Education? 

So far, there haven’t been any direct impacts to CNM, but we’re monitoring developments closely, especially whether there will be any impacts to the processing times of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and student loans. If you experience difficulties with the FAFSA or student loans, please contact us at (505) 224-3000. 

What is the mission of CNM’s Caring, Connected, and Courageous (CCC) Response Team and what are the team’s responsibilities? 

CNM's CCC Response Team analyzes potential impacts to CNM related to federal actions. The team then provides recommendations for how to respond to federal actions to the College’s Senior Executive Team. The team also provides communications on support and resources available to anybody in the CNM community impacted by federal actions. 

The CCC Response Team is doing a great job. However, what is the team going to do to address perceived political bias from this team? Will the team report on federal changes that affect students in a positive way? Will the team cover other marginalized groups? 

The CCC Response Team will evaluate any federal actions that could have an impact on any of our learners or employees. Anybody impacted by new federal actions, positive or negative, will be provided with the relevant information and support. 

Has CNM been affected by any of the federal cuts thus far? Has any of our funding been cut?  

Not at this point. 

Does CNM have a policy around affirmative action? 

No. 

What should I or a family member do if we lose health insurance coverage, as a result of being laid off from a federal agency? 

Losing health insurance as a result of a family member being laid off is considered a “qualifying event” and allows benefits-eligible CNM employees to make certain changes to their insurance coverages. 

Contact [email protected] within 30 days of the coverage change and they will walk you through how to enroll in CNM’s plans. 

If you are not eligible for benefits through CNM, consider the following resources: 

• Health plans available through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) exchange: Be Well NM 
• New Mexico’s Medicaid program: NM Medicaid 

Who can I talk to about helping manage my stress levels? 

According to the Mental Health Foundation, world events such as war, violence, racism and discrimination, political uncertainty, and violations of human rights can be "disturbing and traumatic." Even when these do not directly involve us, watching such events unfold can impact our mental health. On a personal level, circumstances often cause feelings of uncertainty, fear, anxiety, and loss of control which makes us worry for our safety or that of our family and other loved ones.

Please know that if you're experiencing any of these feelings, they are legitimate and valid, and that CNM cares about you and your mental well-being. All CNM employees and their family members living at home have access to free counseling services through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP). You can access the EAP by calling (844) 236-4493 or through their website at www.guidanceresources.com. When logging in for the first time, you will need to enter your Organization Web ID: CNMCC. 

If you have CNM health insurance through Presbyterian, you have access to free tele-health counseling services from any provider in their network. Digital services are also available through the Talkspace messaging therapy app on your smartphone. You can go to www.phs.org for more information. If you have CNM health insurance through Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico, you have access to free tele-health counseling services from any provider in their network. Digital mental health services are also available through the Learn to Live program.  

If you are in crisis, you can call or text 988 at any time for immediate help.