The document discusses a study conducted on the needs of social work services for students at New Mexico State University (NMSU). A survey of 30 students found that the most important needs were financial assistance and support systems. Over half of respondents had no knowledge of social work services available at NMSU. When informed of these services, which are free and confidential, nearly 90% saw them as important. This suggests social work services need better outreach to students. The study was preliminary with a small sample size, so more research is needed.

1. Needs of Social Work Services (SWS) for Students at NMSU
Introduction
Students face many changes, challenges and financial hardships when leaving their home to go away for college.
Since a student's workload can total over 40 hours of classes, homework, study and other responsibilities,
maintaining a balance between work and school can be difficult. It is highly important to identify students’ issues
for improvement, and identify support systems that can aid to improve student satisfaction and retention rate at
NMSU.
Literature Review
According to Social Work Services at New Mexico State University (2013), “sometimes a student’s needs are so
great that hardship turns into a crisis and the student's academic achievement suffers.” This can lead to burnout,
leaving the student exhausted and incapable of doing well. College experience should be fun and intellectually
stimulating, too. Also, Student Accessibility Services (SAS) at New Mexico State University offers a variety of
services to students with documented physical, learning, or psychological disabilities. In addition, SAS serves as a
resource for advocacy and support to students in accordance to section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Methodology
A sample of 30 respondents (N=30) participated in the study for the needs of SWS for students at NMSU. The
respondents were randomly selected across the NMSU campus community in Las Cruces, NM. The survey
instrument consisted of 5 demographic questions and 11 questions that were designed to cover the needs for social
work services for the student population at NMSU. Of the 30 participants, 71 % (22) identified themselves as
males and 29 % (9) identified themselves as females. The minimum age among the respondents was 18 and the
maximum age was 59 with a mean of 26. The survey instrument reflected that 40% (12) respondents classified
themselves as Graduates. 26.7% (8) classified themselves as freshman, while the least with equal amount of 10%
(3) classified themselves as sophomores and juniors. Also, 53.3% (16) identified themselves as Hispanic/Latino,
23.3% (7) identified as white, 16.7% identified as other, and only 6.7% identified (2) as Native American.
Findings
 Out of the 30 survey participants 56.7% (17) indicated that they feel that “financial assistance” is the most
important need besides a good education. Followed by 16.7% (5) indicated that “support systems” is the
secondary most important need. (See figure 1)
 When respondents were asked to rate their knowledge about Social Work Services for students at NMSU,
an overwhelming 56.7% (17) indicated to have no knowledge. Only 10% (3) of the respondents indicated
to be knowledgeable. (See figure 2)
Figure 1 Figure 2

2.  When survey participants were informed about the existence of Social Work Services for students, which
are free and confidential to assist in meeting their needs to reach their educational goals, a combined
whopping 89.6% (16) indicated the importance of the services at NMSU. Only 10% (3) were not sure.
(See figure 3)
Figure 3
Social Work Implications
The fact that survey respondents perceived minimum knowledge about services available to them at NMSU, Social
Work Services may need to further publicize and formulate outreach and awareness campaigns to meet student’s
needs. Additionally, respondent’s indication that financial assistance was the most important need experienced by
students, research pertaining to financial support and facilitation of financial literacy and existing support networks
may be necessary. Finally, NMSU Social Work Services attention to these areas is imperative not only in
publicizing what is currently available, but perhaps seeking to expand resources to meet student’s needs
comprehensively. Further research is needed in this area to assess variance in student’s needs.
Limitations
The survey was preliminary and further research must be done as the sample size was relatively small to make
generalizations based on the findings. Therefore, in terms of rejecting or accepting hypotheses, a limited small
sample size can indeed produce the wrong results. In addition, the participants that were surveyed in relation to the
time of day and day of the week were a convenience sample. thus lacking a complete representation of the
university student body.
Future Questions
Questions for future research may include the following:
 In addition to financial aid, grants and scholarships, what is the type of financial support that students need
at NMSU?
 What kind of support systems do students at NMSU need?
 What are the established support systems available to students at NMSU?
References
Social Work Services (SWS) for Students. (2013). On Campus-Resources Social Work Services. Retrieved
February 25, 2013, from http://www.wellness.nmsu.edu/resources/.
Student Accessibility Services. (2013). Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. Retrieved March 4,
2013, from http://www.nmsu.edu/~ssd/.