The University of New Mexico welcomes to campus incoming freshmen and their families during Freshman Family Day, Sunday, Aug. 19, at 4 p.m. 

The event kicks off the 2007 – 08 academic year, providing students and parents with an opportunity to meet faculty, administrators and fellow students. Freshmen participate in a class crawl and receive free tee‐shirts.

Activities for all ages include a picnic with live music, parent information table, slam poets, Brazilian martial artists, Jazz quartet, kids’ double slide and jumper. An original Batmobile will be on display.

Due to renovation work in Popejoy Hall, in lieu of a formal convocation, festivities will be held at the UNM duck pond and at University House, where President David J. Schmidly will welcome attendees.

“UNM expects to partner with families from freshman day through graduation day. I look forward to meeting our talented incoming class on the eve of my first academic year as president. It’s a significant time for the university, students, parents and for me, personally,” Schmidly said.

Incoming students are asked to visit the Family Freshman Day Web site to register to participate by Thursday, Aug. 16. Check the site for parking and other event‐related information.

A parent’s role evolves during the college years. Scholars around the country put pen to paper to share their expertise on the topic. Be sure to visit the Recommended Reading section of our Web site for the latest titles and to browse editions of UNM’s e‐newsletter Parent Matters.

Our favorite authors include:

Helen E. Johnson is a consultant to colleges and universities in the area of parent relations and is co‐author with Christine Schelhas‐Miller, of “Don’t Tell Me What to Do, Just Send Money: The Essential Parenting Guide to the College Years” (St. Martin’s Griffin, 2000).

Majorie Savage, University of Minnesota Parent Program director, and author of “You’re On Your Own (but I’m here if you need me): Mentoring Your Child During the College Years“ (Simon and Schuster, 2003). The book is written for parents, but offers tips to pass along to your student at the close of each chapter. Savage will give a free talk for UNM parents at Rodey Theatre, UNM Center for the Arts, on Saturday, Oct. 6, at 2 p.m.

Our UNM orientation leaders say don’t miss out on “I’ll Miss You Too: An Off‐to‐College Guide for Parents and Students” by Margo E. Bane Woodacre and Steffany Bane, who write, “Entering the senior year of high school is like moving through a revolving door: attention needs to be focused on making a good exit!…”

A College 101 for mom and dad, the “Parents Guide to College Life: 181 straight answers on everything you can expect over the next four years,” is another must‐read, authored by Robin Raskin, director of communications at The Princeton Review.

After seven years of persistence by student government representatives, the Johnson Field lighting project has become a reality. ASUNM (Associated Students of UNM) raised $260,000 from state appropriations in the last legislative session to help cover part of the $720,000 project costs. When President David Schmidly came to UNM, he promised students that Johnson Field would be lit by fall semester.

Maria Probasco, UNM Physical Plant Department project manager, and the parent of two UNM graduates and a current student, expects the project to be complete after the first week in August. She is working with contractor Prime Electric to install Musco Lighting fixtures. The sports quality lights are environmentally friendly and good for neighbors.

Musco Lighting is used at the Rose Bowl Stadium, various golf courses around the world, soccer fields and most sporting venues.

Redondo Drive should stay open during the project, but pedestrian access around the field will be limited.