Students will share their research in “Planting Seeds of Our Research,” a conference on indigenous/American Indian/Native American methodologies and interdisciplinary work at UNM, Thursday and Friday, April 3-4.

Among discussion topics is the Buffalo as a System of Knowledge and Creativity, Kenya-Africa Indigenous Science in Curriculum, Nanishagi Ruins and Jemez Pueblo, the Degradation of Okanagan Water Systems, Xicana Indigena, Northwest Coast Long QT Syndrome and the Power of Stories in Tribal Archives.

In addition, indigenous undergraduate students at UNM present their research projects in a poster session and hold a silent auction at the dinner on Thursday evening. Gerald Vizenor (Anishinaabe), a prolific author and American Studies professor at UNM, will deliver the keynote address Thursday evening.

The conference is free and open to the public. Registration is required for the Thursday dinner and Friday luncheon. Registration forms are available at: IFAIR.

For more information, contact Beverly Singer (505) 277-3027; or e-mail to mesa@unm.edu.

The UNM Alumni Association is hosting the 2008 Senior Conference Friday March 28, from 11:30 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. in the Student Union Building. The event includes an etiquette lunch, information sessions and a network reception.

“The Senior Conference is a great opportunity for graduating seniors to prepare for life after college. Seniors will get information on a variety of things ranging from how to manage money, interviewing skills and preparing for graduate school,” said Sue MacEachen, Senior Alumni Relations Officer.

Door prizes include an iPod Shuffle, a gift from Lieber’s Luggage, UNM Bookstore gift certificates, a Satellite Coffee gift basket and a Kaplan prep course. More information on the event and registration can be found at www.unmalumni.com/seniorday2008 or contact Natalie Armijo at 505.277.1968 or njarmijo@unm.edu.

Has your student looked at his or her Eprogress lately? Eprogress is a detailed breakdown of core curriculum, departmental and major requirements for each UNM student. University College is encouraging students to become more familiar with Eprogress as it provides key information regarding degree completion.

Students should be on the lookout for Eprogress training sessions in the coming weeks.

HOLDS!! Holds for all University College students will be posted at the beginning of April. Students should be coming in now for academic advisement and removal of holds to avoid the rush. If your student has not come in for advisement, please provide encouragement to do so ASAP. University College has extended hours Wednesdays so we’re open until 6 p.m.

For more information, visit our informative, redesigned UCAC Web site.
Nichelle L. Gilbert is a University College pre-major advisor

Maria Probasco parent of two graduates and a sophomore will be a voice for all parents as president of the university’s first official Parent Association.

At the Board of Regents meeting held this week, President Jamie Koch signed a memorandum of understanding giving parents a role in university governance. Probasco will give a parent report at monthly regents meetings.

UNM’s new association empowers families to play a supportive role in higher education, promotes initiatives to increase student success and provides a forum for parent and student networking.

Probasco was born in Greece and raised in Sydney, Australia. English is not her first language, though she mastered it at a young age to graduate from high school and attend Business College. The mother of UNM’s most recent Rhodes Scholar, John, she is a former president of the Alamogordo School Board. Probasco joined UNM’s ad-hoc Parent Advisory Board in 2006. She hosted meetings and recruited parents as members. With the support of President David J. and Mrs. Janet Schmidly, the board transitioned into a university-affiliated non-profit association.

Parent Association officers are parents of current students and hold two-year terms. They are: Vice President Heyam Kassicieh, Treasurer Angela Koury, Treasurer-Elect Cathy Kidder and Secretary Denise Tessier. Alexandra Roark is voting student designate.

Goals for Probasco’s term as association president include:
• Increasing association membership in partnership with organizations such as ENLACE ( ENgaging LAtino Communities for Education initiative) and GEAR-UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs)
• Advocating on issues directly affecting student success
• Assisting in realizing the university’s one-stop-shop concept
• Generating funds for association operations and scholarships

“My goal in the coming year is for the association to establish three Parent Clubs in New Mexico, perhaps in Farmington, Hobbs and Gallup. This will keep our parents connected and in touch with one another,” said Janet Schmidly, the president’s voting designate.
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A recent New York Times article lamented problems with health insurance for college students. College Parents of America President James A. Boyle was quoted and published commentary on the College Parents of America Web site. Mr. Boyle asserts that “the college health care system is broken.” His major concern is that “the vast majority of campus health centers fail
students and their families by refusing to accept private health insurance already bought and paid for by you the parents.” He was critical of the fact that some universities require students to have insurance before they can attend while others insist students purchase a university-sponsored health insurance program.

I am happy to report that UNM bucks the national trend in several ways. Students are not required to have health insurance to attend UNM or to come to the Student Health Center. UNM does offer a university-sponsored health insurance program, but it is
not required. This health insurance policy is reviewed and updated annually and provided free to most graduate students. Presently, about 2,500 students carry the policy. As to using other types of insurance on campus, UNM is ahead of the game there, as well. SHC providers are registered members of the Lovelace, Presbyterian and United networks. According to a survey done about a year ago, some 60 percent of UNM students are insured by these networks. These students come to the Student Health Center for care and we bill their insurance company. If your student carries insurance from a company not listed here, they can obtain a receipt the day of service and submit it to their insurance for reimbursement.

I hope this information is reassuring to parents. If you have any other questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact the Student Health Center.

Peggy Spencer, M.D., has been serving UNM students for 16 years.