International Programs and Studies recently completed a successful first semester of a new Study Abroad program in Rome, Italy. 

To raise funds for the program, the UNM Development office is currently registering a group of 18 adults to experience Italy during a 10‐day trip, Sept. 20 – 29. Costs start at $5,800 and include a $2,500 tax‐deductible charitable gift to the Rome Program.

The program signals a new direction in international education at UNM. It is designed so UNM students can fulfill some core degree requirements during a 16‐week semester. While not replacing typical foreign exchange programs or short term faculty‐led programs, the Rome program allows for experiential learning and personal growth in a setting designed for specific academic and personal needs.

Aside from a mandatory course in Italian language study, courses are in English, carry full UNM credit and are pre‐approved by UNM departments.

“It was incredible as an art major to get to see the works of art in person and to have our class lectures on site at museums and monuments,” said Noelle Richardson, a senior who graduates from UNM this summer. “Having a discussion about Caravaggio in front of one of his paintings at the Vatican is much different than seeing a slide of it in a large classroom. It was a once in a lifetime academic experience.”

Less than eight percent of UNM’s recent graduating class studied abroad, compared to the national average of 22 percent. UNM hopes to turn these figures around by the creation of the Rome program and similar programs in other regions.

For more information on the trip or supporting the Rome Program, call Mary Wolford at 277‑1088. Students interested in studying in Rome should contact Lauren Fowler Young at 277‑4032.

Four biodiesel buses are new additions to the shuttle fleet run by UNM Parking and Transportation Services. The Thomas Built ‘Safe‐T‐Liners’ have 30 or 48 seats and are in operation around campus.

“Biodiesel was an obvious choice” says Alexander A. Aller, manager, Public Transit Operations. “Right now, all of our large shuttles are alternatively fueled with either biodiesel or compressed natural gas. Although we have a small fleet, we are pleased to contribute to efforts that reduce carbon dioxide emissions, dependence on foreign oil, and the pace of global warming.”

What has been the reception given to the new vehicles as they hit the routes in and around campus?

“Generally, very favorable,” Aller said. “We could have continued maintaining our existing fleet, but older vehicles are far less reliable and more expensive to operate and maintain. Plus, the publicized overall environmental footprint associated with biodiesel is notably smaller than fossil fuel.”

The measure strengthens the university’s commitment to sustainability.

The plan is to keep these buses running for the next ten to 15 years to meet the changing needs of the University Community,” Aller said. “Operating safely, efficiently, and effectively with minimal energy usage is at the top of our agenda.”