UNM’s first official ornament is now on sale at Your UNM Bookstore! Proceeds benefit the UNM Parent Association.

The dated ornament will be a campus treasure for students to collect during their college years and also makes a great gift for parents and family.

The 2008 ornament features UNM’s oldest tradition, the Hanging of the Greens, which began in the 1930s. The event was held this year Dec. 5. 

History is told that students would travel to the Sandia Mountains to gather greens to decorate the Student Union. They also sang carols, a key part of the tradition that continues to this day. Now more than two dozen student organizations create 10,000 luminarias to decorate the campus on the day of the event. Students, families, faculty and staff join carolers near Popejoy Hall and take a tour of the luminaria lit campus, winding back to University House where the president is presented with a wreath.

The ornament features a painting of University House aglow with luminarias. The painting and ornate frame are designed by New Mexico artist Jana Fothergill. It sells for $18.89 in honor of UNM’s founding year.

“We are truly excited to begin a new semester here in the College Enrichment Program,” said Andrew Gonzalez, CEP director. A Welcome Back Reception will be held for CEP students on Wednesday, Sept. 3, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the Ethnic Center East Courtyard.

This is a great event for students who participated in any CEP orientation to reconnect and meet with other CEP students and staff. “Whether your child is new to UNM or a returning student, the transition into the school year can be a stressful time to not only your child but to you as parents. We at the College Enrichment Program are eager to create a partnership with our parents and their students,” Gonzalez said.

“Whatever your question or concern may be, never hesitate to contact us. Our office is committed to open lines of communication between you, your student and the University. Let’s have a great semester,” Gonzalez added.

For more information, call the CEP desk at 277‑5321.

Once fall semester begins, your student may begin using jargon that leaves you scratching your head. Here are some of the most commonly used UNM vocabulary and phrases:

ASUNM: Stands for the Associated Students of UNM, the undergraduate student government. Offices are located in the Student Union Building.

Bursar’s Office: The place to pay University fees and tuition, etc. Located on the first floor of the Student Services Center.

College: The University of New Mexico is divided into 12 colleges or schools, such as Arts and Sciences, Engineering, Fine Arts, Anderson Schools of Management, etc.

Computer Pods, or Pods: Various locations throughout campus where students can use computers to complete assignments, check email and pursue online research. Free printing is available at the pods.
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Freshman Family Day is a UNM tradition welcoming incoming students and their families to the college community and held the afternoon before the start of fall classes.

The event is Sunday, Aug. 24, and is three‐fold. It kicks off at 4 p.m. with a Freshman Convocation in Popejoy Hall, followed by a social celebration and class crawl at the UNM Duck Pond, and a movie at sunset on Johnson Field.

Incoming freshman and their families are introduced to administrators, faculty and staff. Students learn that they are about to embark on an academic adventure designed to prepare them for a rewarding life.

The event also demonstrates that the university partners with the family to ensure student success and that UNM values family and does not seek to separate students from familial, cultural and communal roots.

Freshman Convocation is a ceremonial event held at most colleges and universities. The ceremony, usually a combination of the serious and the light‐hearted, provides an opportunity for the administration, current students and Parent Association president to address families. Be sure to stop by the parent table to meet members of the association and learn how you can become actively involved with the campus.

For more information and to register, visit Freshman Family Day, an event sponsored by the Office of the University Secretary.

Students interested in working on campus will have an opportunity to meet with UNM department and program representatives during the second annual UNM Student Job Fair Friday, Aug. 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Duck Pond. 

The fair is organized by the Graduation Task Force Student Engagement Committee and UNM’s Career Services. The goal is to communicate student employment opportunities and encourage students to be more connected with campus through the UNM job experience.

Sponsors also include Student Financial Aid, Student Affairs, Enrollment Management, Title V, ENLACE and Information Technology Services.

For more information, call UNM Career Services, 277‑2531, or visit the Web site.

The University of New Mexico Parent Association and Alumni Association are partnering to kick off the new tradition “Summer Sendoffs.” Casual sendoff receptions for incoming students and families will be held Saturday, Aug. 9, from 2 – 4 p.m. in Gallup, Farmington, Santa Fe, Las Cruces, Clovis and Hobbs. The events are designed to celebrate freshman acceptance to UNM for the fall semester of 2008. The associations hope the sendoffs will grow and be offered in more locations next year. 

Students and parents will meet other families in their area and mingle with UNM representatives, alumni and parents who can serve as a support network. It’s a great chance to meet fellow Lobos and enjoy some refreshments. Each student receives a gift. Door prizes for students and parents include autographed items by famous Lobos. To RSVP, visit the Summer Sendoff site. If you are a parent or alumnus/alumnae interested in hosting a sendoff in summer 2009, call Laura Kelley, 277‑5808 (alumni office) or Laurie Mellas, 277‑5915 (parent office).