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.

Dorms: We call them “residence halls,” and they are where students live on campus.

Greeks: Students at UNM who are members of a fraternity or sorority. Fraternities and sororities are official student groups and have advisers.

Major/Minor: Your student’s academic specialization, gained by completing a required number of courses. The minor is an academic specialization requiring fewer courses than the major.

Faculty Office Hours: The hours during which professors or teaching assistants are in their offices, available to students. Students may stop by and talk one‐on‐one about a class or other academic issues they would like to discuss.

SUB: The Student Union Building and crown jewel of University life. Numerous places to eat, study, play, exhibit art and meet friends. The Student Activities Center, as well as offices for the various student organizations, including student government, are in the SUB. The SUB also features a movie theater, arts and crafts studio, workout facilities, a credit union, numerous ATMs and a hair salon.

Syllabus: A class/course outline distributed by the professor or teaching assistant on the first day of class. The syllabus lists the goals of the class, student expectations, office hours, test dates, required books and other information pertinent to successful completion of the class.

TA: Teaching Assistant‐the person designated to assist the professor during class. The job varies from leading discussions, labs and study sessions, to being available to answer questions. TAs are graduate students in the field of study associated with the respective course.

The Pit: Home of Lobo Basketball, located at the corner of University Boulevard and Avenida Cesar Chavez. The Pit’s official name is University Arena.

UA: Undergraduate Assistant‐an undergraduate student who does the same or similar job as a TA.

Web CT: An online program that aids students in their classes by creating, managing, organizing and housing a Web‐based learning environment. Professors can post lecture notes and information, grades and past quizzes, as well as host a chat area and bulletin board. Students have access to information at any time of the day or night.

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