Senior Program Manager Laurie Mellas founded the UNM Parent Relations Office in 2006. She is the single mother of two, ages 9 and 24. Her eldest, Michael, attends UNM. A proud alumna, she has been on UNM staff for 15 years. Mellas is the liaison between parents and the university and manages UNM’s communication vehicles for parents, including the Web site and electronic newsletter. A prolific writer and editor, she regularly contributes articles about university life to UNM publications. She serves on the New Mexico Press Women board of directors as scholarship chair and is a member of the National Federation of Press Women. She is also a member of NASPA (Student Affairs Professionals in Higher Education) and its Parent and Family Knowledge Community.

Physical Location (by appointment): Student Services Center Room 280 (located in Dean of Students office suite – see mailing address at bottom of page)
Phone: (505) 277‑5915, direct line; or 277‑3361, FRONT DESK, Dean of Students
Email: parent@​unm.​edu

Informed, involved parents are an important resource for UNM students. Whether you have a question about a specific department, deadline, need a direct line to a parent contact, or want to know more about what UNM has to offer, the Parent Relations Office is your one‐stop shop. The office is a component of the Dean of Students Office in the Division of Student Affairs.

Embracing parental and family involvement is a UNM value. Beyond the price of tuition, graduating a student from college requires the support and guidance of an entire family – your family.

UNM’s parent programming is designed to keep you informed and connected throughout the college years. Departments and programs across campus collaborate with Parent Relations to deliver useful information and to mitigate any parent concerns. College students experience ups and downs, taking moms and dads – and even little brothers and sisters – along for the ride. Learning about university resources and connecting with others on campus helps families be proactive and prepared.

Our parent Web site provides the latest news about academic programs, campus events, student activities, health, and research. Subscribe to our monthly electronic newsletter and attend monthly workshops on topics of importance to both prospective and current parents and families. Parent Relations hosts Family Weekend for current students and their families each fall as well as a summer Parent Experience Program for parents of students entering 9^th through 11^th grades.

Official Mailing Address:
University of New Mexico Parent Relations Office
1 University of New Mexico
MSC06 3745
Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87131 – 0001�