Gaining on-the-job experience relevant to a student’s major gives our graduates an edge during the inevitible job search. 

Events designed to help students make academic and work connections will be held in a one‐stop environment Monday, April 27, from noon to 5 p.m. (note corrected time, please) in the UNM Student Union Building, Ballroom B.

UNM’s University College Advisement Center will host the “Explore A Major Fair,” to raise student awareness regarding the multitude of UNM academic opportunities. Representatives and advisors from several departments will be available to share detailed information about majors and minors.  

“This is a great opportunity for students to have face time with advisors and to get information on the different majors and programs available. It is especially beneficial for students who have not selected a major,” said Sarah Kieltyka, academic advisor, University College Advisement Center.

UNM students are also invited to participate in a Student Job Fair, sponsored by the UNM Graduation Task Force Student Engagement Committee. UNM departments as well as community organizations with work‐study contracts will be on hand in the ballroom to discuss the benefits of student employment and to recruit UNM students for summer and fall employment.

The Parent Connection Workshop Wednesday, March 4, from 6 – 7 p.m. will feature a senior academic advisor from University College, Nicole Brody, who will share critical information about core class requirements and how to apply to UNM’s professional colleges/schools. Brody will also identify major challenges students may face as young scholars. Workshops are free and open to the public. No RSVP is required.

Karen Olson of the Center for Academic Program Support (CAPS) will also join the discussion, providing information about tutoring programs, workshops, mentoring and other services for students who seek additional support. In April, the workshop will focus on Career Services, including information about summer jobs/internships/co-ops, and more. 

The workshops are held the first Wednesday of each month in the Student Services Center, Dean of Students Conference Room, 2^nd floor. From the Cornell Parking Structure (parking is $1.75 per hour), go north on Cornell Mall. Pass by Popejoy Hall and the Student Union (SUB). When you reach the north end of the SUB to east to the Student Services Center, located behind Mesa Vista Hall. Check‐in begins at 5:30 p.m. Parent Association members are on hand to visit with parents about their experiences.

The series is sponsored by UNM’s Dean of Students’ Family Connection Program, Parent Relations Office and the Parent Association.

UNM’s Parent Association is hosting the first “Parent Day at the Pit” Saturday, Feb. 21. A pre‐game reception and discount tickets for parents provide students with an opportunity to spend time with family while supporting the Lobos. 

The Association is hosting a pre‐game reception from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the President’s Pavilion, a premiere facility located east of the Pit at University Stadium.

The reception includes a light menu and refreshments, an appearance by Lobo Louie and Lucy and more. Tickets are $5 at the door; pre‐registration is required. Proceeds from a silent auction will benefit the Association’s scholarship fund. Sodexo, caterer to the UNM Lobos, is a proud sponsor of the reception.

Students may purchase up to three $10 discount game tickets at the Pit ticket office for their guests/parents/family members.

Space is limited for the reception. Register here.

The new Parent Connection Workshop Series addresses issues relevant to parenting college students and is held on the first Wednesday of each month and in coordination with the academic calendar.

Co‐sponsored by the Dean of Students Family Connection Program, Parent Relations Office and Parent Association, the series features presenters from a variety of university departments. It provides a regular opportunity for parents to gain new insights from campus experts and to network with other parents to improve their students’ experience at UNM. 

Workshop Date & Location:
Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009
Dean of Students Conference Room (Students Services Center #260)

Workshop Agenda:
5:30 – 6:00 pm Check‐in
6:00 – 6:05 pm Welcome and Speaker introduction
6:05 – 6:45 pm Presentation by Susan Chavez & Bill Bloom
6:45 – 7:00 pm Q & A
7:00 pm Workshop Evaluation & Conclusion

Workshop Topic: Money Matters: Financial Aid & Scholarships
With the economic downturn, many people need some help. This workshop will provide parents with information on Financial Aid and Scholarship opportunities.
Financial Aid: January is the time when students and parents should be preparing for the FAFSA again. Whether it is your first time submitting this important form or just a renewal of last year’s form, this workshop will provide you with important information about this year’s financial aid process.
Scholarships: Learn what UNM has to offer current and returning students. Topics include the General Scholarship Program and other outside scholarship opportunities.

Future Workshop Series:
February — Student Health and CounselingLove is in the air! Learn how relationships affect student success and retention. Whether your student is in love or looking for it, this workshop addresses many issues including relationship counseling, transferring, study time, and family planning issues.

March — Academic Support
Conquering academic challenges! Every student has a class that he or she is struggling through all semester. Learn what UNM has to offer in terms of tutoring programs, mentorship opportunities, and other student support services that will help your student succeed in the classroom.

Contact:
Parent Relations Office: 505 – 277-5915, parent@​unm.​edu
Dean of Students Office: 505 – 277-3361, nso@​unm.​edu

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 hosts its 3^rd Annual “Dinner for 12 Strangers” Thursday, Feb. 28. The program provides an opportunity for alumni to connect with students and faculty. Local alumni are asked to host a dinner in their homes in an effort to make UNM a smaller, friendlier place. Dinner guests come together as strangers and leave as friends.

Each dinner consists of four students, four faculty and four alumni. The association matches up attendees by their degree or field of interest. It is a night full of networking and fun.

The RSVP date has passed, but those interested in participating in future dinners can contact Natalie Armijo at 277‑1968 or njarmijo@​unm.​edu to be placed on a waiting list.

New Head Baseball Coach Ray Birmingham plans to establish a heritage of Lobo baseball. To launch it, he is hosting a free scrimmage game between current and former Lobo baseball players on Saturday, Sept. 29 at 1 p.m. tentatively scheduled at Isotopes Stadium. Prior to the game, the alums and the Lobos will take some batting practice, as will UNM President David Schmidly, Athletic Director Paul Krebs and Asst. AD Tim Cass. 

Organized by former players Ernie Blackstone, (’78), Rick Ronquillo (’83) and Walt Arnold (’80), the connections between former and current players are already being made.

“I invite everyone to come and be a part of this. We are about building a family first. We want families to attend. The game is just for fun and we will have a little tailgating afterward with sandwiches and chips. After that, we all need to cross the street and go watch the Lobo football team beat BYU,” he said. 

On Friday, March 16, more than 800 middle and high school students will converge on Johnson Center to compete in the Central New Mexico Science & Engineering Research Challenge in 14 different categories.

The categories include:

• Animal Sciences
• Behavioral/Social Sciences
• Cellular & Molecular Biology/Biochemistry
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Earth Science
• Engineering
• Energy & Transportation
• Environmental Science
• Mathematical Sciences
• Medicine & Health Sciences
• Microbiology
• Physics & Astronomy
• Plant Sciences
• Changes in course placement testing and processes
• Expand on‐campus student employment opportunities
• Changes in how and when courses are scheduled
• More prescriptive enrollment policies, more diversity in faculty hiring and the development of faculty positions dedicated to undergraduate instruction

The CNM Science and Engineering Research Challenge can always use category judges. Potential judges should be available on March 16 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. An incredible experience awaits with an opportunity to interact with some of the best and brightest 6 – 12 grade students in New Mexico.

Students compete either in the Junior Division (6 – 8 grade) or Senior Division (9 – 12 grade) for nearly $60,000 in cash/tangible awards and scholarships. Judges are well fed, have lots of caffeine available, and have opportunities to network with many other professionals in their areas of expertise.

If you’re available to judge Friday, March 16 visit:stemed.unm.edu/JudgeInfo for training materials and other judging resources.

For more information call Karen Kinsman at 277‑4916.