Dear Student Affairs Colleagues,

Welcome Back! Week one is in full swing and the list of events is an incredible representation of our collective efforts to create a welcoming campus where every student has the opportunity to belong. Last week while assisting students and their families with housing move in, I spoke with new and returning Lobos from across the country. One common theme across these conversations was the sense of pride and excitement they brought with them about joining our very special community. The first six weeks of college is a critical time for new students, particularly those who are the first in their family to go to college, where beliefs, habits, and experiences around student success and belonging are being shaped. With that in mind, I have a few simple thoughts to offer on how you can positively impact students during this time. 

• Introduce yourself: Students may be overwhelmed by the sheer number of people on campus and being greeted by a friendly face at a random moment can help the campus feel a bit smaller.
• Show curiosity: Students may be cognitively navigating how and where they fit here. If you show healthy curiosity about who they are and what they value, you can help them get connected and feel seen. 
• Attend an event that isn’t yours: A consistent feeling of welcome and a sense that they are being supported by a team can positively impact a student’s confidence that our campus is the best place for them. By seeing our teams collaborate, students can be reassured that they too are welcome in all spaces and encouraged to connect across functional areas. 
• Proactively refer: If something feels a little off in these early conversations, it never hurts to refer proactively to a resource. When the new semester energy wears off and student needs become more apparent, they’ll be glad to already be connected.
• Follow up: There are so many participation and connection opportunities early in the semester and new social groups are forming. If a student misses the window, they may need encouragement to jump back in and you can be the catalyst to reaffirm that it’s okay to start getting connected even in October, November, or December. 

No matter your official role, there is opportunity to shape the student experience at UNM and you can play a critical role in a student’s success. Thank you for being part of our students’ journeys. 

With appreciation,

Eric

Franklin Named Director for Accessibility Resource Center

After a competitive national search, Laura Franklin has been appointed director of the UNM Accessibility Resource Center (ARC). In her higher education career spanning more than 30 years, Franklin has held several student support and access roles in Iowa, Arizona, and most recently served as director of student access at the University of Wisconsin–Platteville. She will begin her role at The University of New Mexico (UNM) on Monday, Sept. 8.

“The Accessibility Resource Center plays a very special role in supporting UNM students and ensuring everyone has an opportunity to succeed at The University of New Mexico,” said Dr. Eric Scott, vice president for Student Affairs. “By working directly with students, faculty, and staff to find the most optimal and least disruptive solutions for navigating campus and coursework, the ARC team helps us build a culture of care, belonging, and student success.”

A strong proponent of values-based leadership, Franklin believes her long-held values of integrity, respect, authenticity, empathy, justice, and collaboration directly align with the ARC’s mission and values.

“This position allows me to continue my passion for equalizing educational opportunities by removing barriers to support students in their educational journeys,” she said.

Franklin holds a master’s degree in higher education and a bachelor’s in psychology from Iowa State University. Her personal experience as a first-generation student from a limited income family facing multiple barriers and challenges as an undergraduate laid the groundwork for her chosen career path. She looks forward to supporting the institution in its efforts to ensure that students with disabilities have full, equal, and integrated experiences on campus.

Please help us welcome Laura to UNM and Student Affairs!

After a competitive search, Miriam Barba, a Chicana and Chicano studies and political science major, and Bree Hawkins, a biology major, have been appointed by Dr. Eric Scott, vice president for Student Affairs, to serve as Student Affairs Leadership Interns (SALIs) for the 2025-26 academic year.

This year marks the second SALI cohort. Both students are widely involved in various campus and community organizations and view the position as an opportunity to learn more about the inner workings of Student Affairs and how decisions are made at a divisional level.

The SALI program was created last fall to invite accomplished student leaders from across campus to contribute meaningfully to the division by engaging in outreach, development, and programmatic support within the VPSA office.

The internship includes mentorship, exploration of Student Affairs as a career path, and direct experience with the critical work happening within the division.

“Our leadership interns are positioned to directly serve, advise, and influence the Division of Student Affairs (DSA) as we execute the ambitious Innovating the Student Experience strategic plan” Scott said. 

Miriam Barba

Chicana and Chicano Studies and Political Science major

For Miriam Barba, inspiration to apply for the SALI position came from former SALI Brandon Chavarria-Salazar—who also happens to be her close friend.

“Brandon held this position last year and spoke highly of the experience and the professional growth it offered,” Barba said. “As I became more involved in Student Affairs through other roles, his encouragement and insights motivated me to apply.”

Serving in various roles—including New Student Orientation Leader, NUFP fellow under Rosa Isela Cervantes, and as executive director of ASUNM Community Experience—has helped her develop strong skills in student engagement, event coordination, leadership development, and advocacy. These are all qualities she plans to use in the SALI role.

“I hope to bring these skills into the office to foster a welcoming, supportive environment where students feel seen, empowered, and connected to campus resources,” she said.  

Barba sees the SALI role as a meaningful opportunity to build on her experiences and a way contribute to the supportive environment she values on campus.

Bree Hawkins

Biology and Political Science major

Bree Hawkins became interested in the SALI position through her service to the Associated Students of UNM (ASUNM), most recently in her role as ASUNM chief of staff.

“I have gotten to work closely with student organizations, resource centers, and UNM administration across the university,” she said. “I think this exposure to my campus community and to the Student Affairs office is what made me want to join the Vice President of Student Affairs office to learn more about how to create the best college experience for all students.”

Throughout her time at UNM, Hawkins has seen how decisions made by the VPSA impact the organizations she’s directly involved in.

“I am hoping to gain a better perspective and insight on the decision-making process that the office does that affects every aspect of student affairs and student life on campus.”

Equipped with creativity, positivity, and encouragement she uses in her day-to-day life, Hawkins said she is enthusiastic to be a part of the student voice in the OVPSA for the upcoming year.

Division staff are invited to learn more about service on the DSA Staff Engagement and Recognition Committee at its upcoming 2025-26 launch meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 26 at 11 a.m. via zoom. Meetings will continue every fourth Tuesday at 11 a.m.

Please RSVP via email to Stephanie McIver.

Register to join via Zoom here: https://unm.zoom.us/meeting/register/xC65IO9SRPyf-lLs0XH79Q

Student Affairs Fall Assessment

Workshops and Drop-in Hours

The Division of Student Affairs is hosting a series of half-day, in person assessment professional development opportunities throughout fall 2025.The sessions are intended to provide Student Affairs units with personalized, structured support to carry out elements of their assessment plans in a timely manner. Any Student Affairs unit that desires in-depth support on the session topics are highly encouraged to attend.