Wednesday, August 6 | Edition #153

Message from the Vice President

Dear Student Affairs Colleagues,


In just one short week, Operation Lobo Move-In will commence, and so officially begins a warm and welcome opening for the fall 2025 semester. I am grateful for all of the preparation that has taken place this summer to ensure that both new and returning Lobos experience a sense of belonging and engagement from the very start, and I am particularly excited this year about intentional efforts to sustain that energy even farther into the start of the new semester.


Most studies show that the first six weeks are a critical time for community building and place finding. I know that our team at New Student Orientation has already primed our incoming class with the information and foundational values that will help them be successful. Now we hand off to you as part of a consortium of dedicated programs, offices, and events that represent an exemplar of providing an innovative, equitable, and culturally responsive student experience grounded in a sense of place and tradition.


It has been a productive summer to ensure each of us is poised to achieve that vision as outlined in our Innovating the Student Experience strategic plan. With objectives ranging from enhancing the student employment experience, to amplifying basic needs initiatives, to enhancing co-curricular programming that strengthens understanding of social responsibility and community engagement, and beyond, it is sure to be an industrious year as we understand baselines and explore various program improvements.


I am thrilled to begin another year with you as we innovate the student experience, together.


With appreciation,


Eric


UNM Children’s Campus Received

$10,000 Gift from Bank of Albuquerque

Guide to Giving Initiative

The UNM Children’s Campus (UNMCC) was recently awarded $10,000, thanks to Bank of Albuquerque employees, and the nomination by one grateful UNMCC parent. Each year, bank employees are encouraged to nominate a local non-profit through the Bank of Albuquerque and BOKF Guide to Giving Program. 


According to Kyle Beasley, Bank of Albuquerque market CEO, the initiative gives employees who live in and deeply care about the local community the opportunity to choose where the yearly donation should go. “Their selection reflects not just their values, but their firsthand understanding of the impact this non-profit has on the people around us,” he said.


This year, Josh Miera, bank employee and parent, nominated UNMCC based on his personal experience with the exceptional care and support his son, Leo, has received through its PreK program. Leo was diagnosed with autism nearly a year ago. “As you can imagine, this was a very daunting time getting ready to send him to an early Pre-K program and not knowing how Leo would be treated and supported at school,” he said.


Daniela Baca, UNMCC director, is appreciative of the gift, which will be used to invest in supporting the diverse needs of the children they serve. “On behalf of UNM and the Children’s Campus, I want to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Bank of Albuquerque and the generous employees who made this incredible gift possible,” she said, while specifically thanking Miera for his advocacy. “Your support means so much to us,” Baca said. “Thank you for believing in our work, our families, and the importance of early childhood education.”

Operation Lobo Move-In

Residence Life & Student Housing will be welcoming home more than 2000 students next week, and we'd love to invite you to come and join in on the fun!


You are welcome to sign up for shifts help our students find their way around, move in their belongings, and develop that first sense of belonging!

Bourland Named Associate Director for Student Union Building


The Student Union Building team is excited to welcome Peter Bourland as the new associate director of the Student Union Building.


Bourland brings a solid background in operations, along with a genuine commitment to building educational, engaging, and student-centered spaces. He’s led a variety of teams over the years, always with a leadership approach that emphasizes support, clear communication, and follow-through.


In his new role, Bourland will be helping oversee daily operations of the SUB, working closely with our tenants, improving building services, and making sure the SUB remains a welcoming and enjoyable place for everyone at UNM.


We’re glad to have him on board and are looking forward to the insight and leadership he’ll bring to the team. Please join us in giving him a warm welcome!

Welcome Back Events

photo credit: Kyler Kinzie

Friday Night Live

Friday, Aug. 15

7 p.m.

Student Union Building


Class Crawl Campus Tours

Sunday, Aug. 17

5 p.m.

Cornell Mall


Movie on the Field

Thunderbolts

Sunday, Aug. 17

8 p.m.

Johnson Field


photo credit: Hyunju Blemel

Welcome Back Days

UNM Departmental and

programs Day

President's Ice Cream Social

Monday, Aug. 18

Duck Pond


Safety, Health and Wellness Day

Tuesday, Aug. 19

Duck Pond


Campus Communities Day

Wednesday, Aug. 20

Green Chile Stew

Duck Pond


Student Organization Day

Thursday, Aug. 21

Duck Pond

Dion's Pizza


Campus Employment and Community Service Day

Friday, Aug. 22

Ortega Hall

Save the Date: DSA Resource Centers Welcome Back Events

Save the Date for the Fall

All Staff Gathering

Set for Friday, Sept. 19


The fall 2025 Division All Staff Gathering is set for Friday, Sept. 19 from 8 to 11 a.m. in the SUB, Ballroom C. All Student Affairs staff are invited to join Dr. Eric Scott for this important event which will provide updates on what's happening in the Division. Please look for a calendar invite from the VPSA account which will serve as your rsvp for the event.

University of New Mexico | 1 University of NM | Albuquerque, NM 87106 US