Greetings Student Affairs Community!

American Indian Student Services (AISS) exists to provide support and opportunities that enhance the student experience with an emphasis on practices that support American Indian/Indigenous students in their success. As we celebrate American Indian Heritage Month, I also acknowledge the campus community and significant pride in the impact that AISS, Native American Studies, Center for Native American Health, Native Chartered Student Organizations, and many others have developed to create spaces for students to thrive academically, socially, and culturally. The celebration of Indigenous history, knowledge, and success has never been relegated to just one month; we celebrate our heritage every day through how we show up for students, center our ways of being, and extend respect to one another.

It is important to recognize that this month, especially during such a tumultuous year in our country’s history, should not be taken for granted and serves as a reminder to come together to reflect on our institution’s values of excellence, inclusion, environment, integrity, and place. In upholding these values, we stand in support of our American Indian/Indigenous students, communities, cultures, and histories. 

I hope you join the festivities by attending upcoming campus events which you can view on the American Indian Heritage Month Calendar, and by continuing to conduct your work with care & appreciation for our students. I look forward to seeing you all at the AISS Feast Day this Thursday, from 10am to 2pm at the Cornell Mall for a celebration of community and culture!

Go Lobos!

Andy (Diné), Director of American Indian Student Services

UNM’s American Indian Student Services, Native American Studies, Center for Native American Health, and several chartered student organizations have collaborated to engage the university community in learning and discovering more about the Indigenous experience and perspective.

The entire campus community is invited to attend and participate in a variety of public and cost-free educational, social, cultural, and artistic programming initiatives throughout the month of November.

Veterans Week

This week, the Veteran & Military Resource Center is hosting Veterans Week activities through Saturday, Nov. 15. Everyone is invited to participate in various events to honor our veterans and recognize our faculty and staff. There is still time to participate in the Sip, Shine, and Serve: Honoring our Women Student Veterans at UNM tomorrow, Nov. 13 from noon to 2 p.m. in the VMRC, and the UNM vs. Colorado State Football Salute to Service Game this Saturday, Nov. 15 at 1 p.m. at University Stadium.

The Accessibility Resource Center is accepting applications for an accommodations specialist to provide academic support to prospective and current students within ARC. The Accommodations Specialist provides direct support to individuals with disabilities as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), conducts disability eligibility analyses, provides referrals, approves reasonable accommodations, and connects individuals with services to support their personal and/or academic goals. Additionally, the Accommodation Specialist educates campus constituencies regarding support for individuals with disabilities and facilitates compliance with the ADA/ADAAA and related federal, state, and local regulations and University policies.

Those interested in applying can view the complete description and application via the UNM jobs req35050 with a best consideration date of Wednesday, Nov. 19.

The Lobo Food Pantry, located on the first floor of the Student Union Building is open Monday-Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and free to all currently enrolled UNM students. Students will have an opportunity to fill a basket with grocery offerings of their choice and must weigh the basket for final checkout. Students are required to sign a waiver for the semester and provide general identifying information (name, email, UNM ID number) when visiting the pantry in order to help us track the number of visits they use each month. The daily limit is either a full basket or 10.0 lbs., whichever the students meets first.

VMRC Hosting Toys for Tots Toy Drive

The Veteran and Military Resource Center is collecting new, unwrapped toys to support local families this holiday season. Please spread the word to encourage students, staff, and faculty participation across campus.

The College Enrichment Program will be hosting the Peer Learning Facilitator Final Study Sessions on Wednesday, Nov. 19, from 4-6 p.m. to help students review for their final exams of the semester.Join CEP for pizza, beverages, and class review.