Dear Student Affairs Colleagues,

I want to express my deep gratitude to each of you for the contributions you make to our culture, community, and systems in support of our students. What you do makes UNM work, how you do it makes UNM special. I wish you a warm and restful holiday next week and look forward to connecting with you in the final weeks of the semester and year when we return.

With appreciation,

Eric

by Vanisha Neha

Vanisha Neha, student success specialist for American Indian Student Services (AISS), thoughtfully led and designed the 2025 AISS Feast Day to serve as an educational experience for the UNM community and to celebrate American Indian Heritage Month, with a special emphasis on the unique cultures and traditions of New Mexico’s 19 Pueblos.

AISS worked hard to create a space where students felt supported and connected to their culture and we hope that we’ve accomplished this based on the feedback from students, staff, faculty, and the community! This new initiative brought together students, staff, and community members for a vibrant cultural experience featuring Pueblo dance groups from Ohkay Owingeh and Zuni Pueblo, local Native arts and craft vendors, and food—creating a welcoming environment for students—especially for American Indian/Indigenous students, to develop a connection to place and home on campus through food, dance, and shared traditions.

Pueblo Feast Days hold a deep cultural significance for Pueblo communities, serving as times of prayer, dance, and communal meals that strengthen community bonds and preserve cultural heritage. By bringing this event to campus, AISS aimed to share its meaning with the UNM community while creating a space to foster cultural awareness. The event was more than a celebration, it was an opportunity for the UNM community to learn, engage, and honor traditions that make our American Indian/Indigenous students and our state unique.

The success of this inaugural event reflects AISS’s commitment to promoting cultural representation and student success. Looking ahead, AISS is excited to make the AISS Feast Day a campus-wide annual tradition to continue providing opportunities for cultural exchange and community building at UNM.

The Student Affairs Recognition and Engagement Committee wants to hear from you! Tell us what types of activities, gatherings, and connection opportunities you'd like to see by filling out our quick survey.

Peer Learning Facilitator Study Sessions

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.

ASUNM Craft Fair

The annual ASUNM Crafts Fair starts today and runs through Friday, Nov. 21 in the SUB Ballrooms! Browse over 70 different vendors for arts and crafts, treats, jewelry, and more!

Student Experience Survey

Please encourage students to participate in this survey that was sent to them via Grand River Solutions ending this Friday, Nov. 21. 

University of New Mexico maintains a deep commitment to providing a safe environment for all students and community members, including preventing sexual harassment and interpersonal violence. We launched a Student Experience Survey to all students because we want to learn about student experiences and perceptions of the campus culture.

Students' confidential responses will help us learn how we can better protect and support our campus community. Students who answer the survey will have a chance to win a Bookstore gift card or LoboCash. Survey responses will not be tied to their name in any way if they choose to enter the raffle. 

Join Mortar Board for UNM's oldest student tradition, Hanging of the Greens on Friday, Dec. 5 at 5:30 p.m. at the UNM Bookstore. The event has 13,000 luminarias and is one of the largest displays in the area.

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.