Dear Student Affairs Colleagues,

It’s hard to believe we are already at the end of October, with just a few weeks until winter graduation and break. This Friday, Scholes Hall—supported by our outstanding Family U team, who has been endeavoring to strengthen opportunities on campus for parenting students—will be hosting a trick-or-treat for parenting students and their children. It is sure to be a magical and memorable experience, and we welcome all to stop by and enjoy the festivities.

Later that day, the SUB will hold its annual pumpkin carving contest. I’m always impressed by the talent and creativity on display from across our campus, and maybe I’m weird—but I like the smell of pumpkins being carved!

As we begin November, our First-Gen Focus committee is collaborating with several campus partners to turn our annual First-Generation Celebration into a weeklong series that will elevate the voices of our first-gen students, faculty and staff. The events will support the intentional integration of awareness and resources that can further strengthen our community’s already robust offerings to support students—no matter what their journey to college has been, and no matter what their goals are for the future. I’m grateful to our team who have truly centered the needs and experiences of students while seeking to leverage knowledge to inform best practices.

With appreciation,

Eric

Don't Be

That Guy

Wednesday, Oct. 29

12 - 5 p.m.

SUB Santa Ana

Join the Women's Resource Center today for a student-led conference on the masculine. A panel and workshop will take place from 1 - 3 p.m.

Celebrate Halloween with Scholes Hall

You're invited to join UNM community members to carve pumpkins on Halloween! Test your pumpkin carving skills against other students in a judged competition. There will be free snacks and a chance to win some prizes through the carving contest. We only have 100 pumpkins, so first come first serve! There will be judging of pumpkins at the end based on 4 categories: Scariest, most creative, cutest, and peoples choice.

First Friday Event November 7

Please join the DSA Professional Development committee for their next First Fridays event, at Asian American Pacific Islander Resource Center, Friday, Nov. 7 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Bring your lunch and connect with fellow Student Affairs staff.

UNM Celebrates First-Generation Students,

Nov. 3–8

The University of New Mexico will host a weeklong First-Generation Celebration from Nov. 3–8 to honor students who are the first in their families to attend college. These students bring resilience and leadership to their college journeys, often trailblazing their own paths. Nearly half of the student body at UNM are first-generation students.

The First-Gen Focus Committee, UNM branch campuses, and the College of Nursing are collaborating to host events that highlight student achievements and provide support through mentorship and community building.

The celebration begins Monday, Nov. 3, with two events: a kickoff at the College of Nursing from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and a Parenting Students Lunch & Learn in SUB Room 1034 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Highlights include:

• Tuesday, Nov. 4: Supporting First-Gen Student Well-Being Webinar & Panel, Zoom (https://unm.zoom.us/j/99131649282), 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, Nov. 5: Class of 2029 Banner Unveiling, SUB Atrium, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Thursday, Nov. 6: UNM-Gallup First-Gen Celebration, Center for Academic Learning, 10 a.m. to noon
• Friday, Nov. 7: Main Campus First-Generation Celebration, SUB Atrium, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., with remarks from UNM President Garnett Stokes; Dr. Patricia Trujillo, New Mexico Higher Education Deputy Cabinet Secretary; and a representative from Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury’s office. A group photo and cake will follow.
• Saturday, Nov. 8: First-Gen Student Athletes Recognition during half-time at the UNM Men's Basketball game at The Pit

The First-Gen Focus Committee is also seeking first-gen students, faculty, staff, and administrators to highlight on social media during the week-long celebration. If you are a first-gen lobo, share your story by Wednesday, Oct. 29 for a chance to be featured!

Join us in celebrating the strength and success of UNM’s first-gen students! Find more information at firstgen.unm.edu.

Share your Story!

Student Experience Survey

Please encourage students to participate in the Student Experience Survey launched by the CEEO with Grand River Solutions that is running until Friday, Nov. 21, which will be distributed thought a direct invitation in their their UNM email. This survey seeks input from our students as to their thoughts about campus culture. Students' responses will help us learn what we can do to better prevent sexual harassment and sexual and relationship violence.