Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026 | Edition #176

Dear Student Affairs Colleagues,

Last night, I had the pleasure to support the celebration of excellence from across the spectrum of student leadership opportunities at the annual Lobo Leadership and Involvement Awards. This ceremony recognizes students who have made significant and meaningful contributions to campus through their service as engaged and involved leaders who are committed to not only their own personal development, but the facilitation of experiences and environments that will enhance the learning, growth, and thriving of their peers.

It is truly inspiring to see and reflect upon the myriad of ways that student leadership can manifest on our campus and how those impacts can be felt in our own division and even sometimes beyond our traditional reach. Student leadership takes many forms from student government, clubs and organizations, club and recreational sports, undergraduate research, honors society, and community service and development. In particular, at UNM, over 360 student organizations help ensure that students are able to find community built around shared interests, beliefs, and affinities with participation helping foster retention and student success. These organizations would not be able to function and sustain without quality student leadership.

Further, I truly believe as outlined in objective 3.5 of our Innovating the Student Experience Strategic Plan that well placed student employees can also play an active role in shaping service to students by advising on student experiences and needs, so just like in our own office with the Student Affairs Leadership Interns, student employment is in fact student leadership! Thank you to the Student Activities Center team for their support and seamless execution of this wonderful ceremony and congratulations again to all of our awardees!

With appreciation,

Eric

After a competitive nationwide search, the Division of Student Affairs at The University of New Mexico is pleased to announce the finalists for the position of director of Campus Recreation. Each candidate will participate in open forums for students, staff, and community members to learn more about their experience and engage in dialogue about their interest in the role. 

The Director of Campus Recreation provides visionary leadership and strategic oversight for all aspects of UNM Recreational Services —a university enterprise dedicated to delivering recreational and wellness programs for students, staff, and faculty. In alignment with Student Affairs strategic goals around holistic wellness, belonging, and a student-ready campus environment, the director will help advance high-impact programs that promote learning, personal development, and overall well-being. This position will contribute to the implementation of DSA’s 2025–2030 strategic plan, Innovating the Student Experience, which seeks to position Student Affairs as a global leader in delivering inclusive, culturally responsive, and innovative student-centered programs.

Peer Learning Facilitator Study Sessions

Please join Peer Learning Facilitators for Student Sessions on Wednesday, Feb. 25 from 4 to 6 p.m. in Dane Smith Hall to help study for upcoming exams in an interactive review. Pizza, beverages, and class help!

UNM Students: Your Next Career Opportunity Starts Here!

Looking for an internship or full time job?

Join us at the All Majors Job & Internship Fair on Thursday, March 5!

⏰ 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

📍 UNM Student Union Ballrooms

• Connect face to face with top employers who are actively hiring

• Explore internships and full time opportunities

• Ask questions, learn about different industries and roles

• Get noticed, make connections

🌟Bring your résumé, confidence, and curiosity—your next opportunity could be one conversation away!

Join SHAC for spring's mental health workshops! Email tholland1@unm.edu for more info or to request to attend.

Looking for a therapy group? Just need someone to talk to? Here is the spring schedule for SHAC's support groups! Don't be afraid to check out any of these valuable opportunities.

Monday - Thursday

11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

SUB Room 1093

Check out the Lobo Food Pantry on the first floor of the Student Union Building! 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.

Lobo Aquathlon

Ready to make a splash? 

The Lobo Aquathlon is officially back for 2026! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just looking to beat your personal best, we’ve got a lane and a path waiting for you on the UNM campus.

The Game Plan:

• Kids Race: Saturday, April 18 @ 8 a.m. (running in waves!)
• Adults Race: Sunday, April 19 @ 8 a.m.

Why sign up early? Aside from the bragging rights, you’ll save some cash. Register by February 28 to lock in the $40 early bird rate! Prices jump to $50 on March 1.

All proceeds benefit the UNM HESS Youth Camp and Graduate Student Travel—so you're racing for a great cause.

The University of New Mexico is now accepting applications for the Clauve Outstanding Senior Award, which recognizes exceptional undergraduate seniors who demonstrate strong academic performance and meaningful contributions to the campus community through leadership, service, and involvement.

Eligible students must be Albuquerque campus undergraduate baccalaureate students graduating in December 2025 or May 2026.

👉 Apply here: https://goto.unm.edu/clauve26

📅 Application deadline: Sunday, March 8, 2026, at 11:45 PM

📧 Letters of recommendation must be submitted electronically to clauve@unm.edu

Help the Division of Student Affairs reach its goal of raising $23,000 from 225 donors during the 2026 UNM Big Give Day on Thursday, April 9. UNM Big Give Day is a 24‑hour, campus‑wide online fundraising event that brings together alumni, parents, students, faculty, staff, and friends from around the world to support The University of New Mexico.



As an Influencer for UNM Big Give, your role is to help spread the word and encourage support for your department through social media. Check out the perks and prizes for becoming an Influencer.

Black History Month Events

African American Student Services (AASS) continues its month of “Back to the Basics” with the following Afro Black History Month events, each highlighting a core value and experience within Black history, culture, and community.