Dear Student Affairs Colleagues,

Student employment is a highly effective mechanism to support student learning, career development, engagement, and even retention. While long considered an effective employment option over off-campus or full-time work, there has been increasing attention to elevating the role of student employment as a high impact practice.

At UNM, many supervisors have been supporting the development of their student employees through mentorship and support for decades. In fact, you only need to look as far as our own division to see former student employees who have enjoyed successful careers, many holding leadership positions and driving the student experience for the next generation of learners.Student employment as a high impact practice enjoys a prominent role in the Innovating the Student Experience Strategic Plan with initiatives in each objective now entering the implementation phase.

In fact, with the relaunch of the LoboGrow student employment program (Objective 1.5) under the stewardship of Career Services, and the strategic placement of student employees positioned to advise department and division leaders on the student experience (Objective 3.5), student employment is as important as ever as a division practice and in shaping divisional practices. As recruitment for key student roles begins for the upcoming year, with premier positions such as orientation leader and AISS Summer Bridge Resident Advisor now posted, guiding students to roles where they can earn and learn is a key to success and a gift to students who are poised to both benefit and contribute. 

With appreciation,

Eric

SHAC executive director, Dr. Stephanie McIver and Dr. R. Philip Eaton admiring new dedication box

The University of New Mexico Student Health and Counseling (SHAC) ASAP Acute Care Clinic is set to receive a new name and a complete remodel. A crucial step in this transformation took place Tuesday, Jan. 13, during a dedication ceremony attended by former SHAC director Dr. Olga M. Eaton’s colleagues, family and friends. 

Thanks to the generosity of Dr. R. Philip “Phil” Eaton, the clinic will be named in honor of his late wife, Olga, who served as SHAC’s director for 14 years during her tenure at UNM. The new name — the Olga M. Eaton, M.D., ASAP Acute Care Clinic — will appear at the clinic’s entrance alongside a handcrafted tin memory box celebrating her compassionate and supportive nature. 

The memory box, unveiled during the ceremony, was envisioned by SHAC Executive Director Dr. Stephanie McIver after meeting with Phil and UNM Foundation staff. It was created by Santa Fe master tin artisan Fred Ray Lopez, with contributions from Facilities Coordinator Nicholas Ross and local craftsman Zecharia Starks. 

Inside the box are meaningful items honoring the clinic’s new namesake, including her 1999 Regent’s Award, a biography, a poem, flowers and a subtle nod to curanderismo — a collection that reflects Olga’s dedication to students, staff, family and all who knew her. 

Since Olga’s passing, Phil has taken to composing poems, something he considers therapeutic. One such poem, No. 115, “Heritage, an Awesome Reality,” which is included in the memory box, reflects on learning from ancient experience: “Healing with extracts of herbs, fruit, corn and faith. Generation after generation passing on the legacy of remedies.” 

courtesy UNM News

UNM students are taking the lead in reimagining campus safety and mobility through LoboLift — a revitalized, student‑driven program offering free, peer‑to‑peer, on‑demand rides after dark on UNM’s central campus.



Created through collaboration between the Associated Students of The University of New Mexico (ASUNM) and UNM Parking & Transportation Services (PATS), and supported by funding from the New Mexico State Legislature and the UNM President’s Office, LoboLift is powered by trained student employees who provide a safe, convenient transportation option designed by students and for students.

Reminder: PEP Self-Evaluations due, Friday, Jan. 30

Self-evaluations for the annual performance evaluations are due on Friday, Jan. 30. Detailed information on the Evaluation process, including job-aids, training videos, and FAQs are available on the Performance Evaluation Website. 

The Department of Africana Studies, in collaboration with African American Student Services, will launch their Black History Month (BHM) celebration with the 41st Annual Black History Month Kickoff Brunch on Saturday, Jan. 31, in the UNM SUB Ballrooms. The event will feature keynote speaker Nichole Rogers and aims to inspire attendees.

The BeKind UNM Committee invites you to celebrate kindness during the annual BeKind UNM 2026 kindness celebration.

2026 Kindness Carnival

Join us for this FREE event which includes a photobooth, music, games, kindness goodies, and much more!

Bring a donation for the Lobo Food Pantry for your chance to win one of our grand prizes!

Teddy Bear Tosses

Bring a NEW stuffed animal to the game to toss onto the court during half-time for your chance to win one of our grand prizes which include items from our UNM and community partners. Donated stuffed animals will be given to APD and AFR to give to children who are experience traumatic situations. 

AISS is hiring for Residential Advisors to welcome and lead their next cohort of American Indian Summer Bridge. AISS Residential Advisors have the primary responsibility for providing tutoring support services, living on campus with AISB participants; and conducting small group discussions on a variety of topics relevant to college life.

Applications are now being accepted for the Summer 2026 New Student Orientation Leader (NSOL) positions! NSO is looking for enthusiastic, service‑minded students who are passionate about representing UNM and helping incoming Lobos feel welcome, supported, and connected to campus resources and community.



Our goal is to recruit a diverse team of leaders who can help new students from a wide range of backgrounds and identities find their place here at UNM. The deadline to apply is Friday, Feb. 13 via UNM Jobs posting Requisition: 353636.


Come learn what it’s all about!

Join one of our NSOL Information Sessions to hear about the role, key responsibilities, hiring timeline, and the many benefits of being an Orientation Leader.

📅 Upcoming Sessions:

👉 Thu, Jan 29 | 12–1 PM — CEP Office, UAEC 250

👉 Wed, Feb 4 | 12–1 PM — Zoom (Meeting ID: 954 3837 6034)

👉 Thu, Feb 12 | 12–1 PM — CEP Office, UAEC 250

📣 All interested students are welcome!

DSA Colleagues - please save the date for our Spring 2026 All‑Staff Gathering.

📅 Friday, February 13, 2026

⏰ 8-11 a.m.

📍 SUB Ballroom C

This gathering provides an opportunity to reconnect as a division, share updates, and align priorities for the spring semester. Breakfast will be provided.

A calendar invite has been sent to all DSA staff. Please use the calendar invitation to indicate your attendance.