Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026 | Edition #193

Dear Student Affairs Colleagues,

Believe it or not, we are already four weeks into the semester and well into September. I’m always amazed at how fast this time of year flies by and always impressed with the stamina of our teams as we endeavor day after day to ensure UNM is a welcoming and vibrant place.

We are nearing that time in the semester where the newness and excitement of the campus experience begins to give way to more significant assignments in class, the first signs of tension in social groups, stress about finances and work schedules, and maybe even some homesickness. These are all normal parts of the student lifecycle and ones we are adept at identifying.

A culture of referral and support backed by a robust network of resources ensures that when our students encounter these or other challenges, there is someone ready to listen and a resource ready to help. For those more significant challenges, I want to remind our practitioners about the CARE team and CARE referrals. The UNM Student CARE team is guided by SAMHSA’s 8 Dimensions of Wellness to address acute student issues and strengthen their success both in and out of the classroom.The CARE team is a collaboration of multiple departments across Student Affairs and beyond and is anchored by Sam Lechuga, student CARE coordinator in the Dean of Students office.

If you’re concerned about a student or not sure which referral to make, CARE is always available for a comprehensive team-based review of student issues leading to an articulated intervention plan. Thank you to all who serve on the CARE team and those who are always looking out for our students so that they can thrive at UNM.

With appreciation,

Eric

Engineering and Science Job and Internship Fair

Join Career Services for this great opportunity to network and learn about career paths in engineering and science.

📅 Wednesday, Sept. 9

🕙 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

📍 UNM Student Union Building

Welcome Back Events Conclude this week

Join the Women's Resource Center today at their Welcome Back Cupcake Party.

Come connect with campus resources, tour the new space, and celebrate their new location

📅 Wednesday, Sept. 9

🕛 Noon to 2:30 p.m.

📍 Mesa Vista Hall 1057

Northwest Courtyard

The University of New Mexico’s Educational Opportunity Center (EOC), a federal TRIO program housed within the College Enrichment & Outreach Programs (CEOP), has secured a five-year grant renewal from the U.S. Department of Education. The award will provide nearly $2 million from September 2026 through August 2031, and ensures continued support for individuals seeking to enter, re-enter, or continue postsecondary education throughout central New Mexico.

The grant allows EOC to continue providing free educational outreach and college access services to residents of Bernalillo, Sandoval, Socorro, Torrance, and Valencia counties. EOC serves adults and eligible youth by helping them navigate the path to higher education through personalized one-on-one assistance and workshops.

“This renewal reflects the strength of our EOC team and allows UNM to build on more than two decades of work helping New Mexicans access higher education,” said José Villar, director of College Enrichment & Outreach Programs. “With this award, EOC will expand from serving 1,000 to 1,400 participants annually, meaning hundreds more people each year will receive personalized help navigating admissions, financial aid and the transition into postsecondary education.”

Lobos y Lowriders Kicks Off

Hispanic Heritage Month

Celebrate the start of Hispanic Heritage Month by exploring a showcase of lowriders from local car clubs while enjoying food trucks and live music. This festive event brings together culture, community, and tradition in the heart of campus.

📅 Wednesday, Sept. 16

🕛 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

📍 Cornell Mall

Coordinated Community Response Team Digital Safety Trainings

Join UNM's Coordinated Community Response Team for Digital Safety Trainings on Wednesday, Sept. 16 to explore how technology and AI impact mental health, relationships, and personal safety. Sessions will cover topics including mental health in the age of AI, healthy online breakups, technology-facilitated sexual violence, and healthy masculinity in the age of AI. Trainings are open to students, staff, and faculty, with a free lunch provided for registered participants.

Fall All Staff Gathering Set for Friday, Sept. 18

The Fall 2026 All Staff Gathering marks a re-envisioning of our all-staff experience, creating new opportunities for connection, collaboration and shared learning across the division.

Join colleagues for networking, celebrations of accomplishment, unit spotlights, a strategic plan panel, divisional updates and discussions of key initiatives and priorities that will help shape the future.

Together, we'll recognize our collective impact, strengthen partnerships and reinforce our commitment to student success and our campus community.

New Howl Into Inquiry Program Set

Howl-To Wednesdays Set for Fall

Division of Student Affairs Seeks Director of African American Student Services

The Division of Student Affairs seeks its next director of African American Student Services (AASS) following the promotion of Dr. Brandi Wells-Stone to executive director for Student Support.

AASS, a department within the Division of Student Affairs, collaborates with Student Support units and student resource centers across the university to advance student success, engagement and belonging for all students.

The director provides strategic leadership for African American Student Services, overseeing staff, programs, operations, resources and partnerships that support student success. Reporting to the executive director for Student Support, the position will lead initiatives that encourage student engagement, belonging, leadership development, academic achievement, well-being, retention and graduation.

The director represents AASS and the University through strategic partnerships, community engagement and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, and serves as a special advisor to the President on matters related to African American/Black student experiences and community engagement.

In addition, the director will serve as a resource to the university by providing consultation and expertise on programs, partnerships and initiatives that strengthen institutional practices and enrich the campus community.

Minimum qualifications include a bachelor's degree and at least seven years of directly related experience. Advanced degrees from accredited institutions may substitute for experience on a year-for-year basis.

Those interested can view the complete description and apply via the UNM Jobs posting Req37772 with a best consideration date of Monday, Sept. 21.