Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026 | Edition #198

Dear Student Affairs Colleagues,

Happy Pack Week!

This year, our traditional Homecoming activities have been reimagined and unified under a new banner: Pack Week. More than a collection of events, Pack Week is an opportunity for the entire campus community and our extended Lobo family to come together and celebrate what it means to advance education, opportunity and culture in the Land of Enchantment. It is a week that brings one of the most visible principles of our campus community to life: Everyone's a Lobo.

Following last week's Fall Frenzy Campus Cleanup, made possible through the leadership of ASUNM and the support of our dedicated partners, including the UNM Grounds Team, our campus is looking its very best. As part of this new Pack Week vision, you'll see enhanced campus branding and activities designed to celebrate our shared pride and strengthen our sense of community.

I am incredibly grateful to the UNM Alumni Association for leading this exciting initiative and to the many Division of Student Affairs teams that have stepped forward to collaborate, coordinate and align their efforts in support of its success. I would also like to recognize the outstanding branding and communications support provided by University Communication and Marketing (UCAM). Pack Week is truly a One University effort, and its success reflects the commitment of partners across campus.

As we celebrate this week, I encourage you to embrace the spirit behind this reimagined tradition. Pack Week is not simply about coming home; it is about creating a home where everyone in the pack feels welcome, valued and connected. It is an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to inclusive excellence, supporting one another and our students, thinking creatively, and continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.

This year establishes a strong foundation for the future and opens new opportunities for growth, engagement, and collaboration in the years ahead.

What a great time to be a Lobo.

With appreciation,

Eric

Don't Fake It Until You Make It: You Belong Here Workshop for Student Employees

As part of Careers in Student Affairs Month, the Division of Student Affairs Leadership Interns (SALIs) will be delivering goodie bags to Division student employees in their departments throughout this week leading up to October 22 and invite students to join them for a special workshop, "Don't Fake It Until You Make It: You Belong Here."

This engaging workshop will provide student employees with practical tools and strategies to build confidence, recognize their strengths, and overcome imposter syndrome. Participants will learn how to embrace their accomplishments, navigate self-doubt, and develop the mindset needed to succeed both professionally and personally.

Join us for an empowering experience that will help you recognize your value, strengthen your sense of belonging, and remember that you earned your place here.

📅 Thursday, Oct. 22

🕐 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

📍 Career Services Career Den

Class of 2030

Banner Reveal

Join the College Enrichment Program as we officially unveil the Class of 2030 Banner and welcome our newest Lobos to the UNM community!

Stop by to celebrate, connect with fellow students, and be part of this exciting UNM tradition.

📅 Date: Thursday, Oct. 22

🕖 Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

📍 Location: SUB Atrium

Join the Staff Engagement and Recognition Committee for Yarn and Yap

The DSA Staff Engagement & Recognition Committee invites you to our very first crafting session! 



Bring the portable craft you are working on, your lunch and spend a happy lunch hour chatting with colleagues across the division.

📅 When: Thursday, Oct. 22

🕑 Time: noon - 1:00 p.m.

📍 Where: Daily Lobo, Marron Hall, Room 104

The second annual UNM Collegiate Recovery Center (CRC) Sober Tailgate provided a winning experience both on and off the field. Held before the Lobos' Oct. 3 game against the UTEP Miners at University Stadium, the event welcomed nearly 300 attendees and ended with a Lobos victory.

Designed to offer a recovery-friendly game day experience, the tailgate gave students, alumni and community members a place to relax, enjoy refreshments, connect with local resources and celebrate Lobo football in an inclusive environment.

“Based on our experience last year, I noticed we needed more of a respite area. We wanted a space where students and others who are tailgating, whether they have consumed alcohol or not, could come, relax for a few minutes, have some water, grab some food and recharge,” said Liliana Miranda, community health worker with Student Health and Counseling.

Supported by a grant from Recovery Communities of New Mexico and contributions from campus and community partners, the event featured games, giveaways, refreshments and resource information in a welcoming, judgment-free atmosphere.

Organizers initially set a goal of reaching 200 attendees. That goal was surpassed, with 277 people counted in the tent alone.

“Our student volunteer counted 277 people who came into the tent, and that doesn't include everyone we served food to outside of the area,” Miranda said. “We estimate that we reached approximately 300 people!”

Volunteers, resource agencies and community partners helped make the event a success, creating opportunities for attendees to connect with support services while enjoying game-day activities.

“We are so grateful to our community partners, resource agencies, and our wonderful face painting team for helping us create such a fun and welcoming space for students,” Miranda said.

One of the most popular attractions was the face-painting station, where students and fans showed off their Lobo pride. Resource partners included Whole Self Counseling, Bernalillo County's Keep New Mexico Alive initiative, UNM COSAP, People's Work and the New Mexico Health Care Authority's 988 program.

A primary goal of the event was to provide a welcoming place for attendees to take a break, connect with others and learn about available resources while participating in a favorite campus tradition.

“We want this to be like a non-judgmental spot. Come chill out and support our Lobos,” Miranda said.

With strong community support and nearly 300 people reached, the CRC Sober Tailgate continues to grow as a meaningful tradition that promotes connection, wellness and recovery support across the UNM community.

Autism Ally Training

Learn how to be an effective ally on campus. Join this informative training to explore autism-affirming language and gain a better understanding of the differences, challenges, and strengths of autistic individuals.

Participants will leave with practical knowledge to help create a more inclusive and supportive campus community.

📅 Date: Tuesday, Nov. 17

🕘 Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

📧 Registration & Information: Contact AJ Richard, ARC Accommodations Specialist, at ajrichard@unm.edu

The Lobo Reading Collective offers a welcoming space for conversation, learning, and personal growth. Whether you're interested in building community, exploring new ideas, or connecting with coworkers across Student Affairs there's a pathway for you.

Join one pathway, several pathways, or attend the discussions that best match your interests.

Lobo Reading Collective

Upcoming Pathways

🤝 Community-Rooted

📅 Date: Thursday, Nov. 19

🕘 Time: 12:00 p.m.

📍 Location: AAPIRC, Mesa Vista Hall 1064

Discussion: The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle

📚 Social and Fun

📅 Date: Monday, Dec. 14

🕘 Time: 5 p.m.

📍 Location: Daily Lobo, Marron Hall 104

Discussion: The Correspondent by Virginia Evans

🌱 Well-Being and Renewal

📅 Date: Thursday, Jan. 28

🕘 Time: 12:00 p.m.

📍 Location: Courtyard outside Zimmerman