Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026 | Edition #196 | | Message from the Vice President | | Dr. Scott at the Parenting Student Social on Friday, Sept. 25. | | |
Dear Student Affairs Colleagues,
I am excited to welcome you to Scholes Hall this Friday where the VPSA office will be hosting the division’s First Fridays event this month. First Fridays began as a way to bring together staff from different units across the division to connect, foster collaboration, and build a culture of engagement and success. When we spend time together, building relationships and understanding each other’s work, we reinforce our shared values and drive innovation that impacts student success.
First Fridays is one of the many initiatives that were developed in response to direct staff feedback received in the Gallup Staff Engagement Survey. The university will be offering that survey again this year and I hope you will take the time to help us better understand what staff engagement looks like across our division. We look forward to gathering informally and continuing to learn and grow together.
With appreciation,
Eric
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| | Join the VPSA Office for First Fridays | |
The Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs is excited to invite you to Cane’s and Cards, the next DSA First Friday event, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday, Oct. 2, in the Scholes Hall Roberts Room.
Come enjoy lunch from Raising Cane’s, connect with colleagues, and take a break for some fun and friendly card games.
To help us plan, please complete the RSVP form by Wednesday, Oct. 1.
We hope you'll join us for food and fun!
| | UNM Employee Engagement Survey | | |
The 2026 UNM Employee Engagement Survey will be open Oct. 5-18, and we encourage you to help build excitement and participation within your departments.
This year, UNM is introducing a friendly participation challenge among divisions, schools and colleges, with recognition for the top five areas with the highest survey participation rates. Throughout the survey period, leaders will receive regular participation updates and leaderboard standings, providing an opportunity to see how their area compares across the institution and encourage even greater participation.
While there are certainly bragging rights at stake, the real reward is ensuring that Student Affairs employees have a strong voice in shaping the future of our workplace. Previous survey results have driven advancements and investment in professional development, engagement, and recognition efforts. The more employees who participate, the more accurately the survey reflects the experiences and perspectives of our team.
The survey is confidential, administered by Gallup and can be completed during work hours.
Let's work together to make Student Affairs a leader in participation and ensure our voices are well represented in the survey results.
| | October is Careers in Student Affairs Month | | Join the Division of Student Affairs and the Student Affairs Leadership Interns as we collaborate with Career Services to celebrate Careers in Student Affairs Month. As part of the celebration, Student Affairs will deliver a special token of appreciation to student employees in recognition of their hard work, contributions and impact on our campus community. | | Collegiate Recovery Center Sober Tailgate on October 3 | | |
The UNM Collegiate Recovery Center is inviting students, alumni and community members to a sober tailgate before the Lobos take on UTEP on Saturday, Oct. 3. The alcohol-free event will offer a welcoming space for fans to relax, connect and enjoy game-day festivities while promoting safe and healthy choices.
The tailgate will feature free drinks, lawn games, giveaways and harm-reduction resources. Organizers are also working to provide snacks and food for attendees. The event is open to everyone, regardless of recovery status, and is designed to offer a judgment-free space where fans can take a break, hydrate and enjoy the Lobo spirit.
The effort is supported by a recovery event grant from Recovery Communities of New Mexico and partnerships with campus and community organizations. Organizers hope the tailgate becomes a new tradition that raises awareness about recovery, reduces stigma and highlights resources available through the Collegiate Recovery Center.
| | Art Walk 1 is Rescheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 6 | | |
Join your Student Affairs colleagues on a lunchtime walk around campus to explore UNM's outdoor art installations.
📅 When: Tuesday, Oct. 6
🕑 Time: noon - 1:00 p.m.
📍 Where: Lobo Statue South of Johnson Center
Get outside, get moving, admire UNM’s beautiful campus, and connect with colleagues. Participants receive their own Art Walk Zine!
Meet at the Lobo Statue, south of Johnson Center. Come take a break and walk with the DSA Staff Engagement committee!
| | | Volunteers Needed for the Pack's Got Your Back October 13 and 14 | |
Let’s come back together for the Pack’s Got Your Back on Tuesday, Oct. 13 and Wednesday, Oct. 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the UNM Alumni Clock
This initiative is a meaningful way to show care, connection, and support for our UNM community, and we would love to have strong participation from across campus once again. As before, volunteers will hand out healthy snacks and information about resources to distribute to passers-by.
Please sign up for a volunteer slot using the buttons below and also help promote the opportunity with colleagues in your area who may be interested in participating.
Thank you for helping make this event a visible reminder that our Lobos are supported and that the Pack’s Got Their Back.
| | 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. | |
Upcoming Pathways
🚀 Professional Growth
Kickoff Meeting
October 13, 12 p.m.
Career Services Conference Room
🤝 Community-Rooted
November 19, 12 p.m.
AAPIRC, Mesa Vista Hall 1064
Discussion: The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle
📚 Social and Fun
December 14, 5 p.m.
Daily Lobo, Marron Hall 104
Discussion: The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
🌱 Well-Being and Renewal
January 28, 12 p.m.
Courtyard outside Zimmerman
Join one pathway, several pathways, or attend the discussions that best match your interests.
| | Join the Staff Engagement and Recognition Committee for Yarn and Yap | |
The DSA Staff Engagement 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
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