August 2009

Welcome to our new and returning UNM families. Our Parent Matters listserv burned past the 5,000 mark after hovering (no pun intended) at 4,300 for the past year. Our columnists say "it's an honor" to write for you and this month we have fine pieces from both our Director of Student Health and Chief of Police. Our goal is to keep you informed, involved, and engaged with the university. Providing timely information is our best way to reach out to parents near and far.

When I talk to parents and students about the increased level of parental involvement during the college years I often make light of the fact that we are known in media circles as "helicopter parents."

UNM Parent and Alumnus Kathy Meadows addresses parents and students from Colorado who attended the Summer Sendoff in Colorado Springs. The sendoffs were also held in several New Mexico towns and cities to help students and families network with UNM representatives, alumni and parents.

UNM sporting events and recreational activities offer an inexpensive way for parents to spend time with their students. Athletics Marketing Manager Lisa Romero and Recreational Services Coordinator Eric Boeglin presented the topic at the Aug. 4 Parent Talk.
Students are admitted to most athletic events free. Discounted group and individual tickets are available for parents and extended family. Lobo football is on the horizon and students can purchase up to four general guest tickets for $10 each. Many UNM parents are faculty or staff and will have access to "two for one" season ticket packages.

Sunday, Aug. 23: Freshman Family Day. Incoming students are asked to visit http://ffd.unm.edu/ by the RSVP deadline of Aug. 18. Check the FFD Web site for parking and other freshman day information. The event kicks off the 2009-10 academic year, providing students and parents with an opportunity to meet faculty, administrators and fellow students.

Monday, Aug. 24: First Day of Classes. For academic/course registration deadlines, visit http://registrar.unm.edu/acadcal.htm

Welcome Back Days: Open to all new and returning students, this is a must-do, festive week of free food and valuable information, Monday, Aug. 24, through Friday, Aug. 28 on main campus.

Student Job Fair: If your student hasn't hooked up with an employer by the first week of class, this is the place to be Friday, Aug. 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Duck Pond.

Parent Talk: Wednesday, Sept. 2, learn about the more than 400 student organizations on campus - parents, students and extended family welcome. Dean of Students Conference Room in the main campus Student Services Building, 6-7 p.m., join us to mingle beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Family Weekend: Make plans now to meet up with your student mid-semester! Our theme is "A New Mexico Adventure," and our intent is to connect you to your student and to our campus, Friday and Saturday, Oct. 23-24.

Influenza Update from UNM Student Health & Counseling

UNM's Freshman Family Day Set For Sunday, Aug. 23

Chief Chat

Parents Perspective from Dr. Bev Kloepple