November 2009, Volume 4, Issue 1

Each year, our freshmen showcase their ideas, knowledge and talents during the annual Research Quest Day. It is their opportunity to display their work through posters, oral presentations or creative performances. The 4th annual event is tomorrow Nov. 3 starting at 9 a.m. in several locations in the Student Union Building. We encourage you to come to campus to see students' work and thanks to the faculty and staff who have mentored their research.

Students in the homestretch may reach out to parents.
This month your students are entering the home stretch. Papers and projects are more complex and time consuming. Students may call parents to talk through troubles, but keep in mind that they often forget a particular issue the minute the calls ends - just being at the other end of the line is often comfort enough. If you think your student's issue is something more serious, please refer them to the on-campus UNM Student Health and Counseling Center (see story this issue). Also in this edition of Parent Matters is a story by Margaret Migliorati, MA, LPCC, NCC, of "The EARLY Program." Margaret shares the warning signs of mental health issues and how they can be addressed early.

The most recent issue of the web magazine Student Health 101 (SH101) has some valuable health and wellness information for students and their parents. Articles include:

• Taking an Honest Look at Binge Drinking
• Roommate Survival Guide
• Depression: Knowing the Signs and Getting Help

Margaret Migliorati, MA, LPCC, NCC
The EARLY Program

As a parent of a college student, this can be an exciting time as you watch your child expand, mature and attain new independence. However, as with any major transition in life, college can also be a time of uncertainty and stress. Most young people will successfully weather this stress as they develop new coping skills and inner strengths. But sometimes your child is not able to "bounce back" and may need more assistance.

This year's Official UNM Holiday Ornament is now available at the UNM Bookstores.

The second in a series of collectibles, the 2009 ornament features the Duck Pond, designed in 1974 by landscape architect Garrett Eckbo as part of a new mall extending from the east side of the Student Union to the west side of the Alumni Memorial Chapel.