Laurie’s Letter: Note from the Parent Relations Office

I hope you are enjoying the summer with your students. Once our resident students departed from the halls remodel work began with gusto. Driving in yesterday I saw sparkling new refrigerators coming off delivery trucks. Whether you have a student living on campus or are contemplating the opportunity you will want to read about the updates in this edition.

In recent weeks I was thrilled to travel with my sons to my hometown of Minneapolis, Minnesota. My youngest, age nine, is a New Mexico native so it was especially enchanting to witness Benjamin enjoying the cosmopolitan atmosphere of the Twin Cities. On the other hand, my mature UNM student deserves the award for “Most Patient Brother,” having endured the Lego store at the Mall of America and a day of thrill rides at the amusement park. Michael was happy, though, to share his college experiences with extended family and gain recognition for his efforts. I can’t stress enough how important it is to build a network of support for our students – whether that be family, friends, UNM staff or faculty, it takes a team effort to get students through college. Just read the success story of UNM’s McNair Scholar Paul Romo http://www.unm.edu/~market/cgi-bin/archives/004042.html for a great example of how a diverse support system can propel a student to great heights.


While I was in the Midwest I made time to visit with Minnesota Parent Program Director Marjorie Savage who is a nationally-renowned expert on parental involvement. She is the author of “You’re On Your Own, But I’m Here if You Need Me.” Marjorie recently revised the book and it is among my favorites for parents of college students. During these difficult economic times, she offers an important piece of information. Working moderately while in college does not negatively impact student success and is often a positive factor, she says. Moderate is the operative word. Too many UNM students struggle financially and take on extra work hours which delays graduation or worse. How involved you as parents will be is a worthwhile family discussion. Summer months are a good time to sit down with students to develop a budget for the academic year.

Financial experts are now reporting that parents are contributing more to college expenses than to retirement funds. I am a member of that group as difficult as it may be, especially as a single parent. My personal motto is “pay now or pay later” so the goal is to see my sons through the college years to ensure they have the tools necessary to be financially independent down the road. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

Summer is the season of planning ahead. Once again I am honored to be serving on the Freshman Family Day Planning Committee led by the University Secretary’s Office. FFD is a festive event designed to welcome incoming students and their families to the university community.  It has three components: a Freshman Convocation ceremony, a social celebration at the UNM Duck Pond and movie showing at sunset on Johnson Field.

This month’s edition of Parent Matters includes news about the 2009 Parent Experience Program, our July Parent Workshop, a profile on the new Gallup Parent Club chairwoman, an informative story about UNM’s International Studies Institute and Summer in Germany Program, and more.

Until next month,
Laurie

Laurie Mellas is UNM Parent Relations Office senior program manager and UNM Parent Association executive director. Call 505-277-5319 or email parent@unm.edu.