Laurie's Letter

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."

We know it to be true; there is a tendency to hop in the ol' hovercraft and look for a soft place to land when our student hits a bump in the road. Usually that landing spot isn't near my personal helipad on UNM's Johnson Field, it's my inbox. And that's perfect, please feel comfortable contacting me, it's why I'm here. Nearly every parent who attended orientation this year waved a hand when asked if they have a close parent/child relationship - far closer than they had with their own parent during these critical years. College students benefit from our increased involvement, demonstrating higher levels of esteem and less anxiety.

I encourage you to read one of the parent titles listed in the Recommended Reading section of the parent.unm.edu Web site. These well-written tomes will help you strike a balance whether you are transitioning to college parenting or have been here for some time. Sure, parents of freshmen contact my office, but in fact, a number of graduate student parents also have occasion to bend my ear. More often than not, parents are picking up the tab for some or all of a student's college expenses, especially as years wear on and scholarships wear thin. You have a familial stake in the UNM experience and we want parent and family interactions with the university to be good ones. If I can help make a connection, please let me know. Your family's success is my success.

Have a great fall semester.
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.