Laurie's Letter

Late starting classes, what are they and why would a student need one? Aptly titled, these classes are held after the regular fall semester ends Dec. 19 and before spring semester begins Jan. 19. Students take these fast-paced courses for a variety of reasons. Some are struggling, others excelling. For example, a student may have failed a class and will need to earn credit hours to maintain scholarship eligibility. I've seen others sign on merely to stay ahead of the pack or to stay on track to meet a projected graduation. To register, students should go to the same spot online where they register for regular (16-week) or eight-week class semesters (via LoboWeb) and select "late starting classes." It is especially important that parents of freshman students strike up a conversation about this option. Encourage your student to check their grades as soon as they are posted and to plan early - some late courses begin in December.

Many parents are regularly seeking updates about the flu. The H1N1 link from the UNM home page still leads you to the most current information, please check this Web site regularly for information. It is filled with expert and timely information.

This year's Official UNM Holiday Ornament is now available at the UNM Bookstores. The second in a series, the 2009 ornament features the Duck Pond, a main campus landmark frequented by students, faculty, staff, school children, newlyweds and picnickers. These delicate pieces of art are crafted by the same manufacturer of the White House ornaments, also a collection. The ornament is born of an original painting and exquisitely ornate frame design created exclusively for UNM by artist Jana Fothergill. The price is $18.89 is set in honor of UNM's founding year. All proceeds benefit the UNM Parent Association. The ornament is also available through the UNM Bookstores' website.

Congratulations to our students and families who will celebrate at graduation Dec. 19. For those of you still on the journey, this month's edition will provide you with news you can use before the winter break, including an article by me about applying for financial aid, an important update from housing, timely student health information targeted to parents, and more.

Until next month,

Laurie

Laurie Mellas is senior program manager for the UNM Parent Relations Office, a unit in the Dean of Students, Division of Student Affairs. She can be reached at 277-5915 or 277-3361 or via email at parent@unm.edu. Visit the parent Web site at parent.unm.edu.