Laurie's Letter

Visiting my sons' science fairs is a tradition. Who among us can resist an annual trudge through overcrowded, odorous, dimly-lit halls of yesteryear? Watching youngsters in goggles and gloves bask in the glow of volcanic eruptions - one can't help but get caught up in the magic.

Participating in research at the college level heightens the excitement exponentially, truly. UNM is nationally noted for engaging students in research early on - from first-semester freshmen to seniors completing honors theses. Join us Wednesday, Feb. 3, for Parent Talk to learn about skills students develop and the doors that can open when they participate at the undergraduate level.

Quantum is UNM's research magazine. The 2010 edition recently published online. Scouring the publication is a great way to learn about the range of research conducted here and to get familiar with the UNM scientists involved in cutting edge work.

Parents are beginning to subscribe to the parent newsletter as their student is admitted. Welcome to the university! I encourage your family to visit the UNM Web site's future lobos page to obtain the "student check list" to help your student prepare for fall.

It's no secret that financial aid is in high demand. Don't miss the FAFSA priority deadline of March 1. Estimate your taxes if needed to make this important deadline. View Parent Talk: Financial Aid and Scholarships for information on the 2010/2011 school year.

It is also basketball season and the men are reaching high. Registration is now open for the second annual Parent Day at the Pit scheduled for Feb. 20. Families enjoyed the event last year and the silent auction raises funds for the Parent Association's scholarship fund.

For those who just can't get enough information about parenting the college set, consider subscribing to washingtonpost.com for two new higher education blogs: College Inc. by Daniel de Vise and Campus Overload by Jenna Johnson. For those who are worried about being labeled a helicopter parent, sit back and digest the 2007 edition of the National Survey of Student Engagement Report, or which finds that involved parents equal better student performance. Read the highlights here.

Let your son or daughter know just how much you care by surprising them with a special treat on Valentine's Day with a little help from the Alumni Association. Orders must be received no later than Wednesday, Feb. 10. The association's birthday cake program operates year-round. Visit http://parent.unm.edu and click on Care Packages for information.

This month's edition of Parent Matters features housing and student health updates (don't miss the insurance deadline), a recap of last month's talk on Study Abroad and National Student Exchange, 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.