Starry Nights, the ‘ultimate urban star party’, returns to the LodeStar Astronomy Center for its sixth season on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2006. Starry Nights features a brand new planetarium show in LodeStar’s world-class digital theater, which is equipped with a quarter-million-dollar projection system and a 55-foot-diameter dome, the biggest theater screen in New Mexico.
Planetarium audiences are immersed in huge, colorful visuals of deep-space objects, via imagery from the Hubble Space Telescope and various ground-based astronomical observatories. The objects examined in detail change throughout the season and include the Orion Nebula, the Garnet Star, the Seven Sisters cluster, the Andromeda Galaxy, and the ringed planet Saturn.
The Starry Nights experience also includes telescope observing of the celestial objects presented in the planetarium show. Viewing is done through the LodeStar observatory’s 16-inch-diameter telescope that has been enhanced with new optics, as well as through a variety of telescopes on the open-air observing deck overlooking Tiguex Park and Old Town. Night sky interpreters are on hand to answer astronomy and telescope questions.
The ‘ultimate urban star party’ also provides two floors of interactive fun—a gallery of astronomy exhibits on the first floor and hands-on activities for kids of all ages on the second floor. The unique program is generously sponsored by Molina Healthcare, KOB-TV 4, 100.3 The Peak & KBAC.
Starry Nights is offered every Saturday evening from Jan. 7 through Feb. 25, 2006. Shows begin at 6:30, 7, 7:30, and 8 p.m., with a Spanish-language show at 8:30 p.m. Bilingual docents will be on hand both on the observing deck and in the activities area.
Starry Nights is a rain-or-shine event. In the event of inclement weather, planetarium shows are expanded and begin at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m., with the Spanish-language show at 8:30 pm. Admission to Starry Nights is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, and $3 for children ages 3 to 12. Military & UNM Students, Employees and their Families who present a valid Military or UNM Lobo Card get a 25 percent discount.
Contact: Steve Carr, (505) 277-1821; e-mail: scarr@unm.edu
A consortium of New Mexico universities led by the University of New Mexico and including New Mexico State University and New Mexico Tech is part of the team that has been awarded the contract to run Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Department of Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman announced in Washington D.C. Wednesday that Los Alamos National Security LLC (LANS), a limited liability corporation made up of the University of California, Bechtel National, BWX Technologies and the Washington Group will manage and operate LANL for the next seven years. The New Mexico Consortium exclusively supported the UC-led bid.
UNM will play a leadership role in the research and educational activities of the laboratory, but not in the day-to-day operation of the facility.
“The University of New Mexico is pleased to lead the consortium of New Mexico universities that will partner with the LANS to promote excellence in science, technology and education at LANL,” said UNM President Louis Caldera. “There is no question that this collaboration will be highly beneficial for New Mexico and will serve the nation well.”
The New Mexico research universities will form an Institute for Advanced Studies that will provide the basis for cooperative research in the scientific, technical and educational aspects of the LANL operation.
“This result will allow LANL and New Mexico Universities to work far more closely together than in the past, and to establish joint centers, have more joint appointments, and provide numerous opportunities for students and faculty to work in world class collaborations.” said Terry Yates, UNM vice president of Research and Economic Development.
Contacts: Karen Wentworth, (505) 277-5627; email: kwent2@unm.edu
The Robert O. Anderson Schools of Management at the University of New Mexico seeks nominations for outstanding alumni to be inducted into the Anderson Hall of Fame. Now in its 17th year, the Anderson Hall of Fame honors alumni whose distinguished careers serve as a model to the next generation of business leaders and whose commitment to continuing education and community service are matched by their commitment to professional success.
“For thirty-four years Anderson has been dedicated to excellence in professional management education”, says Anderson Dean Chuck Crespy. “With the Hall of Fame we celebrate and honor those individuals who have dedicated their life’s work to making a difference in the firms in which they work; the communities in which they live; and the profession in which they have excelled.”
More than 14,000 students have graduated from what is today the Anderson Schools of Management and 48 of those graduates have been selected for induction into the Hall of Fame.
The criteria are as follows:
· Professional Success: status in organization, level of responsibility, entrepreneurial success (if applicable), demonstrated impact on organizational growth, success resulting from professional activities.
· Contribution to the Community: public service, involvement and leadership in community activities, involvement and leadership in professional organizations.
· Involvement/Support for Continuing Education (including ASM/UNM)
1. Ongoing personal and professional development and advanced degrees.
2. Participation/support and commitment to lifelong learning opportunities for others.
From the list of nominees, honorees will be selected for recognition at a special recognition dinner later this spring. The deadline for nominations to the Hall of Fame is Friday, January 27. To nominate an outstanding Anderson alum, simply send their name, title, affiliation and address to: The Anderson Schools of Management Development Office, University of New Mexico, MSC05 3090, Albuquerque, NM 87131. Nominations are also accepted by telephone at (505) 277-6413 and via email to pyeatt@mgt.unm.edu.
Awards will be presented at the 17th Annual Anderson Schools Hall of Fame Dinner, scheduled for Thursday, May 4 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel downtown. Cocktails will begin at 6:00 p.m., followed by dinner at 7:00 p.m.
It is not too early to make reservations for this year’s Hall of Fame dinner. Corporate table sponsorships are $600 and include a table of 10. The cost for individual tickets is $75. To reserve tickets e-mail Clinton Pyeatt at: pyeatt@mgt.unm.edu.
Contacts: Sophie Martin, (505) 277-7117; email: martin@mgt.unm.edu or Steve Carr, (505) 277-1821; e-mail: scarr@unm.edu
UNM’s Anderson Schools of Management have achieved reaffirmation of accreditation for all of their degree programs by recent action of the Board of Directors of AACSB International - The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Anderson is accredited by the AACSB in both their bachelor's and master's degree programs in business administration and accounting.
UNM President Louis Caldera praised the business school for their achievement and noted, "The Anderson Schools serve as a great example of the high quality of UNM's programs, faculty, and students. Dean Crespy, his faculty and staff are to be commended for this achievement."
According to Anderson Schools Dean Chuck Crespy, “Reaffirmation of the Anderson Schools’ accreditation serves as a powerful testament to the excellence of our faculty, staff and students. We are all profoundly gratified to receive this honor and are proud to retain our position in the company of the many excellent business schools that also hold AACSB accreditation.”
The Anderson Schools are one of only 421 universities in the world to be accredited by the AACSB in both bachelor’s and master’s education, and one of only 167 accredited in both business and accounting. Other schools in this company include University of Southern California, George Washington University, University of Chicago, University of Notre Dame, University of Colorado, University of Texas at Austin, Washington State University, and University of Arizona.
To achieve accreditation, business programs must satisfy the expectations of a wide range of quality standards relating to strategic management of resources, interactions of faculty and students in the educational process, and achievement of learning goals in degree programs. These standards are mission-linked. During the accreditation process, The Anderson Schools were visited and evaluated by business school deans with detailed knowledge of management education, applying accreditation standards that are widely accepted in the educational community.
"AACSB accreditation represents the highest achievement for an educational institution involved in management education," said John J. Fernandes, president and chief executive officer of AACSB International. "The faculties, deans, directors, and administrative staffs of our schools are to be commended for their role in maintaining accreditation."
"Earning AACSB accreditation requires a great deal of dedication from the entire educational institution," said Jerry Trapnell, chief accreditation officer of AACSB International. "Schools that go through the process not only meet a multitude of standards of excellence, but also make a commitment to continuous improvement. Every five years they are required to undergo a rigorous peer review to maintain their accreditation."
According to Dean Crespy, the AACSB report on the Anderson Schools highlighted key areas of achievement that contribute to the quality of excellence at the Schools, including:
** Anderson faculty and student contributions to economic development in the State of New Mexico.
** The successful launch and ongoing development of the Schools’ Student Investment Fund and the upcoming construction of the Anderson Student Investment Center.
** The diversity of the school’s student body, which reflects the diversity of the population of New Mexico.
** The excellence of their mid-career degree program, the Executive MBA.
** The responsiveness of faculty to emerging business opportunities, as seen through nationally recognized programs in the Management of Technology and Ethics.
AACSB International is a not-for-profit organization consisting of more than 900 educational organizations and corporations. Its mission is excellence in management education in colleges and universities. Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, AACSB International is the premier accrediting agency and service organization for business schools.
Contacts: Sophie Martin, (505) 277-7117; email: martin@mgt.unm.edu or Steve Carr, (505) 277-1821; e-mail: scarr@unm.edu
The Management Development Center at UNM’s Anderson Schools of Management will host prospective students interested in the Executive MBA (EMBA) Program for a free information session and a free GMAT Workshop.
The Executive MBA program offers a master’s degree in business administration for experienced managers with a desire to sharpen their skills in order to compete in today’s business environment. The program is designed for high-potential executives, professionals, middle managers and entrepreneurs who hold undergraduate degrees in any field and have at least three years of significant work experience. The two-year program begins once each year in late June; classes are held on Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings on alternating weekends.
WHAT: Executive MBA Open House
WHEN: Saturday, January 7, 2006, from 10:00 am to noon
WHERE: Anderson Schools of Management, 1924 Las Lomas NE
WHAT: GMAT Workshop
WHEN: Saturday, January 7, 2006, from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm
WHERE: Anderson Schools of Management, 1924 Las Lomas NE
Both the Open House and the GMAT Workshop are free and open to the public. To reserve a seat at the Information Session and/or the GMAT Workshop, or to request an EMBA program brochure, contact the Management Development Center at 277-2525 or by e-mail at emba@mgt.unm.edu.
Contacts: Sophie Martin, (505) 277-7117; email: martin@mgt.unm.edu or Steve Carr, (505) 277-1821; e-mail: scarr@unm.edu
The lush mountains of western Honduras are home to ruins that have drawn archaeologists, anthropologists, art historians and conservators from all over the world since the nineteenth century—Copán, the most thoroughly excavated city of ancient Maya civilization.
Next summer, from July 1-29, college juniors, seniors, graduate students and non-degree students with a bachelor’s degree can explore Copán for UNM credit through the Copán Field School in Maya Art and Architecture. Students from the United States and Honduras help to conserve the site’s precious artifacts while gaining rigorous training in art history, archaeology, conservation and museum studies.
Those interested in participating are invited to attend an information session on Feb. 3, 12:30-1:30 p.m. at the UNM Center for Fine Arts, room 1018.
Applications are due by Feb. 24. Qualified applicants should have an intermediate knowledge of Spanish, as courses are taught in both English and Spanish. Scholarships and financial aid are available for eligible students.
For more information and application materials, email Meghan Tierney at mtierney@unm.edu or visit http://www.unm.edu/~ahlfeldt.
Contact: Laurie Mellas, (505) 277-5915; e-mail: lmellas@unm.edu
Due to overwhelming demand, the UNM Development Office is sponsoring a second grant writing workshop Jan. 30 - Feb. 3, 2006, at UNM’s Continuing Education Conference Center. The Grantsmanship Center, Inc. (TGCI), the world’s oldest and largest training organization for the nonprofit sector, will conduct the five-day workshop.
New grants make it possible for cash-strapped agencies to bring important services into the community and get innovative ideas off the ground. Yet applying for and receiving grants is a very competitive process.
“Designed for both novice and experienced grant seekers, the workshop will cover all aspects of searching for grants, writing grant proposals, strategies for securing government and foundation grants, corporate contributions and negotiating with funding sources,” said UNM Development’s Betsy Till, grants specialist.
Registration is limited to 30 participants. The program fee is $825 and includes workshop tuition and one year of TGCI membership benefits and services. Partial scholarships may be available for organizations with annual operating budgets under $300,000.
To register for the workshop, or to apply for a scholarship, contact The Grantsmanship Center at (800) 421-9512. For local information, call Betsy Till at the UNM Development Office at (505) 277-1589.
Contact: Steve Carr, (505) 277-1821; e-mail: scarr@unm.edu
The Bureau of Business and Economic Research (BBER) at UNM is hosting the 2006 Annual New Mexico Economic Outlook Conference on Thursday, Jan. 12. The conference will feature well-known local, regional and national guest speakers including Larry Waldman, sr. research scientist, BBER; Kelly Matthews, executive vice president and economist, Wells Fargo; and Nariman Behravesh, chief economist, Global Insight.
Sponsored by Wells Fargo, New Mexico Business Weekly, the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, the Public Service Company of New Mexico and UNM, the conference will be held on an annual basis as a benefit to the public and private business sectors working together to anticipate trends, forecasting and preparing the future economy in New Mexico.
UNM President Louis Caldera will open the conference with welcoming remarks, followed by BBER Director Lee Reynis. The program will start with Behravesh, who will discuss the international and U.S. economies in a talk titled, “Economic Outlook and Risks for the U.S.”
Matthews will tackle the regional economy in a talk titled, “Can the Southwest Economy Continue to Prosper?” Waldman will address the state’s economy in a presentation titled, “The New Mexico Economy: Recent Developments and Outlook.”
A question and answer panel moderated by Dan Shingler, editor, New Mexico Business Weekly, will be held with the three economists at the conclusion of their presentations. Conference participants will be invited to ask questions of the panel in relation to the local and state, regional and national economies.
The conference will be held from 2 to 5:30 p.m. at the UNM Student Union Building in Ballrooms B and C. A reception will immediately follow the conference and will feature an awards presentation sponsored by PNM.
Registration for the conference is open to the public. The early-registration fee is $35, while late-registration (after Jan. 6) is $50. Interested participants can register online at: www.unm.edu/~bber/outlookconf.htm. Free parking will be provided for conference participants.
For more information contact Bob Grassberger at the Bureau of Business and Economic Research: rgrass@unm.edu or at: (505) 277-4739.
Contact: Steve Carr, (505) 277-1821; e-mail: scarr@unm.edu
The Office for Policy, Security, and Technology, a collaborative venture by the University of New Mexico and Sandia National Laboratories, will award up to five $5,000 grants to support the development of new jointly taught interdisciplinary undergraduate and/or graduate courses that highlight the relationship between public policy and science and technology (S&T).
Proposals that team faculty from the sciences or engineering with faculty from the social sciences or humanities are especially encouraged. Proposed courses may cover any issue area—environmental stewardship, natural resource management, energy alternatives, science education, public health, national defense, for instance—that features a public policy-S&T nexus. The courses that emerge from this new curriculum development grant program may be offered in either the 2006-07 or 2007-08 academic years.
Grant proposals should include:
• Description and analytical/topic outline of the proposed course;
• Rationale for the course;
• Discussion of the pedagogical approach to be employed;
• Anticipated enrollment figures;
• Expected semester during which the course will be offered; and
• Faculty CVs.
Grants will be awarded by the Director of OPST based upon the recommendation of an interdisciplinary faculty committee. Successful applicants will receive half of the grant upon selection; the second half will be provided at the start of the semester during which the course is offered.
For additional information please contact Andrew L. Ross, Director, OPST, and Professor, Department of Political Science, at 277-7391 or aross@unm.edu; or Stephanie Grant, Program Administrator, OPST, at 277-1397 or slgrant@unm.edu.
Proposals must be submitted to Grant by Feb. 1, 2006.
Contact: Steve Carr, (505) 277-1821; e-mail: scarr@unm.edu
The Latin American and Iberian Institute hosts an exhibit opening for “Joaquín Ortega and the School for Inter-American Affairs, UNM,” on Thursday, Dec. 15 at 1:30 p.m. at LAII, 801 Yale NE.
This exhibit is a tribute to Joaquín Ortega--scholar, publisher, teacher and builder of programs establishing bridges between his native Spain, Latin America and New Mexico. Ortega first came to UNM in 1940 at the invitation of President James F. Zimmerman. He joined the UNM Department of Spanish and Portuguese the following year. At the same time he became the first director of the School for Inter-American Affairs. Ortega Hall is named in his honor.
This exhibit opens the first chapter of the history of the Latin American and Iberian Institute and of Latin American and Iberian Studies at UNM.
The full history of the LAII academic, research and service programs – with strong connections to Latin America, Spain and Portugal – will be shared through a series of exhibits and publications, from collaboration with UNM University Libraries, the work of LAII staff and student assistants, the Amigos of LAII and UNM administration.
Contact: Carolyn Gonzales, (505) 277-5920; e-mail: cgonzal@unm.edu
The Maxwell Museum of Anthropology at the University of New Mexico will host a year-long photo exhibit, “Africa: The Holocausts of Rwanda and Sudan,” beginning Dec. 16 and continuing through Nov. 2006.
The exhibit is in conjunction with the publication of a book by acclaimed photographer Lucian Niemeyer, published by University of New Mexico Press. Niemeyer’s provocative and heart-wrenching images of African genocide will be presented in four installments at the museum.
“Rwandan Refugees: A Story of Hope,” will be the first exhibit. A public opening Dec.17, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., will feature African music, a public sale and items from African cooperatives at discounted prices. Niemeyer will be present to discuss his work.
On Feb. 18, 2006, Niemeyer will lecture and sign books. A film and lecture series will also be presented in conjunction with the exhibit.
Schedule for “Africa: The Holocausts of Rwanda and Sudan”
· Rwandan Refugees: A Story of Hope -- Dec. 16 – Feb. 27, 2006
· Sudan Slavery -- March 17 – May 22
· Sudan Oilfield Genocide -- June 2 – Aug. 7
· Nuba Mountains -- Aug. 25 – Nov. 11
The Maxwell Museum is open Tues. through Fri., 9 – 4 and Sat.,10 – 4. The museum will be closed Dec. 23 - 26 and Dec. 31 – Jan. 2. Admission is free and donations are welcome. The museum is located east of University Blvd. between Las Lomas and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Limited parking is available west of the museum. Permits for parking can be obtained in the museum store or from the museum gallery attendant.
Contact: Greg Johnston, (505) 277-1816; e-mail: gregj@unm.edu
Only 11 public broadcasting stations nationally received grant
Public television station KNME-TV (Albuquerque/Santa Fe) was selected one of only 11 public broadcasting stations nationwide to receive a $10,000 grant from the Independent Television Service Community Engagement Campaign and the Lance Armstrong Foundation. The grant was awarded to public television stations able to deliver effective community outreach with local partners around “A Lion in the House,” a mini-series on childhood cancer, airing on PBS’s Independent Lens in June 2006.
“A Lion in the House” offers an unprecedented look at the cancer journeys of five young people and their families over a six-year period. Award-winning filmmakers Steven Bognar and Julia Reichert bring audiences face-to-face with the uncertainty of the entire cancer experience and its rippling effects on family, community and professional caregivers. At the core of “A Lion in the House” are the resilience, courage and wisdom of five extraordinary young people.
“We are excited to have this opportunity to work with KNME-TV on this important project,” said Dennis Palmieri, national outreach manager, ITVS.
The national broadcast of “A Lion in the House” seeks to galvanize public attention around childhood cancer. The ITVS community engagement campaign brings a committed group of national partners and a broad array of stakeholders to spur a national dialogue, support families and caregivers and inspire local and regional action. The campaign seeks to build bridges between families in need and communities of support.
KNME’s “A Lion in the House” is also called “Un León en Casa y en el Pueblo y en el Hogan,” reflective of the many kinds of New Mexico houses – Spanish casa, Native American Pueblo and the Navajo hogan, to name a few. The project will reach out to underserved Spanish and Native American communities in New Mexico, focusing on health disparities due to language, differences in cultural context and poverty.
With the series and online resources as a catalyst, KNME and its partners will use multilingual approaches to raise awareness and promote the use of resources available to underserved New Mexico children with cancer. KNME-TV’s partners include the New Mexico Health Department, Casa Esperanza, the University of New Mexico Cancer Center and the University of New Mexico’s Center for Native American Health.
“KNME-TV is very grateful to be the recipient of this grant because it gives us a chance to expand our work with New Mexico communities and partners,” said Shirley Casados, director of programming, production and education, KNME-TV.
Contact: Evy Todd, (505) 277-1218; e-mail: etodd@unm.edu
Michael E. Campana, director of UNM’s Water Resources Program and also the Albert and Mary Jane Black Professor of Hydrogeology, has been awarded the Keith E. Anderson Award by the Association of Ground Water Scientists and Engineers (AGWSE), the world’s largest professional organization (10,000+ members) devoted exclusively to the study of ground water. The award is given annually to the member who has made outstanding contributions to the Association.
“It’s always a special honor to be recognized by one’s peers,” said Campana. “For one of the few times in my life I was speechless when I was informed of the award.”
Campana will retire from the AGWSE Board of Directors on Dec. 31, 2005 after nine years of service. He has served as secretary-treasurer, chair, and past chair of the organization during his 32 years of membership. Campana has also served four years on the Board of Directors of AGWSE’s parent organization, the National Ground Water Association.
Campana, who recently announced he’ll be leaving UNM after 17 years to head Oregon State University’s new Institute for Water and Watersheds, will receive his award at AGWSE’s Second Annual Ground Water Summit in San Antonio in April 2006.
Contact: Steve Carr, (505) 277-1821; e-mail: scarr@unm.edu
Paulita Aguilar is the first curator of the Indigenous Nations Library Program at the University of New Mexico Libraries. Aguilar is a New Mexico native from Santo Domingo Pueblo. She has been a reference librarian for five years, working at Albuquerque TVI Libraries and UNM’s Zimmerman Library.
Aguilar says the Indigenous Nations program already offers a lecture series each semester and works with individual faculty members to familiarize Native American students with ways of conducting research in a large library system.
She says they also offer bibliographic instruction to students and community members throughout the state.
Aguilar says she is now talking with tribal librarians around the state, trying to figure out how to do lending through tribal libraries, and she will work on setting up a contact network so that the program can act as an information clearing house for tribes and students.
She says New Mexico is one of the few states that set aside money for tribal libraries.
Currently the INLP program is building a collection of books and videos to support teaching faculty at the university in the areas of Indian gaming, tourism and language revitalization.
Aguilar is also collaborating with the New Mexico State Library on planning a May 2006 conference on tribal government archives, libraries and museums.
Contact: Karen Wentworth, (505) 277-5627; e-mail: kwent2@unm.edu
Paul Biderman has been named director of the Institute of Public Law at the University of New Mexico School of Law. His duties officially begin Dec. 1. Biderman has served as director of the institute's Rozier E. Sanchez Judicial Education Center since its inception in 1991. Under his leadership, the JEC established a strong record of presenting conferences and publishing resources for the state's judiciary.
The center is among the first judicial education programs to use satellite teleconferencing and is a national leader in developing Web-based educational programming. As head of the larger institute, Biderman plans to take all of IPL in new directions in consultation with staff, the law school dean and faculty.
“I plan to do a lot of listening. IPL is a very strong organization with a strong base to build on. I'm excited about the opportunity to explore its full potential,” he said.
In addition to the Judicial Education Center, the institute is home to the Corinne Wolfe Children's Law Center, Traffic Safety Law Center, Center for Wildlife Law and Legal Services Center.
“Programmatically, we have operated as a group of centers. I would like us to operate more often as an integrated institute,” Biderman said.
Providing a broader range of educational services, more policy analysis and assistance with law development, are among his goals, he said. He is also committed to improving quality of life for New Mexico's children and Indian tribes and strengthening health and water policy.
“We can have a broader impact on public policy and development and the understanding of law in the state,” Biderman said.
Admitted to the state bar in 1971, Biderman's previous positions include New Mexico secretary of energy and minerals and head of the attorney general's Consumer Protection Division. Biderman worked in legal services programs for Navajos and in Northern New Mexico and was in private practice in Albuquerque and Santa Fe.
His legal career includes considerable work in consumer protection, utility regulation and Indian law.
He has volunteered as a board member for numerous non-profit organizations. He is currently board president of the Monte del Sol Charter School in Santa Fe and a board member of the Millennium (Substance Abuse) Treatment Services program.
Biderman received the 1997 Judicial Education Award from the American Bar Association Judicial Division and the 2005 Public Lawyer of the Year Award from the New Mexico State Bar.
He lives in Santa Fe with his wife, Ellen, who was a founding director of the Santa Fe Children's Museum and now works for the UNM Family Development Program.
Contact: Laurie Mellas (505) 277-5915
Top-notch employee benefits are a primary reason for seeking employment at UNM. Earning a degree with assistance from the Human Resources Department-sponsored Staff as Students program is among them.
The university is committed to providing this benefit to employees, said Associate Vice President and Director of Human Resources Susan Carkeek.
According to a recent survey by the UNM Staff Council, a majority of the 405 respondents would like to attend regularly scheduled or compressed classes (8 week courses) or learn online.
Most respondents preferred afternoon or weekend courses. Barriers to furthering their education, staff said, included lack of time, heavy workload, family obligations, childcare and parking for employees who work off campus.
Staff noted that often it is a struggle to secure managerial support. The majority of staff surveyed would like the university to require managers to support staff by allowing paid or flextime/unpaid time to attend classes during the workday.
In response to the survey, Carkeek will issue a memo encouraging managers to consider flextime options for staff who have made the commitment to become students.
“Our goal is to support managers in their effort to facilitate staff members who are pursuing higher education,” she said.
In addition, Carkeek encourages UNM employees interested in taking classes to consider the option of intersession courses, which are offered in a condensed format between semesters.
Nearly a dozen, three-credit undergraduate courses are offered this intersession, according to Wynn Goering, associate provost for Academic Affairs.
Most classes begin Monday, Dec. 19, and topics range from writing to music, psychology, marketing and financial accounting.
Employees must be admitted to the university before registering. A non-degree application is often the best route for new or returning students, said Helen Trujillo, Staff as Students advisor.
Staff in need of assistance should contact Trujillo at 277-1780, or the UNM College of Arts and Sciences Advisement Center at 277-4621 (Ortega Hall, Room 251).
Intersession courses are considered part of the fall semester for financial aid and scholarship purposes. Qualifying UNM employees can use tuition remission to cover the cost of up to eight credit hours. More information on this policy and the tuition remission form can be found in the University Policies and Procedures Manual, #3700. The form must be signed by a supervisor and returned to the Bursar’s Office. Books and additional fees are the employee’s responsibility.
Intersession Courses
AM ST 185 Race/Class/Ethnicity
ENGL 219 Technical Writing
SIGN 201 Intro to Sign
PSYCH 231 Human Sexuality
PSYCH 332 Abnormal Psychology
WS 353 Women and Creativity
CHMS 393 Nuevo Mexico Holiday Traditions
MUSIC 417 Native American Music
THEA 399 SP/Masks Makeup
MGT 202 Financial Accounting
MGT 202 Marketing Management
For more information, including class date, time and location, visit the Office of the Registrar Web site, http://www.unm.edu/~unmreg/.
Contact: Laurie Mellas (505) 277-5915
UNM's Fall Commencement ceremony will be held Friday, Dec. 16 at 6 p.m. in the University Arena (“The Pit”). Some 1,768 students are projected to receive degrees as follows: 1,236 bachelor's degrees, 395 master's degrees, one post-master's, 112 doctorates, nine juris doctorates, three graduate certificates, two medical doctorates, six pharmacy doctorates and four education specialists.
Richard W. Holder, deputy provost and professor of chemistry, will be the master of ceremonies.
The UNM Brass Choir with Michael Pakaluk, conductor, will play a selection of music for the ceremony's prelude and processional. Katherine Price, who is working toward a bachelor of music in vocal performance, will sing the national anthem.
UNM President Louis Caldera will give an address. Regent James Koch offering congratulatory remarks will follow the conferring of degrees in course by Caldera. Price will then lead the singing of the alma mater and Los Reyes de Alburquerque will perform the recessional.
A reception for graduates, their families and friends, will take place on the east concourse of the arena following the ceremony.
Several schools, colleges and departments have scheduled convocations for Friday and Saturday, Dec. 16-17, including:
• Anderson Schools of Management, Dec. 17, 2 p.m., Johnson Center, UNM Regent Rosalyn Nguyen will attend.
• School of Architecture and Planning: Dec. 16, 8:30 p.m., Student Union ballroom C, UNM Board of Regents President, Jamie Koch will attend.
• College of Education, Dec. 17, 10 a.m., Johnson Center
• College of Fine Arts: Dec. 17, 2 p.m., Continuing Education
• College of Nursing, Dec. 16, 1 p.m., Kiva Auditorium - Convention Center
• School of Engineering, Dec. 17, 10 a.m., SUB ballroom, Regents Sandra Begay Campbell and Rosayln Nguyen will attend.
Contact: Laurie Mellas, (505) 277-5915
Vietnam: Voices and Visions Unfiltered, a three-month long symposium on the Vietnam War seen in several venues at UNM, was named the best public humanities program in the country in 2005 by the Federation of State Humanities Councils at its national conference in November.
The New Mexico Humanities Council (NMHC), one of the major sponsors of the symposium, accepted the prestigious Helen and Martin Schwartz Prize for Public Humanities – the first time ever for a New Mexico project.
The symposium, directed by Brian McKinsey of Albuquerque, presented a compelling and contemporary mosaic of the personal consequences of war as seen through art, film, photography and personal correspondence, as well as in a series of lectures and panel discussions.
Components of the project were exhibited at University Art Museum and Jonson Gallery, Maxwell Museum of Anthropology and Zimmerman Library.
“The Schwartz Prize is highly competitive among the 56 state councils in the U.S. and will be cherished by NMHC for years to come,” said NMHC Executive Director Craig Newbill. “We are so proud of the work that Brian has done and the impact his project had on public audiences.”
Contact: Susan McKinsey (505) 277-1989
The University of New Mexico’s Native American student organizations: KIVA Club, Native American Studies Indigenous Research Group, American Indian Business Association, and the Native American Health Science Society, are exhibiting art in an effort to raise money for tribes directly affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
On Dec. 9-10, the organizations are sponsoring a silent auction at the UNM Student Union Building ballroom A.
On Friday the auction will begin at 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. with a reception acknowledging the artists and donors from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Also, the KIVA Club annual “Native Beats” concert will start at 7 p.m. The concert will feature local poets and musicians.
On Saturday the bidding will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The event is free and open to the public. Donations are welcome. All proceeds of the event will specifically assist non-federally recognized tribes devastated by the hurricanes.
For more information, please contact Leona Morgan at (505) 277-7236 or at leonamorgan@hotmail.com.
Contact: Karen Wentworth, (505) 277-5627; e-mail: kwent2@unm.edu
Don Chalmers has been appointed to the University of New Mexico Board of Regents by Governor Bill Richardson to fill the term of Doug Brown. Brown was appointed state treasurer by Richardson last month. Chalmers is an active member of the UNM community. He is a board member of the University of New Mexico Hospital Clinical Operations Board, and of the UNM Foundation. He is also a former member of the Commission on Higher Education.
Chalmers is the owner of Don Chalmers Ford in Rio Rancho, Don Chalmers Lincoln Mercury Saab in Santa Fe and Thrifty Car Sales in Albuquerque.
In addition, he serves on the boards of the Explora Science and Children’s Museum, St. Joseph Community Health Foundation, and St. Joseph Community Health Services, the Better Business Bureau, Quality New Mexico, New Mexico Amigos, the Economic Forum, Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce and Acción New Mexico.
He is also a board member of the United Way of Central New Mexico, the Albuquerque Community Foundation and the Rotary del Sol Club.
Professionally he is the incoming president of the Albuquerque Auto Dealers Association, and is president of CARS New Mexico. He was recently elected to serve as a NADA Director representing New Mexico and is a President’s Circle member of DEAC, the political action committee of the National Automobile Dealers Association.
Chalmers is a native of Tulsa, Oklahoma, moving to New Mexico a decade ago. He graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1970 with a B.S. degree in Marketing, and has done graduate work on his MBA.
Contact: Susan McKinsey, (505) 277-1989; e-mail: mckinsey@unm.edu
A ribbon-cutting ceremony with UNM Regents and university administrators celebrates a long-awaited consolidation of financial services in the UNM Business Center. The intent of the business center is to consolidate most financial activities and services in one easy-to-reach place that will be more accessible and convenient for vendors and customers doing business with the university.
Also noted is the success of the building construction accomplished by contractor Flintco Constructive Solutions - two months ahead of schedule and an estimated $1.25 million under budget.
These UNM Departments will be moving into the new center in phases during the month of December. Telephone numbers for all departments will remain the same.
Accounts Payable
Banking
Compensation
Contract/Grant Accounting
Controller
Finance Services
Financial Systems Management
General Accounting
Human Resources Client Services
Investments
Payroll
Property Accounting
Purchasing
Recruiting Services
Tax
Temporary Services
University Controller
Contact: Karen Wentworth, (505) 277-5627; e-mail: kwent2@unm.edu
The winter holidays at the University of New Mexico officially begin Friday, Dec. 23 and extend through Monday, Jan. 2, giving most University employees 11 consecutive days off. Regular university hours resume on Tuesday, Jan. 3.
Certain critical facilities and departments, such as police and those involved in patient care, will remain open during the holidays. Other major campus departments and facilities have listed special holiday hours.
All branches of the University Libraries closed Dec. 23-Jan. 2; during intersession, Zimmerman Library open Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-6 p.m., closed weekends; Center for Southwest Research, Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Centennial Science and Engineering Library and the Fine Arts Library will be open Mon.-Thurs. 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; closed weekends; Parish Memorial Library, Mon.- Fri. 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., closed weekends.
Health Sciences Center Library: Open Thursday, Dec. 22 from 7 a.m.-6 p.m.; open Friday, Dec. 23 from 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.; closed Saturday, Dec. 24- Sunday, Dec. 25; open Monday, Dec. 26-Friday, Dec. 30 from 9:30 a.m.- 6 p.m.; closed Dec. 31-Jan. 1; open Monday, Jan. 2 from 9:30 – 6 p.m. Regular hours resume on Tuesday, Jan. 3.
The CIRT building will close on Friday, Dec. 23 at 7 a.m. and reopen at 7 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 3. The Enterprise Command Center and Computer Operations will be staffed daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Sunday, Dec. 25. To report a problem, call 277-4646 and leave voicemail. Voicemail will be checked. All computer systems, networks and dial-up lines will be available during the break. Jobs requesting manual tape mounts will not be run. No printed output will be available for pick-up during the closure. Technical staff will be available for any system problems.
The UNM Bookstore will be open regular hours, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. through Thursday, Dec. 22; closed Friday, Dec. 23 – Monday, Dec. 26; open from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 27 – Thursday, Dec. 29; closed Friday, Dec. 30 through Monday, Jan. 2. Regular hours resume on Tuesday, Jan. 3.
Contact: Carolyn Gonzales, (505) 277-5920; e-mail: cgonzal@unm.edu
Tomorrow, December 2nd, the University of New Mexico celebrates its oldest tradition: the Hanging of the Greens. Student organizations will spend the entire day decorating the campus with thousands of luminarias. At 5:45 pm, students, faculty, staff, and community members are invited to meet at the Fiesta Sculpture outside Popejoy Hall. A caroling tour of the luminarias will then take place ending at the University House.
The organizers of Hanging of the Greens, Mortar Board Senior Honor Society, will then present Mr. and Mrs. Caldera a wreath.
This year more than twenty student organizations have signed up to help. The students have already been busy folding bags and getting ready to fill them with sand. Each organization chooses an area of campus they wish to decorate and are assigned a number of bags based on the size of the area.
We look forward to the most successful Hanging of the Greens yet! Please join us at 5:45 outside Popejoy Hall. For more information, contact Trey Smith at 277-4706.
Contact: Karen Wentworth (505) 277-5627
Erinn Aspinall is a new addition to the Health Sciences Library and Informatics Center faculty. She is a Distance Services Librarian. She is in charge of an outreach program serving New Mexico. Asminall recently completed a two year fellowship with the National Library of Medicine, spending the second year at the HSLIC.
In her work as a fellow she created an interactive Web site in Spanish and English to explain chemicals and environmental health risks encountered in everyday places.
Contact: Laurie Mellas (505) 277-5915
Patricia Bradley, a member of the Navajo (Dine) Nation, has been appointed as a Tribal Services Librarian, a new position designed to develop a health information services program for Native Americans in New Mexico. She will work with the Native Health History Research Databases and Tribal Connections Four Corners at the Health Sciences Center, a collaboration among health science libraries in Arizona, Colorado and Utah.
Bradley has former library experience with the Navajo Health Authority and the Gallup Indian Medical Center.
Contact: Laurie Mellas, (505) 277-5915; e-mail: lmellas@unm.edu