Dear Parents,

We are going with a new look to the Parents’ Update and have turned it into a web page. We will continue to refine the format and offer you more information about what is happening on campus and ways to become involved.

We are approaching the end of the semester, even though it is only mid-November. With five full days off for Thanksgiving Break, finals are looming. The issues we face remain constant. We are noticing a decrease in the incidents of H1N1 and we believe you have played a major role in that decline. As a group, you were responsive to the President’s letter to the parents of residential students asking you to come get your students if they became ill. Most of the 72 students recovered with you at home and only a few who had extenuating circumstances recovered on campus. Your follow-up is still requested so please keep my phone number handy if you notice your recovered student struggling to keep up with classes. Tutoring and other services on campus, both academic and student services, are prepared to help them catch up.

Academic success is our ongoing top priority. As you may have noticed on the University Calendar, the social and entertainment activities on campus have slowed down significantly. We do this on purpose to allow students more time to focus on their studies and send the message that we expect them to study more. I know you will reinforce this message when they call home or visit. One event you may be interested in is the Midnight Breakfast on December 7 from 10 p.m. to midnight. It is a study breakfast of pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, fruit and beverages that is hosted by Dr. Gamble. Faculty, staff and the President cook and serve the breakfast and take the opportunity to talk to the students and wish them the best on their exams. It is well attended and many students bring their books and notes for study sessions during the breakfast.
Our counselors are here and ready to work with your students who are concerned about their eligibility or continued eligibility for the New Mexico Lottery Scholarship. Mr. Brent Small and his staff in Financial Aid will be happy to talk to you or your student. His phone is 575-562-2194. Financial Aid is preparing for the possibility of participating in direct lending, should congress approve this bill. More will follow if the legislation is approved.

Next semester seems like a reality now. Hopefully, the new web page will increase our ability to communicate with you and, again, my phone is 575-562-2221. Let’s keep working together to ensure your student’s success.

Judith Haislett
VPSA

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