Once again, as the loveliest time of year in New Mexico approaches, there also is a special feeling of excitement on our campus. A new academic year is about to begin, and the air is filled with the feeling of new opportunities, new faces, new classes - a scene relived every fall as our college community is renewed, rebuilt and revitalized.
The relatively quiet summer scene fades as the major reason for this institution's existence -you, our students - come to campus for what could and should be one of the most exciting times of your lives. When you come to join our campus community, you are renewing an essential role in a vast and ever-expanding life situation - the educational process - teaching and learning, discovering and creating.
Every college campus is a very special place and we at UNM think that ours is particularly exceptional. Not only will you, as a student, be able to access a universality of thought, knowledge and discovery, but your educational experience also will take place in a very special and unique environment. As you walk the campus, enjoy the beautiful Southwestern pueblo-style architecture in one of the most architecturally striking campuses to be found anywhere. In a few months, we will have a new, state-of-the-art Student Union Building replete with facilities to make your life more convenient and enjoyable while on campus.
Your interactions with our talented and distinguished faculty can open new vistas of thought, imagination and knowledge. Our faculty has spent a good portion of their lives developing expertise in their subject areas. As a new academic year begins, they too feel the excitement of sharing their professional inquiries and findings with their new students. Take advantage of this rare opportunity to tap into their knowledge and wisdom. Your interest will be appreciated and reciprocated by your professors in and outside of the classroom. Even the most senior of your professors will feel the challenge of communicating with a new group of students and that emotional and mental bond can be so intellectually stimulating for them as well as for you.
Take advantage of this unparalleled opportunity. Explore the world from campus. Ask questions; add your observations from your own experiences and prior learning; visit your professors during office hours they have set aside to meet with you. These learning experiences will be among the best of your life.
In addition to the general excitement of the new academic year that occurs on college and university campuses throughout the world, as a student at the University of New Mexico, you have unique opportunities. We are one of the most diverse research universities in the nation. You are afforded a tremendous opportunity to directly experience the wondrous variety that exists in our diverse student body, staff and faculty. Learn from them and each other how to be citizens of the world.
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
We are a large institution, but many opportunities exist for you to make friends and acquaintances and to become a member in any number of smaller communities. Those of you who are new freshmen have opportunities to become involved in some of our living and learning communities, which allow freshmen to work in small groups where you can find personal support and comfort. Our dedicated staff and faculty will be open to one-on-one conversations with you, including providing any advice you may be seeking. Do not hesitate to ask questions. You only need to ask, and you are likely to find answers. Academic advisers, who are specially trained and attuned to providing you with advice on various matters related to your studies and courses are available to you.
Our University is more than just a formal course of study which forms the core of your educational experience. UNM has a tremendous number of extra-curricular and co-curricular activities available to you. There are activities and organizations to meet everyone's interests and needs - from student government to recreational, religious, athletic, artistic, cultural, pre-professional, veterans, hobbies - almost anything you can imagine. Moreover, throughout the year there are many other opportunities to expand your world by attending a wide variety of events - athletic contests, artistic performances and displays, debates, panels, lectures and seminars to suit all tastes.
Take advantage of this unparalleled opportunity to experience the whole panoply of "educational" experiences that can be yours at the University of New Mexico, and above all, work hard, learn all you can and enjoy your educational experiences here at UNM.
by F. Chris Garcia
Guest Columnist
F. Chris Garcia will begin his one-year term as UNM president Aug. 1.
