Tom Hanlon

Incoming student regent hopes to build relationships

The University of New Mexico Board of Regents’ primary responsibility is making critical decisions for the University that affect it financially, and greatly impact its management and goals. While six of the seven regents are established members of the community, one of them brings a unique perspective to the table — the student regent. Melissa Henry, a Ph.D. candidate at UNM working on her doctorate in counselor education and supervision, was appointed on Feb. 9 by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham as the student regent for a two-year term. Henry said she did not originally expect to be appointed to the position.

Column: How to prepare yourself for finals week

The weeks between Thanksgiving and winter break have previously been described as torture for college students. After enjoying a food-filled weekend with family and friends, University of New Mexico students return to school to face final projects, papers and dreaded final exams. But fellow students, don’t be discouraged, the end is in sight. Here are seven ways to prepare for finals and regain some energy to finish strong.

Haaland wins, becomes one of first Native American congresswomen

Deb Haaland was elected as the representative for New Mexico’s 1st Congressional District Tuesday night. She became the first Native American women elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, beating out Republican Janice Arnold-Jones and Libertarian Lloyd Princeton. Sharice Davis won her race in Kansas’ 3rd Congressional District, making her and Haaland the first two Native American congresswomen.

Jewish student organization hosts voting party

The University of New Mexico Hillel student organization hosted a non-partisan voting party in the Student Union Building called MitzVote on Thursday. The event was held to encourage students and the public to vote, and highlighting the voting the process as something to celebrate. “Voting can be scary and it’s scary for young voters who see the political climate we have now,” said Zoe Wiesel, a member of Hillel and senior studying geology. “And making it fun and accessible and something celebrate is a better approach than the normal shouting to get people to vote.”

GO bond to fund UNM construction if passed

This November, voters will be able to decide if the University of New Mexico will receive funds to renovate its chemistry building, construct a new Reserve Officer Training Corps building and build a new career center for the UNM Taos branch. These projects are all part of General Obligation Bond D, which will be on the general election ballot this November. GO bonds are a type of municipal bond often used to fund brick and mortar projects on universities.

New taproom in SUB finally opens

University of New Mexico students don’t have to go far to get their craft beer fix anymore. On Monday, Oct. 1, UNM’s new taproom, Draft & Table, officially opened for business. Students were lined up at 11 a.m. when the taproom’s large, steel sliding door opened. Dustin Schwartz, a senior studying earth and planetary science, was one of the first students to enter Draft & Table on Monday. He said he liked the interior of the taproom and the convenience of it being on campus.

UNM rededicates naval bell to Smith Plaza

University of New Mexico students may notice something new in front of Zimmerman Library next time they are walking through Smith Plaza — if they are looking carefully enough. Last Thursday, the ship bell of the World War II era USS New Mexico battleship was rededicated during its rehanging in front of Zimmerman Library. The bell previously hung from a turquoise metal frame above Smith Plaza before the plaza’s renovation over the summer. The rededication ceremony detailed the history of the bell and included speeches from UNM President Garnett Stokes, Rear Admiral Mark Bipes, Greg Trapp of the New Mexico Council of the Navy League and the commanding officer of the current USS New Mexico nuclear powered fast attack submarine, Commander James Morrow.

UNMPD creates social media campaign

Being accessible to the University of New Mexico has always been a goal for UNM’s Police Department, but now the department wants to take it one step further and connect with college students through social media. Last month UNMPD launched a new initiative and hashtag called #UNMStrongerTogether. This initiative also kicked off the department’s new Twitter and Instagram social media accounts. The hashtag aims to make UNMPD more accessible to the University community and increase awareness of the importance of community policing.

UNM's Spirit Marching Band prepares for new season

With a new football season comes new performances from the University of New Mexico’s Spirit Marching Band (SMB). This year the band’s halftime show will incorporate music from icons such as Maynard Ferguson and Aretha Franklin. “Each year, we strive to bring different music to the field,” said Dr. Chad Simons, associate director of bands at UNM. “We look forward to presenting entertaining and tuneful charts that our audience will recognize and enjoy.” Since the start of band camp on Aug. 10, the band has been training new members and incorporating them into the band’s ensemble. Simons said one of the first challenges is training new members from diverse backgrounds to perform according to UNM SMB customs.

Haircuts raise sexual assault awareness

Students at the University of New Mexico received free haircuts and signed a pledge to end sexual assault on campus Friday as part of a sexual assault awareness campaign in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The Associated Students of UNM hosted seven barbers and hair stylists at Shear Empowerment, an event held in the Student Union Building, which was the first of its kind at UNM. According to a press release by ASUNM, bringing hair stylists was meant to reflect the increasing recognition that sexual assault and domestic violence survivors often confide in their hair stylist or barber.

Left to right: UNM Interim President Chaouki Abdallah, Brendon Garcia and Shannon Figuera look for ways to improve campus safety using the sheet and map provided during the Campus Safety Walk on Sept. 19, 2017.