Bachelor and Graduate Information Sessions

The UNM Taos Bachelor and Graduate Programs is hosting various information sessions the weeks of March 26th & April 2nd. Come learn about how to obtain your Bachelor's degree here in Taos! Main campus representatives will be here to discuss Bachelor of University Studies, Elementary Education, International Studies, Organizational Learning & Instructional Technology (OLIT) and Early Childhood Multicultural Education (ECME). We will also be offering 2 sessions on how to maximize your use of Loboweb. All information sessions will be held in our office here at 246-B Ledoux Street. Please see the attached flyer for details on days & times, and please feel free to call us with any questions you may have.

REFRESHMENTS WILL BE PROVIDED!
Thanks,
- Allison

Attend one or all Information Sessions!


March 26 Monday 10:30am - 2pm 

College of Education Center for Student Success 

Chris Larrangara, Senior Academic Advisor (Main Campus)

March 26 Monday 2pm - 4pm 
Bachelor of University Studies University College 

Tracy Skipp Director (Main Campus)

Tuesday March 27 9 30am 11 30am 
College of Education Elementary Education 

Marjori Krebs and Tom Keyes (Main Campus Faculty) 246 B Ledoux Street Classroom

March 29 Thursday 
International Studies 

Ken Carpenter Director (Main Campus) Will visit live classes at Klauer Campus

March 30 Friday 10am 12noon 
International Studies 

Ken Carpenter Director (Main Campus)

April 2 Monday 9am 1130am 
Organizational Learning & Instructional Technology (OLIT) 

Kevin Brady (Main Campus Faculty)

April 3 Tuesday 9am 11 30am 
Navigating LoboWeb UNM Website Schedule View and Registration for Summer l Fall 2012 

Allison Peters Academic Advisor

April 5 Thursday 9am 11 30am 
Navigating LoboWeb UNM Website Schedule View and Registration for Summer/ Fall 2012 

Allison Peters, Academic Advisor

Friday April 6 l:30pm - 3:30pm
College of Education Elementary / Early Childhood (EMCE) 

Margaret Mactavish / Genevie Jaramillo (Faculty)

All Information Sessions are held at the UNM Taos Bachelor & Graduate Center located at 246 B Ledoux Street in the Taos Historic District 575 758 2828 statewide.unm edu

Allison Peters Kosiba
Academic Advisor
Educational Site Coordinator
University of New Mexico-Taos
Bachelor and Graduate Programs
through Extended University

Phone: (575) 758-2828
Fax: (575) 758-4076
Email: apeters4@unm.edu

Library Newsletter #23

 It is springtime and so much is budding. The 2012 Legislative session just ended on a positive note with possibilities for funding for YOUR community college library. Governor Martinez approved the bills that include general obligation bonds for library acquisitions and also, for the infrastructure and safety features needed to prepare for a new library and learning center building at the Klauer campus.

We will be finding every opportunity to explain this process before we all go to vote on the bonds in November. If you would like us to come speak to your business or organization about how the bonds will affect us, please let us know.

It’s important to note the bigger picture when informing ourselves about what these general obligation bonds will provide. When it comes to economic development for Taos, and across the state, the benefits far outweigh the miniscule amount the bonds might raise our property taxes.

The library acquisitions purchased through the bonds can assist all citizens of New Mexico, not just help students succeed in college who will then go out in the workforce or start their own businesses. The capital projects bond for higher education institutions not only provide much needed updated, safe facilities but also, provide jobs for our neighbors, parents, and cousins across the state.

So, again, let us know if you would like one of our staff to come speak to your family, your organization, or your business as to the benefits of the general obligation bonds you will be voting on in November.

And we would be remiss if we didn’t add that




YOUR UNM-Taos Library would like to extend a big thank you to State Senator Carlos Cisneros and Representative Roberto “Bobby” Gonzales for sponsoring and supporting these bills!

The other topic that is not just budding but blossoming here in Taos is our endeavors towards literacy. YOUR community college library would like to commend the UNM- Taos Literacy Center for recently receiving the New Mexico Higher Education Department’s “Program of the Year” award.

A Taos News article posted online explained, “more than half of the students from the Literacy Center who wanted to, went on to college, while 75 percent of those who wanted to obtain their GEDs did, and a third of those who sought jobs were hired.” We feel that is a huge success rate that benefits all of our community.

The UNM-Taos Literacy Center provides an ABE (Adult Basic Education) program, GED preparation and, ESL (English as a Second Language) services. Once a student goes through these programs and goes on to college, YOUR community college library in collaboration with the H.E.L.P. Center (Honoring and Enhancing the Learning Process) can help one with the proper level of resources and mentoring to navigate the university environment.

Lastly, look for our Dia de los Libros/Dia de los Niños event coming at the end of April celebrating the joys and wonders of childhood and the importance of books in our lives. Let’s start our Spring with a good book!

 

The Development Office Takes Shape

The UNM-Taos Report
No. 110
By Bill Knief
For publication April 5, 2012

The Development Office Takes Shape

Louis Moya came on board less than a year ago to head up the Development Office at UNM-Taos. After graduating from Taos High School, Moya got his undergraduate degree in media arts at main campus in Albuquerque, moved to Los Angeles, then obtained a law degree from Rutgers and practiced law on the east coast. Along with his wife Leslie, Moya then decided that it was time to come full circle and return to friends and family in Taos. UNM-Taos had never had a Development Director before, so Moya’s first task was to define the job itself and, starting from scratch, create programs and policies that had potential for building much-needed resources for the college.

It wasn’t the best time to start an organization based on philanthropy. The recession was deepening, and people were struggling. Federal programs were drying up and the state legislature, led by a Republican governor, was finding it all too easy to withdraw resources from public schools and higher education to help balance the state budget. Nevertheless, Moya persisted, believing that the traditional areas of development such as combing through lists of potential donors and identifying funding institutions, while important, were only part of the challenge.

“As often happens at UNM-Taos, my job turned into a lot of different jobs,” Moya explained, “and I realized that we had a need for resources in addition to money. We needed better institutional recognition in the community. We needed to continue to build more partnerships. We needed to create activities that the public could experience and enjoy. We needed organizational development, and that is what has become the UNM-Taos Alumni Association. Through the TAA we can foster sustainable, long-term relationships with students---and not just graduates. We encourage current students to join the alumni association as well.

“Part of the beauty and charm of a community college is that we serve a lot of different demographics, including students who are lifelong learners who want to take classes that are not related to a certificate or degree program. They, too, are alumni and they are very important to us and our mission. So instead of charging an annual fee to graduates, our alumni association welcomes any student, past or present, who has taken a class at UNM-Taos, and all they have to do is sign up. They can register online at www.unmtaa.com, and again, there is no fee.

“Any good development person will tell you to always keep your eye on the money. But that’s not the whole story. We need resources to accomplish certain activities and programs that serve the community, but equally important is the development of that alumni base, because those are the people who have a sense of personal ownership of this institution. In just over six months we have signed up close to one hundred members.

We have given a thousand dollars in scholarships and we are projecting three thousand for next year, and we have practically no overhead, so any money we raise goes immediately and directly to the services and programs we provide.

“I have also set up an annual fundraising campaign called the Circle of Giving for those with the resources to show their commitment and dedication to their community college on either a modest or a more substantial level. If you feel strongly about education, your contribution to UNM-Taos can really make a difference. But there are other benefits of membership in the Circle of Giving as well. We have twenty five businesses and counting who offer discounts to Circle of Giving members just by showing their membership card. This encourages the buy local habit while providing focused marketing to participating business owners and channeling resources to the college. If that sounds interesting, you can learn more at www.unmtaosgiving.org.

“The third program that we have implemented through the Development Office that we expect will have a growing impact in the years to come is called the Taos Center for Learning at a Distance, or CLD for short (pronounced “cloud”). It’s a way for UNM-Taos to communicate its academic mission to the world via web-based courses and archival content. It’s becoming a place where faculty and experts from around the world can be accessed online, and while for-credit courses will require a tuition fee that provides a revenue stream for the college, not-for-credit content will be made available to the public without charge. Our website is www.unmtaoscld.com.

“There are great opportunities here for getting involved with your community college. I want people to walk into my office and say, I’m really interested in this or that subject area; I want to be a part of something worthwhile; I want to volunteer; I want to be a mentor; I have some equipment I’d like to donate. The possibilities, truly, are endless.”

Contact Louis Moya at his office at 115 Civic Plaza Drive or give him a call at 737-3737. You can also reach him by email at moya.unm.edu.

UNM-Taos Alumni Association Spring Social Hour

The UNM-Taos Alumni Association is committed to providing our members an opportunity to come together socially for business and networking opportunities, and most importantly, to relax and have fun!

We are pleased to announce our upcoming Spring Social Hour 

Join us for this great event, where you can visit with old friends and classmates and meet new ones. Plus, learn more about the UNM-Taos Alumni Association and the benefits you receive as a Member. Mark your calendars!


UNM-TAA Spring Social Hour

Friday, March 30, 2012

5:00-7:00 p.m.

The Gorge Bar & Grill "Kiva Room"

On the Historic Taos Plaza, #103

Food & Drink Specials, Door Prizes and More!


For more information, call 575-737-6227 or visit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/UNM.TAA



Not a member yet?
There is currently no fee for membership, so if you haven’t joined yet, do so today! www.unmtaa.com



About the UNM-Taos Alumni Association
From all areas of Northern New Mexico the UNM-TAA and Alumni Relations Program keep the University of New Mexico Taos Branch Campus and its alumni connected. As reflected by our community roots, our membership is inclusive and open to any individual who has attended classes and feels that they have established a relationship with the college. We also recently have broadened our membership scope to include faculty, staff and currently enrolled students. Of course, membership is always open to any friends of the college from within the community as well.


The UNM-TAA offers a variety of benefits, programs, and services to its members including the following:

• A UNM-TAA membership card, enamel pin and license plate
• Access to the UNM-TAA Online Directory
• Eligibility for the UNM-TAA Scholars program
• VIP invitations and early registration to all UNM-TAA social and networking events
• Access to the UNM-Taos Computer Lab
• Access to LegalShield Group Membership Benefits
• Eligibility for a special UNM-TAA checking and savings account with Peoples Bank
• Discounts at participating local businesses through the Business Partnership Program

Mindful Breathing, Meditation and Stretching!

Mindful Breathing, Meditation and Stretching! By Kirstie Bender Segarra


The practice of asana, more commonly known as “yoga” in the West, has increased in popularity to such a degree, that even in a small town like Taos, we have several yoga classes offered at yoga studios, spas, galleries, private homes and at UNM-Taos.

My earliest memories of yoga are my mother stretching on our living room floor when I was a little girl in the 70’s. As a tomboy and pure sports enthusiast I wouldn’t go there—it is not cool to do what Mom does!

Now, I am in my forties and have been a regular yoga practitioner for 16 years. What happened?

I discovered when yoga asana is taught with meditation and breath work– stress, anxiety, panic and musculoskeletal pain are reduced or completely disappear. Having a daily practice supports a lifestyle with reduced stress! There are still challenging days and now I have all these wonderful healthy tools to maintain my awareness of my breath, heart and mind.

There is a French saying by Pascal “Le cœur a ses raisons, que la raison ne connaît point.” Translated as “The heart has its reasons which reason knows nothing of.”

When practicing mindful breathing, meditation and stretching we slow down to hear the reasons of our heart. Notice that heart has the word “hear” in it. Begin by practicing a simple breathing exercise daily and see how your stress levels reduce.

Find a comfortable and quiet place to sit. Preferably on top of an exercise ball or stack of Mexican blankets so that your pelvic floor is supported and not compressed. Close your eyes and draw your internal gaze toward your heart. Become aware of your breathing by watching your inhales and exhales. Focus your mind on the spaces between your thoughts while still maintaining awareness on your breath. Maintain this focus for at least 5 minutes. Then reflect on any changes you notice in your thoughts, breath and heart.

Daily practice of simple exercises such as the previous help us rewire our neurons. Through mindful breathing, meditation and stretching you can be the change you want for yourself.

UNM-Taos is offering three one credit courses starting March 19 in Functional Stretch, Meditation and Hatha Yoga. These courses are designed for beginners who would like to reduce stress and find healthier habits to support themselves. For more information go to the website: taos.unm.edu and check out the class schedule under general studies or call 737-6200.








Kirstie Bender Segarra, MA LMT ERYT is Chair of Integrative Health & Medical Massage for UNM-Taos and is a full time faculty, yoga teacher and massage therapist. www.balinesetraditionalmassage.com

Accelerate Program Recruitment Event March 26th

I am actively recruiting students for the Accelerate Program and I am asking for your assistance.  The Accelerate Recruitment and Information Session Event will be on March 26, 2012 at 12 pm noon in TSPH 129.  I will have a cohort of 20 students for the 2012-2013 Academic Year.  This is a huge Professional and Stipend Benefit for completion of the program to your students.  Don't let this opportunity pass by your students.  This program assists students with employment readiness training, future job and career opportunities and assists with some of their living expenses for the coming semesters.

I need to identify students within your programs who are Non-traditional, or Minority, or Displaced Workers first, then general sophomore students who are students that plan to graduate with a Certificate or Associates Degree by May or July 2013.  I would like to recruit these students to be a part of the Accelerate Program. 

What are the Benefits to your students from the Accelerate Program?

Summer Math Experience,
Next Math Camp will start in Summer 2012.  Starts June through July 2012.
Accelerate students attend Math Camps with focused math instruction that uses real-world applications to increase their math skills. New Mexico Accelerate Math Camps fill up fast.
Financial Assistance
Receive stipend for completing Program Orientation
One of the biggest hurdles for people going to school in Northern New Mexico is financial
Accelerate pays students in the program

Professional Readiness Training
Free training geared to get you ready for your new career. Plus a stipend for completing the program.  I will assist students with Resume Writing, Interviewing Techniques to prepare for Job Interviews and Placement.  Employment Ethics to assist students to adjusting to the work environment once they are placed in a job.  All students will take the Work Keys assessment which is used for job placement by NM Workforce Solutions
Coaching
Coaches will help you stay on track with course work and career preparation. They find solutions
to help you juggle your job, family, and school.
Internship and Job Placement Opportunities
I will assistance students to prepare for Internship and Job Placement Positions.  I am working with the Regional Chamber of Commerce offices, Job Placement offices, and Employers to develop and assist with placement of students.
Benefits Summary:
Obtain tuition assistance and credit for classes
• Learn critical skills for today’s and tomorrow’s careers
• Meet math requirements through specialized Math Camps
• Be eligible for financial incentives and stipends
• Gain an edge with one-on-one coaching
• Receive professional readiness training
• Acquire real-world job experience while in school
• Discover how to market yourself as a professional
• Be invited to special events and workshops
• Take classes with a supportive cohort of students
• Earn a degree or certificate from an accredited NM
institution
• Meet potential employers for an advantage in job
placement
• Interact with college faculty in your area of career study
• Feel supported on a more personal level
• Realize your potential!
Please contact me with a list of students that you feel would benefit from the Accelerate Program and its resources.  They may also know some students who would benefit from the Accelerate Program.  This is a great opportunity for our UNM-Taos students.
Please email me the list of students who you feel would best qualify for this program.
Thank you all for your assistance and support,
Fidel

Fidel Torres
Career Technical Advisor

Accelerate Program

Business & Professional Skills Coordinator

University of New Mexico-Taos
575-737-3756

575-737- (Fax)
ftorre01@unm.edu