Welcome

The Dean of Students Office (DOS) is committed to creating opportunities for student success. To that end, we serve in the capacity of student advocates. We provide information on a variety of issues and student services. We are a central point of contact for students who need to resolve issues, need further explanation of the policies and procedures of UNM, or are trying to identify resources throughout the campus. We understand that all students have individual circumstances that contribute to their successes and their failures, and we strive to make problem solving as seamless as possible for those students who are affected by extenuating situations during their college career. The staff of the DOS is generally available during normal business hours of the university or by appointment, and we encourage students to visit if they need help with issues or have questions about our services.

Random Acts of Kindness, Respect and Safety

This year, Random Acts of Kindness Week will be celebrated February 11-15, and what better way to celebrate than by spreading kindness, respect and civility, while also focusing on safety! Too often we hear about incidents of aggression, violence, bullying and insensitivity. This year we have been impacted by numerous shootings and violent incidents which have led to injuries, deaths and suicides. How can we combat this? What can each of us do?

I would like to encourage each of us to put more emphasis on kindness, respect, civility, and safety on campus! To that end, I am leading the charge to UNM students, faculty and staff to promote positive behavior by finding ways to demonstrate kindness, respect, and safety. We should all be aware of our surroundings and help each other whenever possible by paying attention and responding to those around us that may need our support or assistance.

When we choose to be kind, we are energized and hopeful. Being kind to each other isn’t difficult or profound and doesn’t take much extra time or money—it just takes awareness and conscious thought from each of us. Some of the smallest acts of kindness: giving someone a compliment, sending a friend or co-worker a note of thanks, holding the door open for someone, volunteering at a shelter, or sharing your smile can go a long way. And if you want to do more, a few extra dollars could treat a friend to a cup of coffee or a movie, or help your favorite charity; departments can combine efforts for food or clothes drives. Be a role model and show others how easy this can be! It will reduce your stress level and lift your spirits.

It always feels good when someone is nice TO you, but it feels even better when YOU are nice to others! Let’s put up a fight to achieve kindness, respect, courteousness, while focusing on safety! “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion." -Dali Lama. Be Kind and Pass it on to Others! You can enrich the world with kindness, one step at a time. Make a difference!

For more information, go to: http://studentaffairs.unm.edu/random-acts-of-kindness.html or http://www.randomactsofkindness.org/

Or https://www.facebook.com/bekindunm

Kim Kloeppel, Interim Dean of Students and Student Affairs Planning Officer

Visit the Campus Safety Website

The University has launched a new and improved website aimed at educating students, staff, faculty, and community members about ways to stay safe on campus. Please visit the site and watch Campus Safety 101, a video full of important safety tips. Visit the new Campus Safety website today!

Smoke Free Campus Policy

Per UNM Business Policy 2250, TOBACCO-FREE CAMPUS effective August 1, 2009: The University of New Mexico is committed to wellness, prevention, and providing a healthy environment in which to learn, work, and visit; therefore, smoking and the use of tobacco products are prohibited on all University property except in a small number of designated outdoor areas authorized by the University President. Please visit the Smoke Free Campus Website for a map of designated smoking areas and a copy of the policy. Your compliance is greatly appreciated.