Local Board Approves 2012-13 Budget

FOR RELEASE: April 24, 2012

The Local Board of the University of New Mexico-Gallup approved a budget of $17,092,874 for 2012-2013 at the board meeting on April 25.

The budget reflects an increase of $489,500 in the total state general fund appropriation.

Wynn Goering, interim business operations manager, reported to the board that in seven of the past eight fiscal years, UNMG has under spent its annual operating budget, resulting in a $1 million surplus largely due to salaries not spent for vacant positions.

Revenues for the budget are broken down as follows: $3,105,966 in tuition; $547,500  in general fees; $8,703,700 in state appropriations; $2,100,000 from the general mil levy; $536,159 in other sources, such as work force training tuition from DWI classes, facilities rentals, gifts, etc.; $599,549 in balances; $1,250,000 from the bookstore; and $250,000 from childcare.

Goering also reported that the college bookstore is currently $80,000 in the black.

Some other highlights announced in the budget:

·         The college for the first time budgeted a contingency fund, of $377,112 for FY 13.

·         The state allocation includes $151,000 to resume the state’s share of employee pensions that was reduced in FY 12.

·         The main campus budget includes a proposal to give employees a 1.75 percent non-recurring salary supplement in FY 13. If approved by the UNM Board of Regents, UNMG will have to follow suit.

·         The college plans to reopen the childcare center for FY12-13.

2012 Lobo Scholars Honored

342 recipients of the New Mexico Lottery Scholarship were honored at a an awards ceremony April 20 in the Student Services and Technology smart classroom. Lottery scholarship recipients must be New Mexico residents, must have graduated from a New Mexico high school with a diploma, must be enrolled full-time during their first semester following graduation and must maintain a 2.5 GPA.

Transition Fair

UNMG student Vanessa Leonard, left, and work study Wilma Lee, man the UNM-Gallup table for the Transition Fair, held Friday, April 27, in the Gurley Hall Commons. The fair was for students, parents and agencies that support students as they are transitioning from high school to college, careers and the community.

Student Works on View at Ingham Chapman

A vase in the foreground by Tracy Yellowhair. The Student Show 2012 is on view through May 9. Reception is May 3, 6:30 p.m., Gurley Hall, Room 1232.

Summer Kids' College Courses Announced

For Release: April 20, 2012

The University of New Mexico-Gallup Community Education schedule of non-credit classes has been announced for Summer 2012.

For more information: Call 863-7738 or 863-7743.

The schedule is as follows:

Computers - Ages 7 and up. Learn the basics of computers, keyboarding skills, Microsoft programs and creating a PowerPoint.

Monday–Thursday, June 11–14, 9 a.m. –noon, Roosevelt Elementary RM 12, 400 E. Logan. Fee:  $25. Esther Sanchez, instructor.

Bugs and Frogs - Ages 5 and up. Follow Mother Nature and spring into action! Study and create art for indoor and outdoor use. Make bug jars, magnifying glasses, flower pots, frog games, bug catchers and much more fun.

Monday – Thursday, June 11–14, noon–3 p.m., Roosevelt Elementary School RM 12, 400 E. Logan. Fee: $25. Esther Sanchez, instructor.

Cooking for Kids - Ages 5 and up. Kids learn how to make fun and interesting breakfast and lunches for themselves.

Monday-Thursday, June 11– 14, 9 a.m. – noon, Lions Hall 103. Fee: $25. Nancy Bruker, instructor.

Painting for Kids - Ages 5 and up. Dip your brush into paint and let the creativity begin.  Work with a variety of paint, watercolors, acrylic and even spray paint.  Learn to mix paint to make new colors. Paint on a variety of surfaces, such as paper, canvas, glass and fabric.

Monday-Thursday, July 11-14, noon– 3 p.m., Lions Hall 103. Fee: $25. Nancy Bruker, instructor.

Ceramics - Ages 5 and up

Create your master piece, choose ceramic piece and choose design and colors.  Material and tools will be supplied.

Monday–Thursday, June 18–21, noon–3 p.m., Roosevelt Elementary RM 12, 400 E. Logan. Fee:  $25. Esther Sanchez, instructor.

Arts and Crafts for Kids - Ages 5 and up

Do you like to make things with your hands?  Then this class is for you.  You’ll spend time making magnets, origami, robots and lots of other fun crafts.

Monday–Thursday, June 18–21, 9 a.m.–noon. Lions Hall 103. Fee: $25. Nancy Bruker, instructor.

Science Projects - Ages 5 and up

Students will learn a variety of fun and interesting science facts including volcanoes, tornados and many more.

Monday-Thursday, June 18–21, noon–3 p.m, Lions Hall 103. Fee: $25. Nancy Bruker, instructor.

Jewelry Making - Ages 5 and up

Craft one-of-a-kind pieces and wear your own jewelry.  Learn how to bead necklaces, earrings, bracelets and design your own jewelry box.

Monday–Thursday, June 25-28, 9 a.m.–noon, Roosevelt Elementary School RM 12, 400 E. Logan. Fee: $25. Esther Sanchez, instructor.

Pirates – Facts, Legends & Crafts - Ages 5 and up

Ahoy, Mates! Design your own pirate coin, flag, compass and your very own pirate chess.  Final day of class, students will come dressed as pirates and go on an actual treasure hunt.

Monday–Thursday, June 25–28, noon–3 p.m., Roosevelt Elementary School RM 12, 400 E. Logan. Fee: $25. Lisa Blanco, instructor.

Castles & Knights - Ages 5 and up

Step back into the days of dragons, castles and knights. Create your own castle, shield and medieval food.  Also get information and cool facts.

Monday–Thursday, July 9–12, 9 a.m.–noon, Roosevelt Elementary RM 12, 400 E. Logan. Fee:  $25. Lisa Blanco, instructor.

Xbox & Wii Games - Ages 5 and up

Get your feet in motion and have fun burning off calories. Compete with peers in sporting, adventure and dancing.  Bring bottle water for an afternoon of fun.

Monday–Thursday, July 9–12, noon–3 p.m. Roosevelt Elementary School RM 12, 400 E. Logan. Fee: $25. Lisa Blanco, instructor.

Viva Mexico - Ages 5 and up

Explore the fascinating culture of Mexico. Make projects, piñatas, placemats, ojos, ponchos, and sombreros.

Monday-Thursday, July 16–19, 9 a.m.–noon, Roosevelt Elementary School RM 12, 400 E. Logan. Fee: $25. Lisa Blanco, instructor.

           

Wild Wild West - Ages 5 and up

Saddle up and head out on the dusty trails of the Wild West. Make your own covered wagon, pan for gold, and cook a cowboy meal, as well as make cow chip cookies.  Look forward to seeing you there, partner! 

Monday–Thursday, July 16–19. noon-3 p.m. Roosevelt Elementary RM 12, 400 E. Logan. Fee: $25. Lisa Blanco, instructor.

Burning/Wood burning - Ages 7 and up.  Learn how to use a wood burner, create patterns and pictures on wood while using your creativity and/or designing pictures using carbon paper.

Monday–Thursday, July 23–26, 9 a.m.–noon, Roosevelt Elementary School RM 12, 400 E. Logan. Fee: $25. Esther Sanchez, instructor.

Basic Artistic Pencil Drawing Ages 5 & UP

Develop skills to draw what you see with a pencil and paper to create a “work of art”.

Monday–Thursday, July 23–26, 9 a.m.–noon. Lions Hall 103. Fee: $25, Felix Diaz, instructor.

Pell Grant Changes: Fewer Semesters of Aid

FOR RELEASE:   April 20, 2012

GALLUP –An adjustment to the federal Pell Grant program is likely to impact thousands of college students nationwide who are receiving financial aid, as it reduces the number of semesters students are eligible to receive the award.

At the University of New Mexico-Gallup, Financial Aid advisors are notifying students of these changes, and warning some that they may find they have already exhausted their awards when they enroll in the fall.

The Pell Grant, which grew out of federal legislation of the late 1960s that provided funds for low-income students to attend college, currently allows students to use the grant for a total of 18 semesters. Starting in the fall of this year, or after July 1, students may receive the grant for only 12 semesters, or the equivalent of six years. That means if a student was enrolled for a minimum of 12 credits any semester prior to Fall 2012, that semester will be counted toward the maximum total allowed. Students enrolled for less than 12 credits during any one semester will be calculated at a part-time rate. The Pell

Grants are available only for the fall and spring semesters.

The change affects any student using Title IV funding attending any college or university in the country. All colleges and universities will be monitoring students’ Pell awards throughout their academic history through a national website.

Students who enroll for the fall semester who have previously been awarded Pell Grants should discuss with a Financial Aid representative how much longer they are eligible to receive the funding, as well as alternative types of funding, such as student loans or scholarships.

This month the Department of Education began sending emails to all 2012-2013 FAFSA applicants who appear to be nearing their lifetime limit.  Students may also view their percentage of Pell grant used by logging into www.NSLDS.ed.gov.

For more information on the new Pell Grant rules, UNM-Gallup students may contact Financial Aid at 505.863.7663.

Graduation Set for May 16

For Release: April 19, 2012

The University of New Mexico-Gallup will host commencement activities on Wednesday, May 16, at 2 p.m. in Red Rock Park Arena.

Over 300 students will be eligible to participate, receiving certificates and diplomas. Among the students graduating will be those who have successfully completed their course work in GED, Middle College High School, vocational certificate programs, and associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs.

Among the speakers will be Secretary of Higher Education José Garcia, Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly, Pueblo of Zuni Gov. Arlen Qwetawki Sr., and representing the University of New Mexico, Wynn Goering, UNM vice provost and currently interim business operations manager for UNM-Gallup.

Books Sought for Zuni Extravaganza

FOR RELEASE -- April 10, 2012

The University of New Mexico-Gallup is hosting the third Zuni Book Extravaganza at the South Campus at Zuni on April 24.

Transitional Studies faculty Erica McFadden, organizer of the event, has invited the public to donate books of all genres and reading levels, all shapes and sizes. 

“This year we are short on children’s and young adult books, but I would be more than happy to accept any donations,” McFadden said.

Books can be dropped off at Gurley Hall 2207 on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. or Mondays and Wednesdays between 2-5 p.m. If McFadden is not in her office, donors may leave books in the black box on the door, or a box next to the door, or a designated box outside her office.

The book giveaway will start at 6:30 p.m. in the lobby of the South Campus.

Student Nurses Mini-Health Fair

Student Nurses Association members put on a mini-Health Fair April 23. Standing, Robert Young; Cammie Oster (seated)and Trevor Werito (seated at right).