UNM faculty information and opportunities guide
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For information on UNM resources for faculty, visit our Faculty Resources Guide.
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To support your students, visit our Faculty Guide to Student Resources.
- If you are a new faculty member, visit our new faculty page.
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To stay informed about research opportunities, be sure you’re subscribed to the PI listserve.
- To see our current faculty development workshops, be sure to check out our events calendar.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR FACULTY
Find a variety of faculty development opportunities on our events calendar.
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Dear UNM Faculty,
The Faculty Senate is pleased to share a draft of the Framework for Teaching and Learning Success developed by the Faculty Senate Teaching Enhancement Committee (TEC) (see attached). This Framework marks an important step toward strengthening our collective dedication to teaching excellence and student success at The University of New Mexico.
We invite you to carefully review the Framework and share it within your departments and academic units. Students and staff are also being included in this important feedback process. We encourage all faculty, students, and staff members to provide insights, suggestions, and perspectives through this survey, helping ensure the Framework truly reflects and enhances our culture of teaching and learning excellence at UNM.
The TEC aims to finalize the Framework at the April Faculty Senate meeting. Please submit your feedback prior to April 15 to contribute meaningfully to this significant initiative. Your input will help shape a robust, inclusive, and effective teaching and learning environment across our university.
Thank you for your continued commitment and contributions to academic excellence at UNM.
Best regards,
Cris Elder, Faculty Senate President
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This year at Tech Days, there will be a dedicated OER track featuring faculty members who have developed OER through the New Mexico Open Educational Resources (NMOER) Consortium, which is funded by a federal grant. OER allows faculty to customize curricula to meet the needs of New Mexico students. Sessions will cover how faculty curated, adapted, and created Open Educational Resources. All NMOER presentations will be available online and in-person. Tech Days is a free event on April 17 and 18, 2025. Attendees can register through April 4.
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Faculty of all levels, as well as graduate students, are invited to the UNM Spring Teaching Conference and Teaching Excellence Awards April 9 and 10. Hosted by the Center for Teaching and Learning and the Teaching Enhancement Committee, this year’s conference theme is Teaching, Learning, and Well-being at UNM. Attendees should register by April 2.
Day one of the event features a variety of in-person workshops and a keynote speech by Leola Tsinnajinnie Paquin, an associate professor of Native American Studies and 2024-2026 UNM presidential teaching fellow. The topic of her speech is Faculty Wellbeing as Pedagogy: Building a Sustainable Community of Practice. Winners of the Teaching Excellence Awards will also be announced and celebrated on April 9. The awards are co-hosted by the College of Arts and Sciences and the Honors College, along with CTL and the Teaching Enhancement Committee. Attending the awards ceremony does not require registration.
Topics for the day one workshops include resources for student and faculty well-being; tools for department chairs to cultivate well-being; tips on including collective well-being in curricular transformation; drafting teaching and learning principles; and building community among graduate teaching assistants.
Day two of the event takes place online and includes additional workshops. Topics for April 10 include parenthood and academia; student and faculty well-being; valuing and empowering part-time and affiliated faculty; supporting new students through collective care models; building community among graduate teaching assistants; mentoring partnerships; and drafting teaching and learning principles.
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Please note that this year’s deadline has passed. Stay tuned for next year’s information.
The Research Allocations Committee Spring 2025 call for proposals submission window opens March 1. During the submission window deans, department heads, and those responsible for departmental budgets may get emails asking them to sign off on faculty research proposals.
If you get any sign-off requests from fsrac@unm.edu please review them promptly. The researcher must submit the completed proposal including your sign-offs by the submission deadline March 17, 5:00pm.
Those responsible for department budgets should also familiarize themselves with the RAC recipient guide, which details the steps that will need to be completed by the department for RAC researchers who are awarded grants to receive their funding.
If you have any questions or need additional information please do not hesitate to contact The Office of the University Secretary at 505-277-4664 or at fsrac@unm.edu.
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The Subcommittee on Learning Studios is requesting submission of proposals to teach in our Technology Enhanced Learning Studios (TELS) for Fall of 2025. The TELS are classrooms with additional technologies to facilitate collaborative learning. These studios are equipped with multiple projection screens, whiteboards, one or more overhead projectors, round tables that seat 9, and technology available for student use at each of the tables (three computers per table). Our TELS are CTLB 300 (seats 126), CTLB 330 (seats 63), and DSH 224 (seats 54).
New: CTL is very pleased to announce that the submission process has been revamped and simplified! It should take any instructor with a sincere desire to foster student interaction and active learning in their classrooms less than fifteen minutes to submit a proposal.
The best consideration date for proposals is Friday, March 21 by 5 pm (Please note that this is the Friday of Spring break!) with proposal submissions being discontinued after April 4. Please go to the Center for Teaching and Learning website to find the electronic proposal form as well as more information on our TELS classrooms.Learn more about using TELS in this video.
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The UNM Center for Teaching and Learning offers a variety of workshops to help faculty, GAs and TAs. This spring’s topics include generative AI, file accessibility, bridging the digital divide, assignment design and mid-semester feedback forms.
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UNM data show that during the pandemic, many faculty members spent less time on research and scholarship and related professional development as they revised their teaching and dealt with new and different demands in their home lives. As we transition out of the pandemic, the WeR1 Faculty Success Program seeks to support UNM faculty in new and creative ways.
The overarching goals of the WeR1 program are to:
— Modify institutional policies and processes to support faculty retention and advancement, increase transparency, decrease administrative burden, and work towards balanced service and teaching loads;
— Create structures that acknowledge and address the impact of the pandemic, which may last well into the next decade;
— Provide resources that allow faculty to transition, rebuild, recover, and/or refocus their research, scholarship, and creative work, through support that encompasses both small steps and expansive interdisciplinary initiatives;
— Develop new mechanisms for recognizing faculty success in all areas of the university’s mission;
— Build communication, collaboration, cooperation, and community across all UNM campuses.
Explore currently available opportunities below and visit the UNM Research page to see others.
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ECURE is an NSF-funded grant designed to leverage UNM’s research mission to enrich undergraduate education in STEM general education and portal courses. It is led and supported by Academic Affairs, the Office of the Vice President for Research, the Division of Equity and Inclusion, and the Office of Student Affairs. ECURE is based on the following key concepts:
— Engaging students in undergraduate research (UGR) experiences will positively impact their science literacy, science identity, and research self-efficacy, as well as their likelihood to persist and graduate at UNM.
— Engaging students in UGR in general education and portal courses will allow us to serve more students than co-curricular programming alone, and will help students connect course content to professional, community and research applications.
— Engagement in undergraduate research can be offered at varying levels of research immersion. These levels range from students learning about research without actually conducting research to students implementing all stages of their own authentic research projects (see descriptions of the levels below). All levels of early research immersion are useful to achieving desired student outcomes described above, and to creating more effective and diverse pathways to more advanced co-curricular research engagements within their majors.
To this end, ECURE supports instructors in incorporating undergraduate research components into their general education and portal sections, and studies the impact of these enriched engagements on student perceptions and behaviors.
Learn more.
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Please note that this year’s deadline has passed. Stay tuned for next year’s information.
Academic Affairs is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the Spring 2025 Provost Professional Conference Support Funds. Applications can be submitted through InfoReady and are due by 11:59pm on Friday, February 28th.
This program will provide up to $2000 per tenured or tenure-track Albuquerque campus faculty member for the purpose of travel to present a paper or results at a professional conference, or to attend an exhibition or performance of their own creative work. Funding is limited to one award per faculty member per year.
Priority will be given to Assistant Professors for whom establishing scholarly networks is most critical. However, requests for funds will be accepted from faculty in all tenured and tenure-track ranks.
Minimum eligibility requirements: Recipients must –
- Demonstrate that cost of planned travel exceeds all other sources of funding, including research grants, discretionary funds, and existing departmental and college travel funds.
- Be current tenure track or tenured Albuquerque campus faculty
- Be using the funds to present a scholarly paper or creative work, or otherwise systematically share results of their scholarly investigations or creative works at a professional conference. This program does not support general conference attendance.
- Secure a sign-off from a department chair or dean authorizing the travel and attesting to the need for supplemental funding for the proposed trip. Note: The provost travel funds can used to augment existing funds, and funding from this program is intended to be the last dollar.
- Travel must otherwise meet all applicable UNM policies, and recipients must provide a college or departmental index to which the provided funds will be transferred.
Learn more or email provost@unm.edu with additional questions.
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Please note that this year’s deadline has passed. Stay tuned for next year’s information.
The Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) is pleased to announce that the 2024 application window for the Program for Enhancing Research Capacity (PERC) is now open in UNM’s InfoReady Review portal. PERC supports acquisition of shared instrumentation or enhancement of shared facilities that enable major endeavors to advance discovery, creativity and innovation across campus. This program seeks to add or augment research capacity through the acquisition or upgrading of instrumentation for use by multiple investigators. Thus, the proposed equipment must be housed within a space accessible to more than one PI/lab group and must have multiple committed users either within a single department/college, or preferably from multiple departments and colleges. See this document for program eligibility and details.
Important dates for PERC:
- September 9, 2024: Application window opens in InfoReady Review
- October 25, 2024: Proposal due date
- December 11, 2024: Notice of award
- January 6, 2025: Proposals awarded/funds transferred for projects who have completed the required progress reports.
Learn more about past PERC awardees and the WeR1 Program for Faculty Research Support.
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Please note that this year’s deadline has passed. Stay tuned for next year’s information.
The 2024–25 Fostering Research Expansion in Social Sciences and Humanities (FRESSH) Program establishes one cohort with two tracks: one focused on the Social Sciences and one focused on the Arts and Humanities.
In-person sessions will take place approximately monthly on Friday mornings throughout the academic year and will last 90 minutes. At least one additional virtual enrichment session will take place monthly on a different Friday. The cohort will develop research concepts and proposals suitable for funding opportunities from federal agencies or major foundations.
The FRESSH program will focus on awareness and utilization of internal resources, targeted training for opportunity scoping, concept and proposal development, and building community around Social Sciences, Humanities, and Arts research.
Find more details in the InfoReady Review Portal.
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Please note that this year’s deadline has passed. Stay tuned for next year’s information.
Learn how to help your students develop a sense of belonging in your classes (and at UNM!) through high-impact, low-effort techniques that have been shown to work here. Join colleagues from across campus in the next SEP cohort.
Email StudentExperienceUNM@unm.edu for more information on the Zoom information sessions on March 27 and 28, and the application link.
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Please note that this year’s deadline has passed. Stay tuned for next year’s information.The Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) program has moved to the Office of Research Integrity and Compliance (ORIC) at UNM. This is partly in response to new NSF regulatory guidance, and partly to enable better tracking of compliance with training requirements for federal sponsors.The first UNM RCR Symposium will be held Oct. 19 in the Physics & Astronomy Interdisciplinary Science (PAIS) building. The RCR Symposium brings together faculty, staff, and students from various disciplines to learn and discuss topics related to the responsible and ethical conduct of research. This training meets RCR certification requirements for all federal entities (NIH, NSF, USDA, etc.)
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Please note that this year’s deadline has passed. Stay tuned for next year’s information.Faculty can now apply for funding for software they would like to incorporate into their research. A software licensing pilot program, called Scholarly Advancement Via Enterprise Research Software (SAVERS), supports the acquisition of shared enterprise software licenses to enable discovery, creativity, and innovation across campus. Specifically, the program’s goal is to be responsive to the needs of UNM researchers by acquiring software licenses for use by researchers across multiple departments, colleges, or other academic units.Learn more about the program and read the call. The deadline to submit a proposal is Aug. 30, 2023.
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Please note that this year’s deadline has passed. Stay tuned for next year’s information.
The Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) is pleased to announce that the application window for the 2025 Spring Faculty Scholarship Time (FaST) competition is now open in InfoReady Review. Learn more or read the RFP.
The FaST program provides faculty with a reduced teaching load during the Spring 2025 semester to focus on the research, scholarship, and creative work interrupted by the pandemic. This program provides funding for faculty to receive either a one-semester, one-course reduction in their teaching load or support for a graduate project assistant (PA) to assist with course-related duties (grading, office hours, preparation of course materials, etc.). Main campus, tenured and tenure-track faculty in all disciplines are eligible to apply.
Important Dates for Spring 2025 FaST:
- Beginning April 19, 2024: Application opens (UNM InfoReady)
- May 20, 2024: Proposals due
- June 2024: Award decisions and notifications
Learn more about this and other initiatives under the WeR1 Program for Faculty Research Success.
Contact frdo@unm.edu with any questions.
Current semester information
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As we enter the final weeks of the semester, I wanted to send a gentle reminder that some of your students are navigating significant hardship, including a loss of the basis for a sense of security. Even as we continue to educate them and provide clear feedback and grades, we can also communicate how to find:
- Many kinds of wellbeing support through Lobo Well-Being.
- Academic support through the Center for Teaching and Learning.
- Information relevant to international students in the form of direct emails from the Global Education Office to all international students that are in their inboxes.
- Guidance to UNM Faculty, Staff, Students, and Community on Federal Immigration Enforcement Activity on Campus
If you are concerned about a student’s wellbeing, please complete a CARE referral so that professional support staff can connect the student with the right services — whether financial, social work, emergency loans, mental health, or other.
Lastly, consider providing a student who may not be able to complete your class as successfully as they might have hoped with a way of ending strong.
How? It might mean something as simple as recognizing one small achievement a student made in your class, even if the student will fail the class. It might mean helping a student identify how to build a particular strength or skill over time. Or it might mean acknowledging that—while this semester may not the right time for them—students can end strong by charting a path back to fulfilling their goals in conversations with academic advisors and Lobo wellbeing staff.
We can signal that there are on-ramps back into education, even if life is pushing some students onto unchosen off-ramps.
I write this with full recognition that instructors too are navigating hardship but also with the belief that we grow and find hope when we enable growth and hope.
With best wishes for this difficult end of the semester in these beautiful New Mexico Spring days,
Pamela Cheek
Vice Provost for Student Success
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Lobo researchers,
We are back this week with news and information on a few different fronts. As we get closer to wrapping up another academic year, we want to thank our dedicated research faculty and staff, whose unwavering commitment to their diverse responsibilities is truly commendable. Your tireless efforts, coupled with passion for patient care and education, have not only enriched the academic environment but have also profoundly impacted the lives of our learners.
Last Friday, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) released a memorandum adjusting its policy for grant recipients at institutions of higher education, setting a standardized F&A rate of 15 percent. The Association of American Universities (AAU), the American Council on Education (ACE) and the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU), along with several research universities announced a joint filing Monday in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts; a motion for a Temporary Restraining Order to block the policy was also filed by the plaintiffs. Today, a Temporary Restraining Order was granted for all funding recipients. Additionally, several national organizations have partnered to create a joint national effort to develop a new F&A model, which may also help address issues arising from individual agencies setting different F&A rates.
We recognize that many of you are curious about the direct implications of the recent changes at the federal level. To provide some perspective on the current research landscape, we are sharing some of the data we have gathered regarding stop work orders (SWOs) and terminations of UNM grants thus far. This information not only aims to provide clarity but also serves as a foundation for understanding the complexities we face together as we navigate these transitions. Here are some numbers for your consideration (as of April 15):
- Active Awards: ~1,900 from a range of funders (federal, state, and private)
- SWOs: 51
- Rescinded SWOs: 17
- Terminations: 34 (Of the 34 terminations, 12 are from the National Institutes of Health, and the remainder are from other federal agencies or are subawards from other institutions who have received SWOs or terminations).
The UNM Research Rapid Response Team, including representatives from our Office of University Counsel and Office of Government & Community Relations, have been considering all of our options with respect to responding to the grant terminations. We continue to provide information and pertinent data to New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez and his team. New Mexico has joined other plaintiffs in multiple lawsuits. In addition, we are developing an internal process for analyzing and submitting administrative appeals to the individual agencies in accordance with agency processes.
UNM is working around the clock to ensure we safeguard our vibrant research community and the ambitious goals we’ve set for ourselves. With a proactive approach and multi-pronged strategies, we are working to ensure our researchers have the support and resources they need to thrive, even in challenging times. Nevertheless, please continue to send your concerns and feedback, as we can’t make positive changes without you.
We will continue to update you as we learn more about the outcomes of the legal actions being taken as well as additional instructions coming from specific funding agencies.
Ellen R. Fisher, Ph.D.
UNM Vice President for Research
Professor of Chemistry
Hengameh Raissy, Pharm.D.
Vice President for Research, HSC
Professor of Pediatrics
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Lobo researchers,
We hope your Spring Break was not only a time for relaxation and rejuvenation but also an opportunity to recharge your minds and spirits.
We know our last message went out before Spring Break, but rest assured, the Research Rapid Response Team (RRT) has been busy, continuing to monitor various actions by funding agencies and responding to changes in reporting and financial justification strategies newly developed to align with the priorities of the current administration.
In recent news, a coalition of attorneys general, including New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez, filed a lawsuit on April 1 seeking a temporary restraining order to invalidate the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and its secretary from terminating $11B in grants in states arguing those terminations violate the Administrative Procedure Act.
A couple of notes for researchers across UNM:
- Share with us! Although this may seem redundant, we really do need you to communicate with us if you’re contacted by a funding agency, especially with respect to changes in reporting requirements, stop-work orders, and/or grant terminations. We also appreciate any insights you may receive from colleagues at other institutions.
- Spend the funds you have! It has come to our attention that there may be PIs who are not spending (or underspending) grant funds they already have, perhaps in an effort to save funds or with the thought that they may be able to request a no cost extension (NCE). However, given the uncertainty associated with individual agencies’ response to administrative changes, you may not be able to request an NCE moving forward.
- Keep submitting proposals! We also learned that specific RFPs, RFAs, or NOFOs have “disappeared” from agency websites. In many cases, this has turned out to be temporary, as many have reappeared with some language changes. We strongly encourage you to continue to seek out funding opportunities and check in with UNM faculty development staff as they have been keeping abreast of archived opportunities as well as new opportunities that have been released.
As Lobos, one of our strongest qualities is our ability to demonstrate resilience under new and uncertain circumstances, and the both of us are filled with optimism about our collective ability to adapt and innovate in the face of challenges. Together, we have the opportunity to pivot and re-imagine our approaches while maintaining our core values, ensuring that we continue to conduct and produce the exceptional research and scholarship that defines us as The University of New Mexico.Ellen R. Fisher, Ph.D.
UNM Vice President for Research
Professor of Chemistry
Hengameh Raissy, Pharm.D.
Vice President for Research, HSC
Professor of Pediatrics
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Lobo researchers,
One last joint communication before we head into a well-deserved and much-needed spring break. This week, the UNM State of Research was a remarkable success and a testament to the vibrant spirit of collaboration within our research community. Thank you, Lobo faculty, staff, and students who attended in person and virtually.We also want to thank all of the research staff who helped put together the cross-campus event, including assisting with the presentation, managing logistics and/or attending! We are especially grateful to OVPR Marketing and Communication Manager Marissa Lucero and University Communication and Marketing who created an inspiring new video highlighting the heart and soul of UNM’s research enterprise. And of course, we are grateful to our faculty, researchers, staff, and students for being willing to share with us on camera what research means to them. Their thoughtful and candid responses truly exemplify what research means to us Lobos. We will be featuring the video on our website and through social media in the coming weeks.For those of you who were unable to attend, we are working to have the recording of the event posted as soon as possible and will send out the link early next week. We would also like to highlight a few of the major themes that percolated out of the State of Research town hall Q&A:- A fundamental philosophy or principle under which UNM is operating in response to news coming out of Washington, D.C., is that we will only respond to specific and actionable federal requirements or actions. We will also avoid making rapid changes to University policies and programs.
- The individuals who make up UNM are the reason we have no doubt UNM will continue to be around for generations to come. Therefore, while we diligently address the pressing challenges of today, we will stay focused on ensuring our future is bright.
- We are dedicated to both preserving the amazing talent we have across our various campuses and programs and to minimizing the uncertainty that individuals may experience. At this moment, we have not introduced any hiring or spending restrictions. Although that may change in the future, we are operating under the principles noted in the first bullet point.
- We remain hopeful that our research programs will continue to thrive and are committed to assist individuals and programs with the work of potentially aligning our strengths with new sets of priorities and opportunities.
In the next few days, we will be posting some of the questions and responses from the Q&A session on our website. In addition, we encourage researchers to check out the latest updates from NSF, as their website has a comprehensive list of FAQs.We hope everyone finds some time during the next week to do something fun, experience the beautiful (albeit windy) New Mexico spring weather, spend time with friends and family, and remember to breathe.Ellen R. Fisher, Ph.D.
UNM Vice President for Research
Professor of Chemistry
Hengameh Raissy, Pharm.D.
Vice President for Research, HSC
Professor of Pediatrics
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Lobo researchers,
We start this week’s communication with a reminder about our upcoming UNM State of Research event on Wednesday, March 12 from 4-6 pm. Our Q&A panel of Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs James Holloway, Vice President for Research Ellen Fisher, Executive Vice President for Health Sciences Mike Richards, and Health Sciences Center Vice President for Research Hengameh Raissy are prepping for a lively Q&A session with all of you. Please submit a question in advance through the provided form. There is also still time to register.
In federal agency news:
• National Institutes of Health (NIH): On March 6, NIH announced plans to centralize peer review of all applications for grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts within their Center for Scientific Review (CSR). The changes are part of cost-saving measures, as the proposed consolidations would eliminate study sections based within NIH Institutes and Centers (ICs). Read more here: NIH centralizes peer review to improve efficiency and strengthen integrity
• Department of Education: Some of you may have heard that the White House is considering steps that would ultimately dissolve the Department of Education. This also arises from the recently confirmed Secretary of Education Linda McMahon’s memo to staff outlining her charge to reorganize the agency. Our Government Relations group is monitoring this situation and continues to advise UNM leadership of possible scenarios for paths forward.
• Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE): On February 26, an executive order (EO) was issued by the White House that may impact the processes by which UNM gets reimbursed for grants and contracts. This EO gives agencies 30 days to develop an agency-specific system for monitoring individual payments on contracts and grants; require written justification for individual payments; review current granting policies, procedures and personnel; and to terminate or modify grants and contracts to reduce spending and advance White House polices.
We also have a couple of reminders for PIs:
• Agency Requests: If you receive a request for information from a funding agency, it is very important that the appropriate sponsored projects office is notified. This includes surveys, changes to policy, changes in contract language, and/or changes in scope of a project, among others. Our OSP/SPO teams can help you navigate such requests (awards@unm.edu for main and branch campuses; hsc-preaward@salud.unm.edu for Health Sciences campus).
• Temporary Student Support – Last month, we announced the temporary student support program being offered by the offices of EVP Holloway and EVP Richards. These programs provide temporary support for undergraduate and graduate students affected by a stop-work order (SWO). The program provides 50% of the funds necessary to cover students supported on a grant or contract from the moment the SWO is issued until May 31, 2025, or the end of their current contract, whichever comes first, for a graduate student, or until May 17, 2025, or the end of their expected work period, whichever comes first, for an undergraduate student.
We’re happy to announce that EVP Holloway and EVP Richards have agreed to extend this program to students who are affected by a delayed Notice of Award (NOA). It is important to note that the extended support is for delayed NOAs for continuation of an award, and not for delayed NOAs for expected new awards. Main campus researchers should apply for the program via the Temporary Student Support Form. Health Sciences researchers should submit their SWOs via email to HSC-Preaweard@salud.unm.edu, and SPO staff will work with the PI to identify the needed support.
As we have discussed in previous joint communications, UNM leadership as well as our Government Relations team maintain strong, open communication with our state legislators as well as our entire congressional delegation. We have been keeping our lawmakers abreast of the impact that the changing federal funding landscape has on UNM operations, including the research enterprise. We also continue to hold briefings
for the staffers within our congressional representatives’ offices and directly provide them with information on issues that have arisen as a result of stop-work orders, impacts to student researchers, and contract terminations, among other issues.We stay committed to providing updates on new developments related to changes in the federal research funding landscape. Please remember to use our Smartsheet questionnaire to submit questions and concerns; the relevant research office will respond to you directly as quickly as possible.
Ellen R. Fisher, Ph.D.
UNM Vice President for Research
Professor of Chemistry
Hengameh Raissy, Pharm.D.
Vice President for Research, HSC
Professor of Pediatrics
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Lobo researchers,
As we mentioned in last week’s communication, we continue to receive Notices of Award (NOAs) on continuing grants. In addition, we are also receiving “just in time” requests from NIH on new awards. Similarly, we have received notices from NSF on recommended new awards.
In the ever-evolving landscape of legal and governmental affairs, we want to recognize and thank UNM’s Office of University Counsel and the Office of Government and Community Relations. Their expertise has been invaluable to us, especially as we navigate the complexities of information and activity circulating daily. With their support, we have gained profound insights into the intricacies of the legal and governmental frameworks, empowering us to stay informed about critical updates that impact our research community. Their dedication to maintaining open lines of communication with New Mexico’s congressional delegation has been instrumental, fostering collaboration and advocacy on our behalf as researchers, as well as providing support and inspiration for the research rapid response team. Together, we are not just participants in this process; we are inspired to rise to the challenges ahead, driven by a shared commitment to excellence in research and advocacy.
In other news, there have been some new rulings in two cases we’ve been following closely:
- Earlier this week, in the District of Columbia, a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction regarding the OMB Memorandum M-25-13. The OMB memo, which has now been rescinded, affected disbursement of federal funds. The court order applies specifically to open awards that could be affected by the directives in the OMB memo.
- At the end of last week, in the district of Maryland, a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction around specific actions detailed in executive orders 14151 and 14173.
We have posted the above items to our Federal Research Funding Updates webpage, along with other resources and FAQs. You will also find links to our PI questionnaire and a second form allowing faculty to request funding support for students. We encourage you to visit the page regularly for updates.
This year’s UNM State of Research event promises to be a vibrant forum for intellectual exchange, featuring an engaging town hall Q&A panel. Join Provost and EVP for Academic Affairs James Holloway; Vice President for Research Ellen Fisher; EVP for Health Sciences Mike Richards; and HSC Vice President for Research Hengameh Raissy as they share insights and answer questions that shape the future of research at UNM. Whether you’re a seasoned scholar or a curious Lobo researcher who has just joined The Pack, there’s still time to register. Don’t miss your chance to submit a question in advance through the provided form.
As always, UNM wouldn’t be what it is today without the people who make it work. Your commitment not only enriches the communities we serve but also propels us toward our shared goals with enthusiasm and purpose. We genuinely welcome your thoughts and suggestions, as they serve as a vital compass guiding us on our academic journey.
Ellen R. Fisher, Ph.D.
UNM Vice President for Research
Professor of Chemistry
Hengameh Raissy, Pharm.D.
Vice President for Research, HSC
Professor of Pediatrics
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Lobo Researchers,
We begin this communication with some good news. Over the last week-and-a-half, we received several Notices of Award (NOAs) from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and have also received NOAs from other federal agencies (National Science Foundation, Department of Defense). Although the majority of these are connected to continuing grants, we have also received a few new awards, all with our federally negotiated F&A rate.
We also wanted to share with you that our congressional delegation is very active in supporting the work we do, and they fully comprehend the high stakes and potential ongoing impacts for UNM and the entire State of New Mexico. Our senators sent a press release just this week amid potential funding cuts to research and all three of our U.S. House of Representatives cosigned correspondence to the NIH acting director. Finally, many of the professional associations and societies to which UNM belongs are also working to help advocate on behalf of research and higher education institutions across the country.
In other news, as of today, a Massachusetts federal judge issued a ruling extending the temporary restraining order that challenges NIH’s notification of an immediate change in the allowed F&A rate on grants and contracts.
As we continue to strive for excellence within our institution, we want to emphasize the importance of coordinated efforts across various domains, including campus initiatives, government relations, our colleges and schools, and UNM leadership. Please feel free to reach out or share your specific concerns. Your dedication and hard work do not go unnoticed.
Here are some quick reminders from UNM research offices:
- For active projects, please proceed with activities as planned in your scope of work. It is important that we continue to make progress and fulfill the terms of our grants and contracts.
- If you have not received an expected NOA on a continuing award, be sure that your supervisor or department chair knows about your situation, as well as your research administrator. It would also be useful for us to hear from you using our Research Faculty & Staff Questionnaire.
- If you have questions about a NOA or specific elements of your pending grant, reach out to your program officer. Remember that NOAs can be late, and funding agencies are experiencing a reduction in workforce that may impact their ability to respond to your query.
- PIs should continue to submit proposals to funding opportunities that are available and accepting submissions.
Lastly, for the last four years VPR Fisher has held a State of Research presentation highlighting the various accomplishments of our research faculty, staff, and students. This year’s presentation on March 12 will also include a town hall panel Q&A with UNM leadership including:
EVP for Academic Affairs & Provost James Holloway
Vice President for Research Ellen Fisher
EVP for Health Sciences Mike Richards
HSC Vice President for Research Hengameh Raissy
Registration for the hybrid event is now open.
As President Stokes said in her annual State of the University address, we remain Together … for Tomorrow.
Ellen R. Fisher, Ph.D.
UNM Vice President for Research
Professor of Chemistry
Hengameh Raissy, Pharm.D.
Vice President for Research, HSC
Professor of Pediatrics
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Good morning Lobos –
I want to address the recent guidance issued by the U.S. Department of Education regarding non-discrimination obligations, particularly in light of the Supreme Court’s decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard. I understand that the recent guidance has caused concern and uncertainty, especially for those connected to our support centers and programs designed to foster inclusivity and student success.
At the University of New Mexico, our commitment to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all students is unwavering. We are the University for New Mexico, and who we are now is a genuine reflection of the natural diversity of minds, hearts, and lives that make up our beautiful state. What I know to be true is that the Lobo experience at UNM broadens perspectives, encourages critical thinking, and prepares our students to be engaged and successful citizens in an interconnected global economy.
We are undertaking a careful and comprehensive review of the Department of Education’s guidance and will comply with all relevant laws, while preserving our commitment to student success and a welcoming campus climate.
Let me be clear – our commitment to the core values that underpin our support centers and programs will not be diminished. We have always viewed these centers and programs as playing a vital role in the success of our students. They provide tutoring, mentoring, and workshops designed to help students thrive in their studies; comfortable spaces and opportunities for students to connect with peers, build relationships, and find a sense of belonging; programs and events that promote understanding across cultures; assistance navigating university systems, accessing resources, and addressing challenges that may hinder academic progress; and space for students to explore and celebrate their identities and those of others. These services are not about exclusion; they are about creating a campus where every student can reach their full potential.
We will continue to champion inclusive excellence as an essential component of the UNM experience. My leadership team and I are committed to navigating the changing landscape for higher education with transparency, integrity, and a focus on the well-being and success of our students and all members of the UNM community.
Garnett Stokes
UNM President
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Lobo Researchers,
We are continuing to track ongoing developments in federal funding for research and we’re working to provide our UNM community and legislative representatives with resources as needed.
Many have inquired about the progress of various legal challenges that have occurred over the past few weeks and how those affect individual PIs and projects. One resource we’re using to follow court orders is Litigation Tracker.
In addition, we have received many questions regarding our overhead costs [also known as indirect costs (IDC) or facilities and administration (F&A) costs]. For more information regarding F&A, both APLU and COGR have informational web pages that are being constantly updated:
APLU: Research Facilities & Administrative Costs
COGR: F&A and the Cost of Research
The links above can also be found on our UNM Federal Research Funding Updates webpage.Lastly, as a reminder, UNM President Garnett Stokes and University leadership established several task forces focused on inclusive excellence, immigration policy implications, employment, patient care considerations, and research funding. These groups are meeting regularly and analyzing information to provide updates and recommendations as we navigate new orders and notices.
With that, we are aware there are some UNM researchers who may be concerned about their specific projects as they relate to executive orders. UNM supports academic freedom and the right of our faculty to study those areas of interest to them and their students. Nevertheless, if you have a concern regarding a specific project, grant, or research area please fill out the questionnaire found on our UNM Federal Research Funding Updates webpage. These situations are being reviewed by the research task force, and we are working with the Office of University Counsel and our Government Relations team on the best plan forward.
At this time, PIs should continue to submit grants if the funding opportunity is open and is accepting submissions.
Ellen R. Fisher, Ph.D.
UNM Vice President for Research
Professor of Chemistry
Hengameh Raissy, Pharm.D.
Vice President for Research, HSC
Professor of Pediatrics
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Lobo researchers,
We have a few important updates to share with all of you since our last joint VPR communication.
On Friday evening, Feb. 7, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) released a new notice of Supplemental Guidance to the 2024 NIH Grants Policy Statement – capping the facilities & administrative (F&A) costs (also known as indirect costs) rate to 15% for all NIH grantee institutions. This 15% rate would replace individually negotiated rates for an institution and apply to both existing grants and future grants starting today, Feb. 10, 2025.
Principal Investigators do not need to take any action on their projects as a result of this notice, as UNM’s Office of Sponsored Projects and Office of Contract & Grant Accounting will adjust F&A rates if it ultimately becomes necessary. We want to reiterate that faculty should continue to submit proposals as usual, utilizing UNM’s current federally negotiated F&A rates.
This morning, 22 states including New Mexico filed a lawsuit to temporarily block the new policy that sets a 15% cap on payments for indirect costs. As of this afternoon, a federal judge in Massachusetts issued a temporary restraining order on the rate change notice from NIH. We continue to work with our Government Relations Office, University leadership, Office of University Counsel and others to understand all the implications of both the guidance and our response as an R1 Institution.
We will keep you updated on any new developments related to this new notice. Meanwhile, thank you for all that you do to support the State of New Mexico. Please remember to use our Smartsheet questionnaire to submit questions and concerns; the relevant research office will respond to you directly as quickly as possible.
Ellen R. Fisher, Ph.D.
UNM Vice President for Research
Professor of Chemistry
Hengameh Raissy, Pharm.D.
Vice President for Research, HSC
Professor of Pediatrics
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Dear Research Community,
We are grateful to those of you who continue to communicate with us, and we know you are receiving information, messages, and communications from several sources regarding topics related to federal research funding. We want to remain clear, concise, and factual in the communication we send to you. The University has developed the following webpages where you all can go to find information, reliable resources, and continuous updates from leadership.- Office of the President | Updates and Provisional Guidelines related to 2025 Federal Executive Actions
This site includes the following:
a. Campus Community Messages
b. Information and guidance as it becomes available related to employment, immigration, and more
c. FAQs
- Office of the Vice President for Research | Federal Research Funding Updates
This site includes the following:
a. Joint VPR Communication
b. Executive orders related to research
c. Government Agency Responses
d. Research FAQs
e. Research faculty and staff questionnaire
Today, we are also sharing a new resource that our UNM librarians have created for our Lobo researchers. Our amazing librarians have identified alternative archives for some public, federal data resources that may have been disrupted or paused during the administrative transition in Washington. They have been compiled into a library guide created for the purpose of providing researchers access to these data sets.
UNM librarians will continue to update as more information becomes available. Please contact Jon Wheeler (libgradfac@unm.edu) if you know of additional data or website archives our libraries can add to the list.
As a reminder, if you receive a stop-work order from a funding agency for a specific project, please comply immediately. This also applies to any subawards that may exist for that project. Also, it is important that the appropriate sponsored projects office is notified (awards@unm.edu for central and branch campuses; hsc-preaward@salud.unm.edu for Health Sciences).We will continue to communicate with you as we have additional information and guidance.
Ellen R. Fisher, Ph.D.
UNM Vice President for Research
Professor of Chemistry
Hengameh Raissy, Pharm.D.
Vice President for Research, HSC
Professor of Pediatrics
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UNM President Garnett Stokes has announced a new website that consolidates information related to new federal orders, policies and regulations that may impact the UNM community.
UNM Vice President for Research Ellen Fisher and HSC Vice President for Research Hengameh Raissy also have a new site for tracking information specifically related to ongoing questions about federal funding.
Both websites will be kept up to date with the latest information.
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Dear Research Community,
Since our last communication, there have been some updates on the federal funding research funding landscape for the beginning of February.
As many of you are aware, several states brought a lawsuit challenging the legality of the funding freeze. On Friday, January 31, 2025, the court issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) directing federally agencies to “… not pause, freeze, impede, block, cancel, or terminate … awards and obligations to provide federal financial assistance to the States.” The Department of Justice (DOJ) has determined that this TRO applies to all award recipients. Notably, several reports have indicated that federal agencies continue to review existing grants for compliance with executive orders.
At UNM, the president has launched a dedicated information page to provide updates and provisional guidance related to 2025 federal executive actions. As part of that page, there is a link back to the page we launched at the end of last week specifically focused on tracking federal funding.
Most recently, we have developed a mechanism for researchers to submit questions or concerns they may have about specific, federally funded projects. You can find the link to this brief Smartsheet Form on the Research page. If you submit a question or concern, the relevant research office will respond to you directly as quickly as possible.
We have also started to populate the FAQ section of the Research-focused page, and will continue to update this section as we hear from you!
We will continue to communicate with you as we have additional information and guidance.
Ellen R. Fisher, Ph.D.
UNM Vice President for Research
Professor of Chemistry
Hengameh Raissy, Pharm.D.
Vice President for Research, HSC
Professor of Pediatrics
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We want to thank our UNM community and those Lobos who have reached out to us in the last week to provide information or ask questions as we work together to navigate these changes related to the federal funding landscape for research.
On Wednesday, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued a notification rescinding OMB memo M-25-13 from Jan. 27, 2025. Nevertheless, all federal agencies continue to review grant and loan programs for compliance with executive orders issued over the last two weeks.
As a reminder, if you do receive a stop-work order directly from a funding agency for a specific project, please comply immediately. This also applies to any subawards that may exist for that project. Also, it is extremely important that the appropriate sponsored projects office is notified (awards@unm.edu for main and branch campuses; hsc-preaward@salud.unm.edu for Health Sciences campus).
Our Government Relations team continues to work hard to advocate for UNM interests with both our state and federal government leaders. They are keeping abreast of news from D.C. and Santa Fe and have been working with UNM leadership to communicate important updates and impacts to appropriate government officials. The entire team appreciates how engaged the UNM research community is and welcomes feedback from our researchers. Well-coordinated internal and external communications are key, and we thank you for your work with us toward that end.
To help provide information to our research community in a timely manner, we have begun to populate a new webpage with the latest resources and information on federal funding updates, joint communication from the VPRs, as well as additional agency-specific information and other information that may be helpful for researchers. Check back regularly, as this remains a very fluid situation.
Thank you to those of you who have reached out to our research offices and shared the information, links, and messages you have received from funding agencies, professional organizations, and others. Simultaneously, we recognize there may be mixed messages or conflicting messages coming from various sources, but please know we are busy sifting through all the communications to ensure we keep our Lobo researchers informed with accurate information.
We will continue to communicate with you as we have additional information and guidance.
Ellen R. Fisher, Ph.D.
UNM Vice President for Research
Professor of Chemistry
Hengameh Raissy, Pharm.D.
Vice President for Research, HSC
Professor of Pediatrics
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Dear Research Community,
As noted in the 1/27/25 message to faculty, we are continuing to monitor media reports and news from federal agencies regarding federal funding. The UNM provost has organized a group of UNM leaders and administrators who will be meeting frequently to monitor the evolving situation, gather data, and provide input on potential next steps.
Late yesterday afternoon, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released a memo regarding a pause on law, grant, loan, or federal financial assistance programs. This is NOT a stop-work order for federal research grants and contracts. Today, OMB released a second memo that contains additional information. As such, the guidance we provided in the 1/27/25 joint VPR message still holds. Please DO NOT stop work on federally funded projects. Also relevant to OMB guidance, UNM is continuing to distribute federal financial aid to students.
If you do receive a stop-work order directly from a funding agency, please comply immediately. This also applies to any subawards that may exist for that project. Also, it is extremely important that the appropriate sponsored projects office is notified (awards@unm.edu for main and branch campuses; hsc-preaward@salud.unm.edu for Health Sciences campus). The appropriate fiscal monitor will work with the PI, department staff, and Contract & Grant Accounting staff on next steps.
PIs should direct any official messages from a sponsor regarding grant or contract matters to the appropriate sponsored projects office (awards@unm.edu for main and branch campuses; hsc-preaward@salud.unm.edu for Health Sciences campus) so that we can work collaboratively to address any possible changes or issues as they arise. Funding agencies are also working to understand the implications of the OMB memo for specific projects and programs; thus, it’s a very dynamic situation.
As we receive more information and guidance regarding the implications of all these changes, we are committed to keeping everyone informed.
Ellen R. Fisher, Ph.D.
UNM Vice President for Research
Professor of Chemistry
Hengameh Raissy, Pharm.D.
Vice President for Research, HSC
Professor of Pediatrics
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Good afternoon Lobos,
Recent national developments regarding changes to law, policies, and regulations have touched our campus in ways that concern many members of our community. And while we know that any new administration will usually bring about a shift in priorities, such changes may also lead to uncertainty. Our leadership team, which includes government relations, and I are keeping a close eye on these changes. We’re not just watching; we’re analyzing, planning, and preparing for potential impacts.
We are committed to supporting all campus community members, and we are especially aware of our most vulnerable. To our students and colleagues whose work may be directly impacted, we stand with you. You are an integral part of our Lobo pack, and we’re here to ensure we support you with the resources and services you need. To our researchers and healthcare providers, you are what make us New Mexico’s flagship university in service to bettering our communities. We will work to support your efforts in discovery and to ensure our patients receive the excellent care they’ve come to expect from us.
To address these complex issues, we are establishing four task forces focused on inclusive excellence, immigration policy implications, research funding impacts, and patient care considerations. These groups will actively gather and analyze information and provide regular updates and recommendations to me as we move forward.
In our interconnected world, misinformation can spread rapidly, causing unnecessary alarm. Recently, unverified rumors about federal agents on our campus and at our hospital have been circulating through social media and from anonymous sources. I want to address this directly: these claims are currently unfounded. We take your safety and privacy seriously, and we’re committed to protecting our community. In such times, I urge you to rely on official university channels for accurate information, think critically about sensational claims, and avoid sharing unverified reports. If you have genuine concerns, please use our established reporting channels. We promise to communicate openly about any confirmed developments affecting our campus.
In times like these, we must stick together. Let’s stay informed, support each other, and keep the lines of communication open. Our strength has always been our unity and shared passion for learning and growing together. Thank you for being part of what makes UNM special.
Garnett S. Stokes
UNM President
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Dear Research Community,
Many of us are reading media reports and other news from the federal government that suggest shifts in federal government funding priorities and impacts to current and future research funding.
UNM’s Office of Government Relations, as well as the Office of Sponsored Projects (Main Campus), the Sponsored Projects Office (HSC), and the Contracts and Grants Accounting offices are currently monitoring possible changes that could directly impact our researchers. We will continue to update you as these issues evolve and we better understand their practical implications. Our assessment of these changes, guided by information from other appropriate sources, will also inform our ongoing development of tools and resources for you, our advocacy efforts, and actions you can take.
As we’re working in the background to follow all developments, these are the action items for you:
- Awards: Please continue all federally sponsored research activities unless you have specifically received a stop-work order from a government agency. If you receive some other guidance from a federal entity, please immediately notify the relevant sponsored projects office (awards@unm.edu for main and branch campuses; hsc-preward@salud.unm.edu for Health Sciences campus).
- Proposals: Researchers should continue to prepare proposals based on published funding calls, and we will continue to submit grants to federal agencies. Note that submission timelines and award decisions may be impacted as funding agencies navigate changes in federal priorities. During this time of transition, continue to re-review funding announcements for any revisions. Note that we have already received notifications that specific funding opportunities have been at least temporarily withdrawn and that additional information, updated deadlines, and other revisions may be communicated to the community later this spring.
- Stop-Work Orders. Please comply immediately with any stop-work orders on specific projects. A “stop-work order” refers to a formal directive issued by a funding agency or project sponsor that instructs the research team to temporarily halt all work on a project. If a stop-work order is received, no additional costs can be allocated to that project, including salaries, materials and supplies or travel, effective the date of the stop-work order. This also applies to any subawards that may exist for that project. If a PI or department administrator receives a stop-work order notice directly, please forward to the appropriate sponsored projects office (awards@unm.edu for main and branch campuses; hsc-preward@salud.unm.edu for Health Sciences campus). If a stop-work order has been issued, it will usually be received by the appropriate sponsored projects office, and will be forwarded to an awards team. The appropriate fiscal monitor will work with the PI, department staff, and Contract & Grant Accounting staff on next steps for compliance with the stop-work order.
- Messages and Updates: PIs should direct any messages from a sponsor regarding grant or contract matters to the appropriate sponsored projects office(awards@unm.edu for main and branch campuses; hsc-preward@salud.unm.edu for Health Sciences campus) so that we can work collaboratively to address any possible changes or issues as they arise.
We are working to learn more and will share updates as they become available. The Research Offices at UNM will be developing a webpage to house resources and information for UNM researchers. One resource you might find helpful is the Council on Government Relations website.Please reach out to us directly or to your Associate Dean for Research if you have questions or need further clarification. We’re here to help and ensure you feel supported as we navigate these changes together.
Ellen R. Fisher
UNM Vice President for Research
Professor of Chemistry
Hengameh Raissy
Vice President for Research, HSC
Professor of Pediatrics
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Dear Colleagues,ADVANCE at UNM knows many faculty are worried about what happens if federal funding ends or dramatically decreases for some types of research, scholarship, and creative works. They reached out to me for an initial response:
First, we want to acknowledge that so many of us this week feel anxious, fearful, and deeply discouraged, and powerless. Being reminded that there is strength in community feels important right now. Our scholarship is what makes us thrive, gives us hope for the future, and helps us foster a sense of belonging and understanding, as well as an appreciation of beauty, acceptance, humility, and wonder. Know that the OVPR recognizes and deeply values our community’s contributions in this space.
As such, the entire OVPR staff understands that potentially significant shifts in the federal funding landscape cause substantial stress for faculty and other members of our scholarly community. At this point, there is little to no specific information available on any of these potential shifts, the uncertainty of which causes even more anxiety. We will be working with PIs, Department Chairs, and Deans as we learn more in the coming weeks. Funding agencies reprioritize various areas of research quite frequently (not always aligned with shifting administrations). The research staff at UNM (central and embedded) understand this, are closely tracking the situation, and are in good communication about extramural funding opportunities and changes. UNM Faculty Research Support Officers (FRSOs) can assist faculty both in potentially reframing their research and in finding new funding opportunities.
Nevertheless, if we face the loss of funding in specific areas, FRSOs and the OVPR can support schools and colleges in brainstorming alternative routes for funding. Some research areas, for example, those related to UNM Grand Challenges, will potentially benefit from broad strategic discussions engaging faculty from across campus. Furthermore, within schools and colleges, FRSOs can help find funding through private foundations. Additional assistance may also be available through the OVPR’s Director of Development, Jim O’Brien.
Colleges and schools may also need to organize faculty groups to provide recommendations regarding various mechanisms that could alleviate the stress associated with the potential redirection of funding by federal funding agencies. For example, there may be additional research strategies and/or revisions to department P&T guidelines that would address processes that might be affected by the potential loss of funding in specific areas. The OVPR also works closely with Academic Affairs and will be continuing to communicate new developments on the research front to other University leaders.
The OVPR also commits to communicating, collaborating, and contributing with the entire University to creatively address potential funding challenges. All faculty are encouraged to sign up for the PI listserv to be sure to receive current information on opportunities and changes in policies and processes. You can sign up on the FRDO homepage.
Sincerely,
-Ellen
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UNM academic leaders have released important information to include in your spring syllabi, including an update on Title IX regulations and enhancements to UNM’s AI resources page.
Access the updated syllabus language for the semester.
Access the orginal syllabus language for the semester.
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Dear UNM Faculty,
Welcome to a new year and a new semester! In case you haven’t had a chance to see the news announcement, I wanted to introduce myself to you. My name is Christopher Lyons, and earlier this month, I became the assistant vice provost for faculty affairs — the first to hold this new position.
I have been a member of the UNM faculty since 2006, and I am eager to bring that experience, as well as my experience in leadership positions at UNM, into practice to enhance the life of faculty. My office is located in the Office of Academic Affairs in Scholes Hall, where I work closely with Barbara Rodriguez, senior vice provost for academic affairs.
Since this is a newly created role, I felt it was important to highlight a few topics I am planning to focus on to provide support and guidance to UNM faculty. My aim is to assist those just beginning their academic careers, as well as those who are taking on leadership roles, such as department chairs or associate deans.
My primary focus will be on identifying and creating development opportunities for our faculty. This will encompass workshops, panels, and a variety of other events and professional development opportunities. While some of these will be familiar, we will also introduce new events and resources to further support our faculty.
ADVANCE at UNM does an amazing job of creating relevant programming to support faculty, and we are proud to continue our successful collaboration with them. Together, we offer resources that benefit faculty both professionally and in managing work-life balance issues. The popular Lightning Lounge series — which provides succinct presentations of faculty research in an hourlong format — exemplifies this collaboration. Stay tuned for more information on the Feb. 19 event, which will be virtual, highlighting the work of our branch campus colleagues.
The tenure and promotion process can be stressful and overwhelming, so I am planning to prioritize offering support and resources to make this as smooth as possible. And for faculty further along in their careers, we will continue and build upon the Chairs and Directors Colloquium, as well as expanding development opportunities for associate and assistant deans. Chairs, directors, and associate deans: be on the lookout for communications from me about upcoming events.
Earlier this month, the Office of Academic Affairs launched a newly designed website that features a wide range of useful information for faculty. As with all new websites, it is undergoing continuous improvements, but I did want to direct you to a few especially helpful resources. Under the Support in the Classroom page, you will find the results of a collaboration between the Center for Teaching and Learning, the Dean of Students, and Academic Affairs that provides recommendations to faculty on student conduct and discipline. I encourage faculty to review this section of the website for sample syllabus language, information on co-constructing classroom community agreements, and suggestions for progressive approaches to addressing disruptive conduct in the classroom, Also, the Faculty Career Development section provides a quick overview of the main ways we support faculty. I invite you to check these resources out, as well as others on the site.
Stay tuned for much more, and as always, if you have any questions, concerns, feedback, or ideas about resources or programming you would like to see, please feel free to reach out to me at clyons@unm.edu.
Thank you for all you do, and have a great semester.
Christopher Lyons
Assistant Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs
Professor of Sociology & Criminology
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The following information was released on the list serv for UNM’s learning management system, Canvas. Join the list by using your UNM email to send a message to listserv@unm.edu. Leave the subject field blank, and in the body of message type (with no other text): subscribe CANVAS_INSTRUCTOR-L Firstname Lastname You will be notified by email when your request is approved.Welcome to the CANVAS_INSTRUCTOR-L list for the Spring 2025 semester! Information about Canvas is available at canvasinfo.unm.edu. We will use this listserv as an avenue for important communications regarding UNM Canvas.General InformationYou and your students can access Canvas at canvas.unm.edu. For more, see How to Log into Canvas. For Canvas documentation, tips, and things to be aware of see UNM Canvas Resources for Instructors.Make Sure Students Can Access Your Courses in Canvas
Please review the Start-of-Semester Checklist. It includes instructions for all the important tasks required each term, such as how to “Web-enhance your Banner Course in Canvas” and “How to Publish” your course so that when it opens, your students will have access to it.Spring course sections that are Published in UNM Canvas will open for students on the start date as shown in the LoboWeb class schedule (see also FastInfo answer 2371). For most spring classes, the official start date falls on Monday, January 20th. Since January 20th is the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, instruction begins on Tuesday, January 21st.Section GroupsDo you have multiple sections you would like to combine into one UNM Canvas course? See information on Section Groups. If you plan to group your sections in Canvas, it is important to submit your request at least a week before the class start date to allow time for processing. Once sections are grouped, you will lose access to any content developed in the original course sections, so it is important to either have that content in a Temp course or to export and download any content you want to keep from the sections in the request prior to submitting the form. Sections should be grouped prior to the start date for the course to avoid loss of student work.Third-party Tool IntegrationsNumerous third-party tools, such as Ally, Turnitin Similarity, Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor, Zoom, Kaltura Media tools, and RedShelf are available for use in Canvas. For a full list and links to documentation, see the External Apps page.Kaltura UpgradeThe Kaltura video player integrated with Canvas was upgraded on 12/16/2024. Users viewing media will now find the player has been redesigned with improvements and new features. This updated player has been automatically applied to all Kaltura content within Canvas; for details and comparisons of the old and updated players, visit the Kaltura Player Comparison Page.Additional Resources-
Support: You and your students can always find help using the “Help” button in the left Canvas global navigation menu. Additional information is available on How to Get Support.
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Student Resources: Students can be directed to Student Help Resources and Introduction to Canvas.
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Instructor training: For one-on-one assistance with questions related to teaching in Canvas, drop in to a virtual Open Lab hosted by the UNM Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL). Review and register for webinars offered by CTL. Or see How to Get Training for links to video tutorials provided by the vendor.
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Managing Course Assistants: Those with the Teacher role in Canvas can use the +People tool to add or remove Designers and TAs in their current and future Banner and Temp courses.
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What’s New: Up-to-date information about what’s new is always posted on the What’s New in UNM Canvas page along with links to documentation for ongoing Canvas changes made by the vendor.
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Notable Issues: For details about ongoing issues affecting Canvas or integrated tools, consult Notable Issues for Instructors and Notable Issues for Students.
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Outages and Alerts: For information about service interruptions that may be impacting Canvas or integrated tools, see System Status & Alerts.
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Terms of Use: Please be aware of the UNM Canvas Terms of Use.
We hope these resources are helpful as you prepare your spring courses.Sincerely,UNM Canvas SupportIT Academic Technologies -
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New faculty member? We got you. See our information page just for you, and check out the new faculty onboarding checklist from the Office of Academic Personnel.
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The UNM IRB recently has released several updates.
New Deadline for Full Board Agenda Items
- Beginning September 2024, the full board agenda will close on the second Monday of each month to allow staff time to properly review submissions and work with the PI on clarifications prior to distribution to the committee. Please visit the IRB Events page for IRB meeting dates and deadlines: https://irb.unm.edu/events/
index.html
The UNM IRB is recruiting a Prisoner Representative to serve on the IRB
- The UNM IRB is currently recruiting a new member who can serve as prisoner representative on the IRB. This member should be a person who has a close working knowledge of prison conditions and the life of a prisoner. Suitable individuals could include present or former prisoners; prison chaplains; prison psychologists, prison social workers, or other prison service providers; persons who have conducted advocacy for the rights of prisoners; or any individuals who are qualified to represent the rights and welfare of prisoners by virtue of appropriate background and experience. This does not need to be a UNM faculty, staff or student – members from the community are welcome! The prisoner rep only needs to attend meetings where studies involving prisoners are being reviewed (~1-2 year). If you are interested, or know someone who is interested, please email irbmaincampus@unm.edu.
Fall Semester IRB Workshops
- The fall semester IRB workshops have been scheduled.
- Please see the attached flyer or visiting the IRB Events page at: https://irb.unm.edu/events/
index.html
- Beginning September 2024, the full board agenda will close on the second Monday of each month to allow staff time to properly review submissions and work with the PI on clarifications prior to distribution to the committee. Please visit the IRB Events page for IRB meeting dates and deadlines: https://irb.unm.edu/events/
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Learn more about the UNM Accessibility Resource Center through their new list of FAQs for faculty members.
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Please help us welcome a variety of new faculty to campus. Click the bios of new faculty to learn more about their research and background.
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Need a snack delivered to your office? There’s a robot for that! Check out the news about a new food delivery service on campus.
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Ahead of the fall 2024 semester, Advance at UNM and the Office of Academic Affairs hosted a series of workshops for faculty, staff and graduate students on developing communities in academic settings and on responding to conflict and stress in the classroom. The workshops were part of an ongoing series on academic freedom and civil campus conversations.
The workshops for faculty and staff were led by Mikhail Lyubansky, a teaching associate professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Lyubansky, who teaches several restorative justice and positive psychology classes, also presented at UNM earlier this year on keeping campus conversations civil. Steph Posey, a doctoral student in the School of Information Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana- Champaign, who is also a youth development practitioner, co-led the sessions that were for graduate students.
The series included two workshops, each of which lasted two hours and included time for interactive exercises and discussion. Learn more and see workshop handouts.
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Wondering about when you’re eligible for the latest vaccines, what they protect against and how well they work?
This chart from epidemiologist Katelyn Jetelina sums them up for you.
Support resources for faculty
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CARS offers a wide variety of services to assist faculty, staff, their significant others at UNM including counseling on a wide range of issues such as anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, stress, job burnout, coworker conflict, eldercare, parenting, alcohol and drug use, grief and loss, managaing change and preparing for retirement. CARS provides other services, such as workshops and training, supervisor and manager workplace consultations, critical incident debriefing and grief intervention and referrals for services within the UNM Community and in the larger communities the client resides in, according to their website.
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Find mental health resources for faculty, staff and students at UNM.
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Ombuds Services is a “no-barrier, first-stop for UNM employees, their co-workers, and graduate students seeking guidance, information, and insight from a trusted, skilled neutral in a setting that is confidential, independent, and informal.”
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We’ve compiled a variety of guides on topics ranging from teaching and learning support to resources for students that faculty should know about. Learn more.
Policies for UNM faculty
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The following information on a new requirement for researchers is from the Office of the Vice President for Research.
“Researchers, the timely submission of grant or contract reports is a mandatory condition for funding, and federal agencies are beginning to crack down on both PIs and institutions that are out of compliance. Currently, UNM has multiple projects with overdue reports to funding agencies.
PIs are responsible for submitting complete and accurate progress reports and final reports within the timeline required by the agency. To ensure UNM meets reporting compliance requirements and that our investigators can continue to access funding, the Office of the Vice President for Research will consider timely completion of progress reports a prerequisite for new funding submissions and for the distribution of F&A allocations to units, effective Oct. 1, 2024. More information.
Although the policy will go into effect on Oct. 1, to assist chairs, deans, and directors in maintaining compliance, a reporting dashboard is available to both PIs and administrators.”
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Faculty at UNM have flexibility in how they choose to discuss COVID-19 impacts on their progress in annual reviews. This memo remains in effect and applies to this year’s annual review process. Some of the options include discussing the impact of COVID-19 in research, teaching, and service statements, adding an overall impact statement as a supplementary document, or using a checklist. See an example here, which includes referencing lists of potential impacts; or not discussing it.
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UNM Provost James Holloway has released the AY 24-25 Promotion and Tenure Guidelines and Guidelines for Managing Shortened Tenure Clocks.
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A 2020 policy at UNM allows an extension of the tenure clock to acknowledge the significant impact of COVID on research and scholarship. See this document for the policy and frequently asked questions.
IMPACT OF THE PANDEMIC ON SCHOLARSHIP AT UNM
The pandemic has dramatically changed how all of us work. Faculty who are juggling teaching, research and more face new challenges, including those that stem from time lost during the height of the pandemic. We know from our Pandemic Impact Report that many of these issues including feelings of burnout and barriers to scholarship still linger and will require ongoing attention. Read our report and see the coverage of it in the Chronicle of Higher Education.
UNM RESEARCH ON COVID and PANDEMICS
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UNM Professor of Medicine Michelle Harkins, MD, testified in January 2024 before the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee. The hearing was on “Addressing Long COVID: Advancing Research and Improving Patient Care.“
The hearing provided a crucial platform for experts like Harkins to contribute insights into the challenges posed by long COVID and discuss potential avenues for advancing research and enhancing patient care, according to the UNM Newsroom.
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A research project involving three collaborative research centers at UNM Health Sciences aims to learn the systematic, social, and cultural factors that have led to the inequities in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The team for the project, known as Wide Engagement for Accessing COVID-19 Vaccine Equity (WEAVE NM), includes UNM’s Transdisciplinary Research, Equity and Engagement Center (TREE Center), Center for Participatory Research (CPR), and the Center for Native American Health (CNAH). It is funded by the National Institute of Health’s Community Engagement Alliance (NIH CEAL).
According to the project, “data shows huge disparities, like Latinx and Native communities composing over 60% of COVID-19 related deaths, while the white population only formed 1% of deaths in New Mexico. A similar pattern is reflected in the COVID-19 infection and hospitalization rates of our state. With no immediate end in sight to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is vital to identify systematic, social, and cultural norms that are leading to COVID-19 vaccine inequities and clinical trial participation in our BIPOC communities. Working together with those directly affected will be key to the goal of addressing these life-threatening issues and developing a more equitable health structure in New Mexico.” The project includes community-based participatory research, a community survey and narratives from community members. See the stories and learn more on the project’s website.
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Researchers at UNM, Los Alamos National Laboratory, New Mexico State University, University of Kansas, Gorgas Memorial Institute in Panama, and the Center for Research on Health in Latin America are developing a new model for predicting pandemics as part of a $1 million NSF planning grant. Read more in the UNM Newsroom or see the project’s website.
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Monica Rosas Lemus, an assistant professor in the Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology is looking at the molecular makeup of COVID-19 in the hopes of finding targets for vaccines. Read more in the UNM Health Sciences Newsroom.
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UNM researchers were part of team that published a new study in JAMA detailing the failure of two investigational drugs to treat lung injury resulting from the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Read the story.
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See our story from 2020 about Women in STEM at UNM who were working to combat COVID during early parts of the pandemic.
NATIONAL RESEARCH ON FACULTY AND COVID
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This 2022 news report explores how educators are affected by long COVID.
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This 2021 research from the University College Utrecht looks at some ways to continue supporting faculty.
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This 2021 report by Northwestern University considered immediate and predictable long-term disruptions in faculty productivity.
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This 2020 report by the Chronicle of Higher Ed looks at the impact of the pandemic on faculty, looks at how faculty are responding to the early challenges for faculty well being.
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This 2022 data infographic contains stats from a student survey of how faculty are responding to the pandemic.
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This 2021 survey at the University of Michigan looked at career trajectory, postponement of tenure review, commitment to academia, and ways to mitigate impacts.
OTHER COVID RESEARCH
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This review of literature looks at key findings including the overlap between COVID and other conditions, the variable onset of symptoms, long COVID in children, and the impact of vaccinations.
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This YouTube video series explores a wide variety of COVID research.
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This news article looks at how researchers are starting to look more closely at how the disease affects the brain and nervous system.
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This in-depth reporting series by Axios News looks at several aspects of long COVID.
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This news story looks at how employers are rethinking workforce accommodations amid the presence of long COVID.
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The authors of this piece urge that more needs to be done for students with long COVID.