Message from UNM Staff Council President

October 18, 2021 - Scott Sanchez

Good evening, 

My name is Scott Sanchez, I am one of the Alumni Relations Officers at the UNM Alumni Relations Office; but am writing to you today in my capacity as the current president of the UNM Staff Council (’21-’22). Tomorrow, Oct. 19, 2021, I will be giving my first comments to the UNM Board of Regents, and invite you all to attend the virtual meeting starting at 9 a.m. A tenant of Staff Council is staff inclusion, and, in that vein, I am sending out this brief update which will mirror my comments to the Regents tomorrow.

I want to take a minute to thank all the staff here at UNM for the amazing job they have done as we reach the midpoint of the Fall 2021 semester. The UNM Staff Council is continuing to advocate for staff, and we are doing the work, from hosting Staff Success Days over the summer, to recognizing our Outstanding Supervisors, to continuing our long-running tradition of Staff as Students events coming up in early November. As many of our students/faculty (and staff who are students) prepare for the second half of the semester, now is a good time to highlight some of the accomplishments we’ve achieved together over the last six months and share a little bit of what I see coming in the next six months.

First, as of this morning 94.6% of the Staff at UNM are vaccinated against Covid-19. Which has allowed campus to open back up, welcome students, and stay open during this semester. To all the staff who have submitted their paperwork, and those who are working on finishing it up – thank you! Your willingness to “get the shot” has put us in a great position moving forward. While I know not everyone is in support of these policies (and I’ve shared viewpoints with the Administration) the vast majority of the comments we receive have voiced their support and appreciation for everyone’s willingness to #VaxthePack. It will pay off as we enter the winter and inevitably see a rise in respiratory illnesses. Appreciation has come from our colleagues in the UNM Health system and our students, faculty, and staff who cannot get vaccinated. 

Second, if you are physically back on campus, like most of us have been since Aug. 2 (and as many staff for the last 18 months) you’ve probably noticed a different vibe around campus. Enrollment is up, and many more people are streaming onto the grounds from the surrounding areas. Students and visitors are coming on foot, by bus, or by car, and many of these folks are doing it for the first time. There is a buzz among the crowd. Even wearing masks, you can sense the smiles and warmth that comes from being together again after so many months of Zoom classes and virtual study groups. While it’s not EVERY office that’s opened back up full time, many the buildings at least have some people in them – and I was able to drop in and visit a colleague for the first time in almost 2 years. I’m proud of everything that Staff at UNM have done to help foster “The UNM Experience” and  I’m certain that our first-time-on-campus students appreciate this too. Our campus community is what makes UNM unique. 

Finally, we’ve been able to jump back into full operations while maintaining safety protocols and innovating new ways to stay connected, even while socially distanced. If you’ve been to a Lobo Football game this season you probably know what I’m talking about. Folks are gathering for tailgates, spilling into the stadium to cheer on our Cherry and Silver – and doing it all while keeping others safe. We’ve seen a slight rise in cases since we’ve been back on campus, but not at the level some other institutions and for that I am grateful. Let’s continue being steadfast in washing our hands, wearing our masks, and staying six feet apart, when possible. These behaviors will continue to pay dividends as we move forward. 

The pandemic is not over yet, and the road ahead is still going to be bumpy. However, I am proud to say that UNM Staff have played a key role in keeping campus open, and making sure our institution continues to be a great place to work, learn, and live for many Lobos. 

Thanks again for all you do! See you soon.

SCOTT SANCHEZ

ALUMNI RELATIONS OFFICER

Alumni Relations Office

PRESIDENT

UNM Staff Council

The University of New Mexico