Editor,
This letter is in response to Danny Hernandez's letter published in the Daily Lobo on Wednesday seeking support for UNM students who are parents.
A number of individuals are working tirelessly to create a family-friendly campus. While neither of us writing this response can address the specific needs of today's graduate student and parent, we do address the issue as parents, UNM graduates and staff members.
We've both had children in day care as well as at Albuquerque Public Schools throughout the many years we've studied at and worked for UNM. We are members of UNM's Staff Council Work + Life Committee, which was chartered in 2003 to address issues such as the need for maternity leave, expanded child care facilities, flexible work options and more.
We encourage students, staff and faculty to visit the council's Web site and click on the committee's tab to read the full report of findings and recommendations submitted to UNM administration in May 2004.
We need more campus support to further these goals, many of which will benefit students more than employees. In spring 2005, our committee initiated a relationship with APS Labor Relations in an effort to align spring breaks. We surveyed staff in two languages and met with faculty and students.
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The Staff Council adopted a resolution in support of the alignment supported by the Faculty Senate, Graduate and Professional Student Association and Associated Students of the UNM. The alignment issue is now on President David Schmidly's plate.
The council aims for a simultaneous break in 2010. Our committee has also worked to align the inclement weather policy so that when APS determines roads to be unsafe, UNM will close its doors, too. This is yet to be the case.
Progress toward a more family-friendly campus is underway. UNM's paid leave policy is updated to reflect flexible work options. Child care facilities, or the lack thereof, are front and center. The annual quest to find safe and affordable summer child care is now on parents' agendas.
Our committee will host a presentation on the topic April 9 from noon to 1 p.m. in SUB Fiesta Rooms A and B. Learn how to identify summer programs for all ages - from sport and art camps for the little ones to internships and campus jobs for high school students.
Balancing work, school and life could be a high priority for leaders on this campus, but like every great movement, it will require everyone's genuine interest and full participation.
Laurie Mellas and Shelley Rael
UNM staff
