The University of New Mexico recently unveiled a Department of Gaslighting Studies as an extension of the film department.
“Gaslighting is a soft skill that allows learners to reshape the realities of those around them,” you literally said two weeks ago. “We offer courses that allow students to malignly influence behavior and decision-making, and adjust the strength of an actor’s convictions.”
It will also allow more students to double-major, given that some students may already have high levels of proficiency in gaslighting studies, according to department director Aimarid Yorre-Maum.
Students in the business, film and communication departments have expressed sudden interest in double-majoring since the unveiling, despite otherwise taking the easy way out academically.
Manny Pulater, a sophomore business major who recently took gaslighting courses, said the classes helped him immensely in his pitch deck competitions as well as his part-time job in electronics sales.
“The customer isn’t always right,” Pulater said. “But sometimes they unfortunately are, and that’s when what I’ve learned in these courses comes in handy.”
The Department of Gaslighting Studies also offers zero-credit-hour courses for students who may not want to admit they took them, Yorre-Maum said.
Yorre-Maum believes being trained in gaslighting should not just be limited to students, she said. Professional development training on basic gaslighting techniques is available to staff members through UNM Learning Central.
“Prior to this announcement, we began pilot staff training programs for staff working in academic advisement, the Bursar’s Office, Residence Life and Student Housing, and the UNM mailroom,” Yorre-Maum said.
UNM mailroom assistant Ima Lyre said that while staff did attempt to utilize the techniques from their gaslighting classes, there was unfortunately an email chain that documented things in a student’s favor.
“The workplace becomes far more efficient when we can resolve disputes without addressing why they happen,” Lyre said. “Sometimes people make mistakes. But that doesn’t always mean you have to take accountability.”
So far, the only observable development at the Department of Gaslighting Studies has been faculty no longer having office spaces.
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Yorre-Maum said a strange man was sitting at his desk when he walked into his office this morning. The room had already been redecorated, donned with empty Monster cans, a “Pulp Fiction” poster taped directly to the wall and a white clay ashtray on the desk with the quote “There is no nobility in poverty” written on the bottom.
“The man told me that it had always been his office, and he asked whether I was sure that I wasn’t crazy,” Yorre-Maum said. “Honestly, after working this job for 12 years, I’m not sure.”
UNM student Chatt Geepeetee first introduced the idea to Yorre-Maum, Geepeetee said.
“In an ever-changing job market, we have to ask ourselves: ‘What can humans do that AI can’t?’” Geepeetee said.
Rather than using high school test scores or other placement tests, the Department of Gaslighting Studies will utilize a more student-centered set of metrics.
“If you sport black nail polish, septum piercings, particular personal fragrance choices or have previous involvement in Greek life, you have guaranteed admission,” Yorre-Maum said. “Students can also submit their Spotify Wrapped for additional consideration.”
Men who have Radiohead as one of their top five Spotify artists have guaranteed admission, as well as anybody of any gender who listens to Lana Del Rey. Men who regularly listen to underground artist Tame Impala will also have special consideration.
Students who meet more than two of these criteria, however, will not be accepted into the classes because they are overqualified.
“We don’t need to subject society to that,” Yorre-Maum said. “At the end of the day, we are just staff members — not monsters.”
Shin Thant Hlaing is a beat reporter for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at news@dailylobo.com or on X @dailylobo
