University Libraries announces the opening of the Jim and Mary Lois Friday Hulsman Graduate Commons, a cutting-edge and collaborative space meticulously designed to foster community-building, resource-sharing, and collaboration among graduate students at The University of New Mexico (UNM).
Situated in the basement of Zimmerman Library, the Graduate Commons will serve as the new hub for Graduate Support at the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL), providing an innovative environment for graduate students to connect, collaborate, and access invaluable resources to enrich their academic and professional journeys.
This milestone has been achieved through a collaborative effort between University Libraries and The Center for Teaching and Learning, reflecting its commitment to enhancing the graduate student experience. The newly unveiled space boasts four reservable study rooms and open individual and group study areas, catering to diverse learning preferences. The space is accessible to graduate students with their Lobo ID cards.
“The University Libraries is excited to welcome the community into the new graduate commons space and support them with a space that will enrich their academic journey at UNM. This project has been in the years of making and we are looking forward to seeing the space come to fruition, which would not be possible without the partnership with Center for Teaching and Learning and the contributions of Jim and Mary Lois Friday Hulsman,” said Leo Lo, dean of the College of University Libraries and Learning Sciences.
The Center for Teaching and Learning Graduate Support offers individual consultations in writing, statistics, preparing for graduate school and more. Additionally, Graduate Support offers workshops, writing camps, and support groups throughout the semester.
“The Graduate Commons will be a perfect space for CTL's Graduate Support, which includes writing and statistics help, dissertation coaching, and various workshops for graduate students. In this new space, graduate students can work with CTL consultants and with library services. We are grateful to the Libraries for their gracious partnership,” said Aeron Haynie, executive director of the Center for Teaching and Learning.
A grand opening event is scheduled for Feb.13, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to celebrate the addition of this new space into the University Libraries. The grand opening ceremony will feature speeches from distinguished campus leaders, shedding light on the significance of community spaces for graduate students and the positive impact they can have on academic and personal growth.
Graduate organizations on campus will be tabling to promote additional resources on campus. All UNM community members are invited to the celebration to enjoy food and tour the space.
This development has been made possible through the generous support of Jim and Mary Lois Friday Hulsman, whose commitment to higher education has paved the way for a dedicated space that will benefit countless graduate students. Hulsman are long-time supporters of the University Libraries, which have made a phenomenal difference in the lives of several students. Their donations has funded the following programs including the Hulsman Undergraduate Library Research Award, Hulsman Outstanding Student Employee Awards, and the Sports History Endowment.
Graduate students having issues accessing the space with their Lobo IDs can call the University Libraries Dean’s office at 505-277-4241.