Dear Lobo family –

As the disturbing news emerges about the possibility of a religious/racial link to multiple homicides in the Albuquerque community, including the death of former GPSA President Afzaal Hussain, we would like to assure you that the University is working on several fronts to address safety on and near our University and Health System, including our north, central, and south campuses. 

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A forum to address UNM constituent concerns is scheduled for Monday, August 8 at 2 p.m. in the Student Union Building (SUB), Ballroom B, with members of the University of New Mexico Police Department (UNMPD), Albuquerque Police Department (APD), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and representation from the Islamic Center of New Mexico. We anticipate several issues will be discussed, including increased police patrols in the area, any updates on the investigation, and information on enhancing community watch programs. 

UNM is committed to offering services, information, resources and tools to provide a safe campus for all students, staff, faculty, and visitors. If you have not already done so, we encourage you to sign up for Lobo Alerts and to download the UNM Lobo Guardian app to your phone. This app features an emergency button that goes directly to UNM police, an alert timer that you can set for someone to check on you, and a way to communicate with the UNM police via photos or texts from your phone.  

While on campus, look for the blue emergency phone towers if you feel unsafe – a push of the button will connect you with UNM police. The UNM Police Department offers services to anyone needing an escort from an on-campus location to another on-campus location 24 hours, 7 days a week. Call 505-277-2241 from your personal phone or use the blue emergency phone tower.  

We know our students, faculty, staff and neighbors are deeply impacted by these tragic events. In support of our Muslim community, we will be lighting the “U” at Hodgin Hall beginning today through the end of next week. Additionally, UNM provides several mental health and other resources for those in crisis or who just need someone to talk to.  

We are continuously evaluating all possible solutions that improve safety for our campus and surrounding neighborhoods, while remaining a welcome part of a proud urban tradition. Thank you for your individual and collective contributions to the safety and security of our Lobo community. 

- UNM Leadership