About

Summa Academia: Achieving Professional Excellence emerged as a joint initiativein between El Centro de la Raza, ENLACE New Mexico Statewide Collaborative, the Division for Equity & Inclusion, and the Health Science Center Office for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in 2010. The program was born out of the need to serve Latino and underrepresented graduate students at the University of New Mexico. The program has evolved throughout the years, once known as the Latina/o Graduate and Professional Student Fellowship. During this iteration of the program, experienced and honorable Latina/o UNM Faculty shared their expertise with graduate students.

Today, Summa Academia continues to prioritize support for graduate students to succeed in their academic programs and achieve professional excellence. Over the course of the academic year, students join a supportive and interdisciplinary cohort. Students take part in program sessions where faculty members and professionals provide mentorship, share practical guidance on navigating complex systems of graduate education, and prepare for successful academic careers. Topics covered within the program include: the hidden curriculum, distinguishing parts of research, joining an academic conversation, the structure of professional and educational systems, interdisciplinary collaboration, communication, mentorship, and more. Students of all academic disciplines with an interest in academia, research, and entering the professoriate are encouraged to apply. 

Purpose

To support underrepresented graduate students by promoting academic success and professional development under the guidance of experienced faculty and professionals at UNM. 

Objectives

1. To provide students with the skills and knowledge to navigate graduate educational and professional systems.
2. To build consciousness and awareness around the graduate studentexperience in higher education and create an understanding about cultural belonging.