Free-Range Thinking is the University of New Mexico's unique approach to all-natural learning, free from artificial fillers and homogenized ideas. It's a blend of education, geography, people and culture not found at other "conventional" schools. So look around, learn about Free-Range Thinking and get a little taste of the freedom you'll enjoy at the University of New Mexico.
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Schools For Thought
ANDERSON SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT:
In true Free-Range fashion, finance students at this school learn about financial markets not just by reading about them,
but also by investing in them. The students get to manage a two million dollar portfolio to see firsthand how capital
markets work. Anderson's marketing department created a real marketing program for the CIA. Seems even the government is
interested in Free-Range Thinking. Those are just two examples of the unique way in which our management school reinforces
classroom learning with real-world experience. And speaking of, students preparing to enter the real world enjoy some special
advantages through the career services office. The office helps with internships, career advisement and connecting students
with hiring managers who can help with employment opportunities.
Explore the Anderson School of Management
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES:
The College of Arts and Sciences emphasizes learning through research, and some very interesting research is going on here.
For example, there is the LTER, or Long-Term Ecological Research Facility. It's the largest in the nation, and is at the head
of the pack when it comes to studying the complex relationship between environmental factors like wind, rain, terrain and
various plant and animal populations. The college is also a leader in Native American research. UNM's location near American
Indian communities gives it a unique advantage when it comes to studying Native peoples. As these two examples show, the
College of Arts and Sciences encompasses a wide range of subjects, with everything from Medieval Studies to Astrophysics. Then
again, Free-Range Thinking is all about exposure to as much knowledge as possible. That is why students here develop such
extraordinarily well-rounded brains.
Explore the College of Arts and Sciences
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION:
For Free-Range brains looking to teach in an increasingly multi-cultural society, this is the place. The college features
one-of-a-kind programs and centers such as the Latin American Programs in Education (LAPE), the Multicultural Education Center and
the Institute for American Indian Education. And these are just some of the programs geared toward helping students excel at
teaching people from all kinds of backgrounds. You can get your degree in fields ranging from elementary education to sports administration
education. But it's the College of Education's focus on diversity that truly separates it from other schools. And it's what
prepares Free-Range thinkers to be leaders in education anywhere in the country.
Explore the College of Education
COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS:
Experimentation is key to Free-Range learning, and the College of Fine Arts is a leader in experimental artistic research. Its new
ARTS (Arts, Research, Technology and Science) Lab allows students to apply cutting edge technology and research in digital graphics
to create never-before-seen installations. And the college's Interdisciplinary Film and Digital Media Program (IFDM) prepares
students to go into everything from digital animation to business management in the digital film industry. The college also offers
outstanding opportunities in more traditional fine arts subjects such as Art History and Cinematic Arts. Regardless what field of
study you choose, the College of Fine Arts is the perfect environment to nurture the creative side of your Free-Range brain.
Explore the College of Fine Arts
COLLEGE OF NURSING:
Diversity is a big part of a Free-Range education, and the College of Nursing is one of the most diverse nursing schools in the
country. This is a tremendous advantage for students preparing to work in an increasingly multi-cultural population. The college's
Office of Community Partnerships allows students and teachers to go into the community and work in clinical settings. Examples of
these partnerships are the college's one-of-a-kind rural outreach programs. They allow students to go into New Mexico's outlying
communities and learn to provide care in areas with small populations that are far from urban centers. All this goes to show that
the Free-Range learning process includes going out and experiencing people and places you've never experienced before.
Explore the College of Nursing
COLLEGE OF PHARMACY:
The College of Pharmacy has been recognized as the most ethnically diverse pharmacy school in the country. It also is constantly
striving to find new approaches to pharmacy learning. A great example of this is the college's Nuclear Pharmacy training program.
It focuses on the use of 'radiopharmaceuticals' - radioactive drugs that detect and treat diseases. (And you thought radiation
only made you glow.) UNM was the birthplace of radiopharmacy, and continues to be a leader in the field. Aside from innovative
programs, students benefit from a good deal of hands-on education. They spend a quarter of their time learning in real pharmacy
settings under the guidance of licensed pharmacists. They get valuable training in pharmaceutical dispensing, counseling and disease
state management. This mix of unmatched diversity, unique programs and real-world experience enables the College of Pharmacy to
provide students with an educational environment unlike any other.
Explore the College of Pharmacy
SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE AND PLANNING:
The School of Architecture is all about the science - and the art - of designing buildings and creating spaces. It's housed in a
cutting-edge structure designed by internationally known architect Antoine Predock that incorporates the latest in environmentally
conscious construction techniques. You could say the school is Free-Range Thinking realized in concrete, glass and steel. Students
here enjoy access to some of the best planning and design resources in North America, including a full fabrications lab complete
with a laser cutter. You can get your degree in architecture or environmental planning and design. Also, since the total number of
students in the school is limited to just over 300, you'll get more one-on-one attention from teachers than almost anywhere else.
No matter which concentration you pursue, you'll be challenged to create and encouraged to experiment. It's the Free-Range way of
doing things.
Explore the School of Architecture and Planning
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING:
If your Free-Range mind craves technical knowledge and cutting-edge research, this is the school for you. It offers a unique
interactive educational approach that allows students to work not just with UNM professors, but also with national scholars and
professional engineers. The school is also distinctive because of its eight internationally recognized research facilities. They
include the Advanced Materials Lab, run in conjunction with world-renowned Sandia National Laboratories, and the center for
Biomedical Engineering. Each is involved in breakthrough research in areas such as microfluitic medical testing devices and using
nanotechnology to improve fuel cells. (And yes, these things are as complex as they sound.) All of these facilities offer a place
for students to apply their knowledge to projects in fields like nanoscience, biocomputing, microsystems, nuclear power and even
rocket science. As you can see, this is the school for Free-Range brainiacs.
Explore the School of Engineering
SCHOOL OF LAW:
The legal world, and the world in general, are getting more and more complex. Which is why the School of Law takes a Free-Range
approach to legal studies by focusing on how to apply law to diverse population groups. This has resulted in truly unique programs
such as the Indian Law and Natural Resources Law programs. Another distinct part of the school is its Clinical Law Program. The
program is actually a working law office where students get hands on training on how to practice law in the real world. In addition
to specialized programs, law students benefit from small class sizes and increased time with professors.
Explore the School of Law
SCHOOL OF MEDICINE:
This is the school for all those Free-Range thinkers who want to convert their brain power into healing power. The school focuses on
four main areas: education, research, patient care and community outreach. A key advantage here is the school's integration with the
UNM hospital system, which gives students access to some of the most modern hospital facilities in the country. This ensures they get
valuable knowledge both inside and outside of the classroom. The school has a wide array of departments, ranging from anesthesiology
to molecular biology to psychiatry. Also, the School of Medicine was recently selected as one of only 52 brain research centers
nationwide that focus on pediatric brain injuries. But that's only fitting for a university dedicated to nurturing Free-Range minds.
Explore the School of Medicine
SCHOOL OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION:
Some Free-Range thinkers go into the private sector. For those wishing to enter the public and non-profit sectors, there is the School
of Public Administration. It specializes in preparing students for leadership roles in public service. Core areas of focus include
public management and policy, human resources management and behavioral studies of public organizations. Students can then concentrate
their degree on either public management or human resources. The school even offers a dual law/public administration degree for those
students interested in careers such as governmental lobbying. Once they get their degrees, graduates can apply their Free-Range thinking
to managing the numerous challenges facing our government and society.
Explore the School of Public Administration
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE:
Most schools simply have a few programs for orienting new students. UNM has an entire college dedicated to this. It's just another way in
which the university takes a unique approach to educating young minds. University College focuses on three principal foundations for
success: basic skills development, effective instruction and pro-active student support. These areas of focus provide new students with
orientation and placement, introductory course-work and experienced advisement for the development of majors and ultimately careers. A big
part of the UNM experience involves getting the right tools and support, and University College provides everything a fresh, young mind
needs to achieve a proper Free-Range education.
Explore University College
Brain Games
Since this is an HTML page, unfortunately you won't be able to play to our fun, mentally challenging Free-Range games. If you'd like to
access these games, you'll have to download the latest version of Flash software. To do so,
click here.
Brainy Stuff
WIDGETS
Now that you know a little about Free-Range Thinking, why not spread the word around with these widgets. Each one is a fun little reminder of
what Free-Range Thinking is all about. Simply click the download button to get the widget, or widgets, you like best. Then upload them to your
favorite social networking site, share them with friends or post them on your own home page.
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WALLPAPERS
Your desktop is looking a little conventional. Why not give it a little Free-Range flavor with one of these wallpapers? Simply choose the one you
like best and click to download it to your computer.
Wallpaper 1
Wallpaper 2
Wallpaper 3
BLING YOUR BRAIN
If you had Flash software, you'd be able to show the world what type of Free-Range mind you have with this special applicaton that lets you customize your very own brain. But you don't have Flash. However, you could very easily have Flash by clicking here to download.
Free Your Mind
FREE-RANGE FUN FACTS:
SPORTS:
Sometimes Free-Range thinkers want to cheer their Free-Range brains out at a great game. And nothing beats cheering for the UNM Lobos as they play other schools.
BASKETBALL
You can't miss a game at "The Pit," UNM's basketball arena. It was literally dug into the ground, and during game time the noise is deafening. Soon it'll be an even more exciting venue once its $60 million dollar renovation is completed. Both the men's and women's teams are competitive nationally. The men's team has an amazing .806 winning percentage, and the women's team routinely qualifies for the NCAA tournament.
FOOTBALL
Watch the Lobos take to the gridiron at University Stadium. The football team is a tough contender in the WAC (Western Athletic Conference). Games are always exciting, particularly against UNM's in-state rival, the NM State Aggies. The Lobos play fast and f urious, but they wear helmets so their brains are well protected. Several Lobos, like Brian Urlacher and Hank Basket, have gone on to make it in the pros.
OTHER GREAT ATHLETICS
In addition to basketball and football, UNM has a host of other competitive teams. The men's baseball and soccer teams often compete in NCAA tournaments. The school also excels in sports such as track and field, swimming, softball and skiing.
PRO SPORTS
As if UNM's athletics weren't enough, Albuquerque has professional sports as well. There are the Thunderbirds, an NBA Development team,
and the Isotopes,* Albuquerque's minor league baseball team. The 'Topes play right near campus, and Isotopes Stadium is one of the
nicest minor league parks you'll visit. An Isotopes game is a perfect way to spend a late spring evening.
* Pop-culture fun fact: The Isotopes actually got their name from an episode of "The Simpsons."
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES:
Free-Range brains should regularly venture outside for some fresh air and good cardio, and Albuquerque is great for both. The altitude and the amazing landscape make this an outdoor paradise. If the activities don't leave you breathless, the scenery definitely will.
HIKING
The Sandia Mountains, just on the edge of town, are covered with hiking trails, including the La Luz trail. It's a tough hike - 15 miles round-trip - that goes right to the top, rising over 3,300 vertical feet in the process. New Mexico is also full of amazing wilderness areas, from high alpine forests in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, to stunning cliffs in Chaco Canyon. They're perfect for a Free-Range mind to explore and experience.
BIKING
The Sandias have miles of single track, steep mountain inclines and technical high-desert terrain that will challenge you. And for you road cyclists, Albuquerque has a large network of flat, even trails. In fact, Albuquerque was named one of the best places in the country for cycling. No wonder professional cyclists come from all over the country to train in Albuquerque.
SKIING/SNOWBOARDING
The mountains here get some of the driest, fluffiest snow you'll ever encounter, which makes for great skiing and snowboarding. You can go to Sandia Ski Area if you want to stay close to home. Or take a short drive north to Santa Fe, where you'll find 67 high desert mountain runs from which to choose. Those looking for a true alpine experience can find it at Taos Ski Valley, about an hour north of Santa Fe. It offers world-class terrain and some of the finest powder in the country.
GOLF
This area features some great courses. One of the best is UNM's Championship Course. It's been nationally recognized as one of the best public courses in the country. Just outside of town are two public courses that rank in the top 50 nationally: Twin Warriors and Paa-Ko Ridge. In addition to being beautiful, these courses are a lot less expensive compared to the rest of the country. Add to this the fact that you can play all year long because of the mild weather, and you've got a golfer's paradise.
MORE CHALLENGING ACTIVITIES
For those craving some extreme brain stimulation, New Mexico is the place. You can go rock climbing and mountaineering. Or go below ground and try spelunking. If you want to get airborne, there's hang gliding, paragliding and hot-air ballooning. And if you want to get wet, try whitewater rafting, kayaking, canoeing or even scuba diving in the famous 'Blue Hole' of Santa Rosa. It's a natural pool in the earth over 80 feet deep that maintains a constant temperature of 64 degrees. (So don't forget to pack your Free-Range floaties.)
ARTS AND CULTURE:
In addition to eating and entertainment, students get a great chance to experience a blend of peoples, cultures and art unlike that of any place else.
LIVE PERFORMANCES
For those looking to catch a show, there are some great venues here for live performances. On UNM's campus there is Popejoy Hall. It hosts everything from Broadway shows to symphony concerts to modern dance groups. Then there is Albuquerque Little Theater, home to outstanding local theater groups, and the KiMo Theater. Located Downtown, the KiMo is an architectural landmark from the 1940's that hosts some of the city's best live music and film. And speaking of live music, you can't beat a show at the Launchpad, which features great local and up-and-coming bands.
MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES
If you prefer stationary works of art, check out the outstanding museums and galleries here. On campus you have the University Art Museum, the Jonson Gallery featuring the definitive works of Raymond Jonson, and the John Sommers Gallery, which exhibits student work. In Old Town you'll find the Museum of Art and History, featuring works from all native traditions as well as cutting-edge modern installations. And the city's many galleries also offer great works of contemporary art.
CULTURE
Both UNM and the city of Albuquerque showcase a fusion of cultures unlike any other you've encountered. The school has students from over 47 different countries, and features over 70 foreign exchange programs. The city itself is a unique mixture of Spanish, Native American, and cowboy influences. These can be seen in the buildings of Old Town, ancient Indian cliff dwellings outside the city and cultural centers celebrating the area's history and customs.
FOOD AND FUN:
A Free-Range brain needs nourishment, as well as some entertainment. Fortunately Albuquerque features all sorts of great places to eat, fun things to do and interesting things to see.
FAVORITE FOODS
Breakfast Burritos & Chile: There is one food here you won’t find anywhere else: the breakfast burrito. It’s so good, it’s almost mind-altering. The burritos here come in many forms, each full of eggs, meat, cheese, potatoes and – most importantly – chile. As in New Mexico chile peppers. There are two kinds, red and green. Both pack heat and flavor, and grow only in New Mexico. They're used in burritos, enchiladas, burgers, pizza, –anything really. Eat enough, and you'll put chile on everything too.
DINING & SHOPPING
To have a great meal, you need a great place to eat it. And some of the best dining is in the Nob Hill neighborhood near the University. There you’ll find delicious New Mexican dishes, awesome sandwiches, great Italian food, Vietnamese, French, Greek and much more. And after your meal, why not do some shopping? You can tour Nob Hill’s eclectic boutiques and funky shops, or visit the upscale stores of ABQ Uptown. Either way, there's something for every Free-Range shopaholic.
WHERE TO HANG OUT
In addition to Nob Hill, Downtown Albuquerque offers lots of entertainment options. A few minutes from UNM, it has an active nightlife with restaurants, shops, local hangouts and the KiMo Theater, a local landmark that hosts great live performances. Then there is Old Town Plaza. The original heart of the city, it dates back to the early 1700's. Old Town has seven museums and over 100 shops, restaurants and galleries. It's the perfect place to let your Free-Range mind wander.
FUNFESTS
Lots of great festivals take place in and around Albuquerque. The city's biggest is the Balloon Fiesta. It draws hundreds of thousands of visitors and over 700 hot-air balloons from around the globe. If extraterrestrials are your thing, check out the UFO Festival in Roswell. You'll see all sorts of strange life forms, both alien and human. Other great events include the Gathering of Nations Pow Wow, the Downtown Arts Festival and the New Mexico Jazz Festival.
