About The Office of Rights and Responsibilities

The Office of Student Rights & Responsibilities handles all student conduct matters for the University of New Mexico.  Our office's role is complex in that we both hold students accountable for misconduct and policy violations while also advocating for their rights in the University setting.  We are the only office with jurisdiction to interpret and enforce UNM's Student Code of Conduct, we sanction student civil rights policy violations, we house the University's CARE and threat assessment teams, and we provide training and consultation to faculty and staff handling student issues.  

 

Paula Smith- Associate Dean of Student Rights and Responsibilities

Paula Smith has worked in higher education and student conduct for the majority of her career. She is passionate about helping students and leads the Student Rights and Responsibilities team in the Dean of Students Office. She provides strategic oversite and supervision for a fair and just student conduct process. 

 

Vacant-  Student Conduct Officer

 

Sam Lechuga-  CARE Specialist 

Sam Lechuga has worked with the Dean of Students Office since May 2022. Sam is a  Social Worker and has previously worked with various entities in New Mexico. He has also worked with Hopeworks and the State of New Mexico Psychiatric Unit. He currently chairs the Campus Assessment Response and Education team and UNM’s Threat Assessment Team specific to students of concern. He provides direct support and guidance for faculty and staff when addressing student-specific behavioral concerns.

 Angela Graham- Associate Student Conduct Officer

Angela Graham is the Associate Student Conduct Officer for the Office of Rights and Responsibilities and works with students and visitors who may have violated University conduct codes or policies. She assists with student and visitor code of conduct matters.  She previously worked for the City of ABQ.