Los Alamos Student Services and Success Center
Project Description
This project will transform Building 1 at UNM–Los Alamos into a centralized Student Services and Success Center, creating a welcoming, accessible hub where students can find the services and resources they need to succeed—from enrollment through graduation, transfer, and entry into the workforce.
The renovation will bring enrollment services, student affairs, academic support, career resources, and basic needs assistance together in one convenient location. The center will include a food pantry, clothing closet, and flexible spaces that encourage collaboration, connection, and engagement among students, faculty, and staff. Direct connections to the adjacent Learning Resource Center will further create a seamless student support environment and make it easier for students to access academic and other essential resources.
The project will also address critical needs in the nearly 80-year-old facility. Improvements will include upgrades to the exterior building envelope; replacement of aging windows and doors; installation of electronic access controls; accessibility improvements; modernization of building systems and interior finishes; and updated technology, equipment, and flexible furnishings.
By making essential services easier to find and access, the Student Services and Success Center will help strengthen student recruitment, retention, degree completion, and workforce readiness. Just as importantly, it will create a more welcoming campus environment that fosters a stronger sense of belonging and community.
This investment will also strengthen UNM–Los Alamos' role as an educational and workforce partner in northern New Mexico, helping more students successfully pursue higher education, transfer opportunities, and careers that contribute to the region's workforce and economy.
Additional Background
Built in 1948, the 4,167-square-foot Building 1 is one of the oldest facilities on the UNM–Los Alamos campus. Originally constructed as an elementary school, the building now houses many of the student-facing services that support enrollment, academic achievement, and student success.
While the facility continues to serve an important campus function, its aging infrastructure and original layout were not designed for the needs of today's college students. Building systems and interior spaces require modernization to improve accessibility, functionality, security, and the delivery of student services.
Renovating Building 1 provides an opportunity to address these infrastructure needs while creating a centralized, student-focused facility designed around how students access services today. By improving access to advising, academic support, career development, and basic needs resources, the project will help more students remain enrolled, complete their education, and successfully transition to further education or careers in northern New Mexico.
Total GO Bond Request: $3 million
