PROJECT FOR NEW MEXICO GRADUATES OF COLOR (PNMGC) BYLAWS University of New Mexico

ARTICLE I – NAME
The name of this organization shall be the Project for New Mexico Graduates of Color (PNMGC), hereafter referred to as "PNMGC" or "the Organization."
PNMGC shall operate as a student-run and student-led organization in collaboration with Graduate Studies at the University of New Mexico.
ARTICLE II – MISSION AND PURPOSE
The mission of the Project for New Mexico Graduates of Color is to promote and support the academic success, professional development, and sense of community among historically underrepresented students at the University of New Mexico.
The Organization shall serve both undergraduate and graduate students by utilizing a peer mentorship approach to create a supportive community for students across diverse backgrounds, identities, and academic interests.
PNMGC shall:
  1. Develop programs, workshops, events, and activities throughout the academic year.
  2. Foster meaningful connections among students, faculty, staff, campus partners, and the broader university community.
  3. Support student academic success and professional development.
  4. Promote peer mentorship and leadership opportunities.
  5. Build a strong network of support through the PNMGC Mentoring Program.
  6. Provide opportunities for student engagement, community building, and personal growth.
ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP
Membership shall be open to admitted, degree-seeking undergraduate and graduate students at the University of New Mexico.
Membership requirements shall include participation in the PNMGC Mentoring Program and successful completion of program requirements outlined in the PNMGC Student Handbook.
To participate in the PNMGC Mentoring Program, students must:
  1. Be a degree-seeking and registered student at the University of New Mexico.
  2. Submit the PNMGC Mentor/Mentee Application by the established deadline.
  3. Attend the mandatory PNMGC Student Orientation.
  4. Attend four PNMGC workshops throughout the semester.
  5. Meet with their assigned mentor or mentee for a minimum of one hour during each mentoring session.
  6. Complete a minimum of four mentoring sessions during the semester.
  7. Submit four separate Mentoring Session Tracking Forms. Each submission should include a description of at least 100 words.
  8. Complete the required Scholarship Survey by the established deadline.
  9. Follow all additional requirements outlined in the PNMGC Student Handbook and Mentor Agreement.
Mentors are required to attend two designated mentorship workshops in addition to completing all required mentoring sessions and program requirements.
Students who successfully complete the requirements of the PNMGC Mentoring Program may be eligible for scholarships or stipends, subject to available funding and university policies.
ARTICLE IV – STUDENT LEADERS
The PNMGC Student Leadership Team shall consist of the following positions:
  • Project Team Lead
  • Event Coordinator
  • Digital Media, Communications, and Student Engagement Assistant
The current Student Leadership Team shall participate in the interview and selection process for appointing new student leaders.
Student Leaders may serve terms of up to three years, contingent upon continued enrollment, satisfactory performance, and organizational need.
Vacancies occurring in any Student Leadership position may be filled through an appointment or selection process determined by the Organization in collaboration with the PNMGC Coordinator.
ARTICLE V – DUTIES OF STUDENT LEADERS
Section 1. Project Team Lead
The Project Team Lead shall:
  1. Lead the Student Leadership Team in developing, implementing, and evaluating the Project for New Mexico Graduates of Color.
  2. Coordinate, facilitate, and monitor the execution of PNMGC events, workshops, and activities.
  3. Administer the PNMGC email account and listserv and respond to inquiries addressed directly to PNMGC.
  4. Monitor Student Fee Review Board (SFRB) deadlines and coordinate with fellow team members to prepare funding requests, supporting documentation, and presentations.
  5. Serve as a student leader and representative of PNMGC by fostering positive relationships with students, campus partners, and community members.
  6. Represent PNMGC at campus meetings, workshops, and collaborative events in a professional and leadership-oriented capacity.
  7. Serve as a liaison with Graduate Studies.
  8. Assist with identifying peer mentors, monitoring and tracking mentoring activities, and coordinating workshops.
  9. Collaborate with the Student Leadership Team and Coordinator to process scholarships on a semesterly basis.
Section 2. Event Coordinator
The Event Coordinator shall:
  1. Assist with the planning and execution of PNMGC-organized events.
  2. Ensure that venues, materials, supplies, and necessary resources are properly prepared before, during, and after each event.
  3. Coordinate with relevant campus partners and team members to ensure the smooth execution of activities.
  4. Address minor issues that may arise during events and communicate significant concerns to the appropriate individuals.
  5. Prepare assessment and evaluation reports on a semesterly basis.
  6. Represent PNMGC at campus meetings, workshops, and collaborative events in a professional capacity.
  7. Assist with identifying peer mentors, monitoring and tracking mentoring activities, and coordinating workshops.
  8. Serve as a liaison with Graduate Studies.
  9. Collaborate with the Student Leadership Team and Coordinator to process scholarships on a semesterly basis.
Section 3. Digital Media, Communications, and Student Engagement Assistant
The Digital Media, Communications, and Student Engagement Assistant shall:
  1. Maintain regular updates to PNMGC social media platforms and website content.
  2. Post updated scholarship information and share links to active forms, resources, and opportunities.
  3. Assist in developing website content based on drafts, ideas, and organizational needs.
  4. Create brochures, flyers, digital communications, and other graphic materials.
  5. Support online and in-person events by preparing materials, assisting with event logistics, engaging with participants, and providing follow-up communication.
  6. Assist with identifying peer mentors, monitoring and tracking mentoring activities, and coordinating workshops.
  7. Serve as a liaison with Graduate Studies.
  8. Collaborate with the Student Leadership Team and Coordinator to process scholarships on a semesterly basis.
ARTICLE VI – COORDINATOR
The Organization shall have a Coordinator from Graduate Studies.
The Coordinator shall be appointed by Graduate Studies independently of the PNMGC Student Leadership Team.
The Coordinator shall serve in a non-voting advisory and administrative capacity.
The Coordinator shall:
  1. Work regularly with the Student Leadership Team.
  2. Provide guidance and institutional support to the Organization.
  3. Maintain financial records in accordance with University policies and procedures.
  4. Assist with scholarship processing and financial oversight.
  5. Support the Student Leadership Team in program development and implementation.
  6. Serve as a liaison between PNMGC and Graduate Studies.
  7. Ensure that organizational activities comply with applicable University policies and procedures.
ARTICLE VII – MEETINGS
Regular meetings shall be held at times and locations determined by the Organization and Student Leadership Team.
Special meetings may be called by the Project Team Lead or by a majority of the Student Leadership Team.
Meetings may be conducted in person, virtually, or in a hybrid format.
The Student Leadership Team is expected to participate actively in regular meetings and organizational activities.
ARTICLE VIII – PNMGC MENTORING PROGRAM
The PNMGC Mentoring Program is a central component of the Organization and is designed to foster peer support, academic success, leadership development, and community building.
The program shall pair eligible students in mentor and mentee relationships and provide structured opportunities for meaningful engagement throughout the semester.
Participants shall:
  1. Attend required orientations and workshops.
  2. Participate actively in the mentoring relationship.
  3. Complete the required number of mentoring sessions.
  4. Submit Mentoring Session Tracking Forms.
  5. Complete required program assessments and surveys.
  6. Follow the expectations outlined in the PNMGC Student Handbook and Mentor Agreement.
Students may have the opportunity to apply to become mentors in future semesters through the established application and selection process.
ARTICLE IX – SCHOLARSHIPS AND PARTICIPANT INCENTIVES
PNMGC may provide scholarships or other participant incentives to eligible students, subject to available funding, successful completion of program requirements, and applicable University policies.
For the current program structure:
  1. Eligible mentees who successfully complete all PNMGC membership requirements may receive a scholarship of up to $300, subject to funding availability and University policies.
  2. Eligible mentors who successfully complete all mentoring and program requirements may receive a scholarship of up to $300.
  3. Mentors who complete all additional requirements outlined in the Mentor Application may be eligible for an additional $300 scholarship, subject to funding availability and University policies.
  4. Students must submit the required Mentor Agreement by the established deadline to be considered for additional mentor incentives.
  5. Scholarship and incentive amounts may be revised based on available funding, program needs, University policies, and organizational priorities.
ARTICLE X – FINANCES
All funds shall be used exclusively to further the mission and objectives of PNMGC.
Financial procedures shall be transparent, accountable, and consistent with University of New Mexico policies and procedures.
All financial transactions shall be properly documented, approved through appropriate University processes, and subject to regular review.
Financial records shall be maintained by the PNMGC Coordinator in collaboration with Graduate Studies and in accordance with University policies.
ARTICLE XI – CODE OF CONDUCT
All members and Student Leaders shall conduct themselves in accordance with University of New Mexico policies and the UNM Pathfinder Student Handbook.
Members shall promote an environment of dignity, respect, inclusion, and mutual support.
Members are expected to:
  1. Treat fellow students, mentors, mentees, faculty, staff, and community members with respect.
  2. Participate professionally in PNMGC activities.
  3. Follow University policies and procedures.
  4. Maintain appropriate communication and professional boundaries.
  5. Support an inclusive and welcoming community.
Failure to comply with applicable University policies or PNMGC expectations may result in removal from the program or Organization.
ARTICLE XII – AMENDMENTS
Amendments to these Bylaws may be proposed by members of the PNMGC Student Leadership Team or by members of the Organization.
Proposed amendments shall be submitted to the Student Leadership Team and Coordinator for review.
Following careful review and consideration, amendments may be adopted for the following academic year.
All amendments shall remain consistent with University of New Mexico policies and procedures and the mission and purpose of PNMGC.
ADOPTION
These Bylaws shall become effective upon approval by the Project for New Mexico Graduates of Color Student Leadership Team and Graduate Studies at the University of New Mexico.