Recently, CNM selected the name for the school's proposed mascot -- "Sol the SunCat." [1]

Here's three proposed pictures of "Sol" -- 

This entry (rather sarcastic, and rightfully so, in my opinion) is hands-down the best of the bunch --

What the CNM Mascot would look like if scientists ruled the school.
The CNMone (C-N-M-o-n-ee)

Why do I say it's the best? It's not for the quality of the artwork, as "The CNMone" is a hand-drawn sketch, as the others have the look of being put together by someone with some skills in the graphic arts. No, "The CNMone" is the best as it showcases the absurdity of the whole mascot gimmick.

Apparently, I'm not alone in thinking that this whole scheme to "market" the school is idiotic. Here's the comments that were printed in the Chronicle -- 

I think they're pretty tight, I mean some of them look kind of corny, but that little one does look pretty tight [center Suncat]. But I wouldn't wear that sh*t on a shirt.
Tom Cordova

It looks like an elementary school mascot, not one for a college
Kelly Simpson

It's pathetic, I don't even really know what it is. Are those flames, or what are they supposed to be? It looks like a pokemon.
Ashley Gabaldon

It [expletive] sucks. I don't even know what the [expletive] that is. No, this is not high school, this is college, get it together.
Shavon Davis

I don't like it, I just don't think it will catch on.
Megan Galles

Kirsten Crocker knocks this BS ball out of the park with her op-ed piece titled "CNM to be laughing stock of collegiate community" --

One of the perks of being a pessimist is that reality rarely presents you with scenarios that are worse than you had originally anticipated. So, naturally, I was utterly flabbergasted when I first caught sight of CNM's official mascot prototypes. My default response of genuine amusement kicked in immediately; my laughter came to a tapered squelch, however, as I realized this was no joke.

A mascot is, by definition, supposed to be a representative symbol of an institution, ergo a group of people. How do these prototypes represent CNM? Well, they certainly imply that we have a serious case of dignity deficiency, and make it painstakingly obvious that we don't even take ourselves seriously. These god-awful designs also relay a warning not to take CNM's computer animation courses.

If I recall correctly the student voting on the mascot several months back -- you know, the great hoax which had its preconcieved notions and didn't for a moment consider the actual wishes of the student body -- I believe the consensus had voted for the implementation of a roadrunner as the mascot. On what grounds was that idea poo-pooed? Given our location, a roadrunner seems a perfectly acceptable critter of choice. If you've ever seen one combination prowling-scurrying through your yard, you can't deny that the roadrunner is a creature of majesty which commands respect; "I used to be a dinosaur, b****."

We have until March 20 to protest these abominations, ladies and gentlemen. I would encourage you, if you would prefer not to be the laughing stock of the collegiate community, to pencil in your suggestions, perhaps a word or two of protest, on the ballots as opposed to degrading yourselves and voting on one of the strkingly similar prototypes. These things should be trapped inside the virtual realm of a Giga Pet, not ironed onto college T-shirts.

Date: March 13, 2009
Subject: Students Get in Free for Thunderbirds Games

Take advantage of free admission to the remaining Albuquerque Thunderbirds games and check out some high flying NBA Development League basketball talent. Admission is free when you show your CNM student ID. There are seven home games left. To check out the remaining home schedule, go to nba.com/dleague/albuquerque/

And here I was under the impression that since the Thunderbirds were having trouble bringing in crowds of over 1,000 people, and with that being the case, they wouldn't bother asking for your ID, student or otherwise, so long as you're willing to walk in and buy from the concession stands.

Apparently, the Administration is considering some sort of spring break --

Date:    March 17, 2009
Subject: Should CNM Have a Spring Break?

CNM is considering whether to provide a one-week spring break for students and faculty beginning in spring 2010. If CNM adds a spring break to the academic calendar in future years, it would extend the spring term by one week. Please take a moment to give us your feedback on the possibility of creating a one-week spring break in future years by completing a quick survey.

• Student
• Faculty member
• Staff member

Do you want the college to have a one week spring break?

NO

If no, why?

• The shorter break between the end of the summer term and beginning of the fall term would negatively affect my ability to prepare for the fall term.
• A spring break would disrupt the effectiveness of my teaching.
• A spring break would be disruptive to my student learning experience.