In the last week of the 2005 session, the New Mexico Legislature passed House Joint Memorial (HJM) 73, calling for the establishment of a panel to examine current practice on use of part-time (contingent) faculty by institutions of higher education in the state. The panel is also charged with recommending "best practices" to be implemented by the institutions. AAUP-NM is to be represented on the panel.

HJM 73 was introduced by Rep. Danice Picraux (D, Albuquerque) at the behest of the UNM Contingent Faculty Committee, chaired by Prof. Louise Lamphere. Sen. Cisco McSorley (D, Albuquerque) introduced a companion memorial (SJM 59) to ensure that the issues was considered by both houses in a timely manner.

The memorial calls for the study to be completed before the next legislative session.

AAUP-NM thanks Rep. Picraux and Sen. McSorley, along with several other members who co-sponsored the memorials.