The University of New Mexico

Lobo Orientation FAQs

Why is Lobo Orientation mandatory?

Because we want you to succeed. We will help you transition to UNM, so your first semester can go smoothly. Attending orientation is mandatory because students that attend a new student orientation program are more successful and more apt to stay on track for graduation. At Lobo Orientation, we provide beginning freshmen with information that we as a university are legally obligated to provide as well as opportunities to network with other students to feel at home on campus.

How do I reserve a space for Lobo Orientation?

Please see our Reserve Your Spot page for instructions for signing up for Lobo Orientation.

Do I need to RSVP?

Yes. Advanced reservations are required for all Lobo Orientation Sessions. In order for us to give individualized attention to students, each program will only accept a limited number of participants. The sessions are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Reserve a space as soon as possible, especially if you need to make travel arrangements. The reservation form will be available after 3:00 p.m. Mountain Time on March 28th, 2013.

Do I need to mail in the Lobo Orientation Fee?

No. You will select one of two payment options when you sign up for Lobo Orientation. You may pay upfront with debit or credit card, or you may select "Bill My Student Account" option. If you select "Bill My Student Account," our program will apply your orientation fee to your student bursar account after you have attended Lobo Orientation. Bill My Student Account is the best payment option for students who cannot pay upfront or who plan on having scholarships/financial aid to paying for orientation.

Either way, you must select one of these two options in order to be confirmed for a session. Please do not mail cash or checks to our office.

What do I need to bring with me to Lobo Orientation?

See our What to Bring page for information about what items you need for Lobo Orientation.

My parents want to come with me to orientation. How do they sign up and will I be with them?

Parents, family members, and other guests are welcome and encouraged to attend orientation with you.* That being said, it is important to know that students and guests attend concurrent but different programs at orientation. While your paths at orientation might cross throughout the day, you will be separated throughout the majority of the program.

  • For instructions on how to add a guest to your student reservation, see our Reserve Family Space page.
  • For more information about the Family Connection Program for parents and guests, please see our Family Connection page.

*We do not recommend that children or other young guests attend orientation, as they tend to be bored for most of the program.

I have to work and cannot take time off to attend Lobo Orientation. What should I do?

Lobo Orientation is mandatory for all traditional beginning freshmen. At Lobo Orientation, we share information to new students that we are legally and ethically obligated to provide. Making time to attend one of our twelve sessions throughout the summer is an important way to prepare for your college career. All students register for their first semester classes at orientation. It truly is a worthwhile investment.

If you absolutely, positively cannot make time to attend Lobo Orientation, please call our office at 505-277-3361 to discuss your situation. Remember that failing to plan ahead of time on your part does not constitute an emergency on ours. We want everyone to be setup for success at UNM, and planning to attend Lobo Orientation is an important part of that process.

What is the Cancellation policy for Lobo Orientation?

You MUST call the Dean of Students Office at (505) 277-3361 by 5:00 pm three business days prior to your scheduled session if:

 
  • You are unable to attend the session or program you have signed up for.
  • You are signed up for a session or program and decide NOT to attend the University of New Mexico for the upcoming semester.

Failure to contact the Dean of Students Office by the cancellation deadline (5:00 pm three business days prior to your scheduled orientation session) will result in a "no-show" fee for the full program amount. Click here to view the cancellation deadline for each session. 

Contacting another University office about your decision to not attend UNM does not count as canceling your commitment to attend orientation. If you do not contact the Dean of Students Office to cancel your reservation, you will still be charged.

The New Student Orientation Program works with a number of departments that require us to guarantee your space prior to your arrival at orientation. The three-business-day notice allows us sufficient time to contact these departments and notify them of any changes, thus allowing you not to be charged.