Why is orientation mandatory?
I attended orientation a few years ago. Do I have to attend again?
I’ve already gone on a campus tour; do I still need to attend?
Do I need to RSVP?
How do I reserve a space for orientation?
Do I need to mail in the $30 orientation fee?
What is the Cancellation policy for orientation?
What do I need to bring with me to orientation?
What is a Compass exam?
Why should I take a Placement exam before orientation?
What is a Language Evaluation?
Can I register for classes before I come to orientation?
Can you remove my orientation hold so I can register for classes before orientation?
Can I see an academic advisor before orientation?
How long does orientation last?
Can I attend just the parts of orientation that pertain to me?
I have kids and cannot find a sitter. What should I do?
What time should I be there?
Where do I park?
Where can I find a map?
Why is 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 orientation are more successful and more apt to stay on track for graduation.
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I attended orientation a few years ago. Do I have to attend again?
It depends on how long you have been gone. UNM procedures have changed a lot. We want to make sure you can find your way. Call us if you want to talk about your situation.
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I’ve already gone on a campus tour; do I still need to attend?
Yes. A campus tour is just a brief introduction to UNM. Orientation gives you in-depth information and covers a lot more than just building locations.
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Do I need to RSVP?
Yes. Advanced reservations are required for all Orientation sessions. In order for us to give individualized attention to students, programs will only accept a limited number of participants. The sessions are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Reserve a space early, especially if you need to make travel arrangements.
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How do I reserve a space for orientation?
The best way is to fill out online reservation form. If you need an alternate form, contact us at (505) 277-33-61. Our office cannot accept phone reservations for orientation at this time.
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Do I need to mail in the $30 orientation fee?
No. You will pay the Orientation fee with a credit card when you are filling out online reservation form.
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What is the Cancellation policy for orientation?
If you must change your plans (example: you are not attending UNM this semester, you are unable to attend the session and need to reschedule your orientation dates, etc.), call us immediately at (505) 277-3361. We must receive a phone call or email (nso@unm.edu) for changes/cancellations by three business days before your orientation session date.
A non-refundable "NO SHOW" fee will be charged to students who do not show up on their reserved orientation date, and do not contact us by 5 pm three business days before their scheduled orientation date.
Please see the Cancellation Policy for more information.
Spring Orientation works with a number of departments that require us to guarantee your space prior to your arrival at Lobo Orientation. Proper notice allows us sufficient time to contact these departments and notify them of any changes, thus allowing you not to be charged.
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What do I need to bring with me to orientation?
Here is what you will need:
- NetID and password **NetID to link to that page this site
- UNM ID number (9-digit number that came in your Admissions Letter—sometimes referred to as Banner ID)
- Photo ID (such as a driver’s license)
- Backpack to carry materials
- Parking permit (mailed to you after you reserve space for orientation)
- Financial aid and scholarship award letters
- Placement test scores **Placement will link to Placement this site
- Print out of My Course Placement result (freshmen only) **link to that page
- Unofficial copy of college transcripts (transfer students only)
- Printed copy of eProgress report (transfer students only) **eProgress will link to that page this site
- Comfortable clothes and walking shoes
- A sweater or light jacket--You will be in air-conditioned buildings
- Questions about UNM
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What is a Compass exam?
Placement into courses will be based on your ACT or SAT scores or transfer credit. If your placement is lower than you expected or you place into I-S 100 level courses, you may challenge the placement by taking a Compass exam at the UNM Testing Center. Students who qualify to take calculus for engineering, physics, computer science or math majors should take a compass exam for trigonometry before registering for the course. To get directions to the Testing Center or more information about the Compass exams, call (505) 277-8290, or visit their web site.
Due to limited time at Lobo Orientation, you may not be able to take the exams during orientation, so you need to take placement exams before orientation and bring your test scores with you.
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Why should I take a Placement exam before orientation?
Your Academic Advisor will tell you to register for classes based on your ACT or SAT score if that is the only placement information we have during orientation. There will not be time to take exams during Lobo Orientation. If you want to take placement exams, take them before orientation so your advisor will be able to place you properly.
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What is a Language Evaluation?
If you are planning on taking language classes, you need to take a language placement exam called an evaluation. The evaluations are administered for foreign languages such as Spanish, French or German. Look at the Foreign Languages page for more information. **link to placement, foreign language page
Students taking Spanish are required to take the Spanish Evaluation with the Spanish and Portuguese department (you may be exempt if you transfer Spanish credit).
Due to limited time at TNT Orientation, you need to take placement exams before orientation and bring your test scores with you.
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Can I register for classes before I come to orientation?
No. If you are a transfer student, you can see an academic advisor before orientation, but you won’t be able to register until you attend a program.
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Can you remove my Orientation hold so I can register for classes before orientation?
No. You will need to register during the orientation program. We want to make sure that all the courses you register for will fit into your graduation plan.
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Can I see an academic advisor before orientation?
If you are a transfer student, we encourage you to see your advisor before orientation. Freshmen students will meet with their advisors at orientation, not before.
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How long does orientation last?
It is scheduled for 7:30 am to 5:00 pm. Workshops and informational sessions take place until 1:30 pm, then the advisement and registration portion is in the afternoon. The amount of time spent in advisement varies. You cannot attend advisement without participating in workshops.
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Can I attend just the parts of orientation that pertain to me?
No. We believe that everyone learns something new during all parts of the orientation program. We don’t want you to miss anything important.
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I have kids and cannot find a sitter. What should I do?
If your children are able to sit quietly through workshops and presentations, then you can bring them with you. If that isn't going to work, give us a call to discuss options.
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What time should I be there?
Arrive promptly at 7:30 am? Allow plenty of time to park and walk to the Kiva Classroom.
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Where do I park?
You must have a parking permit to park on the UNM campus. You will receive a temporary parking permit and map in the mail with your confirmation letter after we process your online reservation for orientation.
The map shows the Parking Zones where you will be allowed to park:
Zones D, E and R.
Vehicles parked in other areas or without a permit are subject to fines and/or towing.
You will not have any parking tickets forgiven due to parking violations incurred during orientation. If for some reason you did not get a parking permit in the mail before orientation, get one when you check in.
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Where can I find a map?
Click here for a UNM map.
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