New Student Orientation
Congratulations on your acceptance to Western New Mexico University! We are excited to welcome you as one of our newest Mustangs!
To help you get acquainted with WNMU, all incoming students are required to complete an orientation program that provides them with the opportunity to learn about campus resources, make connections with faculty and staff, and register for courses.
Considering students enter WNMU with diverse knowledge and experiences, we offer a variety of orientation options that are tailored for each student, including:
- First-Year – 2 day overnight program (One day for Spring/January 2026)
- Distance Learning – fully online program, work at your own pace
- You will be added to the online orientation module in Canvas within about one week of registering, and you will have until classes start in August to finish the orientation course.
Spring 2026 Orientation Date:
- Friday, January 9, 2026 (one day only)
Fall 2026 Orientation Dates:
- Thursday, July 9th – Friday, July 10th
- Wednesday, August 12th- Thursday, August 13th
Family Orientation
- First-Year: We offer a specific family orientation on the first day of each First-Year orientation, where families will attend many similar sessions to their students while learning everything you’ll need to be a part of the Mustang Family!
- Transfer: Transfer students, please sign up for one of the two New Student Orientation dates.
Please get in touch with orientation@wnmu.edu for more information.
Is it required?
Yes, New Student Orientation is a required program for all incoming first-year students. It is designed to help you make a smooth transition into college. The first-year Fall orientation is a 2-day overnight program where incoming students will stay in Mustang Village at WNMU and participate in activities and learning to help you prepare for your transition to WNMU! All food and housing costs are covered for the 2-day orientation, just remember to check the packing list for what to bring to the residence halls for your stay!
For students entering WNMU in the Spring semester, a one-day orientation is required on campus or an online version is offered for virtual students.
Student-athletes, international students, and any other first-time freshmen who need to check into the residence halls early please contact Housing at Housing@wnmu.edu or (575) 538-6629.
Note: If you do not complete an orientation, a hold will be placed on your account which will prevent you from registering for the next semester.
For specific questions about New Student Orientation, please call (575) 538-6139 or email Orientation@wnmu.edu.
Date-Specific Details
Dates are listed above for all orientation events for 2026.
How much does it cost?
All new first-year students will see “Orientation” on their billing statement for Fall 2026. The cost is $200.00, this non-refundable fee covers the Orientation, programming, and university gear, as well as support for various transition programs designed to help new students during the first year at the university.
There are no costs for families or students AT orientation, as the $200.00 fee will be assessed on their spring or Fall 2026 bill rather than at orientation.
Rescheduling and Cancellation policy
Cancellations or registration changes must be requested directly via email at Orientation@wnmu.edu. Please include your name, Mustang Card number, date of registered session, and your reason for cancellation.