SOCORRO, N.M. – New Mexico Tech’s new student orientation program transitioned to an all-online process this year with great success. Tony Ortiz, Director of Admission, said NMT has hosted three successful online orientations, with two more scheduled for August 7 and 14.

“The students are responding nicely to our online orientations,” Ortiz said. “They are comfortable with the virtual environment. They all finished high school virtually, so they are a bit more accustomed to it.”

Along with enrolling in classes for the coming semester, students are provided valuable information about navigating not only a new campus, but also their new lives as college students.

About 100 incoming freshmen and their parents have joined each of the three previous orientation sessions. Ortiz said he added a fifth orientation to allow New Mexico Tech to offer a one-on-one advising ratio.

NMT President Dr. Stephen Wells welcomes the students in the morning. The students and parents then attend various online meetings, tours, and information sessions. Students take part in presentations from Financial Aid, Residential Life, Student Services, and the Registrar from 10 a.m. to noon.

In the afternoon, students meet with academic advisors, and each academic department hosts a virtual classroom. Department presentations start with a pre-recorded video, followed by live Q&A sessions with faculty members.

“Everyone really stepped up,” Ortiz said. “The staff at ITC has worked really hard to help make these events successful and run smoothly.”

Ortiz said the online format is also a good dress rehearsal for the fall recruiting season. Nearly all in-person college fairs have been cancelled, especially the larger regional events. Ortiz said his staff adapted quickly to digital platforms to interact with prospective students.

– NMT –