SOCORRO, N.M. – New Mexico Tech has mounted a new campaign to encourage first-time students to enroll for classes and join the “Techie” family.

The advertising blitz asks potential students, “Why Aren’t You Here?” and reminds them that “It’s not too late to start at NMT this fall.” The final new student orientation is Friday, August 13, and NMT will accept students though that date. 

The campaign includes advertising via radio stations, billboards, digital and social media outlets, and TV appearances. The focus of the push is to highlight the extra services offered by the NMT Office of Admission for new recruits.

“COVID has done so much to shake up college enrollment timelines that we want to make sure new students know that we are doing everything we can to meet their needs, right up until classes start,” said Greg Stringer, Director of the Office of Admission at NMT. “We are obliging to all the different circumstances that students are experiencing as a result of this traumatic last year.”

NMT has hosted three new student orientations this summer so far – two virtual and one in person. The fourth and final orientation on Friday has about 130 participants registered to take part. The full-day event is the students’ opportunity to open their account, get an email address and post office box, tour academic departments, and get to know the people and places on campus. 

NMT is waiving the registration deposit for students who enroll this week. The Admission Office has redoubled its efforts to offer personalized service, including personal introductions in the student services offices, direct contact with professors, and exposure to the many student clubs.   

“The (Office of Admission) staff – we are all personally going to give concierge service to make the transition smooth,” Stringer said. “We will be here to personally walk with them on the journey to start classes this fall semester.”

Associate Director of New Student Advising and Student Engagement Jonique Sais said NMT is adapting to the challenges and obstacles presented by the pandemic. She stressed the importance of personal interaction between new students and NMT staff, faculty and current students. 

“Being a new student as an 18-year-old is daunting,” Sais said. “Connecting students with the university is the most important part of making the move to campus. We are going to connect new students with professors and do everything we can to enable them to feel comfortable when they need to reach out for assistance.”

Staff from the Office of Admission will walk students through the processes they need to complete at vital offices, such as Residential Life, Financial Aid, and the Registrar. Campus tours also include personal visits with the eSports Club, the club sports director, and other affinity groups.

In addition to Stringer and Sais, the entire Office of Admission team will be on campus to help new students all week and throughout orientation. Stringer said his team – Hillary Pineda, Holly Oxford, Jered Cervantes, Joe Payan, Mary Pargas, and Aljon Carpio – will be available to assist in any manner.

– NMT –