New Mexico Tech Welcomes Students, Parents to Campus : New Mexico Tech

New Mexico Tech Welcomes Students, Parents to Campus

June 10, 2022

New Student Orientation provides freshmen with a preview of college life

Miner waving — The New Mexico Tech Miner waves and welcomes students and their families to New Student Orientation from the corner of Bullock Avenue and Leroy Place in Socorro.

SOCORRO, N.M. – Newly minted high school graduates with their sights set on fall converged on the New Mexico Tech campus Friday, June 10, 2022, for the first of three New Student Orientation days this summer. Hundreds of students and their parents spent a day learning about dorm life, dining plans, campus safety, and clubs and resources.

Luke Tipton and his mother, Holly — Future mechanical engineering major Luke Tipton, right, and his mother, Holly Tipton, of Roswell, check in with admissions advisor Holly Oxford at the Fidel Center.

Admissions Director Greg Stringer told students and parents that New Mexico Tech “is a very special place” and their mission for the day should be to get their student IDs, register for classes, and tour the dorms so they could enjoy the rest of the summer and not worry about the fall.

“Today you begin the process of your journey here at New Mexico Tech,” he said. “Our job is to help guide your path.”

Ariel and Christian Morales — New Mexico Tech alum Ariel Morales, left, accompanied his younger brother, Christian Morales, from Bloomfield. Christian plans to study computer science and has already earned an associates degree while attending high school. Christian said he was looking forward to getting his classes in order during New Student Orientation and to get to know the campus.

Vice President for Academic Affairs Douglas Wells, Ph.D., encouraged students to pursue what they want to do and be. He said that success in college and life is directly tied to showing up, being resilient, working hard, and enjoying yourself.

“Don’t forget to have fun,” he said. “Life is about more than academics.”

Hailey and Brandy Gulas — Future biomedical sciences major Hailey Gulas, left, and her mother, Brandy Gulas, of Las Lunas, attend New Student Orientation June 10, 2022, at the Fidel Center. Hailey is already enrolled in an online math course this summer to get a jumpstart on her college career.

While students attended a workshop on academic success and toured campus, a panel of New Mexico Tech student support services representatives answered parents’ questions on everything from athletic clubs and tutors to active shooter training and physical and mental health support services.

First Year Ambassadors — First-year ambassadors, charged with connecting new students throughout their freshman year to ensure a smooth transition to New Mexico Tech, greet students at the Resource Center in the Fidel Center. From left: Livia de Viterbo, Olivia Cantrell, Vanessa Cordoba, and Ambrosia Ingoglia. Not pictured: Alyssa Daniel-Peterson.

Michael Voegerl, director of the Center of Student Leadership and Engagement and coordinator of International Programs, urged parents to help their students seek out both support services and opportunities to help them be successful on campus.

Emma and Arlene Stemper — Emma Stamper, left, and her mother, Arlene Stamper, of Albuquerque, tour the kitchen in Driscoll Hall. Emma is a general studies major and will live in Driscoll, an all-female dorm, this fall.

“Help them understand that it’s OK to ask for help,” Voegerl said. “The resources are there. We just need them to take advantage of them.”

Additional new student orientation days will be held July 22 and Aug. 12. Fall semester begins Aug. 15.

Conference assistants — Jackie Regalado, left, and Bella Wichman, both conference assistants, bring a tour group of students and parents through residential halls as part of New Student Orientation June 10, 2022.