The University of New Mexico organized a volunteer effort on Wednesday to assist incoming first-year students after a fatal shooting interrupted last week’s New Student Orientation. The incident led to the suspension of orientation activities and the safe dismissal of nearly 400 attending students.
In response, more than 100 staff and faculty members gathered at the Collaborative Teaching and Learning Building on UNM’s main campus. Their goal was to help those affected students complete their registration process, which had been halted by the tragic event.
“We had volunteers from all across campus, academic advisors from every college, the Honors College, ethnic centers, athletics, and an orientation team,” said Jose Villar, director of the College Enrichment Outreach Programs. “Together, we greeted the family members and the students, checking in on them and helping them leave today with a class schedule.”
The university offered both in-person and virtual support for student registration. A specific room was set aside for online assistance.
Further information about orientation and outreach programs is available through UNM’s New Student Orientation website as well as its College Enrichment & Outreach Programs page.
