The University of New Mexico hosts a series of First-Year and Welcome Back events to provide Lobos with opportunities to explore and get-to-know campus. Beginning with Friday Night Live, there are countless opportunities for you to get involved at UNM, meet new friends and find your support system. From departments to student organizations, there’s something for everyone at UNM. Welcome Back events will take place Aug. 19 – 26.

Friday Night Live
Friday, Aug. 19 / 7 - 10 p.m. / Student Union Building

Join hundreds of students at the Student Union Building (SUB) from 7 – 10 p.m. for the first event of the semester! Activities and events taking place include Karaoke, a DJ, Henna Tattoos, Laser Tag Arena, Photo Booths, Student Organization Tables, UNM Sports Teams! Still not convinced? Check out this Friday Night Live video to see what to expect! Student Organizations can sign up to table at this event by signing up HERE.

First-Year Family Day, Aug. 21
UNM’s First-Year Family Day is an annual event to celebrate new and first-year students, and to honor the family and friends that have helped prepare you for this new phase of your academic journey. Three events comprise First-Year Family Day including First-Year Convocation, Class Crawl and Movie on the Field. See below for event information.

First-Year Convocation
Sunday, Aug. 21 / 4 p.m. / Popejoy Hall
First-Year Convocation kicks off First-Year Family Day by welcoming and introducing new and first-year students to the UNM community. Students must signup by Aug. 18 at 11 p.m. MDT to participate, while faculty have until Aug. 14 at 11 p.m. to signup for the Faculty Honor Procession. For student and faculty signup information, visit First-Year Family Day.

Class Crawl
Sunday, Aug. 21 / After First Year Convocation / Student Union Building North Mall
Don’t be lost on your first day of classes! New students can stop by the SUB north mall and print a copy of their class schedule and we’ll help them find where their classes are on a personalized campus tour. Follow the signs after First Year Convocation! Sponsored by the Student Activities Center, Dean of Students Office and Residence Life. Click Here for More Info!

Movie on the Field
Sunday, Aug. 21 / 8 p.m. / Johnson Field
Never been to a drive-in movie? Here's your chance to get as close to that experience as possible! Come watch the summer hit Top Gun Maverick outside on Johnson Field starting at 8 p.m. Bring a blanket and friends! Sponsored by ASUNM SSE & SWFC, UNM Greek Life, Student Activities Center & the VP of Student Affairs. See a trailer for Top Gun Maverick here! Watch Top Gun Maverick for FREE on Aug. 24 at 6 p. m. in the SUB Theater, see movies.unm.edu for showtime information.

Welcome Back Days Table Signups

The start of the fall semester is right around the corner and now is the time to start making plans to promote your department during UNM's annual Welcome Back Days Aug. 22-26. 

Information tables on Monday, Aug. 22 (UNM Departments Day and President Stokes' Ice Cream Social) may be reserved on the Student Activities website. UNM departments, student organizations, and community agencies wishing to participate in Welcome Back Days should sign up as soon as possible.

Tables are reserved but not assigned and will be first-come, first-serve around the Duck Pond from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Departments may also table on additional days when they fit the theme of the day. 

Welcome Back Days 2022

Welcome Back Days runs from Monday, Aug. 22 through Friday, Aug. 26. Each day features live music and great themed information booths from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. along the Duck Pond. Below is a partial list of events during Welcome Back Days. For a complete schedule visit, 2022 Welcome Events.

President's Ice Cream Social & Departmental Information Day
Monday, Aug. 22 / 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. / Duck Pond

Start the first week of classes off right with ice cream served by UNM President Stokes and University Administrators. Stop by the information booths to get valuable information from UNM Schools & Departments about campus programs, services and resources. Free ice cream and live music from a local musician at the Duck Pond from 12 - 1 p.m.

Safety, Health, Wellness and Recreation Day
Tuesday, Aug. 23 / 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. / Duck Pond and SUB Mall

Enjoy safety demos, recreational activities & healthy living alternatives at information booths from the Safety, Health, Wellness & Recreation departments at the Duck Pond. Free watermelon sponsored by UNM Children's Campus from Noon until gone and live Music from 12 - 1 p.m. 

UNM Communities Day
Wednesday, Aug. 24 / 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. / Duck Pond
Stop by for great info from UNM’s Ethnic, Women’s, Veteran and LGTBQ Centers as well as other culturally based programs, departments, and student organizations. Live performance from 12 - 1 p.m. Enjoy Pepsi products over the noon hour. Free green chile stew sponsored by UNM Food from noon until gone.

North Campus Welcome Back Day
Wednesday, Aug. 24 / 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. / Lawn southeast of Domenici Center

Stop by the lawn just southeast of Domenici Center along Marble Ave for North Campus Welcome Back! Information booths will run 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. while you enjoy free watermelon sponsored by UNM Children’s Campus and free Pepsi products!

Student Organization Day
Thursday, Aug. 25 / 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. / Duck Pond
Meet and speak with ASUNM Student Government leaders and learn how to get involved with the over 350 student organizations on campus (200 student organizations will have info tables). Listen to great live music at the Duck Pond from 12 - 1 p.m. and pick up free Pepsi products from Noon until they run out. Free Dion's Pizza from noon until gone!

Campus Employment and Community Service Day
Friday, Aug. 26 / 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. / Duck Pond
Looking for a campus job? Interested in helping out in the community? Stop by! University departments will be on site hiring students for work-study and student employment positions. Community organizations will be recruiting volunteers for their worthwhile events & causes. The UNM Alumni Association will serve free coffee and donuts from 9 a.m. until gone! FREE Pepsi products will be served over the noon hour. Enjoy music from 12 - 1 p.m.

For more information and a complete schedule, visit Welcome, Lobos.