Colleges back in session next week

Higher education in eastern New Mexico is getting back in session, and local institutions will be extending the welcome mat to incoming freshman this week.

Eastern New Mexico University’s new-student orientation, Dawg Days, is scheduled Saturday through Monday, and will help familiarize students with the campus, other students, and the surrounding community, according to Co-director Briana Pintor.

Clovis Community College’s orientation is scheduled from noon to 2 p.m. today in the Town Hall Auditorium, according to Recruitment Coordinator Christopher Isham.

CCC’s gathering includes lunch and games at 12:30 p.m.

Move-in and check-in at ENMU is set for 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday in the residence halls, followed at 5 p.m. by the family community fair, which Pintor said will show freshmen what Portales has to offer them.

“If something goes wrong with your car, these businesses are here. If you need church services, we’ve got plenty of those. It just shows them what they have to offer, since a good amount of freshmen are coming in from out of town,” she said.

In addition, a student organization fair begins at 4 p.m. Friday and encourages student involvement by showing them what organizations are on campus.

“It’s the best way to meet people, to make connections, and just keep yourself busy and hold yourself accountable during college,” said Pintor.

A tour of campus, dubbed “Capture the Greyhound” will begin at 10 a.m. Monday and will continue to familiarize students with the university, according to Co-director Elissa Scales.

“We take the freshmen to seven or eight of the main buildings on campus and give them a little spiel about what goes on in the building,” she said.

All activities will be supervised by counselors made up of sophomores, juniors, and seniors, which Pintor said goes a long way toward making the freshmen feel welcome.

“They’re working hard to be able to connect with the freshmen and show that Eastern’s a good place to be, and they’re gonna have fun here. They’re gonna be welcomed with open arms, and it really is like a Greyhound family,” she said.

Classes are scheduled to begin Monday at CCC and Wayland Baptist University, and Aug. 22 at ENMU.