VMRC New Student Orientation
Start your UNM journey with confidence.

Beginning your academic journey at UNM is an exciting milestone, and the Veteran & Military Resource Center (VMRC) is here to help you start with confidence.
Students using VA education benefits at UNM for the first time are required to attend a VMRC New Student Orientation before their enrollment can be certified. This orientation is separate from the University's general New Student Orientation and is designed specifically for students using military and veteran education benefits.
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What You'll Learn
During orientation, we’ll provide the information, tools, and resources you need to confidently begin your journey at UNM.
VA Education Benefits
Learn how your VA education benefits work at UNM.Benefits Overview
We’ll review benefit chapters, payment expectations, and how benefits apply to your enrollment.Certification Requirements
Understand certification requirements and deadlines.Getting Certified
We’ll explain required forms, enrollment changes, semester deadlines, and certification steps.Student Responsibilities
Learn what is expected to maintain your benefits.Your Role
You’ll learn how to avoid delays by submitting documents and reporting schedule changes.Campus Resources
Connect with resources that support your success.Support Network
We’ll introduce academic, financial, wellness, and student success resources across campus.VMRC Services
Discover the services and support offered by the VMRC.How We Help
Learn about benefit certification, student support, programming, referrals, and staying connected.Next Steps
Leave orientation ready for your first semester.Move Forward
You’ll know what to submit, who to contact, and how to prepare before classes begin.____________
Your Orientation Journey
VMRC New Student Orientation helps you understand where you are in the process and what steps come next before your benefits can be certified.
Register for VMRC New Student Orientation
Select an available orientation date and reserve your spot before the semester begins.
Attend the Full Orientation Session
Learn about your education benefits, certification requirements, student responsibilities, and VMRC services.
Submit Required Documents
Provide the forms and benefit documentation needed for the VMRC to review your certification request.
Request Certification Each Semester
After registering for classes, submit your certification request so the VMRC can process your enrollment.
Start Your Semester Prepared
Begin the semester knowing your next steps, responsibilities, and where to go for support.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about VMRC New Student Orientation and your next steps for using VA education benefits at UNM.
Do I have to attend VMRC New Student Orientation?
Yes. Students using VA education benefits at UNM for the first time are required to attend a VMRC New Student Orientation before their enrollment can be certified.
Is this the same as UNM’s general New Student Orientation?
No. VMRC New Student Orientation is separate from the University’s general New Student Orientation and focuses specifically on VA education benefits, certification requirements, student responsibilities, and VMRC services.
Can I attend orientation virtually?
Some orientation dates may be offered virtually. Review the upcoming orientation schedule on this page and select the option that works best for you.
What happens if I miss my scheduled orientation?
If you miss your scheduled orientation, please sign up for another available date before your benefits can be certified.
What if I arrive late?
Due to the amount of information covered, students who arrive more than 15 minutes late cannot be admitted into the session and will need to sign up for another date.
When can my benefits be certified?
Your benefits can be certified after you have attended VMRC New Student Orientation, registered for classes, and submitted the required certification documentation to the VMRC.
Who should I contact if I have questions?
Please contact the Veteran & Military Resource Center if you have questions about orientation, certification, or using your VA education benefits at UNM.
