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.
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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.
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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.
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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.

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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.

1

Register for VMRC New Student Orientation

Select an available orientation date and reserve your spot before the semester begins.

2

Attend the Full Orientation Session

Learn about your education benefits, certification requirements, student responsibilities, and VMRC services.

3

Submit Required Documents

Provide the forms and benefit documentation needed for the VMRC to review your certification request.

4

Request Certification Each Semester

After registering for classes, submit your certification request so the VMRC can process your enrollment.

5

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.

 

 

Quick Information

📍 Location: Veteran & Military Resource Center

Duration: Approximately     2.5 - 3 hours

💲 Cost: Free

🎓 Required for: First-time VA education benefit users at UNM

UPCOMING

DATES

Please Note:

Due to the amount of information we cover in our NSO, we cannot allow a student who is more than 15 minutes late into the orientation. You will need to sign up for another date.

Please contact Jesse Preciado at jpreciado@unm.edu from your UNM email address with your name, UNM ID number, and preferred date.

All times are in Mountain Standard Time (MST)

July 2026

  • Wed. 07/22 at 1 pm (Virtual) FULL
  • Thur. 07/23 at 1 pm FULL
  • Fri. 07/24 at 11 am

August 2026

  • Wed. 08/05 at 11 am (Virtual) FULL
  • Thur. 08/06 at 10 am
  • Fri. 08/07 at 11 am
  • Wed. 08/19 at 12 pm (Virtual)
  • Thur. 08/20 at 1 pm
  • Fri. 08/21 at 11 am

September 2026

  • Thur. 09/03 at 10 am
  • Fri. 09/04 at 11 am
Contact the VMRC
Physical Address Veteran & Military Resource Center
608 Buena Vista Dr. NE, Bldg. 20A
MSC03 2215
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131
Phone (505) 277-3181
Fax (505) 277-3539
Hours Monday – Friday
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Support & Crisis Resources
Veterans Crisis Line 988, then Press 1
Text 838255
New Mexico Crisis & Access Line 1-855-NMCRISIS
(662-7474)
Agora Crisis Line (505) 277-3013
Homeless Veterans 1-877-4AID-VET
(424-3838)
VA Caregiver Support Line 1-855-260-3274
Wounded Warrior Resource Center 1-800-342-9647
LoboRESPECT Advocacy Center Support for students impacted by sexual misconduct, relationship violence, stalking, or harassment.