Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to commonly asked questions about New Student Orientation at CNM.

If you have any additional questions, send an email to or call (505) 224-3000.


Orientation Sessions

Do I need to complete New Student Orientation to register for classes at CNM?

Yes. If you have an active orientation hold on your account you will not be able to register for classes until you complete new student orientation. Dual credit students, CNM Online college students, and beginning freshman students will have an orientation hold placed on their account. Transfer and returning/readmit students will not have an orientation hold. 

What will I do at New Student Orientation?

CNM's New Student Orientation will introduce you to resources and concepts to help you be successful in your first year of college. Students will explore resources available at CNM and participate in activities to prepare for the start of their college careers.

What is the difference between Option 2: Online Orientation AND Zoom Orientation?

Online Orientation is offered online, is self-paced, and is available to complete anytime. Upon completion of the online orientation, the orientation hold will be removed.

Zoom Orientation is a follow up to the online orientation that allows you to meet other students, hear from guest speakers, and ask questions after completing the online orientation. It is offered through Zoom on a specific day and time. This should be done after you have completed the online orientation. See available dates and times and register for a Zoom session.

When should I attend orientation?

If you are a beginning freshman/first-time college student, you must complete orientation before starting your first semester at CNM. For example, if you will begin college during the Fall semester you will attend Fall orientation, which will be held during the Summer term. Orientations are offered during the Fall, Spring, and Summer each year. 

Does orientation cost anything?

No. New Student Orientation is offered free of charge.

Do I need to have anything with me for orientation?

Be sure to have your CNM student ID number and username available. It is also helpful to have paper and a pen or pencil to take notes with.


Registration and Advisement

Can I register for classes before I complete orientation? 

No, if you are a beginning freshman, dual credit student, or CNM Online student, you must complete new student orientation before you register for classes.

Will I register for classes at my orientation session?

While you will become familiar with the registration process, you will not register for classes during the regular orientation session. If you are a beginning freshman student and you would like to register for classes during orientation, register for a SOAR orientation session. 

Will I meet with an advisor during orientation?

In addition to attending orientation, as a new student, you must meet with an advisor before you are able to register for classes. These two requirements can be completed in any order. However, advisement will not be offered during regular orientation sessions. Schedule an appointment with an advisor.

When will my hold be removed after completing orientation?

After successfully completing an online orientation, the hold on your account will be removed immediately as long as you entered your CNM ID number correctly and have completed the correct online orientation for your student type. Take a screenshot of the completion page for your records. If you attend an in-person orientation, your hold will be removed upon successful completion of the in-person orientation. If your hold isn’t removed, please contact us.


Family and Ally Sessions

Can someone attend orientation with me?

A separate Family and Ally Session is available online. Parent and Ally Zoom Orientation Sessions will be held periodically for family members or those who you deem an important part of your support system. Beginning freshman students are welcome to bring a guest with them to in-person orientation (space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis). 

How do I sign up for the Zoom Family and Ally Session?

Find available dates and sign up for a session here.

What is covered in the Family and Ally Session?  

The family session will cover similar information as the New Student Orientation session, with a special focus on techniques to support a student during their time in college.

My family member or ally speaks Spanish. Can someone translate?

We do not currently offer translation services at this time.