ENMU faculty prepared for start of school

Students and parents broke the stillness of the Eastern New Mexico University campus on Thursday and it carried into the weekend.

Students spent the last few days moving into the dormitories and registering for classes which begin on Monday. ENMU has also added 14 new faculty members.

“It’s too early to tell how many students we’re going to have this year,” ENMU President Dr. Steven G. Campbell said. “We have registered over 3,300 students but we expect more students to register next week.”

Classes may not have started yet, but ENMU events officials and students have been busy the past two days.

“We’re glad the students are here,” said Ramon Garcia, director of Campus Union and Auxiliary Operations. “We’ve been working hard in the spring and summer to get everything ready. The stress and anxiety of putting everything together is over. Everything is put into motion.”

Garcia has been the director for 12 years.

Views of incoming students and returnees are cover the spectrum. Freshman start the year with questions and uncertainty while returning upper classman begin with a renewed confidence and comfort.

“Everything is a new experience when you are a freshman,” senior Brice Espinoza of Los Alamos said. “Everything is mapped out for you if you are a senior. We know what to expect.”

“I’m able to help people this year,” sophomore Jenni Williams of Texico said. “It helps to get involved. A friend of mine introduced me to the events department in the (Greyhound) arena. It helps me because I am going into public relations. We set up halftime shows and promotions.”

“I rearranged my priorities for this year,” ENMU sophomore Eric Ortega of Roswell said. “I don’t let my social life affect school. I like ENMU. They’ve got a great faculty.”

Dawg Days started for traditional incoming freshman on Thursday and runs through today, while freshman orientation for non-traditional students was Saturday.

Some returning students have also been involved in the Dawg Days activities.