Orientation

College is a journey. Along the way, students discover new aspects of themselves, encounter opportunities, take healthy risks, confront challenges, and experience a wide variety of emotions. IAIA’s staff and faculty are here to help make each student’s journey successful and rewarding—and we take pride in making the transition to college life as enjoyable as possible.

Once students apply to IAIA, the journey with us begins. Upon acceptance, students join a community dedicated to empowering creativity and leadership in Native arts and cultures. We provide information about campus housing, financial aid, scholarship opportunities, and academic programs. Another important initial step is Orientation.

At Orientation, students ease their way into becoming a part of the IAIA community. Freshmen get to know each other while learning about what IAIA life will be like. The Student Success Center and Orientation mentors provide experiences that enable attendees to explore IAIA, including ways students are supported, and, there is plenty of time is reserved for fun and relaxation. Orientation is mandatory for new freshmen. All new students will have access to an online Orientation course they can take before the start of the school year to better acquaint themselves with IAIA.

For information and updates on IAIA’s Safety Protocols, please see the COVID-19 web page.

Download the 2023 Spring Orientation Schedule

Contact

orientation@iaia.edu

(505) 424-2328
(505) 424-4500 (fax)

Institute of American Indian Arts
Office of Admissions and Recruitment
83 Avan Nu Po Rd
Santa Fe, NM 87508

“IAIA orientation helped me to open up and get out of my shell. I feel more comfortable talking with professors and learning more about my academic path and how to engage with others and ask for help when needed. One the best parts of orientation for me was that it was interactive—and fun too!”

Desiree White Horse (Navajo)

IAIA Student

Student Orientation	Dates	Who Attends
Spring 2023 New Student Orientation	January 8–January 13, 2023	All new students (Freshman, Transfer, Re-Admits) who plan to take classes in person for the Fall semester. All Freshman students are required to attend all sessions of orientation.
Spring 2023 Virtual Orientation (Online Students only)	January 9–13, 2023	Online students only (Freshman, Transfer, Re-Admits) who plan to take classes online for the Fall semester. All Freshman students are required to attend all sessions of orientation.
Spring 2023 Advising Sessions	January 12–13, 2023 (In-Person and Virtual)	Students (Freshman, Transfer, Re-Admits) will meet one-on-one with advisors and other departments on campus. Appointments can be in-person or virtual.
Spring 2023 Welcome Day	January 13, 2023 (In-Person)	Open to all new students. We will provide a Welcome Ceremony, Campus tour, one-on-one meetings with departments, and more.
Fall 2023 New Student Orientation	August 6–August 11, 2023	All new students (Freshman, Transfer, Re-Admits) who plan to take classes in person for the Fall semester. All Freshman students are required to attend all sessions of orientation.
Fall 2023 Virtual Orientation (Online Students Only)	August 7–11, 2023	Online students only (Freshman, Transfer, Re-Admits) who plan to take classes online for Fall semester. All Freshman students are required to attend all sessions of orientation.
Fall 2023 Advising Sessions	August 10–11, 2023	Students (Freshman, Transfer, Re-Admits) will meet one-on-one with advisors and other departments on campus. Appointments can be in-person or virtual.
Fall 2023 Welcome Day	August 10–11, 2023	Open to all new students. We will provide a Welcome Ceremony, Campus tour, one-on-one meetings with departments, and more.