Orientation
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.
Contact
(505) 424-2328
(505) 424-4500 (fax)
Register for Orientation
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!”
Student Orientation | Dates | Who Attends |
---|---|---|
Fall 2022 New Student Orientation | Aug. 7–10 In Person | All new students (Freshman, Transfer, Re-Admits) who plan to take classes in person for Fall semester. All Freshman students are required all sessions of orientation. |
Fall 2022 Online Students Only | Aug. 8–10 Virtual | Online students only (Freshman, Transfer, Re-Admits) who plan to take classes online for Fall semester. All Freshman students are required all sessions of orientation. |
Fall 2022 Advising Sessions | Aug. 11–12 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. |
Fall 2022 Welcome Day | Aug. 12 In Person | Open to all new students. We will provide a Welcome Ceremony, Campus tour, one-on-one meetings with departments, and more. |
First Day of Class Aug. 15, 2022)
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Views of IAIA Orientation and Students

Mary Silentwalker
(San Felipe Pueblo/Navajo)
Associate Dean
Admissions and Recruitment
P (505) 424-2307
E mary.silentwalker@iaia.edu

Lorissa Garcia
(Acoma Pueblo)
Career and Internship Director
Student Success Center
P (505) 424-2319
E lorissa.garcia@iaia.edu

Ryan Young
(Lac du Flambeau Ojibwe)
Student Success Advisor
Student Services
P (505) 424-5707
E ryoung@iaia.edu