Students head across campus during the first week of classes for the Fall semester at WNMUSILVER CITY, NM — Western New Mexico University has launched the Fall 2026 academic year, welcoming thousands of online, new and returning Mustang students to the Silver City campus. Organized and presented by WNMU Student Life, the week-long series of Welcome Week events has energized campus as students settled into residence halls, reconnected with peers and prepared for formal coursework.
Kicking off his first academic year as WNMU President Jose E. Coll was seen across campus interacting with students and their families. From assisting families during Move-In Day to visiting with incoming undergraduates during campus meals, Coll made a point of greeting individuals one-on-one, asking about their academic goals, and discussing their long-term career and personal aspirations.
Coll emphasized that Student Life's vibrant programming plays an essential function in fostering student inclusion and academic persistence from day one. "When students are connected to their campus environment and know that leadership and faculty are in their corner, there is no limit to what they can achieve," Coll added. "Welcome Week events build the social framework and sense of belonging which empower our Mustang students to flourish academically and personally throughout their entire college journey."
The week featured a variety of interactive events hosted by Student Life designed to help students acclimate to campus culture, build community and access vital university resources. Festivities began on Monday with "Donuts and Directions," giving students a sweet start to the morning while helping them locate classrooms, alongside a convenient "Pop Up" resource station for financial aid and registration support.
Events continued Tuesday with competitive Trivia Night, followed by student-favorite "Wing Wednesday," and the popular "Llama Day" on Thursday, where students enjoyed live animal interactions in the campus quad.
The excitement continues through the weekend with major Student Life traditions still ahead. Friday, students gather for Game Night featuring tabletop games and interactive activities. The Welcome Week festivities conclude on Saturday with the annual Welcome Back Bash.
The celebration features a live performance by Nosotros, the renowned Albuquerque/Santa Fe-based ensemble celebrated for blending Latin rhythms with rock, salsa, jazz and cumbia. Originally formed in Las Cruces, the award-winning group brings its signature Southwest sound to campus for a high-energy set designed to bring the community together on the dance floor. Closing out the evening, Los Angeles-based open-format DJ FlipZ—also a Las Cruces native—will deliver a club-style mix of hip-hop, throwback tracks, and high-energy dance anthems.
"Our campus truly comes alive when our students return," said Director of Student Life & Student Success Juanwon Anderson-Verdell. "Welcome Week is where your WNMU story really begins. It's more than just move-in days and campus events—it's about finding your community, discovering your passions and stepping into a friendly environment built to support you every step of the way. We're thrilled to welcome our returning Mustang family to Silver City and eager to help our new students feel right at home from day one."
Parents and family members expressed strong appreciation for the university's welcoming environment and accessible leadership. For many families sending a student to college for the first time, the visible presence and warm hospitality of university leadership provided immediate confidence and peace of mind.
With regular classes commencing across undergraduate and graduate programs, WNMU faculty and staff are launching several high-impact academic initiatives, expanded experiential learning projects, and targeted student success programs for the Fall semester.
