UNM students with the most credits usually have seniority when registering for classes.
But this time around, it's the transfer students who will get first dibs.
Stephanie Hands, director of Arts and Sciences Advisement, said transfer students will be able to register for classes April 19. Graduate students can register April 21, and seniors with at least 120 hours can register on April 22.
"It's a one-shot deal," Hands said. "They're getting a two-day head start."
Hands said transfer students will have the opportunity to meet with advisers and sign up for courses that fit their curriculum. They will also be able to take campus tours, receive financial aid and apply for housing services, she said.
Student Benjamen Thornberg said transfer students don't deserve that opportunity.
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"I think it's rather unfair to those of us who have spent four years of our lives here trying to get an earlier register date by racking up hours," he said.
Recruitment Services Manager Corine Gonzales said about 300 transfer students are expected to attend the event.
"It definitely is a great opportunity for us to get all of their questions answered and take care of it all in one day," Gonzales said. "There are going to be workshops on transferring their financial aid, career services, working on campus and balancing family, work and school."
Hands said the benefits of the event are greater than the drawbacks that come with it.
"I think being a transfer student is a very difficult transition, and if this can ease it even a little bit, I think it can make a huge difference for them," she said. "And it's their first impression of our school."
Thornberg said it is a good idea for UNM to host the event, but transfer students shouldn't have the first-pick of classes.
"I think they should have a day set aside, but not before everyone else and certainly not before seniors or people above a certain amount of hours," Thornberg said.
Most of the transfer students are sophomores and juniors, Gonzales said. Many of them come from CNM or other universities around the state, she said.
Hands said many of the transfer students will register for 200- and 300-level classes.
"I don't think it has that big an impact on our students," she said.
