With a new semester starting, it's time to welcome back students to New Mexico State University with Aggie Welcome and Orientation Week. Beginning Aug. 19, events will be held every night that will be both fun and helpful for new and returning students. The events are designed to help introduce and re-introduce students to college life.

"One of the best predictors of student success during their time at college is being engaged in the campus community," said Julie Weber, director of housing and residential life. "The events of Aggie Welcome and Orientation Week are designed to engage our new students as soon as they arrive on campus."

Aggie move-in day starts at 8 a.m. Aug. 19. Later that day, the Aggie BBQ will be held at 5 p.m. Food will be provided for more than 2,000 new students and their families by Sodexo, the company that handles NMSU's dining services.

Chamisa II, the newest on-campus housing complex, will have its grand opening at 5 p.m. Aug. 20. Tours will be given of the new facility both before and after the grand opening ceremony.

All students will be treated to a free showing of the 2012 summer blockbuster "The Avengers" at 9 p.m. Aug. 25 for the "Movie Under the Stars" event on the International Mall.

Music lovers will have a chance to catch live performances as well. At 8 p.m. Aug. 24 the Casual Fridays will perform at the Aquatics Center and at 7 p.m. Aug. 26 Thick as Thieves will play at the Corbett Outdoor Stage for the ASNMSU Welcome Back Concert.

These events all lead up to the first Aggie football game of the season at 6 p.m. Aug. 30 at Aggie Memorial Stadium. This year, freshman students will be able to enter into the stadium through the tunnel where the football players come out as part of a new tradition. They will also be treated to a free hotdog and entered for a chance to prizes that include a Nook and concert tickets.

For more information, visit the full schedule of events at http://your.nmsu.edu/aggie-welcome-orientation/fall-2012-schedule-of-events/ or call Julie Weber at 575-646-3202.