Fall 2016 Employee Newsletter

A Word from the President

A new semester is underway as we begin our 46^th year here at Liberty University. On Friday, Liberty welcomed around 4,000 freshman and transfer students at the annual President’s Kickoff at Williams Stadium. This event is always the perfect start to a new year.

Our incoming class, together with returning students, makes up the largest residential population Liberty has ever seen. Nearly 15,000 students are taking courses on campus this semester. Liberty has carefully planned for this increase, ensuring that all of our students’ needs are met inside and outside the classroom. For the first time, students are enjoying their new 168,000-square-foot student center, the Montview Student Union, behind DeMoss Hall. This building — named for the farm that stood here before the land was purchased in the 1970s — was specially designed with our students in mind. It includes offices for student organizations, new dining options, plenty of meeting spaces, game areas, and a bowling alley. The new 1,600-seat concert hall in the Center for Music and the Worship Arts is opening this fall. This facility will take our School of Music to the next level, and I encourage you to tour these new buildings, attend a concert, and visit the new dining areas.

Our admissions staff serves the integral role of helping potential students choose to attend Liberty. That decision is truly affirmed during students’ first few weeks here, when they begin to feel like they belong, and they start to call campus home.

Everyone here at Liberty contributes to that sense of belonging. No matter what position you hold, you contribute to students’ overall experience, so let’s join in the excitement of a new year and work together to make it the best ever.

New University Seal

Every great university’s seal points back to its heritage and reminds present students of what transpired to bring about the school. While Liberty University continues to grow, its mission — Training Champions for Christ — remains the same. This mission is integral to our identity, and as we increase in both achievement and influence, it is important to display this commitment to the world. To that end, a new seal, combining the strength of Liberty’s traditions with an exciting vision for the future, will be the emblem of the university as we move forward. Each component of the seal has been carefully chosen and incorporated to reflect Liberty’s character. As today’s students, faculty, staff, and alumni continue to write the future of the university, our seal reminds us of our rich heritage, signifying to all who see it that Liberty University has been, is, and always will be Training Champions for Christ.

The following is a brief overview of the uses of the new official University Seal, Academic Seal, and departmental wordmarks:

The Official University Seal is reserved for the president, provost, and formal university functions, such as Commencement, as determined on a case-by-case basis.

The Academic Seal is reserved for departments, colleges, and schools that fall under the Office of the Provost. It must be used in conjunction with the words “Liberty University.”

For more information about the new seals or to review the Liberty University Brand Guide, visit the Marketing webpage.

Construction Update

Over the summer break, crews continued to hammer away on new construction projects. In appreciation of the crews’ hard work, the Planning & Construction Office and Sodexo partnered to hand out water bottles and POWERADE®, providing the workers some relief from the summer heat.

• Academic and Performance Center
  This terraced, 3-story, 65,000-square-foot structure is being built behind Osborne Stadium. It will feature an Olympic sport weight room and space for short- and long-term rehabilitation of NCAA Division I student-athletes, as well as academic offices, tutoring centers, and study halls. It is scheduled to open next summer.
• Concert Hall
  Construction is wrapping up on a 1,600-seat fine arts concert hall opening this fall at the new Center for Music and the Worship Arts. A recording studio is also planned. When completed, the entire music facility will span two buildings and 140,000 square feet.

• Freedom Tower
  Exciting progress has been made on the 275-foot tall, 63,000-square-foot Freedom Tower. An observation deck will provide a 360-degree view of the area, and a carillon of bells will feature the university’s Liberty Bell replica. The base of the tower will house the School of Divinity. Completion is scheduled for late Fall 2017.

• Indoor Track Facility and Natatorium
  Expected to open in January 2017, the 165,000-square-foot indoor track facility on Liberty Mountain will feature a hydraulically banked 200-meter track, making it a premier location to host age group, high school, collegiate, and even professional indoor competitions. A state-of-the-art, 75,000-square-foot natatorium connected to the complex will feature an Olympic-sized eight-lane, 50-meter pool and a separate 17-foot-deep diving well. That project is expected to be completed by August 2017.

• Indoor Practice Facility
  Construction continues on the 95,000-square-foot practice facility, located beside Williams Stadium. When its doors open in early Summer 2017, Flames Football and other athletics teams will be able to practice, regardless of the weather, on a turf field under a 70-foot ceiling.

• Residential Commons III
  Residential Commons III is currently under construction and, when completed, will house nearly 800 students.

• School of Communication & Creative Arts New Facilities in Marie F. Green Hall
  Liberty University’s School of Communication & Creative Arts has relocated to Marie F. Green Hall, bringing the Departments of Digital Media & Communication Arts and Studio & Digital Arts under the same roof as the Cinematic Arts, Zaki Gordon Center and the Department of Theatre Arts. The first two phases of construction are expected to be complete by the end of 2016. Phase 3 will include the relocation of studios for the Liberty Flames Sports Network.

Name Changes, Relocations, and Restructures

There have been several exciting developments on campus in preparation for the fall semester, including office name changes and restructures, relocations, and new dining options.

The following offices have relocated and/or changed their names recently:

• Bruckner Learning Center and Tutoring & Testing have combined into the new Academic Success Center.
• Card Services has changed its name to ID & Campus Services and is now located in the Montview Student Union, Room 1720.
• Financial Aid and Student Accounts have combined to form Student Financial Services.
• Health Services is now the LU Health Center.
• Housing and the Office of Student Leadership are now the Office of Residence Life.
• Student Affairs is now the Office of Student Life and will include Commuter Student Life, Graduate Student Life, and Online Student Life.
• Study Abroad is now the Office of International Education & Internships.
• Postal Services has moved from Green Hall, Room 1940 to Room 1846 (across the hall from the old location).

Liberty Dining Services by Sodexo has introduced new venues, including Hilltop Pizza Delivery and several eateries in the new Montview Student Union:

• Garbanzo (Mediterranean)
• Star Ginger (Asian)
• UFood Grill (burgers)
• The Grid Marketplace (a convenience store concept)
• Woodfire Pizza
• Argo Tea — the first teahouse on campus

The Office of Spiritual Development (OSD) is excited to announce the centralizing of university ministries. This new format will streamline Liberty’s spiritual programs and will give every student the opportunity to grow in Christ and to give like Christ.

The following are the new divisions of OSD and explanations of the reorganization:

LU Send was launched last year, in conjunction with the Office of the Provost, to streamline the student group travel experience. With this change, all student group travel now has both academic and mission components. We call it academic enrichment and cultural engagement — experiences in which academics and Christian mission complement each other.

LU Serve is now the central service hub for students, replacing the Center for Ministry Training, the Center for Global Engagement, and the Center for Christian/Community Service (CSER). Many of the activities of the former departments still exist (including students obtaining CSER credits) but operate under a single department, which contains local, domestic, and international facets.

LU Shepherd fosters students’ spiritual development and manages accountability, discipleship, and mentorship on residence halls. Under LU Shepherd, the student leadership positions — previously known as spiritual life coaches and prayer and life group leaders — have been renamed resident shepherds and community group leaders.

LU Stages replaces the Office of Spiritual Programs. This department now manages all spiritual development events on campus, including Convocation and Campus Community, as well as programs like the university-wide prayer service that was held in July.

Liberty Worship Collective replaces the Department of Ministry teams. All such teams are now part of this unified group that represents Liberty University in worship services on and off campus. Sounds of Liberty will continue to represent the university around the country and in campuswide events such as Commencement.

The Center for Online Engagement ensures that spiritual development resources offered to our online student body are comparable to those offered to residential students wherever possible.

For more information, visit the Office of Spiritual Development’s webpage.

New Point of Contact for All Media Inquiries

Please be aware that Len Stevens, executive director of External Communications, is now the point of contact for all media inquiries at Liberty University. Len has 22 years of experience in television journalism, including 14 years at WSET, where he served as anchor and, most recently, as news director.

In his new role, Len will head Liberty’s recently formed External Communications Office, a part of the Marketing Department. He will oversee the university’s public relations, social media, and web content teams.

You can contact Len at (434) 582-7751 or ljstevens@liberty.edu.

The Employee Giving Campaign is Launching Soon

Since 1971, Liberty University’s faculty and staff have come together to financially support students and each other. The Employee Giving Campaign is in keeping with this long-standing tradition.

The campaign’s theme — “It only takes a spark. Light the flame” — articulates the idea that no gift is too small, and each one helps further the mission of Training Champions for Christ.

Watch for the exciting rollout of this campaign in the coming weeks

Live Healthy Liberty Expo

Join the staff of the LaHaye Recreation & Fitness Center and other Liberty departments as they partner with local health and wellness organizations for the annual Live Healthy Liberty Expo.

When: Oct. 4, 1-6 p.m.
Where: LaHaye Multipurpose Center

Liberty employees and their families are encouraged to explore the many dimensions of wellness and participate in free health screenings at this event, which will feature more than 50 participating booths.

Free samples will be available, and when you complete the “Passport to Wellness” challenge, you’ll be entered to win one of several prizes:

• A Fitbit Charge HR (Heart Rate)
• A personal training package
• Apparel
• And more!

Visit Live Healthy Liberty Expo’s website for more information.

It’s Time to Rock the Rink

Don’t miss the action as Liberty Hockey is sure to deliver an exciting season of crossovers, checking, and hopefully a championship. Show your dedication as a fan — don’t miss a game. Purchase your season tickets today; they start as low as $60!

Get your tickets!

Show up on game day and help Liberty Hockey Rock the Rink. For more information, visit our website or call 434-582-SEAT (7328)

Liberty Football Discounts and Updates

Don’t forget to get your tickets for an exciting new season of Flames Football.

Join Flames Nation on game day and give Liberty Football the crucial home-field advantage!

Season Ticket Prices

• Club Seats* – $275
• Blue Premium Seats* – $75 ($50 savings)
• Red Reserved Seats* – $60 ($40 savings)
• General Admission Seats – $45 ($20 savings)

*Seats are assigned by Flames Club membership level and loyalty points total and are based on availability. Contact the Flames Club at 434-582-CLUB (2582) or FlamesClub@liberty.edu for additional information. Order your tickets today by calling 434-582-SEAT (7328) or visiting Liberty.edu/Tickets!

Please note, in an effort to enhance fan safety and expedite entrance to Williams Stadium, Liberty University is implementing a new security screening process, which will include a clear bag policy. This initiative limits the size and type of bags that can be brought into the stadium by fans. Only clear tote bags that do not exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12″, 1-gallon plastic freezer bags, and small handheld clutch purses (no larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″) will be allowed in Williams Stadium.

Liberty in the Spotlight

William Byron for the Win

Liberty-sponsored racing pro William Byron is enjoying an outstanding year in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS), driving the No. 9 Liberty University Toyota Tundra. This season, Byron has won five races: at the Kansas Speedway, Texas Motor Speedway, Iowa Speedway, Kentucky Speedway, and Pocono Raceway. The young standout was also recently signed to Hendrick Motorsports.

Byron attributes his success to hard work and his Liberty sponsorship:

“You have to earn it, my crew chief, Rudy Fugle, reminds me. It’s a dream come true to get wins like this. It just keeps going. I have a great team behind me, and I have to thank Liberty University and everyone that puts it together.”

The Richmond Times-Dispatch recently featured Byron in its “This Week’s Fast Four” column:

William Byron’s amazing story continues. The 18-year-old phenom who shocked everyone with his victory in Kansas a month ago piloted the Liberty University Toyota to its third win of the season at Iowa Speedway on Saturday … Bryon’s relationship with the Christian university runs deeper than a mere sponsorship. In a few months, he [will] be one of the highest-profile athletes to call Liberty “home.”

To keep up with Bryon, visit his website and follow him on Twitter (@WilliamByron) and Facebook (Facebook/WilliamBryon).

 “Game On” Emmy

“Game On,” Liberty University’s weekly sports television program, received an Emmy from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for a feature on former Baltimore Ravens and St. Louis Rams player Jason Brown.

The award was presented on June 25 at the 58th annual National Capital Chesapeake Bay Chapter Awards, held in Baltimore, Md.

The award-winning feature, “NFL Farmer,” produced by John Pratt, tells Brown’s story of leaving the NFL at the height of his career to serve the Lord and his community. Liberty graduates Matt Atkins (’14) and Seth Andrews (’16) were principal videographers for the piece. Alex Short with The Liberty Flames Sports Network (LFSN) mixed the audio. The feature took home the honor in the Religion/News Single Story/New Series category.

Also at the Emmy ceremony, Austin Reddington, a graphics producer for LFSN, was nominated for a craft award for excellence in graphic arts.

“Game On” covers the important issues facing collegiate and professional athletes and features Liberty’s 20 NCAA Division I programs and 37 Club Sports teams.

Commonwealth Games Recap

Competitors flocked to Liberty University’s campus as the Virginia Commonwealth Games kicked off its Games Weekend on Friday, July 22. Liberty is the title sponsor of these games, the largest multi-sport festival held in Virginia each year.

Games Weekend included a significant portion of the competitions, with over 20 events taking place on campus and around Lynchburg, including archery, basketball, indoor soccer, lacrosse, paintball, softball, tennis, and track.

An opening ceremony was held Friday night in the Vines Center and included a parade of athletes, torch lighting, and a keynote address from Olympic gold medalist Dick Fosbury. Fosbury won an Olympic gold medal for high jump in the 1968 Mexico City games, setting an Olympic record. His method, known as the “Fosbury Flop,” in which the athlete jumps over the bar back first, revolutionized the sport and is the universal technique used by elite high jumpers today.

As a lover of sports and the relationships they build, Fosbury said he was pleased to be a part of the Commonwealth Games.

“I am really excited about state games and coming here to the Commonwealth Games, because all of this is community-based, giving young and adult athletes the opportunity to test themselves and possibly get to the podium,” Fosbury said. “It is an amazing experience.”

LUPD: Active Shooter Response Training Video

The Liberty University Police Department has developed a safety video addressing what to do in the event of an active shooter on campus. The video expands on the training given in the “Run. Hide. Fight.” videos — a resource available to employees on LUPD’s webpage — which although informative, did not offer information for campuses where students, faculty, and staff are permitted to carry concealed firearms.

These videos also did not address active shooter situations in large venues, such as Convocation or football games, where 10,000-20,000 people may be in attendance. Filmed entirely on Liberty’s campus and properties, LUPD’s safety video was created to educate and equip students, faculty, and staff with the most relevant information possible.

President Jerry Falwell is working to create an environment that empowers every man and woman on campus with the ability to defend themselves. Please watch the training video and be vigilant.

Golf Cart and Low-Speed Vehicle Policy

Please be aware that Liberty University has made updates to the golf cart and low-speed vehicle policy. It is advised that you review the information on our webpage to stay current on safely handling these vehicles around campus.

Congratulations on a Job Well Done!

Recently, the Office of the President received the following letter thanking several members of the Liberty University Online staff:

I am writing to you today to let you know how wonderful your staff members are to Liberty University Online students. Not one of my encounters has been uncomfortable, stressful, or annoying. In fact, it has been just the opposite! Liberty employees are quick to ease concerns and help resolve issues promptly and efficiently, all with a smile that you can hear in their voices.

I recently started classes toward a BSN degree. Since my first day online, my professor, Lauren Walker, has answered endless questions with unwavering patience. But it does not stop there. Yesterday, I discovered an error with my transfer credits. Throughout the course of the afternoon, I spoke with Josh Brown, Rebecca Garrett, James Godden, Bethany Yorio, and Rielly Mathews from LUO Academic Advising. These individuals were exceedingly helpful, kind, and knowledgeable in their areas of expertise, and they helped me resolve the problem.

I am so thankful to this hardworking staff for their kindness and dedication. I will highly recommend Liberty University Online to my family, friends, and coworkers. God bless you and your team.

Many thanks and congratulations to the staff members who made this student’s experience a great one.

Employees of the Month

Congratulations to our Employees of the Month. You are a tremendous blessing to this university, and we are thankful for you. This recognition is proof that you go above and beyond normal expectations to consistently produce excellent work with a Christlike attitude and spirit. Thank you for all you do to make Liberty a shining light.

July Employees of the Month were: Rebecca Beem, Tom Doss, Donna Gibson, Gayle Jesse, Joanna McGlothlin, Diane May, Tim Stanton, Jesse Tomlin, Hannah Whitehead, and Josiah Wyble.

August Employees of the Month were: Ted Allen, Brad Day, Jacob Falabella, Lauren Gallagher, Jonathan Hightower, Ben Kalu, Stefani Keys, Alene Stallman, Anna Strickland, Benjamin Williamson, James Wilson, and Sarah Stearns.

September Employees of the Month are: Santria Brown, Brad Burgess, Erin Franklin, Gabrielle Gearhart, Gary Hite, Jonah Jabbour, Crystal Miller, Colin Plank, and Taleah Wheeler.

You Stand Out

University senior leadership has been looking for staff members who exemplify exceptional commitment to Liberty’s customer service standards. Last month, tickets* were handed out as our way of thanking those whose hard work and dedication (often behind the scenes) made a difference.

Congratulations to You Stand Out recipients: Michael Boorman, Kenneth Bruce, Thelma Chaos, Heidi Covington, Jason Damiani, Allison Davis, Rebecca de Rosset, Denise Evans, Heather Fechter, Bryan Frye, Diana Flickinger, Charlie Goss, Ian Gray, Louis Llanes, Ashley Lison, Kristy Miear, John Peterson, Autumn Phillips, Maureen Robinson, Ryan Smith, Heather Winn, and Ronnie Young.

*Remember, these tickets are redeemable for a Barnes & Noble gift card. Be on the lookout — you never know when someone might notice that You Stand Out!