Welcome Week activities kick off at LU as students are introduced to campus life, staff, and each other

As students arrive at Liberty University from across the country and around the world, campus awaits them with wide-open arms and a full slate of activities to jump-start a year of academic, spiritual, and social success.

Liberty’s Welcome Week stretches from the first day of move-in for new students (Aug. 19) to the annual Block Party that concludes the first week of classes (Aug. 29).

Freshman Marina Farlow said she was struck by the environment of friendliness and excitement when she arrived with her family from Berlin, Md., on Wednesday.

“I had known about the community at Liberty, but when we got here it was truly amazing to see everyone welcoming us onto campus,” Farlow said, adding that it reminded her of when she made the decision to attend Liberty after touring the campus in the fall last year. “Immediately being on campus and seeing the community, I just knew that this was where I was meant to be.”

Throughout the new student move-in days, Liberty held several events for parents and students to help make the transition easier. During Parent and Family Sessions, families of new students had the opportunity to hear from different offices on campus on how their students will be supported at Liberty. The Office of Spiritual Development led Prayer on the Lawn both afternoons on the Academic Lawn, inviting families to pray over the year ahead.

Freshman McKenna Reynolds, from northern Pennsylvania, said she appreciates that Liberty prioritizes prayer.

“I do feel very blessed to have this kind of community and this environment in a college I’m going to, because I know many other colleges aren’t like that,” Reynolds said.

The New Student Launch, hosted by the Office of Student Life on Thursday evening in the Vines Center, introduced students to Liberty’s campus life structure. Dean of Students Dr. Mark Hyde told the students that knowing the depth of resources available to them will help them reach out for help when they need it.

“You belong here. We belong to you and you belong to us, and we’re looking forward to building that relationship with you,” Hyde said.

As students left the event, they headed over to Student Activities’ Back to School Bash on the Residential Commons Lawn and enjoyed inflatables and lawn games.

On Friday morning, new students had the opportunity to meet the deans of their schools at the annual Doughnuts with the Deans event, organized by the College of Applied Studies and Academic Success. Faculty and students mingled over doughnut holes and coffee, giving students valuable face time with department heads and opening doors of communication for the years to come. Associate Dean of CASAS Dr. Hailey Manicone said Doughnuts with the Deans is an early opportunity for students to connect with the community and culture of campus.

“During Welcome Week, every event that we have is to reinforce that sense of belonging and help new arrivals make connections and increase their confidence as they transition to be a student — residential or commuter — here at Liberty,” Manicone said.

At New Student Convocation on Friday morning, freshmen were introduced to their new Wednesday and Friday morning habit while on campus — gathering in the Vines Center for Convocation, the largest weekly gathering of Christian young people in the world. Students heard from President Dondi E. Costin, Chancellor Jonathan Falwell, and Vice President of Spiritual Development Josh Rutledge, who charged them to make use of every opportunity for spiritual development at Liberty.

“This (Convocation) is merely a foretaste of what God is going to use in your life so that you can become transformed into the Champion for Christ that he wants you to be,” Costin said.

The schedule of guest Convocation speakers for the fall was announced.

Student Activities is hosting multiple events over the weekend: a Bingo Rave with DJackdup, Outdoor Open Mic, and an Outdoor Movie double feature. Campus Recreation has events to highlight the various outdoor adventures Liberty has to offer, including a Beach Bash at Hydaway Outdoor Center and Mountain Mayhem at Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre Friday. Commuter students can enjoy special activities during the week, including informational sessions, hangouts, and a volleyball tournament hosted by Commuter Life.

The first day of classes, Aug. 24, will end with spiritual fellowship, as students gather on the Academic Lawn and transform it into a place of worship for Campus Community Kickoff on the Lawn. Later in the week, Campus Community will pick up with its usual Wednesday night schedule, leading students through a “What Would Jesus Do?” series for the fall semester.

Welcome Week will wrap up Saturday evening with the annual Block Party in the LaHaye Parking Lot. Students can celebrate the first week of class in style, with carnival rides, games, food, and live music performances, including a headlining performance from Christian hip-hop artist KB.