On-campus tours resume and will continue all summer under COVID-19 gathering laws

On Friday, the Maine family checked in at the Hancock Welcome Center at 8 a.m., grabbed some face masks, and set off with about 20 other participants on a group tour of the Liberty University campus. Carolyn Maine and her son Gage flew from their home in Connecticut to be able to see Gage’s future school in person before he arrives on campus this fall as a theology major with a music minor.

“The tour was incredible,” Gage said. “My favorite part was seeing the School of Music building. I’m so pumped to be a student at Liberty this fall.”

Liberty University resumed its on-campus tours this week while adhering to COVID-19 gathering stipulations. The Maines were part of Liberty’s ExperienceLU, a single-day event that will be held on Fridays and Mondays throughout the summer. During the event, families have the opportunity to take an immersive tour of campus and learn about Liberty’s academic, athletic, and recreation programs, all while interacting with faculty and staff. They can also try out samples from the campus’ many dining offerings.

“Liberty did such a great job with this tour. Now I want to come back to college,” said Carolyn Maine, after their tour guide, Liberty graduate student Stephanie Severance, led them through a residence hall, the Food Court at Reber-Thomas (Liberty’s main dining hall), the Montview Student Union, and a walk on the Academic Lawn. At the Center for Music and the Worship Arts’ Concert Hall, the group watched a video about many of the prominent speakers who have spoken at Liberty’s weekly Convocations, before visiting the Jerry Falwell Library and taking a snack break at one of its dining locations. The group then boarded a bus to view more areas of campus and were treated to lunch. The day ended with a session where families could ask more questions and learn about the admissions process.

Under COVID-19 social gathering restrictions, Liberty has altered its tour offerings for the summer, keeping groups at smaller numbers when possible (having no more than 40 at a time) and spacing out the tours. More tours have been added to accommodate everyone interested in learning more about attending LU. All guests will be required to wear a face covering in compliance with current orders from Virginia’s governor.

“We are delighted to welcome families to our campus and resume our tours,” said Ron Kennedy, Executive Vice President for Enrollment Management & Marketing. “All summer long, potential students and their families will have multiple opportunities to explore our campus, ask questions, and get a real feel for college life. While we have tweaked our schedule and format so social distancing rules are followed, families will still be able to visit all areas and interact with staff the same as before. Choosing a college is one of the biggest decisions you will make in life, and our tour guides and faculty and staff are ready to answer all their questions and help them along on this journey.”

ExperienceLU is catered to rising juniors, seniors, and college transfers. If the ExperienceLU dates do not accommodate a student’s schedule, they are invited to register for one of the university’s Daily Tours, offered Monday-Saturday at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Participants will be given a general tour of the campus, lasting three to four hours, and will have the opportunity to ask the student tour guide questions.

Families can also register for DecideLU, offered in a virtual format this summer. Staff will be available to answer questions live during the event and assist students through a variety of sessions and tours where they can ask questions, learn more about Liberty, and start or complete the necessary process to enroll as a student. Dates are July 8, 15, 22 and 29.

Liberty will continue to offer virtual tours and experiences this summer, as it has during the COVID-19 pandemic, averaging up to 50 sessions per day. Families can schedule live video sessions with an admission counselor.

One of Liberty’s most popular events for potential students is College For A Weekend, where they can experience living in the residence halls, eating in the dining hall, and attend a variety of sporting events and activities on campus. The next College For A Weekend is scheduled for Nov. 12 – 15 (Spring dates are Feb. 18-21 and April 8-11.)

For more information on campus tours and to register for events, go to the Visitors Center webpage, call (434) 582-2064, or email VisitorsCenter@liberty.edu.