PARENT & FA MILY GUIDE 2 0 2 2 – 2 3
__ FEATURED ARTICLES 3 Welcome to the Liberty Family 4 A Semester of Firsts 5
Tools for Success
6
First Semester Questions
9 Important Phone Numbers 10 Academic Calendar 12 Pray & Play as Champions 16 Partnering with Your College Student Please note that the information provided here may change as departments and programs develop to meet students’ needs. Please refer to the departments’ webpages for the most up-todate services and information.
2 | Liberty.edu/Family
WELCOME to the LIBERT Y FAMILY! On this mountain where Dr. Falwell and others prayed, Liberty has grown into a university with a thriving student body in Lynchburg and around the world. At Liberty, you can rest assured that the values you instilled in your student will be reinforced. We take pride in creating an environment where your student feels they have a home away from home. Whether you are a parent, guardian, spouse, grandparent, sibling, or relative, you are an important member of the Liberty family! We know you care about your student, and so do we. Liberty strategically offers services and support for them. In addition to faculty who will pray with and for your student, Liberty offers a vast array of resources to help them transition to college life. We are committed to collaborating with you in guiding them through the challenges and triumphs of the next few years. From Welcome Week to Commencement, your student will be challenged to know and grow in their love for their Lord and Savior while developing skills in preparation for going into the world as Champions for Christ.
SCOTT HICKS Provost and Chief Academic Officer
Liberty.edu/Family | 3
A SEMESTER of FIRSTS DR . BRIAN C. YATES Dean, College of Applied Studies & Academic Success
This semester will bring a lot of different firsts — first in the family, first time at college, or first time away from home. For many, it is also a first time for making decisions and seeing the results. Your student is about to enter college. It’s likely that you are experiencing a whirlwind of emotions — joy, fear, and pride, especially if they are the first in your family to pursue a degree. College students from households where neither parent earned a degree after high school are often referred to as “first generation” or “first gen” students. A common feeling among first generation students is that they do not belong at college. The culture of college can feel foreign to them since they have no familial experiences to draw from, and they may feel pressured to perform well since they are representing their family. Whether or not this pressure exists, first generation students are less likely to seek assistance from available resources. However, hope is not lost. Liberty University offers plenty of support for both students and their guardians! First, continue to encourage your student as they seek God’s leading. It’s okay if they are undecided about their major — there is an abundance of resources to help guide them. Second, encourage them to visit their College of Applied Studies & Academic Success (CASAS) advisor early so they can be fully connected to
4 | Liberty.edu/Family
all of the available academic support resources. Third, be sure to review the Parent and Family Connections website at Liberty.edu/Family and follow them on Facebook at Facebook.com/ LibertyUFamily, where they will keep you up-todate with campus events, blog posts, and Bible verse encouragement. Fourth, be sure your student creates a FERPA PIN and shares it with you. The Liberty staff wants to be able to openly communicate with you. To do this, we need to know that your student is giving us permission to do so, and the FERPA PIN verifies this. Finally, enjoy the experience with them. If you are able, attend sporting events, theatre productions, and concerts, and watch Convocation online. You don’t have to be a student to experience what Liberty offers. Remember, you and your student are joining the LU family. Will you experience frustrations and challenges? Unfortunately, yes — but exciting opportunities will also present themselves. No matter the experience, the Liberty team is here to support, celebrate, and pray with you and your student through this life-changing journey.
DAVID HART Executive Director, College of Applied Studies & Academic Success
TOOLS for SUCCESS Success in the college environment may seem daunting, but it often boils down to only two things: preparation and using the tools available to you. As your student enters this exciting phase of their academic journey, the College of Applied Studies & Academic Success (CASAS) will make sure they are prepared and have the tools they need, from the first day of class to Commencement.
COLLEGE OF APPLIED STUDIES & ACADEMIC SUCCESS (CASAS) ACADEMIC SUCCESS ► Academic Mentoring Does your student need practical help with time management, organization, or study skills? Academic Mentors are available to meet one-on-one with your student to share strategies for college success. Academic Mentors offer your student encouragement and accountability throughout the semester and can help him or her connect with additional resources for academic support. ► Academic Success Courses CASAS offers Academic Success Courses, which are helpful electives that get your student started off right. Many of these courses meet once a week and are worth one credit hour. Your student will learn practical skills for success and will meet regularly with faculty mentors. ► The Eagle Scholars Program This program fosters community and provides professional experience by combining mentoring and leadership opportunities. ► Tutoring and Writing Coaching Encourage your student to take advantage of tutoring services. Tutoring is available in over 100 courses, as well as writing coaching at any point of the writing process.
ADVISING SUCCESS ► International Student Center Liberty’s campus is home to students from more than 70 nations. The International Student Center — located in DeMoss Hall, Room 2232 — helps international students transition to life in the U.S. by providing services in the following areas: • Federal regulations • Health insurance
APPLIED SUCCESS ► Technical Studies A technical studies minor or an Associate of Applied Science degree in a specific skill, such as plumbing, electrical, welding, Heating/Ventilation/ Air Conditioning (HVAC), or carpentry, allows students to add value to their degree. This program is certified by the National Center for Construction Education and Research.
• On- and off-campus employment • Scholarship search assistance • Assistance with cultural adaptation • Cultural events
... & YOU
► Parent and Family Connections Parent and Family Connections exists to support Liberty University's mission of Training Champions for Christ by sharing information with students’ family members about the resources, programs, and activities available on campus.
It is essential that you encourage your student to use these free academic success tools. Our goal is to see your son or daughter reach their goals while they continue pursuing God’s calling.
► Professional Advising Professional Advising offers personalized instruction for residential undergraduate and graduate students with a focus on a student’s first two years. Advisors are assigned for all colleges and schools to talk through academic and career goals as well as help with course scheduling after matriculation. If students have questions about financial aid, housing, account holds and balances, roommate conflicts, or personal issues, Professional Advisors can clarify university policies and procedures or serve as a liaison with other offices and departments.
Stop by and see us sometime in DeMoss Hall, Room 1100, or visit us online at Liberty.edu/CASAS.
Liberty.edu/Family | 5
FIRST SEMESTER
QUESTIONS ► How can I communicate with Liberty on my student’s behalf? Family Educational Rights And Privacy Act (FERPA) It is the policy of Liberty University, in accordance with the FERPA, to withhold personally identifiable information contained in our students’ educational records unless the student has consented to disclosure through Liberty’s FERPA Personal Identification Number (PIN) system. Directory information, which is not generally considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed, may be disclosed to the public. However, private information, such as grades, class schedules, the student’s account, and financial aid awards, may not be released without express consent from the student. Using Liberty’s FERPA PIN system only gives access to information. It does not authorize parents to take action on the student’s behalf. The student, however, may grant permission to release some or all private information to persons whom he or she designates. FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Liberty.edu/FERPA
Students can create a FERPA PIN: 1. Log into ASIST and select “General Information.” 2. Select “FERPA Personal Identification Number.” 3. Create a PIN. ► How do I order flowers and gift baskets for local delivery? The business must have your student’s name and phone number. Local vendors know to deliver the package to the Hancock Welcome Center. If there are any questions, please refer them to (434) 582-2064 at the Hancock Welcome Center. Staff at the
6 | Liberty.edu/Family
Hancock will notify your student once it has arrived to arrange for pickup. ► How do I address regular mail to my student? The Student Mail Center serves as the package and mail pickup, printing, and shipping location for all students. It is located on the ground floor of Residential Commons III. This is the address format for all residential students: Full Name Flames Box #XXXXXX 1971 University Blvd. Lynchburg, VA 24515 USPS, FedEx, and UPS packages can be sent from this location. Stamps, envelopes, and shipping supplies are also available for purchase. FOR MORE INFORMATION:
(434) 592-4515 studentmail@liberty.edu Liberty.edu/StudentMailCenter ► How can my student get the most out of their Flames Pass? The Flames Pass is your student’s official Liberty University ID and the key to many resources and privileges both on and off campus. It remains valid as long as the student is actively enrolled. The Flames Pass also provides access to Flames Cash, a form of campuswide currency that can be used instead of credit cards or cash. Students can receive a Flames Pass by visiting ID & Campus Services with a valid governmentissued photo ID or request one online via the Photo Upload Application. FOR MORE INFORMATION:
(434) 582-7771 CampusServices@liberty.edu Liberty.edu/CampusServices
► How can my student share a ride and use the shuttle service? Although Liberty’s campus is designed for pedestrians, Transit Services makes campus and the surrounding community accessible to students while also greatly reducing the need for personal vehicles. Transit Services provides information for on- and off-campus bus routes, On-Demand Ride through the myLU portal, service to satellite parking areas, shuttles to Roanoke and Lynchburg airports, an Amtrak station, and a Greyhound depot (accessible by reservation at least 72 hours in advance). FOR MORE INFORMATION:
(434) 592-3640 Transit@liberty.edu Liberty.edu/Transit ► How can my student stay connected as a commuter? Commuter Student Life connects commuter students to Liberty’s campus academically, spiritually, and socially, while also helping new arrivals transition into the Lynchburg community. Commuter orientation provides important information, including ways to get connected through groups like Commuter Student Association and Commuter Community Groups. FOR MORE INFORMATION:
(434) 592-3067 Commuters@liberty.edu Liberty.edu/Commuters LUCommuterLife Green Hall, Room 1887
► What is CSER? LU Serve oversees Christian/ Community Service (CSER), which is a community service graduation requirement for all undergraduate students at Liberty University. To learn about how you can serve and fulfill your graduation requirements, go to Liberty.edu/ OSD/LU-Serve and select CSER.
campus alert system is used to notify students of critical situations on campus. Students, parents, and guardians can sign up for these notifications on the LUPD website. Nonemergency Phone: (434) 592-7641 Emergency Phone: (434) 592-3911 LUPD@liberty.edu Liberty.edu/LUPD @LibertyUPolice
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
(434) 582-2325 | CSER@liberty.edu LUServe@liberty.edu | Dorm 20 ► How can my student get assistance for their documented disability? The Office of Disability Accommodation Support (ODAS) coordinates support services for students who have documented disabilities. Liberty University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in policy, practice, or procedure to prevent discrimination on the basis of disability. FOR MORE INFORMATION:
(434) 592-4016 | FAX (434) 582-3858 ODAS@liberty.edu Liberty.edu/ODAS DeMoss Hall, Room 1264
► How does Liberty ensure student safety? The Liberty University Police Department (LUPD) provides a safe and secure environment on campus. LUPD has officers on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Police officers have the same responsibilities and powers as those of a municipal police force. Students must have a key to access their residence halls, and resident assistants perform nightly room checks to ensure all students are present. Additionally, an emergency
► Are there career fairs and fellowships? Career Services connects Liberty University students and alumni with career opportunities through impactful coaching, employer connections, and valuable work experiences. FOR MORE INFORMATION:
(434) 592-4109 Careers@liberty.edu Montview Student Union, Room 2560 Liberty.edu/Career ► Should I call the Registrar’s office or Student Accounts for questions regarding courses and finances? Student Service Center helps students and parents find answers to questions by referring them to the correct office, such as Student Financial Services and the Office of the Registrar. It also offers free notary services to students, faculty, and staff. Call or email to make an appointment. FOR MORE INFORMATION:
(434) 592-5100 | toll-free: (888) 632-5551 Liberty.edu/StudentServiceCenter ► What should my student do if they get sick or need healthcare? The Student Health Center and Wellness Initiatives Department seeks to provide quality medical health services and educational programming
that promotes healthy living in the university community. Keep in mind that Student Health Records requires students to be immunized according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. Immunizations and medical history must be documented through the Student Health Form. Liberty University-provided medical and religious exemptions are accepted and can be found on the Student Health Form. The deadline for submission is Friday of Add/Drop week. FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Student Health Center Commons III (434) 338-7774 LUStudentHealth.com Student Health Records (434) 592-7770 studenthealthrecords@liberty.edu
Wellness Initiatives (434) 592-7770 Liberty.edu/HealthAndWellness healthandwellness@liberty.edu @LibertyUHealthandWellness LibertyUHW
► What if my student needs support through prayer? LU Shepherd fosters spiritual growth and community though the ministry of pastors, resident shepherds, and community group leaders. FOR MORE INFORMATION:
(434) 592-5411 LUshepherd@liberty.edu Dorm M17, Ground Level
Liberty.edu/Family | 7
► What can my student do when they need counseling or support? Counseling Services: If your student is going through a tough time, experiencing an immediate crisis, or would like support for an ongoing mental health concern, they can get help from Student Counseling Services (SCS) by visiting the office for a walk-in appointment or reviewing the online resources. Students may also attend one of their psychoeducational events. FOR MORE INFORMATION:
(434) 582-2651 | (434) 582-3904 (fax) studentcounselingservices@liberty.edu Green Hall, Room 1830 For emergency assistance after office hours, please contact your Resident Director or call the LUPD emergency line at (434) 592-3911. CARE Team: CARE (Collaborate, Assess, Resource, Empower) promotes the safety and well-being of the Liberty community in partnerships with other departments to help identify students who may be struggling. CARE assists these students by connecting them with resources that provide support for their mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual wellness. FOR MORE INFORMATION:
(434) 592-5638 | CARE@liberty.edu Liberty.edu/CARE Green Hall, Room 1880 Monday-Friday | 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Office of Community Life: The Office of Community Life engages students to actively experience a holistic community by following a code of conduct, participating in restorative practices, receiving mentoring, and working through conflict resolution. FOR MORE INFORMATION:
(434) 582-2320 | CommunityLife@liberty.edu LUCommunityLife | Green Hall, Room 1880
► Where can my student access computers and printers? IT Computer Labs has two main locations — DeMoss Hall and the Jerry Falwell Library (JFL) — where students have access to Apple and PC computers. These locations also have printers and Service Desks to provide technical help and support. Other specialized computer labs are located throughout campus, including Green Hall, School of Business, and School of Music. FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Liberty.edu/ComputerLabs DeMoss Hall Monday-Thursday | 7:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Friday | 7:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Closed Saturday and Sunday
Jerry Falwell Library Monday-Friday | 7:30 a.m.-11:45 p.m. Saturday | 9:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday | 1-11:45 p.m.
► How can my student shop for a new laptop, repair what they have, and download software? Information Technology (IT) Support FOR MORE INFORMATION:
(866) 447-2869 Monday-Friday | 7 a.m.-midnight Saturday | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday | 1 p.m.-midnight IT HelpDesk: The IT HelpDesk provides technical assistance and support for mobile devices, computers, software, and gaming systems. FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Liberty.edu/IT Office of Equity & Inclusion (OEI): The Office of Equity & Inclusion supports Liberty’s mission to Train Champions for Christ through its adherence to biblically based inclusion, diversity, and equity efforts. It provides culturally relevant initiatives, community service and outreach opportunities, and student success and mentoring programs. OEI also collaborates with many offices campuswide, fulfilling the institutional commitment to an inclusive campus environment. FOR MORE INFORMATION:
(434) 592-4020 | OEI@liberty.edu Liberty.edu/OEI Green Hall, Room 1569 (Administration) Montview Student Union, Room 2760 (Student Center)
8 | Liberty.edu/Family
Green Hall, Room 1539 Monday-Friday | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (closed Wednesday for Convocation) DeMoss Hall, Room 2414 Monday-Friday | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (closed Wednesday for Convocation) IT Marketplace: Liberty’s online technology store provides your student with Office 365 and discounts on Apple, Dell, and Lenovo products. For more information, visit Liberty.edu/ITMarketplace and click on your favorite vendor to view all current promotions. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Liberty.edu/ITMarketplace
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS Transitioning to college can be both exciting and difficult for both parents and students, but Liberty is here to help. For more information or personal assistance, please reach out to one of the many departments designed to make it easier.
Academic Success Center | (434) 592-6387
LU Serve | (434) 582-2325
Admissions | (800) 543-5317
LU Shepherd | (434) 592-5411
Air Force ROTC | (434) 924-6831
Military Affairs Office | (855) 355-4947
Athletics/Ticket Office | 434-582-SEAT (7328)
Office of Community Life | (434) 582-2320
CARE Team | (434) 592-5638
Office of Disability Accommodation Support |
Career Services | (434) 592-4109 College of Applied Studies & Academic Success (CASAS) | (434) 592-4110
(434) 592-4016
Office of Equity & Inclusion | (434) 592-4020 Office of Residence Life | (434) 592-4139
Commuter Student Life | (434) 592-3067
Parent and Family Connections Office | (434) 582-2339
Computer Lab | (434) 582-2140
Registrar’s Office | (434) 592-5100
Dining Services | (434) 582-2262
Student Accounts Office | (866) 783-0191
Donor Services | (800) 368-3801
Student Activities | (434) 592-3061
Financial Aid | (888) 583-5704
Student Counseling Services | (434) 582-2651
Hancock Welcome Center | (434) 582-2064
Student Health Center | (434) 338-7774
ID & Campus Services | (434) 582-7771
Student Mail Center | (434) 592-4515
Information Technology (IT) Support | (866) 447-2869
Student Service Center | (434) 592-5100 or toll-free at
International Student Office | (434) 592-4118 Jerry Falwell Library | (434) 582-2220 Liberty Police Department (emergency) | (434) 592-3911
(888) 632-5551
Testing Services | (434) 582-2408 Transit Services | (434) 592-3640
Liberty Police Department (nonemergency) | (434) 592-7641 Liberty University Bookstore | (434) 582-2316 Liberty University Online Programs | (866) 584-7231
Liberty.edu/Family | 9
STAY UP to DATE 2022–23 ACADEMIC CALENDAR Don’t forget to plan your Family Weekend! OCT. 21-23 Register today at Liberty.edu/FamilyWeekend
Wednesday-Thursday AUG. 17-18
Residence halls open for new students
Dining hall opens at noon for new students
Friday
AUG. 19
Residence halls open at 1 p.m. Friday for returning students Dining hall opens at noon for returning students
AUG. Monday 22 Classes begin
OCT. Thursday-Friday 6-7 Fall Break
OCT. Friday-Sunday 21-23 Family Weekend
Friday Thanksgiving Break NOV. begins after last class 18 Dining hall closes after dinner NOV. 21-25
Monday-Friday Thanksgiving Break
Friday
AUG. Last day to add or drop 26 a class by 4 p.m. 10 | Liberty.edu/Family
Residence halls DEC. close at noon 14 Dining hall closes after lunch
DEC. Friday 16 Fall semester ends
DEC. Friday 23 Final grades due DEC. 17- Saturday-Sunday JAN. 8 Winter Break
Tuesday Last day to withdraw DEC. from a class with a “W” 6 Last day of classes
AUG. Monday-Friday 22-26 Add/Drop Week
Wednesday
DEC. Wednesday 7 Reading Day
DEC. Thursday-Tuesday 8-13 Final Exams
Monday JAN. 9
Intensives begin Faculty return
Thursday Residence halls open JAN. for new students 12 Dining hall opens at noon for new students
Friday Residence halls open for returning JAN. students at 1 p.m. 13 Dining hall opens at noon for returning students
Monday JAN. Martin Luther King Jr. 16 Day — Day of Service Classes begin JAN. Monday-Friday 16-20 Add/Drop Week
Friday JAN. 20
Last day to add or drop a class until 4 p.m.
Friday Spring Break begins MARCH after last class 10 Dining hall closes after dinner
MARCH Monday-Friday 13-17 Spring Break
Wednesday
MAY Residence halls 10 close at noon
MARCH Wednesday 29 Annual Assessment Day
Monday
APRIL Easter Holiday 10 — no classes
APRIL Monday-Thursday 17-20 Research Week
Tuesday Last day to withdraw from an undergraduate MAY 2 class with a "W" Last day of classes
MAY Wednesday 3 Reading Day
Thursday-Saturday MAY 11-13
Commencement Weekend Commencement Degree Presentation Ceremonies
Friday MAY 12
Spring semester ends Dining hall closes after dinner
MAY Monday-Friday 15-19 Faculty workdays MAY Friday 19 Final grades due
MAY 15 Summer Term AUG. 18
MAY Thursday-Tuesday 4-9 Final exams
Liberty.edu/Family | 11
PRAY DAILY
FOR YOUR STUDENT(S): ► Monday: They will know the will of God ► Tuesday: Their walk will be worthy and pleasing before the Lord ► Wednesday: Their work will be productive (fruitful) for the Lord ► Thursday: Their godly wisdom will increase ► Friday: They will withstand trials and temptations ► Saturday: Their witness for the Lord will be strong ► Sunday: Their worship of the Lord will be powerful
12 | Liberty.edu/Family
OFFICE OF RESIDENCE LIFE The Office of Residence Life provides a quality on-campus living experience that fosters a diverse community, academic growth, and the holistic development of students.
(434) 592-4139 ResidenceLife@liberty.edu Liberty.edu/ResidenceLife /LibertyUniversityResidenceLife @LibertyResLife
Pray With Us For Your Students “… since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you …” Colossians 1:9
► PRAYING FOR YOUR STUDENT WEBPAGE
Liberty.edu/CASAS/Parents/ Praying-For-Your-Student Parent and Family Connections has an email for prayer requests! ► SEND YOUR REQUEST TO ParentsPray@liberty.edu
► LU SHEPHERD 24/7 PRAYER WEBPAGE Liberty.edu/OSD/LUShepherd/24-7-Prayer
RECREATION, TEAMS, AND CLUBS Explore opportunities for social interaction, health and exercise, stress reduction, sportsmanship, teamwork, and healthy competition.
STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION (SGA) Live. Learn. Lead. Be involved on campus! Join a club and connect with students with similar interests and passions. Represent fellow students and work in SGA. Check out the list of 100 student-led clubs at Liberty.edu/Students/SGA/Clubs.
(434) 582-2323 SGA@liberty.edu Montview Student Union, Room 3560
CAMPUS RECREATION Campus Recreation provides a variety of options for residential and online students to interact socially through fitness programs and services as well as state-of-the-art indoor and outdoor recreation facilities. Campus Recreation connects students to all that Liberty University has to offer beyond the classroom, such as the LaHaye Recreation & Fitness Center, Montview Bowling Alley and Game Room, David’s Place, Hydaway Outdoor Center, Liberty Mountain trail system, disc golf courses, Liberty Mountain Equestrian Center, Liberty Mountain Gun Club, Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre, intramural sports, and Liberty Mountain Intramural Sports Complex. Green Hall, Room 2900 (above Chick-fil-A) Monday-Friday | 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
(434) 592-3148 CampusRec@liberty.edu /LibertyCampusRec LibertyCampusRecreation
STUDENT ACTIVITIES Student Activities offers more than 80 events each school year, including concerts, movies, open mic nights, and campus favorites, such as Coffeehouse and Block Party. This office connects you to your friends, your campus, and your culture.
(434) 592-3061 StudentActivities@liberty.edu Liberty.edu/SA /LUStudentActivities @LibertySA Liberty.edu/Family | 13
LIBERTY FOOTBALL: A Tradition of Winning Welcome to Liberty Football where the Flames are celebrating 8+ wins in each of their last 13 seasons along with 3 consecutive bowl victories. The Flames are keeping company with Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, and Louisiana as the only teams to win bowl games each of the past 3 seasons. And it only gets better in 2022. Williams Stadium is the place to be this fall when state rival Virginia Tech and national powerhouse BYU visit Lynchburg. Along with an exciting home schedule, the stadium is adding some amazing amenities that you do not want to miss. It begins with all new chairbacks on the entire west side of the stadium and new benchback seating in the upper deck on the east side. In the south endzone, the berm will be transformed into an incredible terraced area where you can have a new unique view of the game. It will also include private cabanas placed around the top for an excellent way to watch the game with family, friends, classmates, or clients. Save up to 51% by ordering your season tickets today and ensuring you will be able to attend two of the biggest home games in Liberty football history — Virginia Tech and BYU. Because of the anticipated demand for season tickets, single game tickets may not be available for these games, so season tickets will be the best way to guarantee your seat in the stadium. Winning comes with a side order of fun at Flames Football, where the family-friendly atmosphere includes the pregame Fan Fest — food, inflatables, cheerleaders, balloon animals, lawn games, hugs from Sparky — and so much more! For season ticket pricing, visit:
LUFootball.com 434-582-SEAT (7328) 14 | Liberty.edu/Family
CENTER FOR FINANCIAL LITERACY The Center for Financial Literacy (CFL) offers free peer-to-peer financial coaching to Liberty University students, alumni, staff, and faculty. They provide a biblical perspective through individual coaching sessions, group presentations, and resource referrals on topics such as: • Creating a budget • Understanding consumer debt • The importance of saving and investing early • Wisely building credit • Maximizing employee benefits The CFL partners with the Ron Blue Institute to provide content that is scripturally founded with practical and immediate application. The CFL also offers a free, online, self-paced course (FNLT 101) that guides students to create a personalized financial plan with specific next steps to reach their SMART financial goals. FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Liberty.edu/CFL CFL@liberty.edu @LUCenterForFinancialLiteracy
OFFICE OF EQUITY & COMPLIANCE Liberty University is fully committed to ensuring a safe learning, living, and working environment for all members of our campus community. Liberty University does not tolerate any unlawful discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct. If the Office of Equity & Compliance (OEC)/Title IX receives a report of such prohibited conduct, the OEC will act promptly and fairly to stop the prohibited conduct, remedy its effects, and prevent its recurrence. FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Liberty.edu/OEC (434) 592-4999 OEC@liberty.edu Green Hall, Room 1845K Liberty.edu/Family | 15
PARENT AND FAMILY CONNECTIONS
PARTNERING WITH YOUR COLLEGE ST UDENT
Successfully parenting a college student requires effectively listening, praying, and encouraging your student's resiliency.
Successfully encouraging your student’s resiliency — the capacity to quickly recover from a challenge or difficulty — requires effectively listening and then partnering with them in prayer.
► The CARE Team — Promotes the health and safety of the student body through threat assessment and case management services, and provides access to available supportive resources on and off campus
We are not suggesting that dropping off your student at college means that you are no longer connected to them. Quite the contrary is true. You continue to work, guide, lead, and pray for their success as they aim for their highest calling in Jesus Christ. In that way, we encourage you to continue the process of releasing responsibility for the outcomes in your student’s life to them and to others. Allow us to suggest two essential ways to release your student:
► CASAS Advising Success — Helps students find answers and solve problems by connecting them to appropriate university resources
1. Release your student to the Lord As your student leaves home, there is a natural tendency to want to take control. We call it “staying invested” to rationalize our talk and behavior, but in truth, making decisions for them falsely soothes our own concerns that they are ready for this new chapter and that they will be okay. If you have been praying for the adult that God has designed your student to become, then this is the season of their life that you have been waiting to see. The Lord knows all the details in their lives, all the ways in which they will grow to love Him more, and you can trust Him to complete what He has started in them.
2. Release your student to Liberty University We know that you care about your student, and so do we. Liberty has plans, services, resources, and support for your student. In addition to faculty who will pray with and for your student, Liberty is staffed by compassionate professionals in a variety of departments. The following list shows only nine of the many departments available to assist your student’s spiritual, physical, mental, and social well-being.
16 | Liberty.edu/Family
► LU Shepherd — Fosters spiritual growth and community though the ministry of pastors, resident shepherds, and community group leaders ► Office of Community Life — Helps students live in community through the process of conflict resolution, restorative practices, student discipline, and student development ► Office of Disability Accommodation Support — Arranges reasonable accommodations and program access to students with documented disabilities and temporary medical conditions ► Office of Equity & Compliance — Ensures there are safe learning, living, and working environments for all members of our campus community ► Office of Residence Life — Provides daily guidance and assistance to students in residence halls through strategically positioned resident directors (RDs) and resident assistants (RAs) ► Office of Student Life — Serves commuter students by connecting them to one another and university resources ► Student Counseling Services — Provides free, confidential, professional counseling services for residential students
WHEN THE Y COME HOME “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” – Romans 15:13
There are several things you can do to be supportive of how much your child has grown up while they have been away and be able to connect in new ways during the coming breaks. If you aren’t sure where to start, here are a few encouragements that may help you.
Acknowledge the real possibility that being in each other’s space again may feel a little bumpy. This discomfort has a lot to do with expectations — both yours and theirs. Don’t fall back into the “old” routine of making all the plans and then delivering the agenda as an expectation. Open it up for their input. No matter which holiday or season it is, family traditions and a multitude of other activities may be on their list of things to do before getting back to campus for the next semester. "Things" may involve satisfying a CSER project over break, working a job in order to help with the cost of college, or sleeping to catch up on the sleep they lost at school.
Ask them what they want to accomplish while they are home, and then follow it up by asking how you can best help them do it.
Be mindful of their growing autonomy. Your student has been making all sorts of decisions every day without your input, and they have survived. During the same time, you have also experienced autonomy by creating a routine that doesn’t include them. It isn’t “either/or.” It’s actually a “both/and.”
Consider that you both could benefit from a bit of space (call it grace) as you all acclimate to being in each other’s space again.
Celebrate. The child that you sent to college is walking through your door with thousands of decisions they made this semester. They have studied God’s Word, been exposed to its truth, prayed through numerous situations, and jumped into a variety of challenges. You have an opportunity to celebrate all that they are in the Lord, and any and everything they have learned along the way. It may be a time for you also to share what you’ve learned while they have been away.
We shouldn’t ever be too old to learn and grow in our personal walk with Jesus.
Rejoice, and remember your spiritual armor. For our first-time college students, the first semester is particularly difficult. So if the grades you hoped that your student would receive are not the ones that you see, still find ways to rejoice. Rejoice in everything and give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Joy and praise are interwoven throughout your spiritual armor! Without them in place, this season for your family is ripe with opportunities for the devil to poke and prod at your family’s dynamics.
Take stock of your armor (Ephesians 6)! Any chinks in it could be the first aim that the devil takes to use as a wedge in your family’s relationships.
And again, I say rejoice. “Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” – Philippians 4:4-9
Liberty.edu/Family | 17
__ WE'RE HERE FOR YOU College Parenting Webpage Life as a college parent can be a season of personal and spiritual growth. Our College Parenting resources will help you equip and guide your student though your family's journey together.
Scan here to learn more:
Praying for Your Student Pray with your student through the highs and lows of each semester.
Scan here for weekly prayer guides and more:
For more information, reach out or visit our webpages (434) 582-2339 | Liberty.edu/Family LUFamily@liberty.edu | FACEBOOK/LibertyUFamily Social Media Etiquette: Follow Parent and Family Connections on Facebook /LibertyUFamily for alerts, encouragement, and prayer notes. No student information is to be shared through Facebook. Keep in mind that there are various social media groups that identify as Liberty or parents of Liberty students. For official answers, contact Liberty University directly. The university’s webpages are designed with information to be readily available anytime you need it. Parent and Family Connections’ “Frequently Asked Questions” is a reliable webpage to begin your search.
18 | Liberty.edu/Family
Liberty University does not engage in unlawful discrimination or harassment because of race, color, ancestry, religion, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, or military veteran status in its educational programs and activities. Liberty University maintains its Christian mission and reserves its right to discriminate on the basis of religion to the extent that applicable law respects its right to act in furtherance of its religious objectives. The following persons have been designated to coordinate Liberty University’s compliance with certain antidiscrimination laws: Director of Disability Accommodation Support (Residential) at (434) 592-4016 or ODAS@Liberty.edu; Director of Disability Accommodations Support (Online) at (434) 592-4016 or LUOODAS@liberty.edu; Associate Vice President of Equity and Compliance / Title IX Coordinator at (434) 592-4999 or OEC@Liberty.edu.
Liberty.edu/Family | 19
