2830349_PFC - Parent & Family Guide (Fall 2023)

PARENT & FAMILY GUIDE

2023–24

WELCOME to the LIBERTY 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

A SEMESTER of FIRSTS

DR. BRIAN C. YATES Dean, College of Applied Studies & Academic Success Vice Provost of Residential Programs

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 “firstgen” students. First-generation students can feel that they do not belong at college, and since they have no familial experiences to draw from, they may feel pressured to perform well since they are representing their families. Whether or not this pressure exists, first-generation students are less likely to seek assistance from available resources.

First-generation or not, feeling isolated and pressured is a common challenge among students from all backgrounds for many different reasons. 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 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 them 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, and writing coaches can be requested at any stage in the writing process.

ADVISING SUCCESS

► 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.

► 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.

APPLIED SUCCESS

► Career Services

Career Services utilizes impactful coaching and valuable work experiences to train students and alumni to align personal goals, talents, and experiences in support of achieving their vocational goals. Career Services holds events, career fairs, and various workshops throughout the academic year to help connect students with employers.

► Testing Services

Testing Services offers students a clean, comfortable, quiet environment to take computer-based and paper-based makeup exams, nationally standardized tests, or exams with ODAS accommodations.

► Center for Professional & Continuing Education (CPCE)

Students can enhance their skill set and develop professionally and personally through the CPCE. Real-world benefits can be gained through noncredit programs, career development, test preparation, micro-credentials, digital badges, and more! Earn a concrete return on investment in your career and life goals.

► 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.

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.

Stop by and see us sometime in DeMoss Hall, Room 1100, or visit us online at  Liberty.edu/CASAS.

CAMPUS LIFE

► How can I communicate with Liberty on my student’s behalf?

Once a student attends their first day of class, Liberty recognizes them as the owner of their academic records and business account holder for financial agreements made with the university. As an account holder, a student authorizes what information is shared or reported to others. Records are shielded by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). If a parent or guardian is given a verified Personal Identification Number (PIN) number by their student, the parent or guardian can then receive information about their student's account. This will help you to make confident decisions with your student about their academic plan, financial agreement, or residential experience on campus. Without a PIN, department representatives are unable to answer questions about a student's account.

Family Educational Rights And Privacy Act

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 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 may grant permission to release some or all private information to persons whom they designate.

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 send mail to my student?

The Student Mail Center serves as the package and mail pickup, printing, and shipping location for all students. 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

Local Deliveries

If you would like to send goods from a bakery or flowers from a local vendor, the business must have your student’s name and phone number. Local vendors know to deliver

packages 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 Hancock will notify your student once a package has arrived to arrange for pickup.

► What do I do if my student isn't feeling well?

The Student Health Center provides a patient-centered medical environment. They facilitate healthcare partnerships between you and your primary care provider and care teams. Services include care for acute illness, injuries, and other chronic conditions. Labs and X-rays can be done at the LU Student Health Center and are included in the student health fee services. Referrals for specialty care can be coordinated for the student by our team.

If a student experiences an urgent need during off hours, they may call the office number to connect with the on-call physician. In case of an emergency on campus, they should contact LUPD at ext. 3911 or (434) 592-3911. In the case of off-campus emergencies, they must dial 911 or go to the nearest emergency services department.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

 (434) 338-7774

 LUStudentHealth.com

 Commons 3, Bottom Level

► SCAN HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE OFFICES AVAILABLE TO HELP YOUR STUDENT

Support from YOUR FIRST DAY to COMMENCEMENT & BEYOND

► Bus and Shuttle: Transit Services

Transit Services makes campus and the surrounding community accessible to students and greatly reduces the need for personal vehicles. Students have access to 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

► Career Services

Career Services connects Liberty University students and alumni with career opportunities through impactful coaching, employer connections, and valuable work experiences both on-campus and online.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

 (434) 592-4109

 careers@liberty.edu

 Montview Student Union, Room 2560

 Liberty.edu/Career

► Christian & Community Service

LU Serve oversees Christian/Community Service (CSER) — a community service graduation requirement for all undergraduate students. Visit the CSER webpage for more information about registration dates and deadlines.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

 (434) 582-2325

 CSER@liberty.edu

 LUServe@liberty.edu

Dorm 20

► Computer & Tech Support

The IT HelpDesk provides technical assistance and support for mobile devices, computers, software, and gaming systems.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

 (434) 592-7800

 Liberty.edu/HelpDesk

 Green Hall, Room 1539

Additionally, you can contact the IT Support Call Center for assistance.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

 (866) 447-2869

 Liberty.edu/IT

Liberty's online technology store, the IT Marketplace, provides your student with Office 365 and other discounts. Check out their webpage for a full list of current promotions.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

 Liberty.edu/ITMarketplace

► 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 Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS). Individual and group counseling as well as walk-in appointments are available.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

 (434) 582-2651

 CAPS@liberty.edu

 Liberty.edu/StudentCounseling

 Green Hall, Room 1830

For emergency assistance, please contact your Resident Director or call the LUPD emergency line at (434) 592-3911.

► The Flames Pass: ID & Campus Services

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.

Learn more about the new Mobile Flames Pass option at Liberty.edu/MobileFlamesPass

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

 (434) 582-7771

 CampusServices@liberty.edu

 Liberty.edu/CampusServices

► Legacy Families and Lifelong Relationships

The Office of Alumni Relations connects with alumni, alumni who are parents of currently enrolled students, and active residential students to bridge the gap between current students and alumni. The Students Today, Alumni Tomorrow (STAT) student organization provides leadership opportunities, professional development, and events for current students. To become a member, visit Liberty.edu/Alumni/STAT

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

 (800) 628-7973

 alumni@liberty.edu

 Liberty.edu/Alumni

► Office of Disability Accommodation Support (ODAS)

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 based on disability.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

 (434) 592-4016 | FAX (434) 582-3858

 ODAS@liberty.edu

Liberty.edu/ODAS

 DeMoss Hall, Room 1264

► Office of Student Life

Attending college can be a challenge no matter what type of student you may be. The Office of Student Life offers many opportunities for students to build relationships with other students and to develop socially and academically while at Liberty. Student Life offers events, community boards, CSER opportunities, a food pantry, and more!

Commuter Students: Get connected with fellow commuter students and resources that will enhance your spiritual, academic, and social development. Learn more about our department on our webpage.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

 (434) 592-3067

 commuters@liberty.edu

Liberty.edu/Commuters

 Green Hall, Room 1887

International Students: Liberty’s campus is home to students from more than 70 nations. The International Student Center (ISC) helps international students transition to life in the U.S. by aiding with cultural adaptation and many other services involving federal regulations, funding, health insurance, and more.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

 (434) 592-4118

 ISC@liberty.edu

 DeMoss Hall, Room 2232

Residential Students: Experience quality on-campus living that meets your need for community and personal development. Each hall is staffed with one to two resident assistants (RAs) as well as a team of resident shepherds (RSs) and community group leaders (CGLs). Our student leaders are here to help you grow!

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

 (434) 592-4139

Liberty.edu/ResidenceLife

 residencelife@liberty.edu

 Residential Commons 2, Terrace Level Lobby

► Parking and Safety: Liberty University Police Department (LUPD)

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. An emergency 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.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Nonemergency Phone:  (434) 592-7641

Emergency Phone:  (434) 592-3911

 LUPD@liberty.edu

Liberty.edu/LUPD INSTAGRAM@LibertyUPolice

► Pastoral, Prayer, and Spiritual Support

LU Shepherd fosters spiritual growth and community through the ministry of pastors, resident shepherds, and community group leaders. LU Shepherds build relationships with students across campus and invest in their spiritual growth.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

 (434) 592-5411

 LUshepherd@liberty.edu

 Dorm M17, Ground Level

Campus Community is the central gathering place for worship and spiritual growth at Liberty. More information about schedules and how to watch live can be found at Liberty.edu/CampusCommunity

Convocation is the largest weekly gathering of Christian students in the world. More than 80 nationally recognized guest speakers join us each year — to view the schedule, watch Convocation online, or check the safety measures for attending in person, visit Liberty.edu/Convocation.

► Student Health Center & Wellness Initiatives

Physical and emotional well-being directly impacts your student’s academic performance. The Student Health Center & Wellness Initiatives Department offers convenient access to quality medical care and mental health services, health promotion, and preventative care.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

 (434) 592-7770

Liberty.edu/HealthAndWellness

 healthandwellness@liberty.edu

► Student Service Center

The Student Service Center houses the Financial Aid, Student Accounts, and Registrar offices. Students and parents can contact the center and will be guided to the office that can best assist them.

Attendance, GPA, and Transcripts: The Registrar's Office provides many services related to students' academic records. Please note: It is important that students familiarize themselves with the deadlines, regulations, and policies set forth by the Registrar and fees associated with their courses.

Billing and Student Finances: The Student Service Center also provides free notary services to students, faculty, and staff. Students may call or email to make an appointment.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

 (434) 592-5100 | Toll-free: (888) 632-5551

 studentservicecenter@liberty.edu

 registrar@liberty.edu

Liberty.edu/StudentServiceCenter

 Green Hall, Room 1896

The Dean of Students Office — Fostering a Culture of Biblical Resiliency

“As a student, you will face a number of challenges as you are training to be a Champion for Christ. Whether you live on campus, commute, or are taking classes online, our offices will walk alongside you through these challenges with the goal of teaching biblical and holistic resiliency.”

— Dr. Mark Hyde, Dean of Students

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

 deanofstudents@liberty.edu

 Green Hall, Room 1887

► Community Life

The Office of Community Life creates a safe community for students by implementing the code of conduct and hosting events for students to participate in restorative practices, receive mentoring, and work through conflict resolution.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

 communitylife@liberty.edu

► Academic Integrity

The Office of Academic Integrity challenges students to honor Christ in all academic pursuits by creating a learning environment that values integrity, fairness, ownership, trust, and personal responsibility. Review the Academic Misconduct section of The Liberty Way to clarify the policies and expectations for student academic coursework.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

 communitylife@liberty.edu

► Collaborate, Assess, Resource, & Empower (CARE) Team and Support

The CARE Team bridges the gap between those who need support and those who can help by assessing students' specific needs, collaborating with university and community resources, and empowering individual success.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

 CARE@liberty.edu

Liberty.edu/CARE

► Educational Programming and Assessment

The Office of Educational Programming and Assessment creates programs, provides life skills coaching, and teaches restorative practices that empower students to be Champions for Christ by living healthy and purposeful lives at Liberty and beyond.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

 communitylife@liberty.edu

STAY UP to DATE

2023–24 ACADEMIC CALENDAR

Don’t forget to plan your Family Weekend!

SEPT. 8-10

Register today at Liberty.edu/FamilyWeekend

Wednesday-Thursday Residence halls open for new students

SEPT. 8-10

Friday-Sunday Family Weekend

AUG. 16-17

Dining center opens at noon for new students

Friday Residence halls open for returning students

DEC. 13

Wednesday Residence halls close at noon

AUG. 18

Dining center opens at noon for returning students

AUG. 21 Monday Classes begin

AUG. 21-25

Monday-Friday Add/Drop Week

AUG. 25 Friday

Last day to add or drop a class by 4 p.m.

OCT. 12-13

Thursday-Friday Fall Break NOV. 17

Friday Thanksgiving Break begins after last class

Dining center closes after dinner

Dining center closes after lunch

DEC. 15 Friday Fall semester ends

DEC. 22 Friday Final grades due

NOV. 20-24

Monday-Friday Thanksgiving Break

DEC. 16JAN. 7 Saturday-Sunday Winter Break

DEC. 5

Tuesday Last day to withdraw from a class with a “W”

Last day of classes

DEC. 6 Wednesday Reading Day

DEC. 7-12

Thursday-Tuesday Final Exams

Monday Intensives begin

JAN. 8

Faculty return JAN. 11

Thursday Residence halls open for new students

Dining center opens at noon for new students

JAN. 12

Friday Residence halls open for returning students

Dining center opens at noon for returning students

MARCH 11-15

Monday-Friday Spring Break

MARCH 27 Wednesday Annual Assessment Day

MAY 8 Wednesday Residence halls close at noon

JAN. 15

Monday Martin Luther King Jr. Day — Day of Service

Classes begin

APRIL 1 Monday Easter Holiday — no classes

APRIL 15-18

Monday-Thursday Research Week

MAY 9-11

Thursday-Saturday Commencement Weekend Commencement Degree Presentation Ceremonies

JAN. 15-19

Monday-Friday Add/Drop Week

JAN. 19 Friday

Last day to add or drop a class until 4 p.m.

APRIL 30

Tuesday Last day to withdraw from an undergraduate class with a "W"

Last day of classes

MAY 10

Friday Spring semester ends Dining center closes after dinner

MARCH 8

Friday Spring Break begins after last class

Dining center closes after dinner

MAY 1 Wednesday Reading Day

MAY 2-7

Thursday-Tuesday Final exams

MAY 13-17

Monday-Friday Faculty workdays

MAY 17 Friday Final grades due

MAY 13AUG. 16 Summer Term

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

Pray With Us For Your Students

“… since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you …” Colossians 1:9

► CAMPUS PRAYER CALENDAR

► LU SHEPHERD 24/7 PRAYER WEBPAGE

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, Liberty Mountain 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.

 (434) 592-3148

 CampusRec@liberty.edu

FACEBOOK /LibertyCampusRec

X-TWITTER @LibertyCampusRecreation

 Green Hall, Room 2900 (above Chick-fil-A)

 Monday-Friday | 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

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

FACEBOOK /LUStudentActivities

 @LibertySA

FLAMES FOOTBALL: A Tradition of Winning

Liberty Football welcomes new Head Football Coach Jamey Chadwell, 2020 AP Coach of the Year, to Liberty Mountain. Coach Chadwell has enjoyed tremendous success throughout his coaching career, and the anticipation of him elevating Liberty to new heights is off the charts!

Fresh off a fourth straight bowl game, Flames Football is climbing up to a Group of 5 conference: Conference USA! The Liberty Football program already has a track record of conference titles, claiming eight league championships before going FBS independent in 2019, and the Flames will look to increase their championship hardware in this next phase!

Going big time doesn’t change the family-friendly game day atmosphere. Pregame Fan Fest includes great food, fun inflatables, the LU cheerleaders, balloon animals, lawn games, and hugs from Sparky. And don’t forget about Tailgate Town in front of Gate 1!

Order your season tickets today for the ’23 season for seven opportunities to see your Flames at Williams Stadium, where they are 19-5 over the past four years. Season tickets remain affordable for the best entertainment value around — save up to 51% over single game ticket prices. Join the fun as Liberty Football continues its ascent to the upper echelons of college football.

FOR SEASON TICKET PRICING, VISIT:

LUFootball.com

 434-582-SEAT (7328)

OFFICE OF EQUITY & COMPLIANCE

CENTER FOR FINANCIAL LITERACY

The Center for Financial Literacy (CFL) offers free peerto-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 financial goals.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

 Liberty.edu/CFL

 CFL@liberty.edu

 @LUCenterForFinancialLiteracy

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

 DeMoss Hall, Room 1232

► 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

• On- and off-campus employment

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

 (434) 592-4118

 ISC@liberty.edu

 DeMoss Hall, Room 2232

• Scholarship search assistance

• Assistance with cultural adaptation

• Cultural events

PARTNERING WITH YOUR COLLEGE STUDENT

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Successfully encouraging your student’s resiliency — the capacity to quickly recover from a challenge or setback — requires effectively listening and then partnering with them in prayer.

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 increase your family's success during this season of personal growth as your student becomes the adult the Lord has in mind for them:

1. Release your student to the Lord

As your student leaves home and your daily oversight, 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, academic resources, mentoring, and pastoral support for your student. In addition to faculty who

will pray with and for your student, Liberty is staffed by compassionate professionals who are focused on your student's spiritual, physical, mental, and social well-being.

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

WHEN THEY COME HOME

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

“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

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS

Transitioning to college can be both exciting and challenging 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

Admissions |  (800) 543-5317

Air Force ROTC |  (434) 924-6831

Athletics/Ticket Office |  (434) 582-SEAT (7328)

CARE Team |  (434) 592-5638

Career Services |  (434) 592-4109

College of Applied Studies & Academic Success (CASAS) |  (434) 592-4110

Commuter Student Life |  (434) 592-3067

Computer Lab |  (434) 582-2140

Counseling & Psychological Services |  (434) 582-2651

Dining Services |  (434) 582-2262

Donor Services |  (800) 368-3801

Financial Aid |  (888) 583-5704

Hancock Welcome Center |  (434) 582-2064

ID & Campus Services |  (434) 582-7771

Information Technology (IT) Support |  (866) 447-2869

International Student Center |  (434) 592-4118

Jerry Falwell Library |  (434) 582-2220

Liberty Police Department (emergency) |  (434) 592-3911

Liberty Police Department (nonemergency) |  (434) 592-7641

Liberty University Bookstore |  (434) 582-2316

Liberty University Online Programs |  (866) 584-7231

LU Serve |  (434) 582-2325

LU Shepherd |  (434) 592-5411

Military Affairs Office |  (855) 355-4947

Office of Alumni Relations |  (800) 628-7973

Office of Community Life |  (434) 582-2320

Office of Disability Accommodation Support |  (434) 592-4016

Office of Equity & Inclusion (LU ONE) |  (434) 592-4020

Parent and Family Connections Office |  (434) 582-2339

Registrar’s Office |  (434) 592-5100

Residence Life |  (434) 592-4139

Student Accounts Office |  (866) 783-0191

Student Activities |  (434) 592-3061

Student Health Center |  (434) 338-7774

Student Mail Center |  (434) 592-4515

Student Service Center |  (434) 592-5100 or toll-free at (888) 632-5551

Testing Services |  (434) 582-2408

Transit Services |  (434) 592-3640