College Parenting Newsletter | November
Important Dates
Nov. 20 – Thanksgiving Break begins after last class; dining hall closes after dinner. Dining Services hours may vary during breaks and holidays. Check Sodexo’s Hours of Operation and be sure your student has a plan for meals if they are staying on campus.
Nov. 23-27 – Thanksgiving Break (no classes are held this week); classes resume on Monday, Nov. 30th.
Looking To The Month Ahead
Dec. 15 – Final day of in-person classes for residential students.
Dec. 18 – End of the semester. Residence halls close at 12 p.m. and the Reber-Thomas Dining Hall closes after lunch. All students must complete White Glove Checkout with their RA.
Dec. 19 – Jan. 17 – Winter Break
Bookmark this year’s Academic Calendar (PDF) for important dates and events.
Does your student need transportation to the airport or train station for traveling home during breaks? Your student can reserve a ride through the Liberty Shuttle Service. The LU Shuttle offers service to the Lynchburg, Roanoke, and Richmond airports as well as the Lynchburg train and bus stations (for a fee).
Prayer Points for November
- Final assignments, papers, and projects
- Travel plans for Thanksgiving or staying on campus
- Registration for spring semester
- Changing majors/minors & career direction
- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – That they may find something to praise God for in every situation
- James 1:2-4 – For courage and perseverance and to meet opportunities with the gospel
- 2 Timothy 1:7 – For self-discipline
- James 1:5-6 – For the Lord’s wisdom in decisions
By partnering with your student in prayer, you will give them one of the greatest supports they could hope for as they follow God’s call to be the adults that He equips them to be. Trust in the Lord to be faithful; your family will rise to the challenges. Be encouraged! We are here to journey alongside you, to pray with you, and, more valuable than that, God is with you!
2026 PFC Prayer Theme: PURSUIT
November – PURSUIT of…GRATITUDE. Practicing Thankfulness in Every Season.
Dear God, thank You for every good gift You place in my student’s life. Shape and cultivate their heart to be grateful for all You do. Lead them to trust You and draw their heart toward praise. Open their eyes to the quiet mercies You offer each day and give them the right words to honor You. Amen.
“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
Further Scripture Readings:
- Colossians 3:15-17
- Philippians 4:6-7
- Psalm 103:1-5
- James 1:17
November Tip of the Month
It can be tempting to step in to handle challenges your student faces in college, like emailing professors about missed assignments or deadlines; but remember, you won’t be able to call their future employer to negotiate deadlines or attendance once they enter the workforce. Now is the perfect time to help your student develop responsibility and self-advocacy by encouraging them to communicate directly with their professors. This not only builds confidence and maturity but also prepares them for life beyond college. As Proverbs 22:6 reminds us, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” By guiding your student to take ownership of their education, you’re laying a foundation of independence and integrity that will serve them well for years to come.
End-of-Semester Checkout Basics
All students must complete their White Glove Checkout with their RAs and make arrangements to be out of the residence halls within 24 hours after their last exam. Please follow the guide for Student Checkout Instructions, which lists student responsibilities and potential fines.
Residence halls close on December 18 at 12 p.m.
Students wishing to remain on campus past the official closure of the residence halls must submit a Beyond Checkout request in the Res Life Portal. Beyond Checkouts for Fall 2026 will open in November.
Parent Resource: Supporting Your Commuter Student
Do you have a student living off-campus? Have they connected with Commuter Life yet?
For students living off campus, the college experience can sometimes look a little different, but being a commuter doesn’t mean missing out on community. Commuter Life at Liberty helps undergraduate commuter students connect with others, grow in their faith, develop leadership skills, and build meaningful relationships both at Liberty and within the Lynchburg community. Whether your student is new to campus or returning for another year, encourage them to take advantage of these opportunities and remember that they are an important part of the Liberty community.
Commuter students also have dedicated spaces in Green Hall designed with their needs in mind. The Commuter Lounge offers a welcoming place to relax between classes and even grab a free cup of coffee, while the Commuter Resource Center connects students with helpful resources and is home to the Commuter Food Pantry. As a parent, encouraging your student to become familiar with these spaces can be a simple way to help them find connection, resources, and a greater sense of belonging on campus.
Visit the Commuter Life website for more information!
Did You Miss the Parent & Family Session?
If you were unable to attend the Parent & Family Session during Welcome Week, you can now view the recording through the link below!
Hear from LU leadership as they share their heart and how their offices support your student and family along the college journey!
Parent & Family Session – Live Recording from August 19, 2026
We exist to support the mission of Liberty University Training Champions for Christ by sharing timely, relevant, and accurate information with students’ family members about the resources, programs, and activities available on campus. Our purpose is to build relationships between parents and the university, promote student success, and support parents through the transition of their students being at college – all the while praying for their highest calling in Jesus Christ.
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