Visitors flock for CFAW: High school students experience Liberty

Thousands of prospective students and their families flocked to the mountain for Liberty’s College for a Weekend. The college visit allows current high school students to attend class, Convocation and use all the facilities that Liberty University has to offer. Pair all of that with going to athletic events and student connect events, and the visitor has an engaging college visit.

Liberty has been welcoming families onto their campus multiple times a year for over 40 years. While the campus itself may impress the naked eye, visitors appreciate the real beauty of Liberty’s campus — the people.

Aaron Garcia, director of on-campus recruitment events, said that giving CFAW students opportunities to connect with one another is one part, if not the most crucial part, of CFAW.

“The Student Connect Kickoff is a true crowd-pleaser,” Garcia said. “It features various activities such as games, music, art, sports and snacks. However, what makes it truly special is the chance for students to connect with each other, setting the tone for a successful weekend ahead.”

While the people definitely make CFAW what it is, one of the most unique experiences that CFAW offers is the opportunity to attend real classes. In these classes, high school students can interact with students and professors, and maybe even figure out what they want to study. Getting the opportunity to sit in on real classes with real professors is vital for a high school student who may be stuck on making their college decision.   

However, even with all of the classes, gatherings and fun events, people are coming to Liberty because they appreciate how Dr. Jerry Falwell’s mission to train Champions for Christ is evident on this campus.

Prospective students, like high school senior Amyha Perfater, said they want Liberty’s Christian mission for their lives.

“I like that it’s a Christian university,” Perfater said. “I really like the campus, but the Christian aspect of Liberty is the biggest thing for me. I want to be at a Christ-centered school, and Liberty University is exactly that.”

While CFAW gives prospective students a firsthand look into the life of a Liberty student, it also informs parents and helps the whole family.

“We offer many helpful events for families like Admissions Made Easy and Funding Your Future,” Garcia said. “We also provide campus tours and a variety of events we call connect events designed to help students engage with our campus and our students.”

For those families that might not live within a reasonable driving distance of Liberty, Garcia believes CFAW is still worth making the trip.

“CFAW provides students with a comprehensive experience that a single-day visit cannot offer to families,” Garcia said. “We understand the significant sacrifices of travel expenses and time away from work, so we strive to ensure that when a family attends College for a Weekend, we organize an excellent program.”

Liberty University hosts four College for a Weekend events every year, with the final CFAW of this semester occurring April 4-6. The Fall 2024 CFAW events will be held on Sept. 19-21 and Nov. 7-9. For more information about CFAW or about Liberty University, visit www.liberty.edu/residential/cfaw.

Weissinger is a news reporter for the Liberty Champion. Follow him on X.