Spring 2023 Semester officially begins as new and returning students participate in Welcome Week

Campus is buzzing once again as Liberty University welcomed its new and returning students for the start of the Spring 2023 Semester on Monday.

The new students — including freshmen and transfer students — are joining Liberty at an exciting time in the university’s history. In the fall, Liberty marked its largest total on-campus residential enrollment, at 15,800.

As it does at the opening of every new semester, Liberty provided a variety of different activities to help incoming students acclimate to the college environment. New student move-in was Jan. 12, and Liberty used the weekend before classes started to help students get situated into their new home away from home.

Students attended a special “new student” dinner on Thursday during move-in, and Friday opened with Donuts with the Deans, a chance for new students to meet with the deans of their respective schools. The welcome time continued with New Student Convocation in the Center for Music and the Worship Arts, Concert Hall, where students were greeted by Vice President of Spiritual Development Josh Rutledge and Campus Pastor Jonathan Falwell.

Rutledge addressed the students and encouraged them to get involved with the opportunities for spiritual growth at Liberty, including meeting with Community Group Leaders and Resident Shepherds, attending Campus Community on Wednesday nights, and finding a local church.

“Spiritual life is not something we simply do … spiritual life is who we are. It is the very heartbeat of why this place exists,” Rutledge said.

Falwell spoke to the students about the importance of setting new habits to better their walk with Christ.

“We want you to be successful, but we want you to be successful in your walk with Christ because that’s what really matters. That is what makes a difference. That’s what will change the world,” Falwell said.

After Convocation, new students had the chance to visit academic departments for separate welcome sessions.

The university also scheduled a social for transfer students on Monday from 6-7:30 p.m. outside the Montview Game Room.

Liberty’s Campus Recreation Department provides a wide selection of events for students to participate in during the first week of classes, including two evening ski/snowboard trips to Wintergreen Resort Thursday and Saturday and an all-day trip on Sunday. Campus Recreation will also host a Glow Light Hip Hop class on Saturday for any interested students. (For event details, visit the Campus Recreation website.)

Liberty’s Student Activities Office is also beginning the semester strong by welcoming students back to campus. An Open Mic night will be held on Tuesday at 7 p.m. in Montview Student Union, and a student concert on Friday night will feature Maddy Vandy with Noah McLeroy in the LaHaye Event Space. On Saturday, Student Activities will host “Bingo Innit?” in the LaHaye Event Space.