The upcoming class of future Bisons now have the option of attending their Lipscomb orientations in person.
The decision to resume in-person orientation came from university officials after carefully considering the trends in positive COVID cases and the increasing number of vaccinated members in the Lipscomb community.
“Pandemic or not, the New Student Orientation program is committed to providing a holistic onboarding experience to our new students and their families,” said Megan Johnson, assistant director of student wellbeing.
In addition to orientation sessions, QuestWeek will resume in-person experiences as well. This announcement has not changed the focus and aim of those who work to make the summer programs possible.
“While the delivery method and some particular events had to be adjusted, the important content that we covered last year remains just as vital to the student experience this upcoming year,” said Johnson.
New students and their parents, regardless of which NSO session they attend, will have the opportunity to learn about academic expectations, student involvement opportunities and begin creating connections
with their peers and professors.
Though there will be in-person sessions offered, a virtual orientation will be offered on June 25. The option seeks to accommodate students and parents who are not yet comfortable with the legal gathering sizes or are unable to be physically present.
This flexibility is something that Johnson said she believes works in favor of students’ preferences as things return to “normal” a year after COVID severely altered summer orientation activities.
“We believe that a virtual option caters to a group of students who feels more comfortable engaging with new people through a chat feature rather than in-person large group settings,” Johnson said.
“We will help these students acclimate to life on campus when they arrive for QuestWeek in August, but for some, a virtual option is a great steppingstone into this community.”
Orientation sessions are many students’ first real impressions of the Lipscomb community. The workers who facilitate these events work to ensure that those in attendance experience Lipscomb in a positive light.
Taking into account students’ and their families’ varying feelings of safety when planning out the summer programs is important, according to Johnson. “If students do not feel safe or comfortable for any reason, not much learning or beneficial connection will take place.
“It was and continues to be essential for us to prioritize the safety of our students and their guests, along with our faculty and staff who play a big role in the success of orientation….
“We are committed to hosting these events in a responsible manner, helping both students and parents feel comfortable and confident in their college decision.”
The in-person NSO days will be June 28, July 8, and July 9. QuestWeek will be from Tuesday, August 17 to Sunday, August 22. It has not yet been confirmed which aspects of QuestWeek will be in-person, but it has been confirmed that there will be in-person events through the week.
Be sure to check in with Lumination Network for updates on our summer programs. Editors and reporters keep the site going yearlong to make sure students are kept up to date on campus news and activities.