First-Year Programs at Lipscomb University create a cohesive and transformative experience for new students, inspiring them to engage holistically as members of the Bison community.
Through meaningful resources and opportunities, these programs empower students to thrive during their first year and equip them with the skills to flourish at Lipscomb and beyond.
Our First-Year Experience (FYE) program and theoretical approach to student success at Lipscomb University is rooted in the five key factors of student thriving, which provides a holistic approach to fostering student success during the critical transition to college (Schreiner, 2013, 2020). The program engages students to explore their calling and purpose as they better understand their gifts and seek to understand who God has called them to be. This is done practically by equipping students with the skills to develop resiliency, navigate stress, refine positive coping strategies, and cultivate strong and healthy relationships. By intentionally addressing these areas, we empower first-year students to flourish academically, socially, and emotionally as they adapt to their new environment.
Lipscomb University’s holistic approach to student success is rooted in the integration of spirituality and life purpose, empowering students to live authentically and resiliently while fostering well-being and a commitment to positively impacting their communities and the world. We believe that college is a pivotal time for discovering who God has called each student to be, and that spirituality and a sense of life purpose are essential to thriving. These elements intertwine with our five thriving factors, enhancing every aspect of the college experience. By encouraging students to explore their unique purposes and fostering a deeper understanding of spirituality, we help them develop resilience, build meaningful relationships, and engage fully in their academic journeys. At Lipscomb, student success goes beyond retention rates, graduation statistics, and GPA—it is about nurturing the whole person in mind, body, and spirit, creating a vibrant and supportive campus community where students are empowered to thrive holistically.
Lipscomb A-to-Z:
| ASC: Academic Success Center, your one-stop shop for all things regarding your academic success, including services like the Writing Studio, Peer Tutors, and more! | Battle of the Boulevard: a 67-year tradition where we battle it out on the basketball court each year with our arch-nemesis down the street to see who owns the Boulevard! |
| Breakouts: On Thursdays, you have the opportunity to attend a wide variety of spiritual formation experiences we like to call breakouts | CDC: Career Development Center, your one-stop shop for career exploration, resume help, networking opportunities, internship experience and the job search |
| The Gathering: Campus pauses at 10:55 a.m. every Tuesday to come together for a campus-wide chapel called the Gathering | OID: Office of Intercultural Development, build community through culture by being involved in programs, events and activities that empower and support Lipscomb's diverse community |
| RA: resident assistant, the trained student leader who acts as your primary contact while living in the residence halls who lives on your floor, coordinates activities and builds relationships to shape your on-campus experience | RHD: residence hall director, the full-time, live-in professional staff member who oversees your building and maintains a safe and welcoming residential community |
| SAB: Student Activities Board, a group of student interns responsible for planning and executing free events for the student body | SAC: student activities center, full of racquetball courts, a weight room, running or walking tracks, a spin studio and basketball courts (free with your student ID!) |
| Singarama: One of the Lipscomb's longest-standing traditions where students create mini-musicals with the hope of being crowned the sweepstakes winner | Stokes: an overflow parking lot located adjacent to campus, right across Belmont Blvd |
