The start of the fall semester

Dear Baylor Students, Faculty, Staff and Parents:

This morning, as I began considering today’s significance, I found myself filled with the joy spoken of in Psalm 47:1 — “Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy.”

Today is indeed an exciting and joyous day for the Baylor Family as we begin classes and anticipate all the wonderful events and tradition-rich activities — as well as new and renewed friendships — that lay before us this fall semester!

Of course, we continue to navigate the uncertainties and bear the responsibilities of life during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the midst of these circumstances, I encourage each of you to be a source of blessing for one another — to lift up your fellow Baylor Bears in prayer and to strengthen one another through acts of personal compassion. Baylor is our home away from home, and members of the Baylor Family take care of each other.

There is so much to celebrate and be thankful for as we prioritize a safe and full student experience for the fall semester, including in-person classes, full student activities and traditions, and 100% capacity at academic and athletics events. Last week, the First Gent and I enjoyed joining hundreds of other volunteers across campus in helping move our new students into their residence halls. And I know our first-year students are eagerly looking forward to the opportunity to rush the football field at McLane Stadium as the newest members of the Baylor Line.

To all our students, I join the members of Baylor’s faculty and staff in expressing our gratitude to you for your belief in the Christian mission of the University and your desire to be a part of the future of this beloved institution during your years on campus and in your lives afterward. We are committed to helping you achieve all that God is calling you to become.

I hope today is full of the joy of togetherness, the knowledge of Christ’s love and a spirit of hope for each of you. May God bless you.

Sincerely,

Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D. President