BHSU Kicks Off Fall 2024 Trimester with Exciting Welcome Events

Baptist Health Sciences University's campus is buzzing with energy as students returned for the Fall 2024 Trimester. New and returning students alike have been warmly welcomed through a series of engaging activities designed to help them settle into their home away from home. 

Welcome Week was packed with exciting events, fostering a sense of community, collaboration, and fun, all while laying a solid foundation for the academic year ahead.

The excitement kicked off with vibrant events like the Library Welcome Back Bash, where students were treated to 80s-themed games, tasty snacks, and helpful tips on library search strategies. Therapy dogs and giveaways added an extra layer of joy. The Rock the Block Party continued the fun, featuring a "tour of the decades" theme with music, food, games, and dancing, bringing students and faculty together in celebration.

Success-Building and Faith-Focused Activities

In addition to the fun, Welcome Month included various activities aimed at academic and spiritual growth. Students had the chance to meet with the esteemed Academic Council, gaining practical advice on how to excel in their studies. The highlight of the month for many was the Opening Chapel, where Dean of Student Services, Karen Smith, led the BHSU community in a time of prayer and gratitude, introducing the verse for the year based on Romans 12:4-5.

"Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function,so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others." Romans 12:4-5

The Future Men in Health Care Cookout provided male students with the opportunity to network, enjoy a cookout, and explore health care career paths. The Honors Luncheon & High Tea catered to honors students, offering a formal yet fun environment for students to connect and learn more about the program.

Pizza and Floats with the President

A casual and engaging event, Pizza and Floats with the President, allowed students to enjoy pizza and soda floats while chatting with BHSU President Dr. Hopkins. It was an opportunity for students to connect with university leadership in a relaxed setting.

Throwback Events: 90s Nostalgia and Sci-Fi Fun

In continuing the nostalgic feel theme of the Welcome Week events, the Back to the 90s event hosted by the Academic Success Coaches brought back the vibrant spirit of the decade with 90s-themed snacks, games, and bonding opportunities with coaches. Students also enjoyed the Academic Revenge of the Fifth, a sci-fi-themed meet and greet where attendees came dressed in their favorite fantastic character costumes, participated in games and crafts, and mingled with fellow students and faculty.

Convocation and Student Retreat

The academic year officially started with Convocation, where faculty accomplishments were recognized, and the spirit of the new trimester was ignited. Rounding off Welcome Month will be the Student Retreat, scheduled for the last weekend of September. Students will head to Moscow, TN, for a weekend of outdoor activities, Bible study, reflection, and bonding.

Building Connections: Organization/Engagement Fair and Faculty Feud

Students had the opportunity to explore campus life through the Organization/Engagement Fair, where they discovered ways to get involved in various student organizations and community. Meanwhile, the Faculty Feud event brought plenty of laughs as faculty members battled it out in a game-show-style competition, showcasing their wit and knowledge.

Clinical Simulation Investigation (CSI BHSU)

In one of the more unique and immersive events, students put on their detective hats for the Clinical Simulation Investigation (CSI BHSU). This hands-on, interprofessional event allowed participants to experience a clinical team at work, solving a medical case study with popcorn and prizes adding to the experience.

A Pop Up from Alumni 

Throughout the month, BHSU alumni brought an extra dose of energy to campus with their traveling snack cart. Offering free treats, coffee, and refreshments at various locations, the pop-up allowed students to grab a quick bite between classes.