Be the first to know—Campus news & updates for parents!
Be the first to know—Campus news & updates for parents!
Lipscomb University
OFFICE OF ALUMNI & PARENT ENGAGEMENT
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OCTOBER 2026

FROM THE PARENT PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Fall is officially here, and we couldn't be more excited! The leaves are changing, there's a crisp chill in the air, and Bisons Weekend is just around the corner — coming up Nov. 5-8! We have an incredible lineup of family events planned, and we want YOU to be part of all the fun. There's truly something for everyone. Get ready for a weekend packed with memories, laughter, and Bison pride. We can't wait to celebrate with your family! Check out all the details about Bisons Weekend below!

Stacy Blackston ('00)
Director of Parent Engagement
Follow the official Parent Program social media pages to stay up to date with what’s happening on campus! 
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UPCOMING KEY DATES
Please check the Academic Calendar webpage for information updates about the schedule or specific drop and add class dates for the upcoming academic year. 

PARENT NEWS
Don't Miss Bisons Weekend on Nov. 5-8!
Registration closes Oct. 25!

Bisons Weekend is almost here, and it's hands down the best weekend of the year on campus! Whether you're catching Shrek the Musical, cheering on the Bisons at the men's and women's basketball games, enjoying Pancakes with the President, enjoying all the festivities at Bison Square Fair, learning something new at the Parents Lunch and Learn, savoring the Fall Festival Dinner in the Caf, or lining the square for the unforgettable golf cart parade and pep rally — there is truly something for everyone. Come meet your student's friends, soak in Lipscomb's beloved traditions, and experience firsthand the campus life they've been telling you about all semester.
Registration closes Oct. 25! Don't wait — secure your spot today and join us for a weekend you won't want to miss! After Oct. 25, only walk-up registration will be available, so register now to guarantee your place in the fun.
Check out all details on the Bisons Weekend website!
Need a place to stay? Click here for a link to our hotel partners. 

The Parent Leadership Council is looking for new members!
The Parent Leadership Council is looking for new members to join us for the 2026-27 academic year. Parents who serve on Lipscomb University's Parent Leadership Council play a key role in enhancing the student experience through active involvement and support.
Co-chairs Ron and Suellen Moen or Stacy Blackston (’00) would love to have a conversation with you to learn more and to understand the level of engagement and financial commitment required. To read more about the values, responsibilities and benefits of the council, click here. Reach out to Stacy Blackston at stacy.blackston@lipscomb.edu or 615-966-5208.
Bison Parent Prayer Gathering image
Jim Hinkle (’96)
On Nov. 3 we will have two Zooms: one at 10:55 a.m. CT and an evening one at 7 p.m. CT. What a beautiful thing it is to take a break in the day to worship and pray together. Feel free to join us on screen or by voice—we understand you may be working!
This month Jim Hinkle (’96) will join us. Jim has been a full-time ministry for 30 years. He and his wife Stacy have seven children, three of whom graduated from Lipscomb. He serves the Sycamore View Church in Memphis as its executive minister. His focus is aligning church systems and culture with their mission of helping people see Jesus.
Parent Prayer Zoom link:
https://lipscomb.zoom.us/j/82757434747

ACADEMICS
College Corner Fall 2026
Fall is an exciting and busy time at Lipscomb as our new students have joined the Bison Herd and a new school year is underway! In this edition, the College Corner highlights some of the exciting things taking place within our colleges. We hope this feature keeps you connected to your student's journey at Lipscomb and gives you a glimpse of what’s happening on campus. Click here to read the fall 2026 edition of the College Corner.

GLOBAL LEARNING
Apply for a semster abroad.
Fall Groups. Our Fall 2026 semester abroad groups (London, Florence, Vienna) departed in September! I have attached Departure Day photos.
  • Parents can follow our semester programs on Instagram (@lipscombinlondon, @lipscombinflorence, @lipscombinvienna).
Applications. Semester abroad applications are still open for Vienna Spring 2027, as well as all of our programs for next year (Fall 2027/Spring 2028).
  • Here is the application link for students to apply. After submitting an application, students will need to come to our office for an interview, get 2 recommendations, and pay an application fee.
  • Spaces quickly fill up, so we recommend that students apply as soon as possible.
Global Learning 30th Anniversay Dinner. We are hosting a 30th anniversary dinner during Bisons Weekend to celebrate 30 years of Global Learning!
  • All Global Learning community members, including parents, are invited to attend.
  • Time: Nov. 7, 2026 from 6-8 p.m.
  • Location: Paul Rogers Board Room in the Ezell Center
  • Registration is required. A ticket to the event costs $20. Registration closes Oct. 25, so register now!

STUDENT LIFE & WELL BEING
Midterms can be a stress-inducing time for your student as exams, projects, and social life events pile together. Send an encouraging message, a note, or a care package to let them know you’re thinking of them. 
See the Signs: 
  • Less/More communication than normal
  • Increased fluctuations in mood
  • Drastic changes in sleeping patterns
  • Isolation from friends 
  • Abrupt major life decisions
If you are seeing these signs, it may be a good time to remind your student about the support available through the University Counseling Center or TimelyCare. Your student doesn’t have to struggle alone. 
Interested in reading about how you can support your student’s autonomy and growth? Click here to buy and read "Growing With: Every Parent's Guide to Helping Teenagers and Young Adults Thrive in Their Faith, Family, and Future" by Kara Powell. 
Visit the Start Well. Stay Well. website

GRADUATION OFFICE
December 2026 Commencement:
Essential Information for Families
We are excited to celebrate our December graduates! For those of you who are preparing to join us for this special day, please download this PDF that provides key details to keep in mind.

DINING SERVICES
Check out the latest news from Dining Services.

FINANCIAL AID
It's FAFSA time again! The 27-28 FAFSA is now open and we encourage ALL students to complete the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. All federal and state aid — including the TN HOPE Scholarship - require the FAFSA to be filed.  Please contact Financial Aid at financialaid@lipscomb.edu if you have questions or need help!

CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTER
Parents: join us for these informational sessions about the internship process and student opportunities for interview preparations.
CDC Internship info session
Join the Career Development Center staff to learn more about the Internship Process through a virtual information session. This session will
  1. Identify which majors have an internship as a graduation requirement
  2. Discuss the process by which students find an internship and the resources available
  3. Requirements of a For Credit Internship
  4. Internships for Experience only
  5. Timelines of when to obtain an internship and register for the academic course. 
The information sessions is offered at the following time: Oct. 21 at 2 p.m.
You can join the virtual session at this Zoom link.
CDC info session for interview prep.
Join the Career Development Center to learn more about the opportunities students have to develop and hone their interview skills to be ready for both employer and graduate school interviews. 
The Career Center staff will discuss individual practice appointments, employer interview days and online software options for students. It's our goal for students to have various ways to practice their interviewing skills so that they are ready for their interviews. 
Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 12:30 p.m.; Thursday, Oct. 29 at 2 p.m. Join us at this Zoom link.
Parent Engagement staff image
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