7 Traditions All Baylor Freshmen Should Know About

Posted on March 6, 2015 by alexa_godfrey

By Maggie Malone

With the recent announcing of awards for Baylor’s annual Sing participants, another great tradition has once again come to a close. In addition to Sing, there are so many great traditions to experience here.

1. All University Sing Teams from Greek organizations compete in Broadway-style performances complete with their own themes, song choices, and costumes. Hours and hours of work are poured into each act. The one exception to mostly-Greek teams is called Sing Alliance, a group made up of any student who wants to participate in Sing. Tickets sell out fast so be sure you buy early!

2. Christmas on 5th Street Christmas at Baylor! This event happens right before finals week, and it is a good opportunity to chill with friends, sip some hot chocolate and enjoy the lights on campus. Also, there are talented choirs that perform, carriage rides, a live nativity, fantastic petting zoo and the annual tree lighting!

3. Baylor Line One of the major experiences of being a freshman at Baylor! While wearing your personalized gold jersey, you and the rest of the freshmen run through the stadium before every home football game and line up to welcome the Baylor Bears onto the field. And by this I mean that there is a mad dash of hundreds of freshmen pouring onto the field. Right afterwards, the Line is able to enjoy fantastic seats … right behind the visitors’ bench! Sadly, because I perform with the marching band, I have never gotten to experience this tradition. But how do you join this esteemed Line of glory? You attend …

4. Line Camp Yes, we have Line Camp! And while it’s not mandatory for freshmen to attend, I highly, highly recommend it. You get to learn not only about the Line, but also about the rich history of Baylor University. You get to make your first friends at Baylor while having tons of fun. Hint: They have an amazing slip and slide.

5. Dr Pepper Hour Every Tuesday in Barfield Drawing Room, Baylor serves up some delicious Dr Pepper floats! These floats are a nice cold treat, especially in the summertime when it gets really hot outside. Besides it being a great meet-up for friends, sometimes there are tables lined up featuring activities, clubs, study abroad information, and more! Bonus, you may even spot our president, Judge Ken Starr, and our mascot, Bruiser!

6. Freshman Mass Meeting This late night tradition during homecoming week is an important part of the Baylor experience. Freshmen gather together to listen to the story of the Immortal 10, some of Baylor’s finest students. I won’t spoil it for you, but it’s a great one. Afterwards, freshmen then go to help prepare what will become one of the greatest bonfires you will ever see.

7. Diadeloso Ah, spring. Season of new life, warmer weather (hopefully), and Diadeloso! Meaning “day of the bear” in Spanish, and affectionately called “Dia” by Baylor students, this day off from school is a great chance to take a break from life and just have fun. It’s a university-wide holiday, which gives students the chance to hang out, go on a day trip, or just have a good time on campus. Baylor usually brings in cool shows to entertain as well. Last year we had an exotic petting zoo, a talented magician, and, at the end of the day, NEEDTOBREATHE. Grab your Dia tank and get out into that sunshine!

I’ve only listed seven, but, as Baylor is an old university, we have plenty more traditions old and new to enjoy!

Don’t Fear the First Year

Posted on November 24, 2014 by alicroom

By Derek Byrne

I feel like I started college three times.

I spent two summers working with Baylor New Student Programs, which allowed me to experience the first few days on campus with my own class, as well as the classes of 2017 and 2018. By the third time I saw new students making their home here, I started noticing some common themes about students’ first days as Baylor Bears:

It’ll open your eyes. On a college campus, you’ll encounter ideas you’ve never heard before. Honestly, I don’t think I knew the term “public relations” when I started at Baylor. Now, it’s my major and an industry I’m extremely passionate about. My freshman year aspiration wasn’t to be a PR professional, but I found new interests and a more fitting degree after starting my studies. If you find yourself on an unexpected path, don’t fear it. Keep an open mind, and know that plans can change.
It’s hard sometimes. I think college often is portrayed as a world of nonstop excitement from move-in day to graduation (think “Pitch Perfect”). Without a doubt, some of life’s best memories come from college, but the reality is that the transition to college comes with its fair share of challenges as well. I realized finding the right relationships and organizations would take time and work. At first, there will be difficult days, and you may not immediately feel right at home. Be patient, and don’t get discouraged.
It comes once in lifetime. Freshman year at Baylor only comes once, and new students here have a pretty special role in the Baylor family. From Baylor Line Camp to residence halls to running the Line at football games, there are opportunities designed with first-year students in mind. I wish I had spent more time getting to know my Community Leader and the guys in Penland Hall freshman year, because community life is rarely so accessible. Don’t pass up the chances that only come around in your first year.

Being a new student is a unique time to seek out new experiences, learn from challenging moments and discover what it means to live with new people in a new place. Face the tough moments boldly and take advantage of the amazing opportunities. Your first year will quickly turn into one you’ll never want to forget.

Take advantage of every moment because it will be gone before you know it.

From Woodland Greens to Gold and Green

Posted on September 17, 2014 by alicroom

By Diana Cates

The past three weeks have been a complete whirlwind for me . . . I mean, I literally feel like Taz has gotten a hold of me in his little tornado (fond reference for those Looney Tunes fans). This isn’t to be misunderstood; I have loved every exhilarating moment of this journey! This tornado-like feeling was expected, and I knew drastic change was coming, but it still caught me by surprise.

I’m not the traditional Baylor student, in the sense that for the past seven years I have worked and traveled around the world with the Marine Corps. This makes me a bit older than the average student, which has been one of the dizzying contributors of my whirlwind experience. It has taken considerable adjustment for me to go from that work environment to the vibrant, youthful university campus that I have come to love so much already. Fortunately, an open heart and mind have made this transition easier.

Over the summer, I spent a month in the hills of Fort Sill, Oklahoma, completing what would be one of my last field exercises with my unit. It was rough living on meal rations (MREs – always go for the pasta ones!), but it was rewarding to see the cumulative results of my hard work. One week after returning home, I drove down to Waco to spend five days with hundreds of other new incoming students during Line Camp. What a contrast! I had no idea what to expect, but it proved to be THE perfect beginning to my Baylor experience, and I highly encourage it to every new incoming student.

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Call it a whim or perhaps sheer intuition, but last spring I found myself on the Baylor campus, not having previously considered attending. At the time, I didn’t realize that in doing so, I was already on a life-changing path. There is an endearing glow to the students here at Baylor, and it’s something that captured my heart when I visited in March. Though this quality is intangible, it is evident in so many different aspects. It is present in the smiles you encounter when you’re walking to class. It is experienced when you drop your books, and ten students stop to help you (which, incidentally, happened last Wednesday!). Most of all, it is seen in the faces of your professors and advisors who do everything in their power to see you succeed.

Understandably, the camaraderie of the Marine Corps can never be replaced, but I feel prepared to hang my woodland greens for now. It is with pride that I now bleed gold and green!

SIC ‘EM BEARS!

Last Tips for Incoming Freshmen!

Posted on May 13, 2014 by alicroom

By Brooks Goodwin

For all the graduating high school seniors who will be coming to Baylor to start of their college careers in the fall, I thought it would be nice to give some tips for how to make the most out of your summer.

First off, be sure to spend plenty of time with your family and friends. Heading off to college is a very exciting time. You will meet plenty of people and develop new friendships, but don’t be so eager to leave home without spending some last moments of quality time with your closest friends and, of course, your family. There is no telling how long it will be before you see them again once you move to Baylor, so make the most of your time with them while you can this summer.

Secondly, GO TO LINE CAMP! Seriously, I think that anyone you meet who finds out you are an incoming freshman will tell you to make this a priority. Line Camp is a really fun experience and definitely gets you excited to be a Baylor Bear. Line Camp will not only allow you to get a feel for living on Baylor’s campus for a week, but it will also allow you to meet many of your fellow classmates before classes even start, which can be beneficial if you don’t know anybody else attending Baylor. You also learn a lot of things about Baylor, such as it’s history and the chants/cheers done at football games, which you absolutely have to know. For more information, check out the Line Camp website.

My Line Camp Group!

Lastly, get excited! You are about to start the experience of a lifetime and join the wonderful community that is the Baylor family. College is a fun, challenging, life-changing and rewarding time, and I honestly believe that Baylor is one of the best places to make home for the next four years. Enjoy your summer and have fun when August comes around and it is time for move in. I look forward to seeing you all on campus, Class of 2018!

My Baylor Journey

Posted on December 21, 2013 by alicroom

By TJ Partida

So, I only have a couple of days left before I walk the stage at the Ferrell Center when I will receive my diploma from our incredible president and chancellor, Judge Ken Starr. I’ve been fortunate enough to get hired with my housing complex next spring, so I can take some time to breathe and get myself ready for the real world after graduation. Since this blog post will be my last with Baylor Admissions, it’s time to reflect on a few memories. It’s a long one, so bear with me!

I’ll start by saying that one of the best memories I’ve ever had as a student was when we became Big XII Football Champs at our last game in Floyd Casey Stadium! I definitely cried because it was my senior game, and I got to run the Line one last time as we shut down the “Case.”

That’s me on the far left cheering with some of my best friends at the last Homecoming game in Floyd Casey Stadium.

Speaking of which, my first favorite memory of my time here was Line Camp. I still keep in touch with the friends I made that week, and I took that experience with me to the following summer when I served as a Line Camp leader. No matter if you make 20 friends or just one, you’ll definitely have an incredible time learning about our university and its rich tradition.

Here’s a picture of one of my Line Camp groups when I was a leader. My jersey has the 13!

Now, Greek Life at Baylor played a huge role in my college experience here at Baylor. I won’t expand too much on my involvement because you can just read about it here, but I will say that it was an incredible way to view Baylor in a different light. The Greek community is so diverse and an excellent representation of Baylor’s best students. I don’t think going Greek is the only way to enjoy college, but it’s truly is a helpful supplement to your experience.

This is a quick snapshot of me and some of my fraternity brothers at a water crush.

Serving Baylor as a Yell Leader with Spirit Squads was really what provided me with a ton of memories I can carry on after I graduate. As a Yell Leader I was able to cheer on the sidelines for four of our sports teams, make appearances throughout the Baylor and Waco communities and represent the university in more ways than one with my some of my best friends.

There I am in the middle, cheering at my last game in Dallas at the Big XII Women’s Basketball championship game!

And more recently, working for Campus Visits, serving on the Student Recruitment committee with Student Foundation and blogging for Admissions are all experiences that have helped me reflect on my time at Baylor like I’m doing right now. Sharing my experiences with you and other prospective students helps me appreciate my undergraduate experience even more. I’ve come to believe integrity is a leader’s most important attribute. I’ve learned skills I can take to the real world both in Journalism and simply for the work force.

Here I am volunteering at a football game with Student Foundation.

So, by now you’re either exhausted from reading my post or you’re even more excited to get here. Regardless, I hope you make the most of your time in college. Honestly, I hope these aren’t the best years of your life. I do hope they’re the best years to get you ready for the rest of your life. Thanks so much for reading my posts and if you want to stay in touch, add me on social media. You can find my information on my website. I wish you the best on your decision. Sic ‘Em Bears!!!

Starting my Baylor Journey- Line Camp 2013

Posted on August 14, 2013 by alicroom

By Jordan Rogers

Baylor Line Camp was an absolutely incredible experience. Before going, I had doubts that I wouldn’t make any real friends while I was there. Five days just seemed too short to really bond with others and create lasting friendships! Luckily, I was wrong by a long shot.

I could never have guessed how much fun, how many friends, and how many wonderful memories I would bring home from five days of Line Camp. With every hour that passed, I felt a little more at home. Each day is planned very specifically for the campers; filled with games, activities, team building, and many surprising events. I can’t share what these are for the sake of future campers, but expect greatness.

Everywhere I looked I saw smiling faces, open arms and welcoming hearts. We learned what it meant to be a Baylor Bear. “Discover. Belong. Thrive.”I can now truly understand these three words and how they apply to every person who is called to Baylor University. We learned how to utilize and amplify our strengths, thrive while at Baylor and beyond, build true lasting friendships, and discover our callings in life.

Through all of the fun, the learning and the late nights, I feel that I found friendships with some amazing people, who I will actually spend time with once I move to Baylor. This was the perfect transition into the Baylor family. I am so pumped to be a Baylor Bear! I can not wait to get back and see all of my friends again!

Making Friends (by Kristen Ritch)

Posted on October 3, 2012 by michellerava

When my friends went off to college, I saw them getting plugged into friend groups within the first week, and Instagramming everything right and left. But, when I got to college, I was kind of confused as to why people weren’t busting down walls to be my friend.

Okay, so, I’m lucky. I ended up with a normal roommate via potluck (I mean…she wears a fedora, but she wears it well, so it’s okay). I have at least one person in every class that I can commiserate with over the upcoming test or lack of will to study for aforementioned test. And I’m making friends with people I meet through other activities. So, here are a few how-to-have-a-good-college-experience-and-not-go-home-day-three-because-you-feel-lonely-and-school-is-hard tips.

Take advantage of the first week of school. Seriously, everyone wants to be your friend, because everyone is the new kid. If you make sort of eye contact with someone from across the courtyard, you will be introduced. You might not remember their name, but there’s an opportunity for friendship there.
Join things. It seems overwhelming, because everyone is pushing their club at you, but as soon as you see something that peaks your interest, try it out. You can always back out later (I mean, after one or two informational meetings. Don’t get in deep and leave the other guys hanging).
Go to things. Baylor provides opportunities like the Baylor Freshman Retreat for you to get to know people through the Bobo Spiritual Life Center. Also, your hall will have movie nights or baking nights, which can be really fun. Any chance that you have to get to know people better? Do it, there’s really no risk.
Smile and be friendly. Seriously, all it takes is some awkward eye contact and a smile and you’ll be friends. College is great because everyone is friendly. And Baylor is just the right size campus that you will see someone you know almost everywhere you go, but you’ll always meet someone new.
Go to Line Camp and Welcome Week. If you’re like me, you don’t know that many people coming to Baylor. Sure, you know of some upperclassmen and there may be a couple of people from your hometown, but, in a school of 15,000, what are the odds that you see them? This is where Line Camp and Welcome Week come in handy! I had to choose between a mission trip to Africa and Line Camp, so I didn’t attend Line Camp, but those who did already have a group of people they can hang out with for the first two weeks when it hits home that, well, this is your new home.
Meet the girls (or guys) on your hall. These are the girls you are going to awkwardly shower next to for the next two semesters, might as well get to know them. And it’s always nice to have a room to go to when you get locked out of yours (whoops).

Baylor has so many opportunities to meet other people, whether it be a fraternity, sorority, dance club, cultural organization, Honors program, BIC (Baylor Interdisciplinary Core), LLCs, or spiritual life organizations.

I joined a Youth Ministry Team (YMT) through the Bobo Spiritual Life Center, and basically, we go out into the community and help out with Disciple Nows, 5^th quarters, and lock-ins. But you’re placed in a group with people you don’t necessarily already know, and are given the opportunity to meet a new group of people with similar interests. What are those called? Right, friends.

Finally Here! (by Kristen Ritch)

Posted on September 1, 2012 by alexistadda

Nine months before the day I entered the world, I was a Baylor Bear. So, after eighteen years and some odd months of wearing green and gold in a sea of burnt orange and maroon, I was beyond pumped to finally be at what I’d called home since I was little: Baylor University.

As Move-In Day grew closer and closer, I came to the realization that I wasn’t just going to the school of my dreams: I was going to have to deal with people. And, y’all, sometimes people are hard. There are a couple of people that came from my town in East TX, and a few other friends, but everything else was up in the air. I mean, who on earth was I going to eat lunch with? But, I guess that just comes with being yanked out of my comfort zone where I’d known everyone since I was 2. I didn’t know my roommate, and I didn’t go to Line Camp so I could go on a mission trip. Basically, I was seriously stressing out the move.

Thank the Lord Almighty my roommate wasn’t a crazy, and my Welcome Week group was pretty cool, even though the rain seemed to weed some of them out. I even found all of my classes, even though one of them is seriously in a basement. The trek from my dorm to the FAC is not one I cherish but, hey, my beta fish and I are getting settled into my little Collins corner. Although, community bathrooms? Y’all, those are weird.

Now I’m just super psyched to run with the Baylor Line and see my Bears destroy SMU tomorrow!

Sic ‘em!

Line Camp (by Lexa Johnson)

Posted on July 30, 2012 by alexistadda

As I was flying down to Waco on Tuesday, I was feeling a combination of excitement and nervousness. I was so excited to get to spend a week on the beautiful Baylor campus and get to meet new people. However, I was also nervous about meeting the right people and making genuine friends. I was on my way to hopefully meeting some of my future best friends.

As line camp began, we broke into small groups and the awkwardness within my group was immediately broken by our leader. I was blessed to not only have such an amazing leader, but amazing people in my group as well. This week I definitely experienced incredibly genuine and loving people this week. Everyone shared each other’s excitement to finally be at Baylor and taking part in some memorable Baylor traditions. Our week at Baylor was filled to the brim with exciting activities and Baylor traditions. The first night on campus, all of the students were bussed over to Floyd Casey Stadium where we were greeted by the Baylor Cheerleaders. We all ate dinner together in the club level and learned the cheers for the football games. Afterward, we walked down to Gate 8 where the Baylor Line traditionally enters the stadium to run the football team out. We assembled down on the field and practiced for the fall. We ran the cheerleaders onto the field as they cheered. This glimpse into what the football season will be like this fall was amazing. I did not think it was possible, but my excitement for the football season has only increased. The second day at camp we all drove together to Independence, Texas where the original Baylor campus once was. We all ate dinner together and then gathered in the church and listened to an alumni talk about her experience at Baylor and how Baylor has changed her life. The leaders then released us campers to explore Independence and some of the landmarks there. Upon conclusion of our exploring, we took a bus ride across the river to where the four original columns still stand. God had painted the perfect setting for official initiation into the Baylor Line with an absolutely breathtaking sunset. All of the freshmen gathered in front of the four columns and we all worshipped together. It was so amazing to glorify God together with my future classmates as we prepared to be initiated into the Baylor Line. During this worship time, we were told to think about what becoming a part of the Baylor Line means to us. As I reflected on this, I became overwhelmed with excitement as God introduced me to these amazing people I am fortunate enough to spend the next four years with. For me, being part of the Baylor Line means having amazing friends to spend the next four years with, to share in triumphs and heartache. It also means that I have the opportunity to glorify God through my relationship with others and community service in Waco.

The third day of camp was jut as exciting as the first two as we explored what God’s calling for us is. It was really helpful to get to spend time on what my specific calling is from the Lord. We then broke off into teams and competed in a series of games and relays. Following our “Bearing the Elements” competition we walked over to Common Grounds where we were given coffee and listened to live music. The atmosphere at the coffee shop was really neat as it has been decorated with couches and has several tables outside. They have an outdoor stage where the musicians played and we gathered at the many tables and couches. Going to Common Grounds was such an amazing and unique experience. The fourth day of Line Camp was my favorite by far. We began the day by learning the importance of community gardens in Waco. These gardens are used to provide fresh vegetables to families who have no other way obtaining them. Afterward, we broke into our groups and each set out to volunteer at different community gardens in Waco. I absolutely loved this service project because it directly helps the Waco community and was truly useful. The main events that constituted that evening were the final banquet and the Sing competition. We were fortunate enough to hear from a really inspiring speaker about taking hold of our dreams and learning form our mistakes. The Sing competitions that night were very fun as each team strutted their stuff and displayed their creative performances. The fourth day of Line Camp was my personal favorite because I felt that we were able to take part in experiences that encompass what Baylor stands for.

Line Camp was truly an amazing experience for me that I thoroughly enjoyed. The activities that we were able to take part in truly extended a glimpse of what life at Baylor University will be like. However, what I enjoyed most about Line Camp was my small group. We were thirteen strangers on the first day of camp but 13 best friends by the end of those five days. Our nickname throughout camp was “The Smurfs.” Everyone at Line Camp knew our group because we were always so loud and yelling our own Smurf cheer. While discussing such in depth topics such as friendship and God’s calling for us, we really grew close. It is exciting to know that when I step onto campus in two and a half weeks, I will have 12 best friends to reconnect with. Although I was feeling nervous at the beginning of Line Camp, when I left on Saturday I was feeling completely excited to return in three weeks. Now I am just counting down the days until I can move into my dorm at Baylor and reconnect with some of the amazing people I have already met. Move in day will officially mark the start of the beginning of my life at Baylor University.

Baylor Admissions

Who you will become, begins here.

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