New students welcomed into Lancer Nation

Riverside, Calif. (Aug. 24, 2020) – It was more than just the summer heat that gave the newest Lancers a warm welcome as they moved onto campus at California Baptist University on Aug. 20-21.

Residential advisors and First Year Experience (FYE) interns welcomed the new students and helped move them into their residence housing. Move in was split over two days to allow for social distancing.

Although traditional welcoming activities were canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the RAs and FYE interns were eager the new students felt at home on campus for the fall semester.

Mikayla Morehead, an RA for Tower Hall, said everyone was doing their best to make the students feel welcome and excited to be on campus.

“Having to stay safe and unable to hang out with the freshmen as much as we would in a normal year will be a challenge, but we are making the most of it to welcome them all, and it is really going well,” Morehead said. “We are looking forward to a good year with a good team.”

Daniel Garcia, assistant director of new student programs, emphasized that CBU staff wants to get to know and assist students.

“Although the circumstances around us have changed, who we are and why we do what we do have not. Students remain the focus of our efforts and we plan to enhance their experience in any capacity we can,” Garcia said.

Ivy Weekley, a health science freshman, found the appeal of meeting people in person and being immersed in a Christian environment reason enough to move onto campus.

“I really wanted to meet people, and everyone has been really sweet and friendly, it’s exciting

and encouraging to be around this atmosphere,” Weekley said.

Jennifer Blessing, an exercise science freshman and a member of the CBU volleyball team, said she is most excited about the college experience and taking her volleyball training to the college level.

"I'm looking forward to the whole college experience and getting to work with my teammates," Blessing said. "We really get to take our training to that next level."

This year the New Student Welcome was virtual. Videos provided information on topics such as academics, campus offices, Athletics, the Inland Empire region and local churches.

Classes for the fall 2020 semester, primarily being held via live/synchronous remote instruction, begin Aug. 24.