The Journey Begins: New Patriot Orientation 2023

Preparations for the Fall 2023 semester at Dallas Baptist University have once again opened in a burst of confetti at New Patriot Orientation, known on campus as NPO, a celebration and guide for all incoming students, from first-year freshmen to new transfer students. 

During Orientation, new students were enthusiastically welcomed into the DBU family with open arms by our undergraduate admissions team. They were then led to different booths and stations prepared for them to help them learn more about the DBU experience and what it means to truly be the “Newest & Truest Patriot in the DBU Family.” Among the various activities, new students met their future professors, heard speeches from inspiring staff leaders, got more oriented with campus, registered for classes, and learned more about their new home at DBU. The goal of this celebration was not only to make students feel like they have a place where they belong but also to show them how the Lord is guiding them in their transition to this exciting but daunting chapter of their lives. NPO was a personal, supportive experience that uplifted students and made them feel well-supported in their journey to graduation. 

However, the purpose of New Patriot Orientation was not just to bombard new Patriots with information. There were several opportunities at NPO to find community at DBU and a variety of fun activities to meet fellow peers, future friends, and possible roommates before the official start of the semester. 

In the sea of students at NPO, a few who shared what guided them to join the DBU family explained that it was the community they met at orientation that pleasantly surprised them. Gaby, an incoming Business major with a focus in Entrepreneurship, said one of the reasons she initially found herself at DBU was because of the vital financial opportunities the university provides to its students. However, once she got to experience NPO, she became more excited by the sense of warm community. Eryn, another incoming student and Communications major planning to go into Public Relations, also expressed how the people she met during Orientation made her feel so welcome.

At the end of Orientation, the new Patriots officially become part of the DBU family when they ring DBU’s Liberty Bell, a beloved tradition and a memorable way to close the introduction of incoming students to the DBU Family and the opening of the next exciting chapter in their lives.