Author: Abby Rathburn

The all-male high-heel race stole the spotlight at Alpha Chi Omega’s fall philanthropy event, but its purpose extends far beyond a friendly competition between Greek organizations.

As the Revivalry approaches, Baylor students are preparing for one of the most anticipated games of the football season. With more than a century of history between Baylor and TCU, the rivalry brings plenty of school spirit, competition and occasional controversy.

Baylor officials are working across departments to ensure students have a safe, enjoyable experience running the line, but misconceptions about arrival time persist. It is time to separate fact from fiction and make sure students know what to expect before they arrive at the games.

Living off campus doesn’t mean living without community. Baylor’s commuter students are finding ways to make staying on campus longer worth the hassle of a late-night drive home.

Foreign language requirements should be dropped at Baylor. They cause an undue burden on students and their time can be better spent on courses more specialized to their major and career goals.

Zeta hosted its fall philanthropy event in Waco Hall on Thursday night to support breast cancer research and awareness. The event featured 20 contestants, with Kappa Omega Tau’s Joshua Brown taking home the crown. Filled with audience engagement and humor, the event went beyond competition as participants and attendees shared their personal connections to the cause.

On Saturday and Sunday, Baylor students are invited to join Kamp Love Baylor for their fall retreat, where they camp out in God’s creation. The hope is that students will experience spiritual transformation.

Baylor Athletics Director Doug McNamee is returning to his BYX roots, strengthening connections between current members and alumni alike.

Since 1947, copyright ownership of the Baylor fight song has remained uncertain. Now, Baylor finally has an arrangement that will allow the university to claim ownership, preserving tradition for generations to come.

Known simply as “tabling,” the practice gives student organizations a chance to stop students between classes, start conversations and promote everything from upcoming events to membership opportunities. But does tabling actually increase awareness of organizations?

Tri Delta hosted its fall philanthropy event, Delta House of Pancakes, in an effort to raise funds for its national philanthropic partner, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The event featured live music, picture spots and all-you-can-eat pancakes.

Although it’s not an official campus group, Baylor Rando Volleyball University, nicknamed Randos, has gained a lot of attention as its membership continues to grow. With nearly 600 members, this GroupMe connects students who share a passion for volleyball.

Baylor Buddies is a mentorship program that connects student volunteers with at-risk elementary, middle and high school students in the Waco community. The volunteers spend at least an hour a week with their buddy during the school day in a fun way, whether it be making crafts, playing games or simply talking.

From women’s heart health to puppy love, Alpha Phi’s Woofstock event featured fun activities for students and allowed members to share more about “the number one killer of women:” heart disease.

Dating used to be simple. Someone would ask you out, you’d go on a date then choose to take it somewhere or split as friends. But now, we have social media. Stop the investigations and bring back casual dating.

Beyond academics, Baylor’s mission of growth within a Christ-centered community comes to life as student organization leaders share their ‘why’ behind the communities they chose to join and lead.

After setting aside time to refocus their hearts and minds on Jesus, this year’s Vertical leadership team and volunteers are ready to engage students across every inch of Baylor’s campus. With hope in their hearts, they pray that Jesus will be known and loved more and more every day.

On Thursday, returning students helped new students transition to life at Baylor with Move2BU. Volunteers, students and parents felt the heat along with all the emotions that come with starting a new school year.

For incoming Bears, the first week at Baylor is about more than unpacking boxes. From worship and traditions to new friendships and mentorship, Welcome Week is designed to help students find their place in the Baylor community.

First-year students gathered around Fountain Mall to commemorate their first year at Baylor. Through ice cream, yard games and fellowship with friends, many students reflected on a year of growth.

Four years after freshman move-in, the Honors Residential College dorms remain home to many graduating seniors today. While many students started looking for off-campus housing for their freshman or sophomore years, some seniors found the community of Memorial and Alexander Residence Halls worth sticking around for.

Students who live in three of the two-year dorms at Baylor — Teal Residential College, Honor Residential College or Brooks Residential College — sign a two-year contract when they move in. For some, the experience grows their community. For others, it’s a fight to get out of the contract.

Residential chaplains are seminary students at George W. Truett Theological Seminary who choose to live alongside undergraduate students, dedicating 20 hours a week to providing spiritual support for the challenges of daily life.

The student-run organization Apparel Professionals hosted a clothing swap on Fountain Mall on Monday, where students could easily refresh their wardrobes while embracing a more sustainable approach to fashion.

Students might notice the green polo and khaki shorts-clad guides walking around campus with groups of prospective students — but what goes unnoticed are the challenges of being a Baylor tour guide.

Beta Upsilon Chi is drawing attention on campus after coming off a first-place Sing victory and recruiting 28 new members, nearly doubling its organization’s size. The men of BYX hope to continue this momentum as they share their “why Beta Upsilon Chi.”

For years, Baylor has identified as an evangelical Christian university while maintaining its Baptist heritage. However, a shift in recruitment strategy has shifted the student body away from its Baptist roots, and now, fewer students than ever identify as Baptist.

What started as a project in an advanced project management class may become a reality. A group of students has worked with University Architect David Bess for months to design a shed that protects e-scooters and bikes from theft.

Students across campus gathered to support “Kicks for CASA” Saturday evening at the BSB fields, raising funds for children in the foster care system. Although many teams competed, Sigma Alpha Epsilon took home the championship.

Over time, the church has made Christ’s death and suffering too normalized. His horrible pain and agony have been lessened in our hearts and minds, and it is easier now than ever before to forget the brutality of Christ’s crucifixion. Watching “The Passion of the Christ” will remind viewers of this sacrifice and realign their hearts toward God in an honorable manner.