As Baylor’s spring semester starts settling in, Baylor students say their emotional well-being is based on two main forces: the strength of Baylor’s community and the pressure of academic demands.

A two-week program is seeking underprivileged high schoolers in the Waco area to participate in a rigorous liberal arts model, aiming to change the narrative about who has access to education.

Comprised of five different endowments, the grant will support scholarships, research and academic programs, according to a recent press release. The gift will continue the Moody Foundation’s goal to “transform education in Texas by 2035.”

On both Sunday and Monday afternoons, Baylor made the official announcement that classes would shift to remote instruction, citing hazardous conditions and a regard for overall safety. This marks yet another moment where technology has redefined college experiences.

From finding the right roommates to looking for a neighborhood that feels just like home, some students who signed their first lease walk away happy, prepared and satisfied that they’re taking their first step to an independent life.

While many crossed city or state lines to get to Baylor, others crossed oceans and looked for ways to make Baylor home thousands of miles away.

Upon Kokernot Hall’s anticipated completion this July, the university will finish the plans it set back in 2013. With part of the construction budget now freed up for other projects, it opens up the question of what’s coming next for projects across campus. While there is no confirmed plan for a similarly connected string of renovations, Vice President for Student Life Dr. Sharra Hynes alluded to future projects in a September interview.

For some, sharing living spaces with siblings and family was the norm. Yelling at a sibling to stop hogging the bathroom, touching your clothes or stealing your personal items is a part of life for some, but for many, living in a communal space is a foreign concept that is difficult to adjust to.

Data from the National Association of Professional Organizers shows that disorganization can lead to a 20% loss in productivity. According to Mental Health America, a clean living space helps promote a daily sense of calmness and control in your life.

As students continue to search for housing, it is important to note that not all generationally passed down houses are a cheaper option. Costs will vary based on location, upkeep and chapter expectations.

First-year Baylor students are required to live on campus in one of Baylor’s dorm communities, meaning all these students will inevitably have to manage living with limited space. However, not all dorm spaces are created equal.

As Baylor’s student population grows, students face rising rent prices and tough trade-offs when searching for off-campus housing, from affordability to location and safety.

As of Thursday evening, predictions from The Weather Channel show Friday bringing mostly rain, but as temperatures go below freezing overnight and stay there Saturday, precipitation will go from freezing rain during the day and change into a wintry mix in the evening. Sunday, as of now, is expected to be mostly clear, with the storm ending overnight. But forecasts have been ever-changing as the week goes on, previously predicting multiple inches of snow.

Students often refer to the “sophomore slump” as a feelings of stagnancy and uncertainty in your second year of college, as the pomp and excitement of freshman year dies down. Baylor’s recently launched Year2@Baylor program hopes to fix that.

“I think the outreach part is what makes this so special,” Dava Butler said. “It’s not just for scientists or students. Anyone can walk up and see what we’re doing, ask questions and realize that paleontology isn’t something far away. It’s right here in Waco.”

Community is a central theme of Heavenly Voices, providing students with a home where they can feel supported and free to express themselves. Heavenly Voices ministers through music in hopes of touching the lives of others in a unique and special way, Queens, N.Y., senior Monica Malas said.

“We’re seeing not only the upper respiratory elements, but also seeing some lower gastrointestinal manifestations, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea associated with it,” Hess said. “So it seems to be sort of hitting both above the belt and below the belt, so to speak.”

Women of Waco is a local networking group for women in business in the Waco area, including business owners, women who are job hunting and those who are simply looking for a community, Dr. Christy Flick said.

“I think the outreach part is what makes this so special,” Dava Butler said. “It’s not just for scientists or students. Anyone can walk up and see what we’re doing, ask questions and realize that paleontology isn’t something far away. It’s right here in Waco.”

In a recent conference, Vice President of Student Life Dr. Sharra Hynes noted that Baylor not only welcomed one of its academically strongest freshmen classes, but also “the largest number of international students that we’ve ever had in an undergraduate class.”

With registration deadlines approaching, local election leaders and student organization presidents stress the importance of student voices at the polls.

Dr. James Brockmole of Notre Dame will join Baylor as the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and he’s bringing his background in psychology, his faith and his love for national parks to his role.

Jan. 19 is a day of remembrance and celebration across the nation of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., and at Indian Spring Park, Wacoans held their own celebration. The city’s annual Peace March has been held for over 20 years and is led by local chapters of Zeta Phi Beta and Phi Beta Sigma with a purpose to keep King’s dream and spirit alive.

After being on break, students find new obstacles they must adjust their sleep schedule around.

The abduction of a foreign leader was not on most students’ bingo cards for winter break. Once news headlines began appearing about Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and how his wife were removed from Venezuela, most people scratched their heads in confusion, wondering where the news came from and why it happened.

Los Angeles junior Maggie Skinner died unexpectedly Thursday, according to a BaylorNewsFlash email.

Birmingham, Mich., sophomore Declan Polglaze was arrested Dec. 16 for aggravated sexual assault, according to the arrest affidavit.

At nightfall, Cameron Park Zoo transforms into a brilliantly-lit Christmas wonderland complete with photo opportunities, food trucks and a visit from Santa Claus for the zoo’s annual Wild Lights event.

April showers may bring May flowers, but December weather and Seasonal Affective Disorder can arrive together. For students going through finals this season, SAD poses a unique challenge.

The Board of Regents approved the addition of “Pro Mundo” to the university motto in May 2024. Over a year later, its impact radiates throughout research across campus.