After a quiet summer in the square, Lipscomb’s main social spot filled up once again during First Friday Fest, a campus-wide event hosted by the Student Activities Board (SAB). Highlights included an 18-hole mini-golf course, live music from Lipscomb students and alumni and a competitive cornhole tournament. The Fest happened to coincide with Cameron Pannell’s first Friday as the new assistant director of student engagement. With students from 43 countries represented on Lipscomb’s campus, Pannell sees events like these as opportunities to help students build community and create new connections. “Sometimes community finds you, but I think sometimes it’s really important to put yourself out there, be courageous, and create that community yourself,” Pannell said. Even though Boot Scoot isn’t until later in the fall, impromptu line dances broke out at First Friday Fest to some of the catchier country tunes. On the other side of the square, the cornhole tournament drew bigger crowds as the night went on. Coleman Brown, a sophomore marketing major, played in the tournament for Lipscomb’s Sigma Iota Delta social club. He took a break between matches to reflect on the experience. “It’s incredible. We’re 2-0 so far, so vibes are high, but you never know how it’ll go.” Brown made it to the final match with his partner Drew Munch, facing a team from the Phi Sigma social club. A crowd of spectators gathered around the back-and-forth championship, and cheered when Brown and Munch eventually won the trophy. Brown said the competition didn’t stop him from meeting new friends along the way. “It’s a great environment, full of new people that you don’t know yet. I’m just here, meeting people I’ve never met before.” The First Friday fun continued until 10 p.m., as students played light-up mini golf with friends and enjoyed the music on the green. The event might have been the “First,” but it’s definitely not the last thing SAB has planned for Lipscomb. Pannell listed multiple opportunities for students to attend in the coming weeks. Next on the lineup is Freshman Lip Sync, a battle between “boy bands” and “girl groups” that the whole school is invited to watch. “We’ve been planning that one, and we’re really excited,” Pannell said. “And it’s my first one – I’m experiencing all these events for the first time.” After Lip Sync, students can look forward to Boot Scoot, hosted by the SAB and Line Dancing Club. And in October, the night students are waiting for will finally arrive: “We’re counting down the days until dodgeball,” Pannell said with a smile, referring to the famous Halloween dodgeball tournament in the Lipscomb courtyard. Students can find the full schedule of upcoming events on Lipscomb Student Life’s Instagram, on the “Have You Herd” weekly email newsletter and on flyers posted around campus. Feature photo by Chrissy Julien.
Starting July 1, 2026, the federal student loan system will change how borrowers repay their loans. While current borrowers will not see the immediate changes, students planning to borrow in the future could face fewer repayment options. “Most pieces are set, but things are still evolving,” said Assistant Director of Special Programs David Bender. “By July 1, that’s when students should expect to see everything set in stone.” For students taking out new federal loans after the changes, there will be two repayment plans. One option is a standard repayment plan with fixed monthly payments. Unlike the traditional 10-year plan, the length of repayment will depend on the total loan amount rather than automatically lasting 10 years. The second option is a new income-based plan called the Repayment Assistance Plan, or RAP. With RAP, monthly payments are based on income, not loan balance. Repayment can last up to 30 years, and any remaining balance after that period can be forgiven. However, that forgiven amount could be taxed. Some details are still being finalized, Bender said, and students should rely on official federal resources for updates. “StudentAid.gov is still the best resource as far as reading up on all those repayment plans and what’s changing,” he said. For many students, understanding repayment plans and long-term costs feels overwhelming. Amelie Burleson, a sophomore social work major, said tracking her loans has been difficult. “I tried to look on the website to see how much interest I’ve earned, but I wasn’t able to figure out the website,” Burleson said. “So, I kind of just gave up because I was confused.” The uncertainty around repayment makes growing balances feel intimidating. “I know I’m accumulating all this money that’s getting worse and worse every year,” she said. “That freaks me out a little bit for sure.” What this means for current borrowers Borrowers who take out loans before July 1 will not be required to change repayment plans immediately. Current borrowers can stay on their existing plan or switch to RAP when it becomes available. Borrowers enrolled in plans such as Parent PLUS, SAVE, PAYE or ICR may need to switch plans by 2028 as those options end. What this means for graduate students Students planning to attend graduate school after 2026 may face stricter borrowing limits. The Federal Grad PLUS loan program, which allowed students to borrow the full cost of attendance, is being eliminated. Federal loans may no longer cover all graduate school expenses, meaning students may have to rely more on private loans, institutional aid or scholarships. “Anytime you’re taking out a loan, assume that you have to pay back the whole loan,” Bender said. Featured image taken by Jacy Stricker.
The winter storm projected for January 2026 hit Lipscomb’s campus in a far different manner than expected. Though the forecast had called for up to 15 inches of snow, the campus saw only two to three inches. The ice that followed, however, would cause a problem. Clinging to all of the trees and power lines both on campus and around Nashville, the ice wreaked havoc. Tree limbs came crashing down all across campus with crashing thuds and rending cracks. Some smaller trees were even fully uprooted by the weight of the ice. Students were advised to avoid walking underneath trees whenever possible and to stay alert when crossing beneath one. Several of the trees exploded, with booms akin to a cannon being fired. The weight of the ice also yanked down power lines across the city. Lipscomb’s power went out around 11 a.m. Sunday, plunging every building on campus into darkness. Students gathered in the Bennett Campus Center – “the Stu,” to students – as soft alarms rang out through the dark building. The Stu’s permanent generator kicked on within the hour, garnering cheers from the students packed into the cafeteria upstairs and studying area downstairs. The cafeteria and Stu remained packed the entire rest of the day, students filling every chair and sofa in the building. Every power outlet was taken advantage of, many with power strips plugged in, as students charged their electronics. Personal televisions were also brought into the Stu and students put on the AFC football championship game and the Stanley Cup playoffs, cheers – and groans – filling the area known as Zebbie’s Lounge. Some students also brought their own PCs and played video games. Toward the evening, students received word that power would not be returned to campus; therefore, heat would not be working in their dorms. They were encouraged to shelter and sleep in other buildings: women from Fanning, Johnson and Elam in Bennett; women from The Bison and The Village in the nursing building; and men from High Rise and The Village in either Shamblin Theater or Sewell Hall. Sewell, Bennett and the nursing building were the only available options on campus with generators running. Students made the most of their powerless day, playing cards in circles on the floor of the Stu, or tackle football in the Quad beside Beaman Library. Groups of students sat together crocheting, weaving friendship bracelets, knitting and painting. Some started a spontaneous worship night in Shamblin, over a hundred students gathering and sitting on the stage to sing together. Some students chose to remain in their dorms for the night, despite the lack of heat, others chose to camp out in the buildings with generators. One girl even set up a tent in the middle of the Stu, and many of the athletes brought air mattresses and set up camp in Allen. The ice is expected to remain in the area for several days, as temperatures continue to hover below freezing. As of 1:30 p.m. on Monday, Lipscomb University is still without power. Featured image taken by Micah Barkley.
After a quiet summer in the square, Lipscomb’s main social spot filled up once again during First Friday Fest, a campus-wide event hosted by the Student Activities Board (SAB). Highlights included an 18-hole mini-golf course, live music from Lipscomb students and alumni and a competitive cornhole tournament. The Fest happened to coincide with Cameron Pannell’s first Friday as the new assistant director of student engagement. With students from 43 countries represented on Lipscomb’s campus, Pannell sees events like these as opportunities to help students build community and create new connections. “Sometimes community finds you, but I think sometimes it’s really important to put yourself out there, be courageous, and create that community yourself,” Pannell said. Even though Boot Scoot isn’t until later in the fall, impromptu line dances broke out at First Friday Fest to some of the catchier country tunes. On the other side of the square, the cornhole tournament drew bigger crowds as the night went on. Coleman Brown, a sophomore marketing major, played in the tournament for Lipscomb’s Sigma Iota Delta social club. He took a break between matches to reflect on the experience. “It’s incredible. We’re 2-0 so far, so vibes are high, but you never know how it’ll go.” Brown made it to the final match with his partner Drew Munch, facing a team from the Phi Sigma social club. A crowd of spectators gathered around the back-and-forth championship, and cheered when Brown and Munch eventually won the trophy. Brown said the competition didn’t stop him from meeting new friends along the way. “It’s a great environment, full of new people that you don’t know yet. I’m just here, meeting people I’ve never met before.” The First Friday fun continued until 10 p.m., as students played light-up mini golf with friends and enjoyed the music on the green. The event might have been the “First,” but it’s definitely not the last thing SAB has planned for Lipscomb. Pannell listed multiple opportunities for students to attend in the coming weeks. Next on the lineup is Freshman Lip Sync, a battle between “boy bands” and “girl groups” that the whole school is invited to watch. “We’ve been planning that one, and we’re really excited,” Pannell said. “And it’s my first one – I’m experiencing all these events for the first time.” After Lip Sync, students can look forward to Boot Scoot, hosted by the SAB and Line Dancing Club. And in October, the night students are waiting for will finally arrive: “We’re counting down the days until dodgeball,” Pannell said with a smile, referring to the famous Halloween dodgeball tournament in the Lipscomb courtyard. Students can find the full schedule of upcoming events on Lipscomb Student Life’s Instagram, on the “Have You Herd” weekly email newsletter and on flyers posted around campus. Feature photo by Chrissy Julien.
Starting July 1, 2026, the federal student loan system will change how borrowers repay their loans. While current borrowers will not see the immediate changes, students planning to borrow in the future could face fewer repayment options. “Most pieces are set, but things are still evolving,” said Assistant Director of Special Programs David Bender. “By July 1, that’s when students should expect to see everything set in stone.” For students taking out new federal loans after the changes, there will be two repayment plans. One option is a standard repayment plan with fixed monthly payments. Unlike the traditional 10-year plan, the length of repayment will depend on the total loan amount rather than automatically lasting 10 years. The second option is a new income-based plan called the Repayment Assistance Plan, or RAP. With RAP, monthly payments are based on income, not loan balance. Repayment can last up to 30 years, and any remaining balance after that period can be forgiven. However, that forgiven amount could be taxed. Some details are still being finalized, Bender said, and students should rely on official federal resources for updates. “StudentAid.gov is still the best resource as far as reading up on all those repayment plans and what’s changing,” he said. For many students, understanding repayment plans and long-term costs feels overwhelming. Amelie Burleson, a sophomore social work major, said tracking her loans has been difficult. “I tried to look on the website to see how much interest I’ve earned, but I wasn’t able to figure out the website,” Burleson said. “So, I kind of just gave up because I was confused.” The uncertainty around repayment makes growing balances feel intimidating. “I know I’m accumulating all this money that’s getting worse and worse every year,” she said. “That freaks me out a little bit for sure.” What this means for current borrowers Borrowers who take out loans before July 1 will not be required to change repayment plans immediately. Current borrowers can stay on their existing plan or switch to RAP when it becomes available. Borrowers enrolled in plans such as Parent PLUS, SAVE, PAYE or ICR may need to switch plans by 2028 as those options end. What this means for graduate students Students planning to attend graduate school after 2026 may face stricter borrowing limits. The Federal Grad PLUS loan program, which allowed students to borrow the full cost of attendance, is being eliminated. Federal loans may no longer cover all graduate school expenses, meaning students may have to rely more on private loans, institutional aid or scholarships. “Anytime you’re taking out a loan, assume that you have to pay back the whole loan,” Bender said. Featured image taken by Jacy Stricker.
The winter storm projected for January 2026 hit Lipscomb’s campus in a far different manner than expected. Though the forecast had called for up to 15 inches of snow, the campus saw only two to three inches. The ice that followed, however, would cause a problem. Clinging to all of the trees and power lines both on campus and around Nashville, the ice wreaked havoc. Tree limbs came crashing down all across campus with crashing thuds and rending cracks. Some smaller trees were even fully uprooted by the weight of the ice. Students were advised to avoid walking underneath trees whenever possible and to stay alert when crossing beneath one. Several of the trees exploded, with booms akin to a cannon being fired. The weight of the ice also yanked down power lines across the city. Lipscomb’s power went out around 11 a.m. Sunday, plunging every building on campus into darkness. Students gathered in the Bennett Campus Center – “the Stu,” to students – as soft alarms rang out through the dark building. The Stu’s permanent generator kicked on within the hour, garnering cheers from the students packed into the cafeteria upstairs and studying area downstairs. The cafeteria and Stu remained packed the entire rest of the day, students filling every chair and sofa in the building. Every power outlet was taken advantage of, many with power strips plugged in, as students charged their electronics. Personal televisions were also brought into the Stu and students put on the AFC football championship game and the Stanley Cup playoffs, cheers – and groans – filling the area known as Zebbie’s Lounge. Some students also brought their own PCs and played video games. Toward the evening, students received word that power would not be returned to campus; therefore, heat would not be working in their dorms. They were encouraged to shelter and sleep in other buildings: women from Fanning, Johnson and Elam in Bennett; women from The Bison and The Village in the nursing building; and men from High Rise and The Village in either Shamblin Theater or Sewell Hall. Sewell, Bennett and the nursing building were the only available options on campus with generators running. Students made the most of their powerless day, playing cards in circles on the floor of the Stu, or tackle football in the Quad beside Beaman Library. Groups of students sat together crocheting, weaving friendship bracelets, knitting and painting. Some started a spontaneous worship night in Shamblin, over a hundred students gathering and sitting on the stage to sing together. Some students chose to remain in their dorms for the night, despite the lack of heat, others chose to camp out in the buildings with generators. One girl even set up a tent in the middle of the Stu, and many of the athletes brought air mattresses and set up camp in Allen. The ice is expected to remain in the area for several days, as temperatures continue to hover below freezing. As of 1:30 p.m. on Monday, Lipscomb University is still without power. Featured image taken by Micah Barkley.