Baylor Welcomes Incoming Class During New Student Orientation, Line Camp

Contact: Baylor University Media & Public Relations, 254-710-1961
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From June 8 through July 27, incoming Baylor University students and their families will descend upon the Baylor campus and the University’s hometown of Waco during New Student Orientation sessions that help students discover the incredible opportunities that await them as a Baylor Bear.

“As we turn a new page in the life of the University, we welcome the Class of 2030 and our incoming transfer students to the first Orientation sessions and Baylor Line Camp," said Sharra Hynes, Ph.D., vice president for Student Life at Baylor. "There is something truly special about seeing our newest Bears arrive alongside their families. The come with excitement, anticipation and a sense of possibility for all that lies ahead.

"These early experiences mark the beginning of a transformative journey. Through Orientation and Baylor Line Camp, students begin to discover not only what it means to belong at Baylor, but also how they will contribute to this vibrant community. They form meaningful connections, build lasting friendships, and start to see themselves as Baylor Bears," Hynes said. "As the Baylor family continues to grow, we are honored to walk alongside our students as they prepare for and transition into campus life. The energy on campus is already building, and we eagerly look forward to welcoming everyone back for what promises to be an extraordinary Fall 2026.”

During each two-day New Student Orientation session, incoming first-year and transfer students will meet other new Bears, learn more about their chosen major, meet with academic departments, enjoy lunch at East Village and experience Dr Pepper Hour (complete with Dr Pepper ice cream floats!), visit residence halls and more. Parents or guest attendees have special programming for them woven throughout the day, from how to connect with Baylor, the student experience and others in the Baylor Family to opportunities to explore Waco and enjoy local restaurants.

Following New Student Orientation is the traditional Baylor Line Camp, an extended summer orientation experience designed to prepare first-year and transfer students for their transition to Baylor. Line Camp sessions are built around Baylor’s rich history and transformative undergraduate student experience, which includes a trip to Baylor’s original home in Independence, Texas, where they will receive the Line jerseys as they are welcomed into That Good Old Baylor Line.

[READ: Baylor Magazine: Faces of the Class of 2029]

New students will return to campus Aug. 19-20 to move into residence halls and then take part Aug. 20-23 in Welcome Week, which is considered the official beginning of their experience as a Baylor Bear. Welcome Week includes opportunities to connect with fellow students and the Baylor and Waco communities, including churches and faith communities. 

Other special events include “A Waco Welcome,” a come-and-go showcase of local eateries, community partners and businesses that make Waco special, a Spirit Rally at Foster Pavilion, Academic Convocation, The Big Event with live music, food trucks and more on Fountain Mall and a concluding Sunday Night candlelight worship service. 

Fall classes begin on Monday, Aug. 24, 2026.

Baylor’s nationally recognized student experience

Students looking for one of the nation’s top college experiences – and a great education – will find both at Baylor University.

Among national rankings, a Baylor education is rated among the:

• Top 20% of national universities – U.S. News & World Report
• Top 10 nationally in Fulbright qualifiers – U.S. Department of State
• Top 40 nationally for best undergraduate teaching and research – U.S. News & World Report
• Top 40 nationally for “Most Innovative Schools” – U.S. News & World Report

Looking beyond the classroom, the Baylor student experience is noted as:

• No. 4 nationally for First-Year Experience – U.S. News & World Report
• No. 9 for best “learning communities” – U.S. News & World Report
• One of America’s most beautiful college campuses – Architectural Digest, Condé Nast Traveler and U.S. News & World Report

Looking for great outcomes after graduation?

• 92% placement rate for recent graduates (finding jobs in their fields of study)
• 94% success rate for recent graduates (jobs, internships and graduate school)
• Top 75 among “Best Colleges for Future Leaders” – TIME

Although rankings aren’t everything – you can’t really put a number on Baylor’s Christian faith, for instance – they are one valuable way of comparing schools, and Baylor’s growing prestige means something to both prospective students and graduates with “Baylor” on their resumes.

“At Baylor, we remain deeply committed to providing a transformational undergraduate educational experience, which is a cornerstone of our Christian mission and vision,” said Baylor President Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D. “It’s gratifying to see our peer institutions and higher education leaders continue to recognize the strength of Baylor’s undergraduate programs, especially those that shape student success and learning from the very beginning and endure through to graduation and beyond.

“We are thankful the ‘Baylor Distinctives’ remain highly valued, from faith and character development to the opportunity for students to build meaningful relationships with faculty and mentors. These qualities make Baylor a truly special place to prepare students for worldwide leadership and service,” President Livingstone added.

ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked Research 1 institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for 20,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions. Learn more about Baylor University at www.baylor.edu.