During mid-April, LCU’s campus is usually bustling with students excited for the next baseball game, working on big class projects, or just enjoying the fresh spring air. This year, the absence of that usual activity is especially noticeable. The mall is nearly deserted, and almost all students who had been living on campus have returned home to their families. But even amid such desolate circumstances, one of the university’s brightest attributes continues to shine—the deep, rich spirit of community.

“Community has always been an important part of the LCU experience, and that statement rings true today even with our students away from campus,” shared Josh Stephens, Dean of Students. “It is important to our students and to us to stay connected. That is why we created the ‘LCU with U’ page on our website.”

The LCU with U page is a central hub for students to find information about university plans being made due to COVID-19. It contains info for student resources, online events, and other changes on campus as the pandemic runs its course, and serves as a base for student announcements. It also includes links to bible studies, and even has an online gallery to view recent student art exhibits.

Some scheduled events include online trivia challenges, a virtual egg hunt for students to guess where eggs are hidden all over campus, opportunities to share how students are celebrating earth day, and streams of chapel throughout the week. There are even streams of fitness workouts, including “Puppy Yoga,” in which students are encouraged to participate with their own pets.

“We can stay connected through activities, chapels, announcements, and other engaging avenues,” Stephens continued. “While this semester hasn't ended the way we would have hoped, it is as important as ever for us to unite as an LCU family and make sure we are still in community with one another.”