Preparing for the Journey Ahead: New Patriot Orientation 2026

As the summer comes to a close, Dallas Baptist University reflects on a new batch of incoming students who were welcomed through New Patriot Orientation (NPO) sessions. Providing students with a first look at life on campus, the new Patriots brought an atmosphere of excitement as they met with admissions counselors, advisors, and fellow classmates.

With nine sessions for Summer 2026, each NPO, led by DBU’s Office of Admissions and Student Affairs, served as a tool to ease students’ registration process and support their transition into college life.

Stepping through the doors of Patty and Bo Pilgrim Chapel for the first day of NPO, students were greeted by upbeat music, student workers, enrollment staff, and admissions counselors who were ready to relieve the nerves of starting this new experience.

Gathering for various breakout sessions throughout the two days, students and parents had the opportunity to hear from different departments about what they could expect as their first day of classes drew nearer.

As classes were finalized, and as the excitement continued to grow with the Fall semester approaching, each student had the opportunity to ring DBU’s Liberty Bell that stands in the John G. Mahler Student Center. This time-honored tradition symbolizes their time of officially becoming a DBU Patriot.

“We make ringing the bell the last thing they do at NPO because it creates a great celebratory memory,” shared Jason Williams, DBU’s Associate Vice President for Enrollment. “We want that moment to stay with them on their drive home and throughout the summer until they return to DBU on Move-In Day.”

After connecting with fellow Patriots, faculty, and staff, the Class of 2030 left their NPO sessions with new memories and a readiness to begin their next chapter as part of the DBU Family.