Liberty University Exodus: Students Abandoning The Institution

Liberty University, a private evangelical Christian university in Lynchburg, Virginia, has a high withdrawal rate. The university, which was founded in 1971, offers a wide range of academic fields across 15 colleges and schools. With over 700 programs of study, Liberty University had a total undergraduate enrolment of 52,823 in the fall of 2023. The university's high withdrawal rate can be attributed to various factors, including its rigorous academic standards, social and cultural influences, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. While some students withdraw due to academic challenges or personal reasons, others may leave to pursue other interests or educational opportunities.

Liberty University's high withdrawal rate

Liberty University, a private evangelical Christian university in Lynchburg, Virginia, has a high withdrawal rate. The university offers a mix of online and on-campus courses, with most students enrolled in online programs.

Withdrawing from a course at Liberty University can have several consequences. Firstly, students who withdraw will receive a "W" on their transcript, which could impact future financial aid awards. Secondly, there is a financial cost associated with withdrawing, including a $50 processing fee and the potential loss of tuition fees. Finally, withdrawing from a course can negatively affect a student's completion rate and Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress, as they are still considered to have attempted the course.

The high withdrawal rate at Liberty University may be attributed to various factors. One reason could be the university's high acceptance rate, which stood at 51% in 2011, including online students. This suggests that the university accepts a large number of students who may not be adequately prepared for the rigors of college-level academics. Additionally, the university's low tuition fees, among the lowest in the United States, may attract students who are more price-conscious than those at other institutions.

Another factor contributing to the high withdrawal rate could be the structure of the courses themselves. Some students have reported that the workload and number of assignments can be overwhelming, particularly for those who struggle with time management. Additionally, there have been criticisms of the quality of online courses, with faculty members acknowledging that they are not as robust as the traditional in-person classes.

The high withdrawal rate at Liberty University has financial implications for the university as well. As most of the university's revenue comes from taxpayer-funded sources, such as federal financial aid, a high withdrawal rate could impact the amount of funding the university receives. This dynamic creates a complex situation where the university's financial stability relies on enrolling a high volume of students, even if a significant number are unlikely to complete their studies.

In conclusion, Liberty University's high withdrawal rate is a multifaceted issue that affects both students and the institution. For students, withdrawing can have academic, financial, and administrative consequences. For the university, it may reflect challenges in student retention and could impact their funding sources. Understanding the factors contributing to the high withdrawal rate is essential for both the university and prospective students to make informed decisions and improve overall student success.

The university's strict honour code

Liberty University, a Baptist university in Virginia, has a strict code of conduct called The Liberty Way. The Liberty Way is more than just a set of rules; it contains values and expectations that reflect Liberty University’s mission to develop "Christ-centered individuals with the knowledge, skills, and values to make a difference in the world". The code upholds the values of integrity, respect, and responsibility, which are aligned with the biblical foundations of the university's commitment to "Train Champions for Christ".

The Liberty Way includes a range of rules and regulations that students are expected to follow. These rules cover various aspects of student life, including academics, behaviour, and personal conduct. One of the key aspects of The Liberty Way is the prohibition of certain behaviours and substances. For example, the code prohibits the consumption of alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs, as well as any public displays of affection. Students are also expected to abide by a dress code and are not allowed to have members of the opposite sex in their rooms.

The university takes The Liberty Way very seriously, and violations can result in various consequences, including fines, community service, suspension, or expulsion. Students are expected to read, understand, and abide by the expectations outlined in the code. The university provides resources and support to help students understand and adhere to the honour code, including the Office of Community Life, which can be contacted with any questions or concerns.

In addition to the rules and regulations, The Liberty Way also emphasises the importance of community and student well-being. The university offers a range of services and programmes to support students' academic and personal growth, including counselling services, health and wellness initiatives, and student government associations.

While some students may find The Liberty Way restrictive, others choose to attend Liberty University precisely because of its strict honour code and commitment to Christian values. Ultimately, the honour code is an integral part of the university's culture and plays a significant role in shaping the student experience.

Liberty's online courses

Liberty University offers a wide range of online courses and programs for students seeking flexible and affordable options for their education. With over 600 online programs to choose from, students can earn degrees from associate to doctoral levels. The university's online tuition rates are highly competitive, having been frozen for 9 years, and rank in the top 33% for affordability compared to other online institutions.

The variety of online programs at Liberty University spans various fields, including:

• Arts & Sciences
• Behavioral Sciences
• Communication & Design
• Criminal Justice
• Engineering & Computer Science
• Health Sciences
• Law & Government
• Music & Worship
• Religion & Seminary

Students can also pursue online degrees in specific areas such as Business Administration, Digital Marketing & Advertising, International Business, Public Administration, and many more. The university offers multiple start dates throughout the year, providing flexibility for students to begin their studies at a time that suits them.

The format of online classes at Liberty University differs from traditional on-campus classes. Online classes typically last eight weeks, although some may be 14 or 17 weeks long, and a few select programs require short on-campus intensives. Students can study at their own pace and have access to extensive online resources, including a digital library, study aids, writing tools, and technology support.

The university's online programs are backed by its brick-and-mortar campus, which is ranked among the top college campuses in America. Liberty University's commitment to excellence extends to its online students, ensuring they receive a quality education that prepares them to be exceptional professionals with strong ethical foundations.

Liberty's response to the COVID-19 pandemic

Liberty University's response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been mired in controversy. In spring 2020, the university allowed some students to return to campus, going against the practices of most U.S. colleges and the objections of Lynchburg's mayor. The university pushed for trespassing charges against a ProPublica reporter and a New York Times photographer who were investigating why the university remained partially open.

In fall 2021, an outbreak of COVID-19 forced all classes on the Lynchburg campus online for two weeks. More than 400 students and 50 staff tested positive for the virus. The campus did not require COVID-19 vaccinations, masks, or social distancing. Outdoor events, including a convocation and a football game, were still scheduled to continue.

The university's handling of sexual assault reports

Liberty University has faced significant criticism and legal repercussions for its handling of sexual assault reports. The university has been accused of creating an environment that discourages survivors from coming forward and fails to adequately address sexual violence. This criticism has led to lawsuits and federal investigations, resulting in substantial fines for the university.

In July 2021, twelve anonymous women, including two employees, sued the university, alleging that its policies made it difficult to report sexual violence and that the school had a tacit policy of condoning such violence, especially by male student athletes. The lawsuit also claimed that the university retaliated against women who did report assaults. One of the alleged incidents involved a 15-year-old who was allegedly attacked and was then told she would be criminally charged with filing a false report. The university opened an "investigation" into her claim, which allegedly consisted of demanding that she strip and be photographed naked by the chief of police, which she refused. She was not taken to the hospital, but the police later pestered her until she agreed to be photographed naked by a female debate coach. Ten of the women settled with the university through a confidential agreement.

In addition to this lawsuit, Liberty University has faced other legal challenges related to its handling of sexual assault reports. In July 2021, Liberty University diversity retention officer LeeQuan McLaurin, a black gay man, filed a discrimination lawsuit against the school, claiming that his supervisor's view that Christianity condemns homosexuality forced him to quit. The university has also been accused of violating Title IX and the Clery Act, federal laws requiring colleges and universities to address sexual assault and report campus crime statistics, respectively.

A ProPublica investigative report in October 2021 supported these allegations, finding that the university discouraged and dismissed students who came forward with sexual assault reports. Former students reported being threatened with punishment for making accusations and having their statements manipulated by school officials to undercut their accounts. Additionally, the school was found to have neglected to report every case to the Title IX office or inform students of their option to report incidents to law enforcement. Instead, sexual assault victims shared accounts of being told that speaking to law enforcement would compromise a Title IX investigation and being made to sign documents agreeing not to report their assaults to the police.

In March 2023, a preliminary report by the U.S. Department of Education further substantiated these claims, alleging that school officials had failed to report campus crime and safety statistics, had destroyed evidence of assaults, and had retaliated against employees who raised concerns about violations. The report also detailed specific instances of sexual assault, stalking, and intimate partner violence that had been covered up by the university. As a result of these findings, Liberty University faced a potential fine of up to $37.5 million for Clery Act violations. In March 2024, the university was officially fined $14 million, the largest fine ever levied under the Clery Act.

Despite the university's public statements about addressing these issues and improving its handling of sexual assault reports, critics argue that the relatively small fine is insufficient to create meaningful change. Abigail Boyer, associate executive director at the Clery Center, noted that "bigger than just the fines" is the perception of the university as a campus that may not prioritize student safety and well-being.

Frequently asked questions