Starting Monday, Aug. 14, the University’s 617-acre campus will be filled with students from all over the world for the first day of classes to start their next exciting chapter at MU. With that being said, it’s only natural to ask, “What’s new at MU for the 2023-24 academic year?”
The grass is green, temperatures are peaking, and anticipation is building. It can only mean one thing – Methodist University’s on-campus academic year is right around the corner.
Starting Monday, Aug. 14, the University’s 617-acre campus will be filled with students from all over the world for the first day of classes to start their next exciting chapter at MU. With that being said, it’s only natural to ask, “What’s new at MU for the 2023-24 academic year?”
There are a lot of new additions coming to Methodist University, and here’s a quick breakdown of just a few:
New Students
Methodist University is welcoming approximately 450 new students to campus this fall, including at least 35 new students who have registered for online programs. Among the group are 29 new international students, further adding to the University’s diverse (ranked No. 1 in the state) and welcoming campus.
New Programs
The University is also launching a variety of new programs both on campus and online this semester. For on campus programs, students are now able to declare majors in Occupational Therapy, Communication & Media, and Data Science. For online programs, MU will launch bachelor’s degrees in Exercise & Sport Science; master’s degrees in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Criminal Justice, Educational Leadership concentrating in Instructional Technology; and a Doctor of Nursing Practice focused on Executive Leadership. An online bachelor’s degree completion program in Advanced Paramedicine is planned to launch in the spring.
Student Financial Services
Methodist University is making the process for student accounts and financial aid more streamlined for students under a new department, Student Financial Services. Previously, the two areas were handled under separate departments in different locations. Now, Student Financial Services provides students with billing, payment plans, financial aid, and financial literacy services under one location – the Horner Administration Building.
Academic Support
The Writing Center and Tutoring Center have also merged together under the umbrella of Academic Support, providing academic support in various formats to help students with their needs and where they are in their academic journey. One of the new additions under Academic Support includes the Power of Peers initiative, which allows students to receive tutoring from fellow, qualified students at One Stop in Davis Memorial Library.
Student Access & Accommodation Services
The Office of Accessibility & Disability Services is now called Student Access & Accommodation Services. While the services remain similar, the new name better reflects the diverse student body of Methodist University. Located on the second floor of Davis Memorial Library, Student Access & Accommodation Services assists students with physical, sensory, learning, or mental health disabilities by providing a range of reasonable accommodations upon request – including assistive technology, alternative formats for materials, and academic support.
Collegiate Recovery Program
Methodist University and Fayetteville Technical Community College have partnered together for a multi-campus community initiative called Collegiate Recovery Program (CRP). The on-campus program, now located in Pearce Hall at MU, provides access to drug and alcohol-free places for students to live, study, and socialize, as well as peer mentorship and other recovery supports. Made possible by a grant from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, the CRP is open 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturdays.
CIRCUIT
The University’s CIRCUIT is introducing an exciting schedule of events for the fall. CIRCUIT, a weekly opportunity for students, faculty, and staff to elevate their skills, broaden their perspectives, and nurture their inner growth. Each Wednesday at 11 a.m., CIRCUIT will host multiple engaging events designed to deepen the community’s knowledge of the University mission, spark inspiration, ignite conversations, and encourage personal growth – body, mind, and spirit. To learn more about CIRCUIT’s opening event on Aug. 16, and all the other events throughout the semester, visit the Events Calendar.
Athletics
As fans make their way to athletic events throughout the year, they will notice some new faces leading MU student athletes. Among the new coaches are Alicia Barto for women’s tennis, Ryan McKay for men’s lacrosse, Will Helms for cross country, and Courtney O’Dea for cheerleading. For a detailed look at the many athletic events happening this fall, check out the MU Monarchs website.
Java City
Methodist University is welcoming a lively addition to Berns Student Center’s second floor. By the time students walk onto campus for their first day, they will see Java City, a new coffee shop that specializes in small batches of coffee with big taste. Using brick-lined roasters and letting their beans air cool to retain flavor, students can expect great-tasting coffee along with smoothies, nitro cold brew, and expanded food selections. Students will be able to use cash, credit cards, or Monarch Dollars during standard their standard operating hours of Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Keep an eye on MU’s social media and the Events Calendar for the latest, greatest news and events at Methodist University.