Student Life
The mission of Student Life is to engage, connect, and transform DBU students through events, organizations, and co-curricular experiences. We work to engage students by providing a diverse catalog of events. Our organizations help connect students to a vibrant community. Ultimately, our hope is to see students transform into the person that the Lord wants them to be.
SWAT
A Smooth Transition - The transition to college can be an overwhelming experience. For many new students, attending college will be their first time away from home for an extended period. Even students that are transferring from other institutions may feel some apprehension in the move to a new campus. Student Welcome and Transition provides new DBU students with an opportunity to get to know their new campus home before classes begin. A fun and informative time is planned so students can get to know each other as they become a part of the DBU family.
A Dedicated Staff - The SWAT staff is comprised of student volunteers who return to campus early to prepare for the new students' arrival. The SWAT Co-Captains provide leadership as they guide the new students through the first few days at DBU. Small group leaders assist the SWAT Co-Captains. Small group leaders are student volunteers that provide support and guidance to new students throughout the year. During SWAT each new student is assigned to a small group. These groups allow them to develop friendships with other new and returning students, ask questions, and learn more about the DBU experience. There are over 100 volunteers that take part in SWAT each August.
A Fresh Start - As students begin a new chapter in their lives it is a great time to evaluate their goals. New students should consider what they plan to accomplish in their years at DBU. Each day will present new opportunities for students to grow intellectually, physically, socially, and spiritually. During SWAT we place a special emphasis on each of these areas. A guest speaker will highlight some of the opportunities that students might experience during their education. The students will also have time to discuss their goals for the coming years in their small group.
A Great Beginning - Students that attend SWAT have the advantage of becoming comfortable with their new surroundings before classes begin. We feel it is vital to the successful transition from high school to college or from another college to DBU. SWAT gives the student the perfect opportunity to find their place at DBU while gaining a better understanding of what DBU is all about. Be sure to make plans to be a part of this fun and exciting time on campus.
Welcome Week - Welcome Week is designed to get students plugged into on and off-campus opportunities. Each night of the week a different on-campus event is held, such as an organization fair, free concert, movies, etc.
All-Night Party - This is a party that lasts…well…all night. Students will spend a night out with friends where they will eat delicious food and enjoy a few hours at a venue rented out specifically for the DBU student body.
Battle at the Burg - Battle at the Burg kicks off basketball season, where the Patriot Basketball Team plays in their annual Red vs. Blue Game. This is a campus-wide event that heavily involves all students on campus as they come out to show their school spirit by wearing the “Blue Brigade” shirt and other spirit gear given to them at the block party prior to the game.
Great Pumpkin Chase - Put together a costume that you think is creative, scary, or crazy enough to win our costume contest! As you hang out at the determined location, we will be hiding numbered pumpkins all over campus that correspond with great prizes. Once you return and pick up your prize, enjoy some refreshments and hang out with your friends for the rest of the night.
Homecoming Week - Homecoming Week offers many various activities and events for the DBU family. The week centers around the Patriot Basketball game played at the end of the week. Other events during the week are the Homecoming Float Display at the Parade/Pep Rally; Mr. Patriot, DBU’s annual male beauty pageant; the Pre-Game Tailgate Party; and Bonfire Bash.
Mr. Patriot - The Mr. Patriot Pageant is the longest-running tradition at DBU! Everyone watches and enjoys as our campus men show off their skills, humor, and creativity! The show begins with an opening musical number performed by all the contestants and is followed by three categories—beachwear, talent, and formal wear. The crowd always goes crazy as these brave men put on a hilarious show! After the scores are tallied, one lucky man will be named Mr. Patriot!
Christmas on the Hill - Ring in the season with Student Life at our annual Christmas on the Hill. This week-long celebration features many great events from the Christmas Tree Lighting to Winter Ball.
Spring Sing - Spring Sing is an event that serves as a great opportunity for different student organizations to show their music/dance talent. Each organization is given 10 to 12 minutes to perform a song and dance medley. A panel of a few select faculty and staff serve as the judges for this event.
International Dance Party - The Student Life and International Dance Party is an event that integrates cultures through the art of dance. Each international organization teaches a dance from their culture for all students to learn and engage in. Prizes are given out, food is provided, and closer bonds are initiated within American and International students.
Student Life Movie Night - The Student Life office rents out two screening rooms at a nearby movie theater to enjoy a fun movie night with friends. Movies can either be throwbacks or current movies in theaters.
Trivial - Trivial is a series of themed trivia nights hosted by DBU. Students have the opportunity to create their own teams and compete against each other for fun prizes and the title of Trivial Champion!
Thrills & Hills - Student Life hosts a day at Six Flags! Students can spend the day with their friends, enjoying the fun and thrills at DFW's most beloved amusement park. Students can also enjoy a complimentary lunch specifically for DBU students.
Pepsi® Break - Take a break once a month as Student Life treats you to an afternoon of food and drinks—a Pepsi Break! It’s a great excuse to get away from your room, or just grab a snack in between classes!
Sellar Nights - Enjoy a relaxing night on the Sellar lawn while listening to live music and enjoying different food trucks for free! This event happens twice each semester and allows students the opportunity to take a break from their studies.
Bible Studies - The Baptist Student Ministry (BSM) provides several opportunities for Bible study, prayer, and fellowship weekly. Thread Women's Ministry also meets each week for prayer, Bible study, and relationship-building and hosts annual events, retreats, and seminars.
Fine Arts Groups - DBU sponsors various touring student groups who perform locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally in churches, schools, and concert halls on behalf of the university. Auditions are scheduled through the Department of Music each year for University Chorale, DBU Doxology, Grand Chorus, Musical Theatre Ensemble, and Opera Workshop.
Summer Missions - Numerous positions for short-term ministry projects are offered during the summer, semesters, and Christmas breaks. Other mission trips are organized through the BSM and DBU and offered consistently during fall break, spring break, and summer. All of these opportunities include one, two, or 10-week options. Students are encouraged to prayerfully consider and apply for positions.
Worship - Monday, Wednesday, and Friday chapel services are scheduled weekly at 10:00 a.m. in Pilgrim Chapel to provide an atmosphere for the DBU campus to come together in worship as a family. The BSM also sponsors Worship Nights throughout the semester. This serves as a time of praise and adoration through music and prayer.