Liberty University

Bizzi, may I ask what you mean by "strict environment"? I'm not exactly sure on the rules at Liberty in terms of chapel attendance, dorm life, etc...I don't have any experience with Liberty, but I attended a small Christian school. When I first visited it, I was kind of scared by the rules. My school's rules weren't very strict when compared to another school about a mile down the road, but I wasn't really sure about complying with them when I signed up. However, when I got to school in the fall, I found that the rules sounded more strict when you I visited and mom and dad were there with me. You're son will want his freedom, but after living with the rules as part of his everyday life he may not feel that they are very strict, or may not even notice them. I know that in my experience I appreciated the rules because they actually helped me learn how to manage my time and life much better than I would have if I were dropped off on a college campus at 18 and told to go live and play ball.

I don't mean to sound judgmental or be too nosy, but at a school like Liberty, your sons faith is a very important part of the college experience. If he wants to go to a D1 as well as have a strong Christian based education the "strict environment" won't be as bad as it sounds. If the Christian based education an atmoshphere isn't what he's looking for in a school, then the rules will probably get to him before too long.

I didn't pick the school I graduated from because of the education, I did because they wanted me to play baseball and the people were nice. The rules were something that helped me succeed in that setting and really showed me exactly what was important to me and my life when I left.

Hey CC-

As far as the rules that were presented..they were a-okay with me, just a little bit too much for my son's head all at once. From what I can recall:
mandatory chapel 3-4 times a week, curfew every night, dress code, and no rated R movies ever under any circumstance.--the obvious-- no drugs, *** or alcohol and no member of the opposite *** is allowed in dorm rooms/living areas. Personally, I like the rules-- and although it didn't settle well with my son, I do agree with you. He would probably adapt very well and would be better for it--the environment is very similar to what he has had to grow up with in our home...christian + rules!

I'd really love to hear a Liberty student athlete's perspective.I have a feeling it's just not that bad!!
Perhaps the school feels the need to lay it all down right from the start.--It's just a shame that they might be scaring away some really great kids who think that they will not be able to exercise any freedom.

As far as the baseball program--we were impressed.

For what it is worth....you mentioned you visited Liberty "earlier this year" and were impressed by the baseball program. They have had a coaching change recently...not sure if what you saw "baseball-wise" was under the new coach or the old one....just an FYI.

Bizz,
You should always keep in mind that when choosing a school, your son should pick a school that he'd be happy at for four years even if baseball wasn't involved. You never know what tomorrow brings, and if for some reason baseball were taken out of the equation, it would be a shame if he was "stuck" in a place he didn't want to be. That being said, Liberty is a Christian school and they don't make any bones about it. Yes, they have rules but nothing out of the realm of any truly Christian based education. I'm pretty sure they aren't concerned that they're "scaring away" anyone. You're probably right on when you say that they want to lay it down right from the start. Sounds like the smart thing to do if you ask me.
You state that your son was brought up Christian but he seems to bristle at the thought of going to chapel, having a curfew, not having "R" rated movies or girls in his room, or s*ex, drugs and alcohol. Is that your idea of "exercising freedom"? I'm not judging by any means. I'm just trying to say that being a Christian is what it is, and a true Christian college isn't going to stray away from doctrine simply to let kids live out what sadly has become the "typical" college experience.

I guess I could have just put it this way: If going to a Christian college BECAUSE it's a Christian college isn't your son's #1 priority, then you may want to look elsewhere.

quote:

Originally posted by Bizzimom@BAT:
Hi- We went to visit the campus earlier this year.
Does anyone have first hand experience with life at Liberty? The strict environment shared during our campus visit has really scared my son off---Otherwise it seems like a great place and certainly on the rise in baseball.

Try sending a PM to JT. He would have reliable information for you.

Thanks guys--I appreciate all the honest input.
Mom can't plug for a particular place just because "mom" thinks it's best.
We talked about it some more and he actually would like to take a look a little further south,with a combo of nicer weather and a school tad less rigid.
He would like to be at a Christian college...just has to feel right for him. Taking a ride down to Charleston Southern in a few months.
If you all have any insight I'll take it.

CC-- great advice---I shared it with him last night and I think he actually "got it". You know kids and their perceptions...down deep i know he wants to be in a clean environment around like minded kids... it's just that he is going to want to make that decision --(not MOM)

Poptime-- you're right about being happy where you're at (potentially without the baseball)
If Liberty were near a beach...I think his perspective may be a little different!

yes-- I knew about the coaching change--we have already heard from him. Thanks.

Bizzimom -
IF needed, you could always have him look at good ol' Bob Jones University. They don't have sports and have him look through their rules and regulations. Liberty may look a lot better after that.
And always, as I tell my sons - Have you prayed about it? The answer is usually no. Well, why don't you pray about it and ask God to lead and guide you to the right school in the first place.
Matt. 6:33 - Seek ye first the baseball diamond...No, NO, No that doesn't sound right. What is that verse anyways...........

Tim Robertson

quote:

Matt. 6:33 - Seek ye first the baseball diamond...No, NO, No that doesn't sound right. What is that verse anyways...........

Tim - that was funny

Bizzimom - If you are considering Charleston Southern, you should send a pm to both lhpx2 and Bobbleheaddoll whose sons have or are attrending there.

JT - is a professor at Liberty and can give you an inside scoop on the team and the University.

If you feel like sending me a pm, I can give you my two cents on some of these programs from an outside observers point of view.

Welcome to the hsbbweb

Oh Boy Tim-- You had ne belly laughing here for a minute !!

Can't wait to share your "scripture" with him and my husband.

Thanks a bunch.

quote:

Originally posted by ClevelandDad:

quote:

Matt. 6:33 - Seek ye first the baseball diamond...No, NO, No that doesn't sound right. What is that verse anyways...........

Tim - that was funny

Bizzimom - If you are considering Charleston Southern, you should send a pm to both lhpx2 and Bobbleheaddoll whose sons have or are attrending there.
---------

Hey ClevelandDad-

Thanks so much. Since I'm a newbie here can you
fill me in on how to leave a PM?

JT - is a professor at Liberty and can give you an inside scoop on the team and the University.

If you feel like sending me a pm, I can give you my two cents on some of these programs from an outside observers point of view.

Welcome to the hsbbweb

quote:

Since I'm a newbie here can you
fill me in on how to leave a PM?

There are two ways:

1) At the top of the page, under the new tab, there is a selection for starting a private message. It will lead you through finding a person's screen name and then you start a topic with that person just like you started this topic in this forum.

2) Another way is to click on the person's screen name in a previous post they have made or when you see them logged in from the list of users prresently logged in. At the bottom of their personal page is a selection for starting a private message with that person. For example, if you see a previous post by JT (or JT presently logged in), click on his name. At the bottom of his profile page click invite this person to a private message and begin your topic like you have here.

When someone replies to one of your pm's, you will see an additional tab highlighted at the top of the page indicating that a new pm has been received.

I understand it is a Christian school, but it is one that will be very good in baseball.

The new coach, Jim Toman, was one of the most respected recruiters in all of college baseball at South Carolina. This is a baseball program to watch closely over the next 4 years.

From a coaching standpoint, this is a great opportunity for talented players. Jim Toman has hired several top level assistants and Toman has plenty of NCAA DI College World Series experience. Liberty will be producing a lot of draft picks under Toman.

After talking to Toman in Georgia this past summer, we have no doubt about the direction Liberty is headed.

quote:

Originally posted by PGStaff:
I understand it is a Christian school, but it is one that will be very good in baseball.

The new coach, Jim Toman, was one of the most respected recruiters in all of college baseball at South Carolina. This is a baseball program to watch closely over the next 4 years.

From a coaching standpoint, this is a great opportunity for talented players. Jim Toman has hired several top level assistants and Toman has plenty of NCAA DI College World Series experience. Liberty will be producing a lot of draft picks under Toman.

After talking to Toman in Georgia this past summer, we have no doubt about the direction Liberty is headed.

-

Thanks PG-- I'll be sure to share this "non-mom" info. with my son