• Return to Normal University Operations on Thursday, Feb. 20

    Lenoir-Rhyne University will return to normal university operations on Thursday, Feb. 20, at our all of our campus locations—Hickory, Columbia and Asheville. Classes will resume as scheduled, and all offices will be open.

    UPDATE: Feb. 20, 9:15 a.m. (from Academic Affairs)
    Due to the recent weather changes in Hickory, you may opt to move your classes to remote delivery today if you have concerns about safely traveling to campus. If you choose to hold classes remotely, please notify your students and your dean as soon as possible.

    For those holding in-person classes, we ask that you exercise flexibility with attendance policies, understanding that some students may face transportation challenges or safety concerns. Students should not feel compelled to risk unsafe travel conditions to attend class.

    Please communicate your teaching plans to your students and your dean.

    Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring everyone's safety while maintaining academic continuity.

First-Generation Students

We all come to college with strengths and challenges. First-generation students are no exception.

First-generation students are those students whose parents/guardians did not complete a four-year college or university degree. 

Our goal is to help first-generation students tap into their strengths and meet their challenges, in the context of a supportive community of other first-generation students, faculty and staff.

Student Opportunities

First-Generation Fridays

Join us on the first Friday of every month for First Generation Fridays. These days are designed to build community with other first-generation students, grow our campus culture, disseminate information and have fun drawings and giveaways.

First-Generation Living Learning Community

A community of commuters and residents who are part of our first-year, first-generation population. This community is intended to be a positive and impactful presence on campus. The First-Generation LLC has a designated floor in Fritz-Conrad, with a remodeled lounge intended for working, learning and hanging out. Members of the First-Generation LLC are connected with a peer mentor and faculty member.

National First-Generation Day

November 8 is National First-Generation Day. Each year, we have a campus-wide celebration to honor first-generation students, faculty and staff.

First-Generation Student Association

This organization is designed to connect all first-year and upper-class first-generation students. The club meets regularly to build a first-generation community and strengthen the culture on LR’s campus.