Traditions of Lee
CLEVELAND, Tenn. - Welcome Lee University class of 2029! It’s been exciting the past couple of weeks here on campus with just as much excitement coming up in September. Lee has many traditions and events that happen every semester such as Freshman U-Church, Club Lee, auditions, chapel, Greek week, Convocation and many more. Here is your guide to navigating the first few weeks of class and your new home.
With many diverse organizations and clubs across campus, you never know who or what you might stumble upon. For example, every traveling music ensemble greeted and sang with you at Freshman U-Church. Club Lee fully immersed you into the university community. Booths upon booths wanted to talk to you and begin building a relationship.
The first day of class led to so many conversations and new friends. Looking forward, the campus community will begin to get into the swing of things, but you might be wondering what that will look like. Here’s the rundown.
During the first week of class, auditions wrap up and the newest members of Lee’s musical ensembles will have found their community. The School of Music houses 15+ ensembles – both traveling and non-traveling. Almost all of these ensembles are audition-only and take new members every semester. Some of these ensembles include Chorale, Campus Choir, LeeU Worship, and the wind ensemble. Rehearsals begin and ministry performances soon follow.
After the first week of class, Lee University's Greek service clubs will begin selecting new members as well. This process can be confusing for new students. Throughout the second week of classes, otherwise known as “Greek Week” these clubs will upload social media posts to build anticipation for “Tap Night.”
A legacy in DZT, Madison Lane with her mother Joyce Lane. Photo by: Aubrianna Brown, Editor in Chief
This event occurs on the second Thursday of every semester and is campuswide. Each club will invite their new members and this hours-long process is affectionately called “tapping.” After club inductees have toured the campus with their club, the festivities end at the Deacon Jones Dining Hall. The weekend will usher in a new group of members for each of Lee’s Greek clubs. Don’t let the intimidating apparel or faces panic you – this is a long-held tradition of Lee.
Following Greek Week, Convocation approaches quickly. Convocation is a four-day event from September 7 to September 10 this semester. It is a time of spiritual reformation for the campus. The event is based on a biblical passage with themes such as Reconciled, Courageous, and Dwell most recently with different speakers every night.
Students are required to attend three out of four services to receive credit for attendance. This event has been deemed as transformational by many staff and students and highly anticipated every semester. This year’s convocation speakers are President Dr. Phil Cook, Pastor Kevin McGlamery, Pastor David Cooper, and Pastor JC Worley. The day after convocation ends, Campus Ministries will host a prayer and worship chapel service.
The last large event in September is the presidential inauguration. Lee will welcome Dr. Cook September 19 with celebrations throughout the week. Students will have a chance to interact with the Cook family and many special guests.
Follow this roadmap across campus and you will cruise through the next few weeks. Good luck class of 2029! For more information about chapel, follow @leeuchapel on instagram or visit the chapel office in the Conn Center.
