welcome home



WELCOME & ORIENTATION
WELCOME & ORIENTATION
From your first moments at Bulldog Days, our new student Orientation, you will see what makes Samford special: The warmth of our welcome. The pride in what we’ve built here since 1841. And our delight that you are joining us on a lifechanging journey of unlocking your full potential.
At Bulldog Days, you will register for classes, find answers to your questions, connect with new classmates and worship alongside a community guided by faith. You’ll get to know our beautiful campus. And your parents and guardians are invited to join for a glimpse of this extraordinary community. We can’t wait to welcome you.
“ At Samford, I have found a steadfast community of support. During a time of constant change, the professors, staff, and students have supported me in every aspiration. This has allowed me to explore my potential and allowed me to be confident in who I am and what I hope to accomplish.”
BULLDOG DAYS
REGISTRATION FOR BULLDOG DAYS OPENS ON MARCH 15.
FRESHMAN BULLDOG DAYS JUNE 5-6 | 8-9 | 12-13 | 15-16 | 22-23
SAMFORD.EDU/REALIZE 5
DEENA WILCOX (TOP LEFT)
Your first steps at Samford are important to us. On Move-In Day, you’ll be greeted by Resident Assistants (RAs) and Connection Leaders who meet you at your car, help you get acclimated and provide a friendly welcome for your first weekend in your new home. Our student leaders are eager to answer every question.
At Connections Weekend, you’ll get a taste of everything Samford has to offer, joining your new classmates in learning Samford traditions and being exposed to local businesses and cuisine, culminating with a musical performance on the Quad. It’s our way of showing we take community seriously.
MARK
AUGUST 17-18
You have a question in class. Actually, you have a hundred. At Samford, we celebrate the curiosity of our students because it helps all of us grow in intellect and character. Your professors are deeply committed to your success, helping you turn your questions into fascinating paths of exploration.
A Samford education offers you a clear understanding of yourself and the contributions that you offer to the world.
Our student-to-faculty ratio and small class sizes mean that you connect personally with attentive professors devoted to recognizing your potential. They are experienced and respected experts in their fields and will mentor you as you explore your dream career, from scientific research to the creative arts. They will share their professional network with you, too.
EXPLORE ALL OF OUR MAJORS AT SAMFORD.EDU/EXCELLENCE
Our students bring a rich diversity of backgrounds and life experiences to Samford, and we celebrate the breadth of perspective that we each bring as we grow together. Our Christian faith calls us to welcome every person, and we seek to embody this mission in every dimension of campus life.
Our Ragland Scholars program is a community of multicultural leaders who live, study and experience immersive leadership opportunities together. They serve as mentors on campus, promoting leadership, diversity and academic excellence.
Our IMPACT Peer Mentoring program supports first-year multicultural students in the transition into college. In pursuit of academic, career and social success, this powerful program empowers you as you connect with the larger Samford community and envision your career ahead.
The Office of Diversity and Intercultural Initiatives celebrates diversity, fosters inclusion and promotes understanding through campus events and learning opportunities for all students. You’ll find new courses, such as “Race in Popular Culture” and “Media and the African American Experience,” that invite you to explore social issues from a Christian perspective.
Many students join peers and advisors at the National Student Leadership Diversity Conference, recently held in Los Angeles, New Orleans and Chicago. You’ll network with learners from across the country, share resources and envision new ways of strengthening diversity and inclusion on campus and beyond.
This is how we build a more just and hopeful future together.
At Samford, we believe our desire for meaning is a God-given gift. That is why we are committed to your spiritual growth throughout your time here. So we invite you to connect with other students, faculty and staff in worship, in service and in search of God’s truth.
Beginning at Freshman Retreat, you will find incredible opportunities to explore the purpose God has for your life: gathering at Campus Worship, discussing a Bible verse or engaging in a service project with your Cadre, or learning and serving alongside your Christ-centered community at Delight Ministries.We encourage you to continue growing in your faith by finding a local church home. Wherever life takes you, you leave Samford prepared to be the hands and feet of Christ in the world.
CLASS OF 2025“ Samfor d’s Office of Spiritual Life has consistently been the epicenter of student development here on campus. Whether it be through weekly convocation events, small groups, faith-based trainings, retreats, or personal and spiritual guidance, there is no shortage of meaningful and impactful platforms to grow spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically at Samford.”
JAMES JEFFERSON (NOT PICTURED)
At Samford, true growth begins with connections— and our traditions are key moments that bring us together. With cherished traditions like Step Sing, Homecoming and all the opportunities of Greek Life, you are inspired to forge new connections, build your confidence and find your place to shine.
You can also join any of our 118 student-run clubs and organizations, or even start your own. Connect with family and network with prominent alumni at Samford’s annual Homecoming celebration. From your first day on campus, you realize a true sense of belonging and shared purpose.
Our list of student organizations grows every year as students launch new groups to gather around shared passions and interests.
Alpha Delta Pi
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Alpha Omicron Pi
Chi Omega
Delta Delta Delta
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Delta Xi Phi Multicultural Sorority, Inc.
Kappa Delta
Phi Mu
Zeta Tau Alpha
EXAMPLES OF OUR CLUBS
Association for Women in Sports Media
Black Student Union
Community of Samford Gamers
Fellowship of Christian Athletes
International Justice Mission
Latino Student Organization
Samford Crew
Samford Lacrosse
Samford University Gospel Choir
Student Activities Council
Student Government Association
FRATERNITIES
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Alpha Tau Omega
Beta Theta Pi
Lambda Chi Alpha
Pi Kappa Phi
Sigma Chi
Sigma Nu
Our graduates include Emmy and Grammy award-winning artists, championship football coaches and recipients of the Pulitzer and Nobel Peace prizes. Whatever you strive to do, at Samford, you are unlocking a rewarding future of accomplishment.
REALIZE THE CHANGE THE WORLD NEEDS
Supported by her Samford community, Ashley Spann pursued with confidence her dream of practicing medicine. Her professors saw her potential and invited her to undertake ambitious research projects. That strengthened her resolve through medical school, and she is now leading groundbreaking research to shorten recovery times for patients with hepatitis, using her gifts to improve lives.
“ Samfor d fostered the relationships that led toward what I’m doing now. One of my mentors, Dr. Betsy Dobbins, allowed me to see my full potential. Through her, I was able to obtain a research scholarship to work with pharmaceuticals and a research fellowship after my junior year at Samford.”
ASHLEY SPANN, M.D.Birmingham is a city on the rise, with modern industries, a thriving music and arts scene, world-class restaurants and incredible opportunities to pursue your passions and launch your career. Wherever you turn in the Magic City, you’ll experience the past and future all at once. And every moment is better for it.
We offer more than 50 international study programs that include both Samford-sponsored and partner programs in places like London, Hong Kong, Dublin, Sydney, Rome, Buenos Aires and Jerusalem. We believe that when you experience new parts of the world, you gain a deeper sense of the richness of God’s creation and your own potential to make meaningful impacts.
WEMERT CLASS OF 2024 MARKETING
“ Studying and working abroad in London through Samford allowed me to immerse myself in different cultures, explore new places, and gain new experiences. While abroad, I made incredible memories and built relationships that will forever shape how I understand the world around me.”
PAYTON WEMERT (RIGHT)
For over a century, Samford students and fans have taken pride in our exceptional Division I athletics.
But our pursuit of excellence goes beyond our 17 NCAA Division I sports teams. You can connect across 14 intramural and 8 club sports. You might meet your next best friend.
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CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS SINCE JOINING THE SOUTHERN CONFERENCE IN 2008
97% GRADUATION SUCCESS RATE AMONG STUDENT-ATHLETES.
The groundbreaking Project SAMson, the only program of its kind in our conference, uses technology to enhance the performance of our athletes while preparing students for high-profile careers in medicine, physical therapy and data analytics.
With every practice, every cheer, every goal and every huddle, we come together for something larger than ourselves. It’s the greater good that Samford inspires in us all: integrity, distinction and leadership.
SAMFORD BULLDOGS BRING OUT THE BEST IN EACH OTHER.
Men’s Baseball
Men’s Basketball
Men’s Cross Country
Men’s Football
Men’s Golf
Men’s Tennis
Men’s Track & Field (Indoor)
Men’s Track & Field (Outdoor)
Women’s Basketball
Women’s Cross Country
Women’s Golf
Women’s Soccer
Women’s Softball
Women’s Tennis
Women’s Track & Field (Indoor)
Women’s Track & Field (Outdoor)
AND CLUB TEAMS
Basketball Billiards
Cornhole Crew Team
Dodgeball
Equestrian Team
Flag Football Golf Club
Men’s Lacrosse Club
Men’s Soccer Club
Men’s Ultimate Frisbee Club
Soccer
Softball
Spikeball Table Tennis
Tennis
Ultimate Frisbee
Volleyball
Women’s Volleyball Club
We want you to flourish in every dimension of life. We offer a comprehensive health care facility on campus for your medical needs. Our Counseling & Wellness office provides mental health support, learning opportunities and supportive groups for students.
University Health Services can answer your health and wellness questions and connect you with resources.
Samford is known for the depth of its care for every member of our community. When a student is struggling, we provide resources and relationships that can offer the support they need. From caring faculty to staff in the Office of Spiritual Life, Residence Life, the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations, and even a dedicated CARE Team (Communicate, Assess, Resource, Educate), there are people across campus who offer a strong network of compassion and tools to meet every student’s unique needs.
Samford University requires certain immunizations before classes begin. Check your Samford email address for instructions on how to submit these. For more information, visit samford.edu/go/healthservices.
International and College of Health Sciences students are required to carry personal health insurance while enrolled as students at Samford. All other students enrolled in at least six credit hours have the option to voluntarily enroll in the Injury and Sickness Insurance Plan.
To enroll, complete the form online at uhcsr.com.