Your United Student Movement is committed to fostering a campus environment that honors rest, community, and spiritual renewal. With that vision in mind, we are grateful to share an initiative that reflects care for the diverse needs of our student body.
Every third Sabbath of the month, the administration has approved an adjusted Sabbath schedule allowing students to remain in their dormitories between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. This decision recognizes that Sabbath is a sacred gift—one meant to restore, refocus, and renew both body and spirit.
For students who choose to remain in their dorms during this time, the administration will host optional afternoon activities designed to encourage fellowship and joy. These may include experiences such as rock climbing, canoeing, and other recreational outings, providing meaningful ways to connect and unwind together.
My hope is that this initiative creates space for intentional rest, genuine community, and a deeper appreciation of Sabbath as a time to be refreshed and renewed.
We am pleased to share that we are entering a worship credit trial period for this semester, rooted in trust, accountability, and a shared commitment to spiritual life on our campus. For the first six weeks of the semester, students will not be fined for worship attendance. During this time, attendance will still be carefully monitored and compared to participation levels from last semester.
This trial allows us to ask an important question together: What happens when worship is motivated by desire rather than obligation? If overall attendance this semester is equal to or greater than last semester, fines will be eliminated for the entire semester. If attendance is lower, worship-related fines will resume for the remainder of the term.
We are encouraging every student to take advantage of this opportunity to influence change on our campus. The only way we can achieve the desired outcome for worship credits is if we work together.
This is not a removal of responsibility, but an invitation to maturity. Worship is not meant to be transactional—it is meant to be transformational. If this trial is successful, it will open the door to continued conversations about the future of worship credits at our University.
My hope is that we rise to this moment together.
In collaboration with Dr. Brown and University administration, USM has worked intentionally to curate a playlist of culturally relevant, uplifting music designed to foster joy, connection, and community on our campus. While gospel music will always remain foundational to who we are, this playlist is not limited to one genre, reflecting the richness and diversity of the Oakwood University experience.
As an HBCU, our culture is one of our greatest strengths. Music has always been a powerful way our community expresses identity, history, and togetherness. By including 80’s classics, 90’s throwbacks, and today’s favorites, we are creating an atmosphere that encourages participation, celebration, and shared moments across generations and backgrounds.
This initiative is about more than sound—it’s about belonging. It’s about making space for students to feel seen, energized, and connected outside the classroom.
I invite you to stop by the MAC, lace up your skates, and enjoy a soundtrack that reflects the vibrancy of our campus community.