Lindenwood Parent / Supporter Newsletter

July 2026

A Letter from Leadership

Dear Parents and Supporters,

We are excited to welcome your students back to Lindenwood for another great fall semester! In Student Affairs, our mission is to support each student’s success by creating opportunities for engagement, connection, and personal growth while providing the resources they need to thrive.

As the semester approaches, our staff is hard at work preparing for students’ arrival. Student Involvement is planning Welcome Week events and campus traditions designed to help students build friendships and feel at home. Residential Life is preparing our residence halls and training student leaders who will serve as mentors, resources, and supportive peers throughout the year. Because we know that some of the best conversations and connections happen over a meal, Dining Services is also developing special events and new dining features for students to enjoy.

Once on campus, students can take advantage of a wide range of resources, including the Rec Center, the Center for Campus Community and Connection, and the Student Counseling and Resource Center. Whether they are looking to get involved, find support, or simply connect with others, our Student Affairs staff is here to help.

We encourage your student to stop by the Student Affairs offices in Evans Commons and learn more about the many opportunities available to them. We look forward to partnering with you as we help your student make the most of their Lindenwood experience.

Sincerely,

Dr. Aaron Voyles

Vice President, Student Affairs

Key Dates

2025-26 Academic Calendar (includes Summer 2026 terms)

2026-27 Academic Calendar (begins with Fall 2026 terms)

Vote for Lindenwood - Best College/University!

Lindenwood is in the running to be named STL Headliner's Best College/University, for a second consecutive year! Cast your vote for Lindenwood each day, through July 26.

Text to vote: Text 129 to 314-834-9094

Vote online: STL Headliners Best College/University ballot

*Voters can cast one text vote and one online vote per day.

Lindy - Our New SMS Supporter

Meet Lindy, the Linden-Tree of Knowledge! Lindy is a new AI-powered student supporter who will be available 24/7 to answer questions and direct your student to university resources.

Lindy will reach your student as an SMS texting tool and will answer their questions and communicate important information throughout the school year. She will also make sure the university hears directly from students to keep the student voice at the heart of the conversation!

Continuing students should have received their first message from Lindy already, and new students will receive their first message from her the week before classes start in August.

Tell your student to be on the lookout for a text from Lindy – it’s not spam, we promise!

Summer Support for Students

Does your student need support over the summer but isn’t sure where to go? If they send a message to the Advising team, one of the university's academic advisors will connect with them to understand their question and either provide the support they need or refer them to the correct office or individual.

Spring 2026 Dean's List

The Dean’s List is comprised of semester undergraduate students who were enrolled full-time and achieved a grade point average of 3.5 or above. We congratulate the Spring 2026 Dean's List students for their academic achievement.

Apply for Federal Work-Study for 2026–27!

Looking for a flexible way to earn money while gaining valuable work experience? Students can apply for Federal Work-Study (FWS) for the 2026–27 academic year!

Benefits of Federal Work-Study:

💼 Earn money to help pay for college expenses
📚 Work around your class schedule
🌟 Gain valuable professional experience and build your résumé
🤝 Develop career skills and expand your network
🎓 On-campus and approved off-campus job opportunities may be available

Complete your 2026-27 FAFSA and encourage your student to apply early to increase their chances of securing a position!

Federal Financial Aid Changes Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA)

What Parents and Supporters Need to Know

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) includes significant changes to the federal student financial aid and loan programs beginning with the 2026–27 academic year (after July 1, 2026). The legislation is intended to simplify the federal student loan system, encourage responsible borrowing, reduce long-term student debt, and help ensure the sustainability of federal financial aid programs for future students.

Parent PLUS Loan Changes:The law introduces new borrowing limits for loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2026. Lifetime borrowing caps will apply, and borrowers will have simpler federal repayment plan options available. These changes are designed to encourage families to consider grants, scholarships, payment plans, and other resources before borrowing.

Loan Eligibility Based on Enrollment: Beginning with the 2026–27 academic year, students attending less than full-time may receive a prorated federal student loan amount based on the number of credit hours in which they are enrolled.

Changing a Program of Study: Students who change majors, transfer into a different academic program, or pursue a new credential should contact Student Financial Services before making the change. Depending on a student's academic progress and remaining coursework, these changes may affect federal loan eligibility and borrowing limits.

Simplified Loan Repayment: For new borrowers, the law streamlines the number of federal income-driven repayment plans. The revised repayment structure is intended to make repayment easier to understand while helping borrowers steadily reduce their loan balances over time.

Borrow Only What You Need: Although federal loans can help make college more affordable, they must be repaid. Families are encouraged to maximize grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities, and other financial resources before borrowing and to borrow only what is necessary to cover educational expenses.

FAFSA Remains the First Step: Completing the 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the most important step in determining eligibility for federal, state, and institutional financial aid. Students should submit the FAFSA as earliest as possible to maximum consideration for which they qualify.

We're Here to Help: Student Financial Services is committed to helping students and families understand these upcoming changes and make informed decisions about paying for college. As additional guidance is released by the U.S. Department of Education, we will continue to provide updates and resources.

NCAA Men's Hockey Tickets - On Sale Now

Lindenwood men's hockey season ticket packages are on sale now for the 2026-27 season at the Centene Community Ice Center. The Lions are set to host 17 home games throughout the year and we need you in the stands to root on LU!

The all-inclusive season ticket package is priced at $499, with the reserved package starting at $225 and the general admission package at $160.

Go online or call the ticket office at 636-949-4433 to reserve your seats today. Go Lions!