Archive for September, 2025

Summit will be here before you know it, and we have many exciting possibilities for you to choose from this year. Our focused ministry communities will have sessions designed specifically for those serving in ministry. Or, for sessions that are more broad, we will have two general interest communities – one centered around Isaiah 40-66 and the other examining the world-wide phenomenon of The Chosen. In addition to our other keynote speakers, Dr. Nijay Gupta—author, New Testament scholar, and host of the podcast Slow Theology—will deliver the plenary address at our Anchor Point dinner. We will also be led in worship by United Voice Worship. We invite you to come to as much of Summit as you are able. Registration closes Sept. 23. For more information, including a schedule, or to register, check out the Summit website.

ACU Athletics invites you to attend the dinner and ceremony honoring this year’s inductees to the ACU Sports Hall of Fame, Friday, Oct. 31, at 6 p.m. Tickets are $40 per person or $350 for a reserved table of eight payable by FOAP. Registration closes Wednesday, Oct. 22.

Join the Lytle Center’s annual Abiding in Christ Dinner on Sept. 16 from 6-8 p.m. featuring Lyle Wells, president of Integrus Leadership. A nationally recognized leadership coach and former pastor, Lyle brings a deeply biblical and practical approach to leadership. He will challenge us to embrace a mindset of humility and service, reminding us that the world needs more servant leaders, not platform builders. Purchase tickets here. RSVP by Sept. 8.

Our Fall ’25 group exercises classes are in full swing! Did you know as an employee of ACU you can attend The REC group exercise classes at no cost? Please consider joining our community as we encourage and support each other toward our fitness and wellness goals. Visit this link to view our schedule and the wide range of class offerings.

If you are enrolled in the High Deductible Health Plan at ACU, you will be receiving a new card from HSA Bank, featuring the convenience of tap-to-pay technology, as well as enhanced security with features like Mastercard ID Theft Protection, designed to help protect your personal information.  You won’t be able to use your old or new card to pay for purchases during a 1- to 3-day transitional period after your new HSA Bank card is delivered. You’ll get a more detailed timing of this period when your card arrives. You can still make eligible purchases with a personal card, reimburse yourself and pay providers directly from your account during this time.

Show off your ACU Wildcat spirit on Purple Fridays and take advantage of great discounts thanks to our campus partners:

• Bean : $5.99
• Chick-fil-A, Einstein, Starbucks: 20% off
• Bookstore: 15% off one item
• Purple outfitters: 10% off

Staying Ready in Light of University Swatting Calls

More than 19 universities across the country have recently experienced swatting reports – false claims of emergencies that create confusion and disrupt daily life. While these calls are not real threats, they remind us of the importance of knowing what to do if a genuine emergency occurs on our campus.

At ACU, our Emergency Action Plan provides clear steps for responding to an active shooter or active threat. The response framework is Avoid | Deny | Defend:

Avoid

• Identify an escape route ahead of time
• Leave belongings behind and exit quickly
• Keep your hands visible for law enforcement

Deny

• If you cannot escape, move out of sight
• Lock or barricade doors and block entry
• Silence phones and remain still and quiet

Defend

• Only as a last resort if your life is in immediate danger
• Take action to incapacitate the attacker
• Use physical aggression and available objects with determination

When evacuating, remain calm, move quickly, keep hands open and visible, and always follow the instructions of police officers.

Staying Ready Together

Preparedness is part of keeping our university community safe. Call 911 when it is safe to do so, and rely on first responders for guidance. For more information on ACU’s Emergency Action Plan please contact the Office of Institutional Compliance and Risk Management at risk@acu.edu.

The Halbert Center for Missions and Global Service invites you to participate in Missions Week 2025 from September 29-October 1 on the Campus Mall. Faculty, Staff, and families are invited to any events, especially if you plan to lead a Halbert Center trip this year (or want to talk about leading in the future!) Add your choice of these events to your calendar now.

• Monday, Sep 29 11:30am-1:00pm – Non-Profit Fair
• Monday, Sep 29 6:30pm-8:30pm – Game Night
• Tuesday, Sep 30 6:30pm-8:30pm – Worship Night
• Wednesday, Oct 1 6:30pm-8:30pm – Worldwide Witness Launch Party

For anyone teaching this semester, encourage your students to participate in Missions Week by sharing these slides before class September 24-26. Thank you for continuing to join us in fostering a missional spirit throughout ACU’s campus!

As a reminder, the Office of General Counsel (OGC) provides guidance to streamline the review, approval, and execution process of university contracts for the Abilene campus and outlines the contract signature authority delegated by the President to various university officers. This policy applies to all university employees.

For a complete overview of the policy and procedures, please visit the University’s Contracting Procedures web page. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the General Counsel’s office at  ogc@acu.edu.