• University Operations Update

    Return to Normal Operations - Tuesday, Feb. 3

    Lenoir-Rhyne will return to normal, in-person operations beginning Tuesday, Feb. 3, at all campus locations — Hickory, Asheville and Columbia.

    • Road conditions: We recognize that road conditions may remain hazardous in some areas and that travel may still be challenging.
    • Students: Those unable to travel safely to campus should communicate directly with their instructors to discuss absences.
    • Faculty and staff: Those unable to travel safely to campus should communicate directly with their supervisor to discuss appropriate arrangements.
    • Your safety remains our top priority, and we appreciate your continued communication and flexibility as we transition back to normal operations.
    • The university community is also invited to join President McGee for a Welcome Back Warm-Up on Tuesday from 8:30–9:30 a.m. in the Cromer Center on the Hickory campus. Stop by to enjoy donuts, coffee and hot chocolate as we reconnect and welcome one another back to campus.

    Operation Updates

Senior Bears

Senior Bears connects community members to the academic and cultural opportunities at Lenoir-Rhyne.

It’s open to all adults 55 and older and is a great way to take advantage of the many exciting opportunities at LR. Annual membership costs $100. Purchase your membership today to start taking advantage of this program. Retired LR or LTSS faculty and staff may qualify for a free membership. 

Purchase a Senior Bear Membership LR & LTSS Retiree Registration

Membership Benefits

  • Memberships are offered on a running 12-month schedule from date of purchase
  • Senior Bears ID Card
  • LR parking sticker
  • Access to and check-out privileges at the Rudisill Library
  • Use of LR pool during open swim hours (a $200 value). Starting Monday, January 12, 2026
    • Monday, Wednesday from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
    • Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
    • Pool hours subject to change without notice.
  • Complimentary copies of Profile magazine and other mailings
  • Option to audit one undergraduate course per academic year (a $690 value)*
    • Class audit subject to open seats and professor approval
    • Must have approval from the Office of Admission before attending any class
    • Application deadlines for Senior Bears:
      • December 1 for spring semester 
      • May 1 for summer semester
      • August 1 for fall semester 
      • *If applications are not submitted by these dates, Senior Bears will have to wait until the following semester to audit a course
  • Four meals per year in the dining hall (a $40 value)

*Excludes applied music courses and specialized lab courses.