What's New at Belmont

Continued momentum brings new spaces, new programs and new ways to connect ahead of the 2026-27 academic year

From major facility projects and academic offerings to student experiences and campus traditions, here's a look at what's new at Belmont as the University prepares for the 2026-27 academic year. 

New Spaces Taking Shape

Curb College on Music Row Expansion  

Just minutes from campus, Belmont recently broke ground on phase two of its Music Row expansion at 15 Music Circle South, further strengthening its presence in the heart of Nashville’s entertainment industry.  

As part of the Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business, the facility will feature new classrooms, rehearsal space, audio engineering labs, podcast and content studios and flexible event spaces all designed to connect classroom learning with real-world industry experience.  

The CORD at the Historic Powerhouse 

Another transformative project is taking shape in the heart of campus. 

In April, Belmont broke ground on The CORD at the Historic Powerhouse, an added hub for creativity, collaboration and innovation. Named for donor and Trustee Cordia Harrington, The CORD (also an acronym for “Create Opportunities and Realize Dreams”) will transform the historic Powerhouse building into a three-story space featuring a student performance venue, digital media lab, collaborative workspaces and dining options. 

Harrington Place Dining Hall Gets a Refresh

Harrington Place Dining underwent its first major update in more than a decade, bringing improvements to the dining experience through Belmont's partnership with Sodexo. Students returning this fall will find a more modern, flexible environment with updated seating, a redesigned layout and enhanced dining options  

New features also include The Bruin Test Kitchen, which offers hands-on cooking experiences; an expanded Simple Zone to better support students with food allergies, and a new soft serve ice cream station. 

New Academic Opportunities

Instructional Design Goes Online

Belmont's College of Education recently launched the Master of Science in Instructional Design and Innovation, a fully online graduate program designed for working professionals. 

Students can complete the degree in as few as 14 months while developing skills that are increasingly in demand across education, healthcare, business and nonprofit organizations. 

A New Way to Explore Faith and Vocation 

The new online Master of Arts in Christian Faith and Life brings together faculty from disciplines across the University, including theology, business, nursing, law, medicine and the arts. 

Designed around whole-person formation, the program helps students explore how faith can inform leadership, service and decision-making in any profession. 

New Ways to Connect and Belong 

One thing Belmont continues to prioritize is helping every student find their place. 

Bruins First 

Starting college comes with lots of questions, and a new program called Bruins First is designed to help answer them. 

The first-year mentoring and leadership program connects students with peers while introducing Belmont's leadership and character development framework. Through small groups, mentorship, reflection activities and character-strength assessments, students can begin building meaningful connections from their very first semester on campus. 

NeuroBelong 

A part of programs within Belmont’s Office of Accessibility Services, NeuroBelong is designed to foster belonging for neurodivergent students and support mental health and well-being across the student community. The program combines education, peer connection and practical campus support to reduce barriers, increase understanding of neurodiversity and help students thrive academically, socially and emotionally. 

More Student Organizations 

More than 20 new student organizations this will launch this fall, including Pickleball Club, Girls Flag Football, BruinTunes Magazine to name a few.  

Also, Belmont's fraternity and sorority community is expanding this year with: 

• The addition of music sorority Sigma Alpha Iota  

• The addition of Christian fraternity Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia 
  
  
• The return of Alpha Tau Omega 

Leadership Development Expands

Belmont's nationally recognized GOLD (Growth Opportunities for Leadership Development) program is reaching even more students this year. 

GOLD is expanding to include students in both the College of Law and the Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine.  

The program has also become integrated into the occupational therapy curriculum and National Honor Society recognition process, giving even more students opportunities to develop leadership skills throughout their academic journey. 

New Partnerships and Campus Initiatives 

Belmont Becomes a Coca-Cola Campus 

After more than two decades with Pepsi, Belmont has officially entered a new partnership with Coca-Cola. 

Students will notice new products in vending machines, coolers and dining locations across campus. The partnership also includes scholarship support, contributions to faith-based initiatives and enhanced support for Athletics. 

Bruins Cards Go Mobile Online 

Always losing your Belmont ID card? There is a solution for that! 

Students, faculty and staff can now access their Bruin Card directly from their smartphone or smartwatch through Apple Wallet, Google Wallet or Samsung Wallet. Mobile IDs can be used for building access, purchases and other campus services, making everyday life a little more convenient. 

The Pantry 

The Belmont Pantry quietly soft-launched over the summer and will continue expanding in the year ahead, providing students with greater access to essential resources and support services. 

Looking Ahead: Events and Traditions  

Athletics: Celebrating 75 Seasons and Looking Ahead  

As Belmont Athletics celebrates its 75th season, Bruins fans can also look forward to changes across the Missouri Valley Conference. 

Beginning this year, the MVC Women's Basketball Championship will move to St. Louis alongside Arch Madness, creating a unified championship experience. The conference also approved a new 10-team tournament format for both men's and women's basketball, with the top two seeds advancing directly to the semifinals. 

Art & Wonder Festival 

The Creative Arts Collective for Christian Life and Faith will host its inaugural Art & Wonder Festival, Sept. 26. The event will feature visual arts, performances, interactive experiences and opportunities to explore creativity through the lens of the Christian story. 

The festival will coincide with Parent & Family Weekend, bringing together students, families and the wider Belmont community for a full day of celebration. 

Student Favorites 

Whether you're new to campus or returning for another year, Belmont offers a growing list of experiences designed to make student life more fun, connected and supportive. 

Some highlights include: 

• Free professional headshots through the Bruin Headshot Booth in the Beaman Student Life Center 

• The Esports Lounge in Betty Wiseman Hall 

• Pickle Beach and sand volleyball courts 

• The Community Canine Program 

Belmont has changed a lot over the years, but the heart of the University remains the same: a Christ-centered, student-focused community committed to helping students learn, grow, belong and thrive. As the 2026-27 academic year begins, these new spaces, programs and initiatives reflect Belmont's continued investment in that mission.