The school year will begin Monday, with Opening Assembly at 11 a.m. in Moody Coliseum, with the year’s parade of flags featuring a record 151 flags that represent the states, territories and countries that make up the ACU community.

This year’s guest speaker is Luke Norsworthy, senior minister of Westover Hills Church of Christ in Austin and an ACU alumnus. The ceremony will also include the annual Parade of Flags, performances from the Big Purple Marching Band and ACU Choirs, and President Phil Schubert’s declaration that the school year has begun.

Craig Fisher, associate vice president for advancement and alumni relations, described Opening Assembly as the university’s “ceremonial kickoff” to the academic year.

“It’s a time we gather all of our students. We invite our community and leaders in our community to come and help us in a time of worship–in a time of celebration–to kick off the school year,” Fisher said.

Fisher said this year’s record-setting Parade of Flags reflects ACU’s growing community, with flags representing states, territories and countries of students, faculty and staff from the Abilene and Dallas campuses and both residential and online programs.

Student body president Josh Hamm, who will read a Bible passage during the ceremony, said Opening Assembly unites students before the semester begins.

“It sets the tone for the school year and reminds everyone that, no matter all the different areas of campus that we exist in, we’re all doing this together,” Hamm said.

The Big Purple Band has rehearsed for the ceremony since band camp began. Laura Evans, the band’s president, said members prepare traditional selections including “Olympic Fanfare” and “Old Hundredth.”

“This performance is unique because it is the only performance of the Big Purple where we are seated,” Evans said. “I hope the music creates the energy of anticipation and encourages people going into the school year.”

Opening Assembly begins at 11 a.m. Monday in Moody Coliseum, where students, faculty, staff and community members will gather to officially open the 2026-27 academic year.