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Academics

2013 Graduation Information

Graduate Dinner

...sponsored by the Bethel College Alumni Association

Friday, May 3rd 6:30 PM

Please call 574.807.7420 if you have questions

* Reservation information will be mailed in March

Location: Gates Gymnasium in Wiekamp Athletic Center

As the alumni association's gift to you, each graduates ticket is free. Family members are encouraged to attend at $12 per person. Dinner will be followed by a program.

Commencement Rehearsal

Commencement Rehearsal

Rehearsal will begin at 1:30 p.m. (BE ON TIME) the day of commencement in the Everest-Rohrer Auditorium. Please be there promptly so that we are able to prepare well for the ceremony. It is critical that you arrive on time.

Commencement Line-up

We will prepare for the processional during rehearsal and will begin to march from the Auditorium. Do not be late for rehearsal. Students who are not in the Auditorium prior to the commencement line-up will not be allowed to participate in the commencement ceremony.

Foul Weather

Bad weather may dictate that the rehearsal be conducted in Goodman Gymnasium. Signs will be posted directing graduates to Goodman if necessary.

Graduation Announcements

Please go to the following site to order announcements for the spring graduation ceremonies. You will be able to place orders for either the Saturday or Sunday commencement. Announcement displays will be available in the Bethel College Campus Store and the Office of Adult Studies.

Order Announcements

Commencement Ceremony Information

Saturday Commencement

Adult Programs
Organizational Management
ADN
BSN Completion
Saturday, May 4
2:30 PM
Wiekamp Athletic Center

Sunday Commencement

Traditional Undergraduate Programs
Graduate Programs
Sunday May 5
2:30 PM
Wiekamp Athletic Center

The processional will leave the Everest-Rohrer Fine Arts Center (weather permitting) at 2:20. Guests not seated by 2:30 will be held until the entire processional has entered Wiekamp Athletic Center.

All family and friends are invited to attend. No tickets are required.

Name Pronunciation

If you are concerned that your name might be mispronounced at commencement, please send Barb Rodgers a phonetic spelling or other notes regarding any part of your name. Here is an example:
Davidhizar – (David > hi > zer).
If still concerned, leave Barb Rodgers a voicemail message with the pronunciation at 547.257.3307.

College Offices and Graduation Requirements

Office of the Registrar

Before you may receive your diploma at graduation, please take note of the following:

  1. Diplomas will not be presented if all grades or credit is not received by noon April 30, or if there is an outstanding balance on the student account.
  2. Transfer Credit. All transfer credit must be received in the Registrar’s Office by Tuesday, April 30.
  3. CLEP Credit. Credit by Examination scores must be received by Tuesday, April 30.
  4. Proficiency Requirements. Make sure all proficiency requirements have been satisfied.
    Feel free to contact the Registrar’s Office at 574.807.7410 or simply stop by the office.
  5. Prior Learning Assessment (PLA). If you are earning credit through Prior Learning Assessment (PLA), you need to complete the project. The grade must be received in the Registrar’s Office the semester prior to the student’s final semester.

Office of Student Financial Services

Be sure that all financial obligations are taken care of before April 30. Diploma and transcripts will not be provided while there is a balance due on the student account.

Contact Student Financial Services at 574.257.3321 if you are not sure of your balance.

Education Loan Exit Interviews

If you obtained any type of education loan while attending Bethel College, you need to complete an exit interview prior to graduation.

  • For Stafford or alternative loans – your exit interview can be completed online or in person. You will receive information by April 25th from the Office of Student Financial Services regarding your total indebtedness, along with instructions for completing your interview. The Office of Student Financial Services must have confirmation that you completed an exit interview by April 30th in order for your file to be complete. You may contact Cindi Pedersen at 574.257.3376 if you have any questions.
  • For Perkins Loans – you may complete the exit interview on line or in person. An information packet will be sent to you by April 1st with instructions on completing exit requirements. It is imperative that this process be completed prior to graduation. For questions, contact Arlene Duerksen at 574.807.7326.to set up an interview.
  • For Vern Sailor Loans - you will receive loan information and a repayment schedule. If you have any questions please contact Maryanne Root in the Office of Financial Services at 574.257.3348.

Graduating with Honors

Graduates with a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or greater, and have earned at least 45 credit hours at Bethel, will be awarded the following academic distinction:

  1. Cum Laude - g.p.a of 3.5
  2. Magna cum Laude - g.p.a of 3.75
  3. Summa cum Laude - g.p.a of 3.9

Diploma

Distribution

Diplomas will be placed in covers and given to graduates by president Cramer when your name is called at Commencement.

Requirements for Diploma

Be sure to check the College Offices and Graduation Requirements section above.

Cap and Gown

The bookstore will host a Grad Fair February 19th and 20th, 11:00 am — 7:00 pm in the Great Hall and Rotunda in the Everest Rohrer building.
Orders for cap and gown, as well as announcements, will be taken at this time.

If you are unable to attend the Grad Fair, you can order your cap and gown by completing an order form in the Bethel College Bookstore or by emailing the Bookstore by April 23rd with the following information:

  • First Name
  • Last Name
  • Degree (AA, ADN, BSN, BS, BA, MA, MAT, MATS, MBA, MEd, MMin, MATS, MSN)
  • Height
  • Weight
  • Major

Cap and gown will be available for pick-up beginning Monday, April 29th.

*The cost of the cap and gown is covered.

Hospitality Tents

Hospitality tents will be set up on campus according to major departments. This will assist you in connecting with graduates and faculty following the ceremony.

Special Arrangements Needed?

Please contact Barb Rodgers if there is an injury or disability that will require special accommodations at commencement.

Campus Store Hours

The Campus Store will be open Friday 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, and Sunday, Noon to 5:00 PM during commencement weekend. The store will have an extensive inventory of Bethel apparel as well as very attractive diploma frames with matte.

Foul Weather

Bad weather may dictate that the rehearsal be conducted in Goodman Gymnasium. Signs will be posted directing graduates to Goodman if necessary.

Questions?

Before contacting the college with questions about the 2013 Commencement, please review this website. If you still have questions, feel free to contact the appropriate staff.

Adult, OM, ADN, and BSN Completion students should contact Debra Schnaible

Students in Traditional and Graduate programs should contact Barb Rodgers

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