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Frequently Asked Questions

• Is Bethel a Christian campus?
• What are Faculty like?
• Do Bethel students have a dress code?
• Is financial assistance available?
• Is there a curfew?
• Are freshmen allowed to have cars on campus?
• What food services are available?
• What happens if a student is experiencing academic difficulty?
• Is there a security staff on campus?
• What if my student is sick while at Bethel?
• What social activities are available to my student?
• Does Bethel have a good academic reputation?
• When do breaks occur?

Bethel's commitment to a Christian perspective is the capstone of the Bethel experience. As one student recently stated, “In terms of eternity, it is spiritual development that counts and the administration here gets that.”

We are a Christian college, boldly committed to teaching Christian values and principles in academics as well as day to-day life. Our chapel times are central to the Bethel lifestyle and have been described as being “the heartbeat of our campus.”

Many members of the Bethel family have indicated that a strong spiritual connection and a commitment to Christ centered learning attracted them to Bethel and keeps them at the college.

What are the faculty like?

Academic quality is one of the key ingredients to the growth Bethel has been experiencing. The college is known for its strong classroom instruction.

During a series of focus groups, Bethel students expressed their excitement about the increase in the number and quality (the majority have their Ph.D.) of faculty on the campus. The students were extremely pleased with the academic credentials and wealth of knowledge that these faculty members bring to the classroom.

The faculty are committed to our students and their academic goals. Even though Bethel is growing, we still have a low student to faculty ratio (14:1). One recent graduate stated that her professors “challenged and encouraged” her to be a “thinking individual and a strong spiritual leader.”

Do Bethel students have a dress code?

Modesty and good taste are expected in student attire at Bethel. Clothes are to be free from offensive slogans or images and are not to be tight or revealing. Casual dress is the norm for students at Bethel.

Is financial assistance available?

Bethel College is committed to helping you discover the financial resources available to you. It is our desire to help make your dream of a private college education possible. Education is an investment of time and money that will last a lifetime.

The financial assistance programs at Bethel College are designed to help you make the best and wisest investment possible: an investment in your student’s future. There are a variety of awards available for academic achievement and performance or talent-based awards. There is even a church matching scholarship – a dollar for dollar match of a scholarship provided to you by your church up to $1,000.

For more information about these programs, how we can assist you in financing your college education and current tuition, refer to the Bethel College Student Financial Services Office Web site.

Is there a curfew?

Residential students are to be in their residence hall by 12:30 a.m. on weekdays (Sunday-Thursday) and by 2:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Are freshmen allowed to have cars on campus?

Parking will not be available for freshmen residing on the campus. Parking is available to all students commuting to the campus.

What food services are available?

The cafeteria is open for meals seven days a week. The meal schedule is as follows:

Grab and Go meals can be obtained from the Acorn or Sufficient Grounds, Bethel's coffee house. Special diets may be accommodated by contacting the Director of Food Services. All mealtimes are subject to change.

What happens if a student is experiencing academic difficulty?

The Bethel faculty are always available to answer questions. Students can meet with professors outside of the classroom to discuss class material. Faculty members might suggest a private tutor in certain cases. This can be arranged through Bethel's Academic Support Center (ASC)

The Academic Support Center (ASC) seeks to service both students and faculty. The staff facilitates a tutoring program, sets up study sessions and provides special needs consultation and accommodation. They also provide a place for testing, administering make-up tests and tests for those with learning disabilities. In addition, help is available for all Bethel students who want to improve their study skills, time management, test taking or reading speed.

Is there a security staff on campus?

Bethel has a very competent campus safety staff and all are trained as first responders in cases of an emergency. Safety officers patrol the campus around the clock—seven days a week, 365 days a year—to ensure the safety of all students.

What if my student is sick while at Bethel?

The Wellness Center is open Monday through Friday. The Health Services Director, a registered nurse, is available during regular business hours. A physician is available at least one day each week. After hours and on weekends, the resident director in each residence hall is available for assistance.

What social activities are available to my student?

Numerous extracurricular opportunities exist for students at Bethel College. Students are able to be involved in activities and organizations such as Mu Kappa, Intramurals, Drama Productions, Science Club, Midnight Breakfast, Vocal and Instrumental Ensembles, Varsity Athletics, American Sign Language Club, Homecoming, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Task Force Teams, Missions Fellowship, Student Council, Community Service Day and much more.

Does Bethel have a good academic reputation?

We tend to think we do, but don’t take our word for it. Bethel has been included in the Templeton Honor Roll for Character Building Colleges based upon our campus culture. Bethel has also been identified as a top tier college in the Midwest in the U.S.News and World Report College Guide, and we have several programs included in the top categories of Rugg’s Recommendations on the Colleges.

We appreciate being recognized by third party groups who review colleges on a variety of characteristics and they provide a point of reference. However, every family has specific needs and interests in the college selection process, and we highly recommend that you and your student visit each college you are considering to make an informed decision. This is the best way to better understand the dynamics of the spiritual and educational community for each college.

When do breaks occur?

The academic calendar is updated and available online for you to see the actual dates for each semester. Breaks for fall semester typically are a Thursday and Friday in mid-October for fall break and Wednesday – Friday the week of Thanksgiving. No classes are held Labor Day or during our Community Service Day. The last day for final exams is mid-December with spring semester beginning the first week of January. Be sure to check the final exam calendar prior to making plans to return home. Exam schedules cannot be changed.