The 2008-09 school year began on Tuesday, September 2, after several days of Welcome Week activities aimed at making the transition for Bethel's nearly 700 new freshmen and 140 transfer students as smooth as possible. The first day of classes was highlighted by the annual Celebration Chapel, which included an address from new Bethel President Jay Barnes.

Bethel's incoming class represents 28 states and more than 35 denominations, and has an average ACT score of 25.
Click here to see a photo gallery from Welcome Week and Celebration Chapel.