Bethel Welcomes New Students

The Bethel University community welcomed approximately 800 new freshmen, transfer, and PSEO students as well as about 50 new Bethel Seminary students to campus during Welcome Week, August 28-31.

August 25: About 100 traditional undergraduate students participating in athletic teams, Navigators, and Mu Kappa moved onto campus. Navigators is a pre-orientation program designed specifically for incoming students of color with a focus on how to navigate campus life socially, spiritually, and academically. Mu Kappa is a pre-orientation program for international students and third-culture kids.

Also, new students at Bethel Seminary gathered on campus for their orientation, “Genesis.” About 40 faculty and staff members from Bethel Seminary St. Paul and Bethel Seminary San Diego also joined the event.

August 27: More than 150 student workers, Compass, and transfer students moved onto campus. Bethel’s Compass Transitions Program is for incoming students who are on the Autism Spectrum who also have a diagnosis of ADD, ADHD, or Anxiety Disorder.

August 28: Nearly 400 new undergraduate students in the College of Arts & Sciences arrived on campus for move-in day. The Welcome Week tradition at Bethel began with President Jay Barnes and his wife, Barb, greeting new students and their parents as the families drove onto campus. Then about 100 returning students help new students move into their residence halls. The day ended with a picnic and kickoff celebration for new students and their families.

August 29-31: Other Welcome Week highlights include Celebration and Commitment Service on Saturday morning to provide a time of prayer for new students and their families; The Show on Saturday night, which offers a humorous look at the Bethel community through skits, videos, and musical/dance numbers; and Koinonia on Sunday evening to wrap up the orientation with a communion service celebrating and dedicating the upcoming school year.