Alumni
Bethel Parent
A newsletter for parents of Bethel University students
The Resource Zone
Money Matters: Office of University Financial Aid Can Help
Paying for school is a very big deal, and finding resources may determine whether a student is able to complete his or her education. Staff members in the Office of University Financial Aid strive to create the best financial aid package possible for each family.
Jeff Olson, director of financial aid, notes that, during the 2004-2005 academic year more that 90 percent percent of students in the College of Arts & Sciences received financial aid in some form (including loans), and more than 90 percent received gift aid that doesn't have to be repaid.
Aid package stays consistent
Though students must reapply for financial aid each year, once a student has a financial aid package, it generally stays about the same throughout their study at Bethel, provided that eligibility for scholarships and financial need are maintained and there are no significant changes in government programs (e.g., state or federal aid).
Endowed scholarships and a portion of the Annual Fund help defray tuition costs, and many students also work, either on or off campus. Last year, 56 percent of Bethel students worked on campus.
Suggestions to keep costs down:
- Avoid borrowing more money than necessary. At the same time, view loans for education as an "appreciated value," likely to pay off over time through improved career opportunities. Those with a bachelor's degree earn about $23,000 more per year than those with high school diplomas, according to data released from the Census Bureau in October.
- Consider part-time employment.
- Be aware of scholarship opportunities. Bethel offers 200 to 300 endowed or restricted scholarships for College of Arts & Sciences students. There is a February 10 cut-off date to apply for these special awards.
- Choose less expensive dorm options when offered.
"Students should think twice before borrowing money for living expenses like food or housing, or a nice trip," Olson advises. He believes a healthy goal for students is to learn to live frugally.
Meet important deadlines
Students with outstanding school bills aren't permitted to register for the next semester's classes. To minimize complications, Olson urges students to meet deadlines (listed in box). By turning in information by the priority date, students and families will have time during the summer to plan for funds for the coming school year.
Olson urges families to contact his office if their finances change dramatically. "We work with families who are dealing with various scenarios such as job stresses or illness. If they communicate the issues, we can look for ways to adjust the aid package to help them out."
Students are notified of outstanding balances. With a new database system, scheduled to be in place at Bethel this spring, students will have even more convenient ways to check on their financial aid, to accept gift aid, and/or request loans online.
Priority Dates for Financial Aid
February 10
Deadline to apply for scholarships or special awards (returning students)
April 15
Priority deadline for general financial aid
July 1
Submit appropriate loan applications or requests to Bethel by this date.
Students must reapply for financial aid at Bethel each year. The priority date for submitting all forms is April 15, but it is recommended that families complete the paperwork shortly after filing their 2006 federal taxes.
For more information, contact the Office of University Financial Aid at 651.638.6241. Also, you may wish to check out the website: http://www.bethel.edu/finaid/. This helpful website contains general information on subjects from payment plans to scholarships, as well as links to other critical resources.
A Day at the Capitol: You Can Make a Difference
Bethel partners with other private colleges in Minnesota to advocate for the State Grant Program, which awards grants to low- and middle-income Minnesota students attending Minnesota colleges and universities. Adjusted for inflation, the average state grant fell by 14 percent over the last five years.
How can you help? More parents and students need to join efforts to inform state lawmakers about students' financial aid needs. Students and supporters of Bethel University make an annual trip to the state capitol to advocate for state grant funding. This year's date will be Wednesday, February 28, 2007. For more information, please click on http://mpcc.e-actionmax.com/ and join the Private College Action Network.
A Slice of [Campus] Life
Fall Residence Applications Due Soon
By Kay Wible
In February, Bethel students will receive their applications for fall 2007 housing accommodations. Jodie Buchholz, housing coordinator, reports that a freeze on rates went into effect this year—whatever the rate a student is currently paying will remain in effect as long as they continuously live in Bethel housing. "Campus living can be one of the best parts of the college experience," asserts Buchholz.
Buchholz also says that fairness is the goal when her office makes student housing assignments. Most residence halls are designated by class year. "The first thing everyone needs to do is read all the information (available online the day applications are distributed) about housing at Bethel," Buchholz says. "The second thing to do is be sure to meet all the deadlines!"
Housing applications will be in students' PO boxes February 26; completed forms must be turned in by Monday, March 5, before 4 p.m. Room assignments are based on groups of roommates, so it is required that forms be turned in together as one full group. One new rule this year is no overflow—rooms will not be allowed to go over intended capacity.
Spring Break Missions Opportunities
By Kay Wible
For the past 15 years, the Office of Campus Ministries has organized mission trips during spring break and summer to allow students to practice their faith in the world. "Being Jesus in the world and making a difference are what it's all about," says Matt Runion, associate campus pastor.
Trips planned for this year include:
- Minneapolis, where for the fourth year, students will work with Source Ministries to reach out to youth living on the street;
- a ninth year visiting Appalachia to work with
Mustard Seeds and Mountains, a Christian community development organization devoted to helping families in one of the nation's poorest regions; - Habitat for Humanity in Slidell, Louisiana, north of New Orleans—an area hit hard by Hurricane Katrina;
- working with hurricane victims in New Orleans with Urban Impact Ministries;
- Chihuahua, Mexico outreaches in sports, education, medicine, agriculture, and construction, as well as service in music, worship and Christian testimony;
- Jarbacoa, Dominican Republic, where similar partnerships with established local ministries match students' areas of interest to appropriate service options.
Registration began in October, with a February 7, 2007 deadline. Fundraising will be done as a team. All trips will take place in March during Bethel's Spring Break. For more information, see http://cas.bethel.edu/campus-ministries/ and click on "Spring Break Missions."
Staying Involved
Help Provide Faculty Grants
By Barbara Wright Carlson
Joy Doan, Assistant
Professor of Biology
Doing research keeps Bethel faculty cutting-edge and provides hands-on ways for students to learn. But research often requires extra funding. Parents can help. Again this year, you can buy a Valentine's Day gift for your student, and a percentage of the proceeds will go toward faculty grants. The balance comes from the Annual Fund, which is also supported by Bethel alumni, parents, and friends.
Faculty grants have existed at Bethel since 1965. Currently, about 15 grants of up to $4,000 each are awarded each year based on faculty applications considered by a special committee. Consideration is given to how the grants would benefit the academic department, its students, and Bethel.
Grants may be used for:
- Curriculum writing or development (research, writing, travel)
- Attendance at professional educational meetings
- Program enhancements and equipment
- Graduate or independent studies
Joy Doan, assistant professor of biology, is using a faculty grant to study a common pathogen and its interaction with human hosts. Grant money will cover a special camera, software, two printers, and a light screen. The equipment will help biology students and faculty better prepare presentations and publication-quality images of their work.
Hearts for Service
Students Act Globally
By Kay Wible
Bethel students have started a number of organizations or initiatives to take action on behalf of the world's hurting peoples:
- World Challenge: More than 50 students joined others in the Twin Cities for Gulu Walk on October 21 to raise awareness of the war in Uganda and the insurgents' attacks on thousands of children there.
A similar, overnight "sit-out" last spring spotlighted the issue as well. The group sponsors an annual World Trade market as well, to sell handmade goods at fair-trade prices, and partners with other organizations for a variety of causes.
- Acting on AIDS (AoA): More than 60 Bethel students are confronting the AIDS pandemic through fundraising, political advocacy, prayer and raising awareness. Lives at Stake placed 400 stakes around campus the end of November, with pictures of children affected by AIDS, part of the Dec. 1 observance of World AIDS Day. Several members will also be part of a group traveling to South Africa in January, ministering at Beth Uriel, a home for boys aged 15-21, some of whom are HIV-positive.
- Community Outreach Day: this second annual outreach, organized by Donna Johnson, pastor of outreach ministries, will be Friday, January 12. Students sign up ahead of time to minister at more than 20 sites around the Twin Cities for 3-4 hour shifts. At shelters, churches, and community centers, students will take on painting, construction, serving meals or other tasks.
Students are making a difference beyond Bethel's walls in other ways: "Offering of Letters" partners with Bread for the World to raise awareness of world hunger; the first-ever 5K Run for Missions raised $2,000 for overseas missionaries in October.
In addition, students pass out hats, gloves, and cups of coffee to the homeless through "These Brothers of Mine," and Bethel's Green Council recycles for the environment, distributing gently-used goods to the area's needy.
Ministries such as the Bethel/Frogtown/Summit-University Partnership (FSU) make a discernable impact on the local community when Bethel students tutor FSU residents and serve that urban area in other ways.
More than 50 students joined the Gulu Walk.
A 5K Run for Missions raised $2,000.
Don't-Miss Dates
January
15 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (No Classes)
25 Last Day of Interim Classes
31 Spring Semester Classes Begin
February
1-3 Kiss Me, Kate, Benson Great Hall, 7:30 p.m.
4 Kiss Me, Kate, Benson Great Hall, 2:30 p.m.
March
1-3, 7-9, 10 Picasso at the Lapin Agile, Bethel Theatre, 7:30 p.m.
4 Picasso at the Lapin Agile, Bethel Theatre, 2:30 p.m.
16 Spring Break Begins (5 p.m.)
26 Classes Resume
For more information on Benson Great Hall events, please call 651.638.6333 or 866.424.4849 (4BGHTIX).
Save the Date
The All-School Spring Banquet will be held on Saturday, May 19. The tradition each year has been for Bethel parent volunteers to help serve this meal. Information on how you can help will be in the mail soon.
Women's Spring Celebration Preview
Women's Spring Celebration 2007 will be Saturday, April 21, at a new location: North Oaks Golf Club. A punch reception begins at 10:30 a.m., followed by lunch at 11 a.m. Michelle Louis, assistant dean for residence life at Bethel University, will be the guest speaker.
Mark your calendar for this Bethel mother-daughter tradition. Spend a lovely spring day enjoying a delicious meal and an inspirational program. All Bethel mothers are invited, whether you have sons or daughters at Bethel. Look for your special invitation in the mail!
The Annual Fund and Your Student
Bethel University has launched "Taking the Next Step," a $105 million comprehensive campaign designed not only to expand Bethel's facilities, but to strengthen its financial resources. Those resources include the Annual Fund, which pays for operating expenses above and beyond what tuition covers. For example, the Annual Fund sustains critical budget items such as spiritual ministries, student services, and campus maintenance. More people giving to the Annual Fund—even through small amounts—also improves eligibility when Bethel applies to agencies and organizations that offer student grants and scholarships.
Bethel's goal is to increase Annual Fund giving to a total of $25 million during the campaign years from 2002 to 2008, and then to sustain that higher level into the future.
The easiest and most meaningful way parents can participate in "Taking the Next Step" is by making a gift, however modest, to the Annual Fund. It all counts toward the "Taking the Next Step" campaign; but more important, it makes an immediate difference in your student's experience at Bethel.
Credits
Bethel Parent is published four times a year for parents of Bethel University students. It includes stories about students, information about campus events, and opportunities for involvement at Bethel.
Office of Alumni and Parent Services
651.638.6462
email: parents@bethel.edu
Editor: Patty Thomson
Writers: Barbara Wright Carlson, Holly Donato '78, Kay Wible
Designers: Thomas Vukelich '82
Staff Photographer: Woody Dahlberg '69