Parents
A newsletter for parents of Bethel University students
A Slice of Campus Life
Spring Break Missions: A Bethel Tradition
News from the Office of Off-Campus Programs/International Studies
A Record for Spring 2008
Latest figures reveal that 110 students will take part in off-campus studies during spring semester, a figure that rivals the overall semester record met in fall 2006. In addition to Bethel terms in Guatemala, South Africa, and NYCAMS (New York), students will be studying in:
Argentina • Australia • Belize • Chile • Costa Rica • Cyprus • Egypt • England • France • Germany • India • Ireland • Italy • Lithuania • Mexico • Northern Ireland • New Zealand • Russia • Samoa • Spain • Switzerland • Uganda • USA
Special Dates
Many fall semester programs have March 15 deadlines, so students should stop in the Office of Off-Campus Programs/International Studies now to begin the approval process.
Those planning on studying abroad for fall semester should reserve Saturday, April 26, for a study abroad orientation.
The Interim Opportunity Fair, an event that offers information about next year’s interim study abroad programs, will be held April 2 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in the AC Lounge. This marks the first day students can apply for programs, many of which are filled on a first-come/first-served basis.
Priority application deadline is May 2, although applications are still accepted through October 1 on a space-available basis. Applications include a $100 deposit.
Many students find that taking part in a spring break missions trip is a wonderful way to build God’s kingdom and develop a servant’s heart.
Opportunities for Spring Break Missions 2008
- Source Ministries, Minneapolis, Minn.
- Mustard Seeds and Mountains, Appalachia, WV
- Habitat for Humanity, Location TBA
- Urban Impact (Katrina relief), New Orleans
- Initiatives International, Chihuahua, Mexico
- Students International, Dominican Republic
- Prayer Team Support, St. Paul campus
- Sankofa/Racial Reconciliation, Southern United States
Important Dates for Participation:
- Friday, February 8—Application Deadline (submit to the Office of Campus Ministries by 4:30 p.m.)
- February 22-23, 2008: Spring Break Prep Retreat at Bethel Seminary
(required training event for all participants)
For more details about spring break mission trips, click on http://cas.bethel.edu/campus-ministries/.
Database Change
Correct Emergency Contact Information is Vital
Bethel University has recently installed Banner, a new database system designed to better serve the community and its constituents. However, the efficiency of a database system relies heavily on the accuracy of its information.
Emergency contact information and college addresses for students (non-Bethel housing) should be updated each semester or as changes occur. To do so, students should log onto BLink, Bethel’s university-wide portal system.
Once on BLink, students should access the “Community Life” tab. In that channel under “Quick Links,” they will find forms to update their emergency contact and college address information. Permanent address changes should be submitted to the Office of the Registrar. Although parents cannot access BLink, they are urged to contact the Office of Alumni and Parent Services with updated information.
“Parents should encourage their students to take care of this important business that they may overlook,” says Susan Carlson of the Office of Student Life. “It is critical for school officials to have access to families’ current addresses and telephone numbers in case of an accident or illness.”