Get Busy and Get Ahead

Worried campus activities may keep your student from doing well? In fact, the opposite is typically true. “Out-of-class activities are highly predictive of success as an adult,” concludes a study called “Involving Colleges” by George D. Kuh. “They provide…development of leadership skills, values, and the capacity for mature relationships.”

Bethel offers activities for just about any interest. In addition to 18 NCAA Division III varsity sports—nine for women, nine for men—your student can join one of six club and intramural sports (from lacrosse to broomball), 11 music performance organizations (from jazz to classical), four theatre productions, an array of urban ministries, an award-winning forensics team, a strong student government (Bethel Student Association), or any of 18 student organizations that bring together those with common interests in:

• a major, such as the Business and Economics Association;
• a hobby, such as video production;
• a culture, such as Asian Christian Fellowship; or
• a spiritual, social or political concern, such as Twin Cities Outreach or College Republicans/Democrats.

Some student groups, such as Acting on AIDS, open avenues for service. “We partner with the Open Arms and Hughes Foundation to provide meals for people in the Twin Cities living with HIV/AIDS,” says Melissa Bakker, student co-president of the group. Others, such as Young Life College, have a faith emphasis. “Our organization nurtures students with small group Bible studies and camp experiences, so they can grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ,” says Emily Dunham, student president of Bethel’s Young Life College chapter.

Since co-curriculars can help get an ideal job or admission to grad school, Bethel offers graduating seniors a Transcript of Co-Curricular Involvement, along with their academic record.