University-Wide Fall Kickoff and Opening Events

Join us on Monday, August 18, for Bethel’s annual Employee Kickoff, beginning with a continental breakfast at 8 a.m. At 8:30 a.m., we’ll hear a message from President Allen, followed by a tour of some of our newly renovated spaces where campus leaders will share important updates. We’ll conclude with prayer and a time of dedication as we step into the year ahead.

Review the complete lineup of opening events below:

Schedule of Events

Monday, August 18

University-Wide Kickoff

• 8-8:30 a.m. | Continental Breakfast | Sponsored by the President’s Office | Community Life Center Lobby

• 8:30-11:15 a.m. | Worship and Kickoff Experience | Benson Great Hall, Community Life Center, Level 1 

• 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Lunch | Sponsored by the President and Provost Offices | All employees (staff, faculty, and administration) are invited to a complimentary lunch in the Monson Dining Center using a ticket distributed at the morning events.

Opening Academic Session and Workshop 

• 12:30 - 1:00 p.m. | Provost's Address | The Underground
• 1:00 - 1:45 p.m. | Faculty recognition (new faculty, long-term faculty, faculty excellence awards) | The Underground
• 1:45 - 3:15 p.m. | AI Workshop for all faculty led by Jon Nykanen | The Underground
• 3:15 - 3:45 p.m. | Faculty Devotions led by DesAnne Hippe | The Underground
• 3:45 - 4:30 p.m. | Inaugural Meetings for Colleges, led by Deans | locations TBD

Tuesday, August 19

• 12 - 4 p.m Department/Program Meetings (required) 

Wednesday, August 20 (optional sessions)

• 9 - 10:15 a.m. Moodle / Turnitin AI Tool Presentation Led by Justin Aakre 
• 10:30 - 11:45 a.m. Constructing Your Syllabus Led by Faculty Development Team
• 1 - 2 p.m. Teaching Early College Students Led by Faculty Development Team
• 2:15 - 3:15 p.m. Classroom Technology discussion Led by Todd Harmening 

Thursday, August 21

• 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. School/College meetings (required)