Q&A: Daniel Sibert

As an academic advising specialist at Bethel, Daniel Sibert wears many hats—most of his responsibilities revolve around helping students forge their academic paths. Sibert works with both prospective and current students as they explore different areas of study and make a plan for their years at Bethel. He also serves as a resource to faculty advisors. Here, Sibert shares a bit about what he loves about Bethel and responds to some common questions students have about academics.

What brought you to Bethel, and what do you like most about this community?

The strong sense of comradery amongst Bethel’s faculty and staff. No matter what role a faculty or staff member has, each of them is at Bethel because they believe God has called them to serve and prepare the next generation of leaders and world-changers. This campus-wide focus on service and God’s kingdom is both what attracted me to Bethel as an undergraduate student and what drew me back to Bethel to serve as an Academic Advising Specialist. Being involved in the lives of the next generation of world-changers is one of the most exciting things I can think of.

What are you most excited for in the coming academic year?

New opportunities to expand the Advising Center’s services for our students. This past year, the Advising Center developed the Advising Center website. We are so excited about the resources we have prepared, but even more excited about how God will use this tool to help students in the future as we expand it. Besides the development of more resources for our students, I most look forward to visiting with students and their families. I have the unique opportunity of talking to students at all different points in their academic careers, and my goal is to help each of them discover God’s calling for their life both here at Bethel, and beyond. 

What would you tell a student who isn’t sure what they want to study? 

You are not alone. I wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted to study when I first came to Bethel either, but I found Bethel to be uniquely equipped to help me discover what my gifts and interests were and how to best use them in my academic studies. So, take a deep breath, and start exploring! The Advising Center website has many resources available to help get students started on their journey of discovery, including information on majors, ideas for how to explore multiple majors, and more. In addition to the Advising Center, the Office of Career Development and Calling is one of the most fantastic resources available to students thinking about what they might like to study. God has gifted each student in so many unique ways, and Bethel wants to help each of them discover their gifts and interests.

What happens when a student changes their major? Can they still graduate on time?

As you learn more about yourself and God’s calling on your life, your plans for the future may (and probably will) change. Many Bethel students change majors in their freshman, sophomore, or even junior years without delaying graduation. Our faculty and staff are committed to helping you navigate changing majors so you can reach your goals. 

If a student needs extra academic support, where would you suggest they go? 

The Academic Enrichment and Support Center (AESC), located in HC 324, is the best place to get extra academic support.  The AESC office provides a wide range of academic support services, including help with writing papers, study habits, help sessions for math, science, business, and more. I highly recommend this office and the amazing work they do!

Academic Advising at Bethel

Visit the new Advising Center website to find academic planning resources for current and prospective students alike. 

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