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Parents, families, and others who are supporting a new student: As your student makes the transition to Bethel, we want to welcome you to the Bethel family as well!

Schedule

Welcome Week includes activities for new students and their families to experience together as well as info sessions specifically for families.

See the parent and family schedule for all the details.

For your convenience, a team of friendly golf cart drivers will roam campus (especially our parking lots) throughout the day to bring you where you need to go. Please flag down a golf cart whenever you'd like to ride instead of walk!

The Bethel move-in experience

The Bethel move-in experience is lively and unique! If your student will be moving into campus housing on August 23 or 24, here is what to expect: A team of enthusiastic students will get everything unloaded from your vehicle and delivered to your student's room in a matter of minutes! A driver will need to stay with your vehicle so it can be moved to a nearby lot once the unload is complete. 

The Bethel commuter experience

Incoming commuter students will experience the same Royal welcome as students housed on campus. Their campus home is The Loft, and instead of an RA, commuters will meet their CLA (Commuter Life Assistant), who will shepherd them throughout the year. The commuting community gathers just like dorm floors gather—they are fully involved in Welcome Week and in the fabric of daily campus life.

The Bethel PSEO experience

We have a number of different types of PSEO students at Bethel. Take a look at the definitions below to confirm which PSEO category your student falls under and what their involvement in Welcome Week will look like.

  • In-Person or hybrid: A student that is taking any course on campus (this includes students that are taking a combination of online and in person courses). In regards to Welcome Week, these students will follow the PSEO student schedule for Thursday and Saturday Welcome Week activities.

  • Living on campus: A student that is living in a residence hall and taking on-campus courses. In regards to Welcome Week, these students will follow the incoming traditional student schedule and are encouraged to attend all Welcome Week activities and events.

  • Online only: A student that is taking only online courses and will not be commuting to campus. These students do not need to attend Welcome Week activities August 24-27 as the content is intended for students taking courses in person.

Dining options on campus

The family schedule includes a lakeside picnic on Thursday. It is complimentary for families of new students. For other meals or snacks during your time on campus, you are welcome to visit our campus food venues or explore off-campus options. Both Monson Dining Center and Royal Grounds are in Brushaber Commons.

Monson Dining Center
Enjoy the variety of Bethel's all-you-can-eat, buffet-style dining. Choose from several servery stations, including a salad bar, made-to-order formats, and more! During Welcome Week, all meals are a special rate of $12 per person (children under 5 are free). Credit card payment is preferred. If your student has a meal plan, they will swipe their ID card each time they enter the dining center.

For your convenience, all servery stations offer delicious vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, and gluten-free options. If you have special dietary concerns, we encourage you to first contact the Office of Accessibility Resources and Services at accessibility-services@bethel.edu. They will contact you to review your dietary concerns and the options available to you in Dining Services.

Royal Grounds
This grab-and-go coffee shop serves freshly brewed Caribou Coffee, specialty coffee and tea beverages, and smoothies. Royal Grounds also offers ready-to-go sandwiches, salads, bottled beverages, and baked goods for a quick, fresh meal or snack. Credit card payment is preferred.

Where to stay?

There are plenty of nearby hotels that offer Bethel discounts if you're looking for a place to stay.

Even more for families

The Office of Family Relations is here to support you. From special events for families throughout the year to a parent newsletter with tips on helping your student transition to college life, Welcome Week is just the beginning.