Student Life
Parent and Family Schedule
This schedule is designed for parents, families, and others who are supporting a new student. Whether your student is a PSEO student, a transfer student, a commuting student, or a student who will live on campus, you'll find helpful online events in July and August as well as on-campus events designed just for you on August 25-26. (If your student is in an early-arrival group, note the August 24 events too and consult your student's early-arrival schedule.) On-campus programming includes events for you to experience with your student as well as info sessions and a reception just for families and support people.
During Welcome Week and beyond, the Office of Alumni and Family Relations is here to support you. Contact us anytime. We offer special events for families throughout the year, a newsletter with tips on helping your student transition to college life, Facebook and Instagram pages for Bethel parents and families, and more!
Tuesday, July 19
| 7-8 p.m. CST | Summer Send-Off: Join Royals near and far as they gather (virtually) to celebrate and send off our newest Royals to Bethel! Summer Send-Offs are informal gatherings for newly enrolled first-year and transfer students and their family members. Learn more and register. Online |
Wednesday, July 20
| 3-6:30 p.m. CST | Incoming Student Summer BBQ: This event, hosted by the Office of Admissions, is a great opportunity for incoming first-year students to meet their future classmates before fall semester begins! There will be two food trucks—El Jefe Taco Truck and Hometown Creamery Ice Cream (which has a dairy-free option), as well as yard games, good music, and lots of time to chat and hang out. It is an open house so no registration is required, as students can drop in/head out at their convenience. Learn more and register. Kresge Courtyard |
Monday, August 1
| 7-7:45 p.m. | The Spiritual Life of a Bethel Student: Parents and family members play an important role in their student’s college success. Join us for our Pre-Welcome Week Family Sessions to learn about the ways you can support your student and how the various departments at Bethel are equipping students to thrive during their college experience and beyond! At each live online session, you'll be able to watch, listen and ask questions. If you can't attend, a recording will be available for future viewing. Learn more and register. Online |
| 7:45-8:30 p.m. | BIPOC Community at Bethel: Parents and family members play an important role in their student’s college success. Join us for our Pre-Welcome Week Family Sessions to learn about the ways you can support your student and how the various departments at Bethel are equipping students to thrive during their college experience and beyond! At each live online session, you'll be able to watch, listen and ask questions. If you can't attend, a recording will be available for future viewing. Learn more and register.. Online |
Monday, August 8
| 7-7:45 p.m. CST | Social Belonging at Bethel: Parents and family members play an important role in their student’s college success. Join us for our Pre-Welcome Week Family Sessions to learn about the ways you can support your student and how the various departments at Bethel are equipping students to thrive during their college experience and beyond! At each live online session, you'll be able to watch, listen and ask questions. If you can't attend, a recording will be available for future viewing. Learn more and register here. Online |
| 7:45-8:30 p.m. CST | Supporting Your PSEO Student at Bethel: Parents and family members play an important role in their student’s college success. Join us for our Pre-Welcome Week Family Sessions to learn about the ways you can support your student and how the various departments at Bethel are equipping students to thrive during their college experience and beyond! At each live online session, you'll be able to watch, listen and ask questions. If you can't attend, a recording will be available for future viewing. Learn more and register here. Online |
Monday, August 15
| 7-7:45 p.m. CST | Succeeding as a Scholar: Parents and family members play an important role in their student’s college success. Join us for our Pre-Welcome Week Family Sessions to learn about the ways you can support your student and how the various departments at Bethel are equipping students to thrive during their college experience and beyond! At each live online session, you'll be able to watch, listen and ask questions. If you can't attend, a recording will be available for future viewing. Learn more and register here. Online |
| 7:45-8:30 p.m. CST | Health, Safety, and Food Services at Bethel: Parents and family members play an important role in their student’s college success. Join us for our Pre-Welcome Week Family Sessions to learn about the ways you can support your student and how the various departments at Bethel are equipping students to thrive during their college experience and beyond! At each live online session, you'll be able to watch, listen and ask questions. If you can't attend, a recording will be available for future viewing. Learn more and register here. Online |
Wednesday, August 24
Wednesday programming is for families of these early arrivals: incoming transfer students, new student employees, and first-year students in the BUILD program.
| 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Info Central: Stop by this one-stop shop to get answers, directions, and important check-in materials. Atrium—Brushaber Commons (BC) Level 2 |
| 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Lunch: You have options! Enjoy lunch in our dining center during these serving hours, grab a to-go order from Royal Grounds (BC Level 2), or explore off-campus dining options. All meals in our dining center are $10 per person during Welcome Week (children under 10 are free). Credit card payment is preferred. If your student has a meal plan, they'll swipe their ID card. Monson Dining Center—Brushaber Commons (BC) Level 3 or Off-Campus |
| 2-3 p.m. | Family Session: Bethel Parents and Families 101: Stop by this casual session to meet Bethel Parent and Family Advisory Council members, ask questions, and learn about ways to support and connect with your student throughout the year. The Underground—Brushaber Commons (BC) Level 2 |
| 3:15-4:15 p.m. | Family Social: Enjoy ice cream, mingle with other parents and families, and meet Bethel's Parent and Family Advisory Council. Valentine Patio (next to the lake) |
| 4:15-5 p.m. | Campus Tour: Get better acquainted with campus on this walking tour. Your tour guide will meet you at the Welcome Desk in the Community Life Center. Community Life Center (CLC) Lobby —Level 1 |
| 5-7 p.m. | Dinner: You have options! Enjoy dinner in our dining center during these serving hours, grab a to-go order from Royal Grounds (BC Level 2), or explore off-campus dining options. All meals in our dining center are $10 per person during Welcome Week (children under 10 are free). Credit card payment is preferred. If your student has a meal plan, they'll swipe their ID card. Monson Dining Center—Brushaber Commons (BC) Level 3 or Off-Campus |
| 5-7 p.m. | BUILD Welcome Event: This is for families of students in the BUILD Program. Enjoy dinner with your student, hear from staff and student leaders, and connect with other new families. Please register here. Olson Board Room—Brushaber Commons (BC) Level 4 |
| 7-8 p.m. | The 25 Welcome Event: This is for families of students in The 25 program. Monson Dining Center Balcony—Brushaber Commons (BC) Level 4 |
Thursday, August 25
This is the main arrival day. Thursday and Friday programming is for families of all new students.
| 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Info Central: Stop by this one-stop-shop to get answers, directions, and important check-in materials. Atrium—Brushaber Commons (BC) Level 2 |
| 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Lunch: You have options! Enjoy lunch in our dining center during these serving hours, grab a to-go order from Royal Grounds (BC Level 2), or explore off-campus dining options. All meals in our dining center are $10 per person during Welcome Week (children under 10 are free). Credit card payment is preferred. If your student has a meal plan, they'll swipe their ID card. Monson Dining Center—Brushaber Commons (BC) Level 3 or Off-Campus |
| 1-4 p.m. | Free Time: Make a shopping run, help your student get settled, or visit our recharge space to charge your phone, rest your legs, or both! Eastlund Room—Community Life Center (CLC ) Level 2 |
| 2-2:45 p.m. | Family Session: Counseling Services The Underground—Brushaber Commons (BC) Level 2 |
| 2-2:45 p.m. | Family Session: Safety and Security Olson Boardroom—Brushaber Commons (BC) Level 4 |
| 2-2:45 p.m. | Family Session: Business Office and Financial Aid Brushaber Commons (BC) 432 |
| 2-2:45 p.m. | Open House: Christian Formation and Church Relations: Meet the pastors and hear their heart for Bethel students! Hagstrom Center (HC) 325 and Lounge |
| 3-3:45 p.m. | Family Session: Academic Enrichment and Support Center The Underground—Brushaber Commons (BC) Level 2 |
| 3-3:45 p.m. | Family Session: Athletics for All Olson Boardroom—Brushaber Commons (BC) Level 4 |
| 3-3:45 p.m. | Family Session: Accessibility Resources and Services Brushaber Commons (BC) 432 |
| 3:45-4:30 p.m. | Campus Tour: Get better acquainted with campus on this walking tour. Your tour guide will meet you at the Welcome Desk in the Community Life Center. Community Life Center (CLC) Lobby on Level 1 |
| 4:15-6:30 p.m. | Lakeside Picnic: Enjoy this complimentary picnic for all new students and their families. Come anytime during the 4:15-6:30 p.m. timeframe. Start by getting a plate on the widewalk near the West Lot, then visit the food stations in any order. Relax on the lawn or bring your food indoors. Community Life Center (CLC) Lawn |
| 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Kickoff Celebration: Consider this your official welcome to Bethel! Join us for a big welcome from Welcome Week staff, President Allen, student leaders, and more. Arrive early to get a good seat. After the Kickoff Celebration, parents and family members can conclude the day's activities by grabbing a frozen treat in the CLC Circle or Valentine Patio. Benson Great Hall—Community Life Center (CLC) Level 1 |
Friday, August 26
| 7-8:30 a.m. | Breakfast: You have options! Enjoy breakfast in our dining center during these serving hours, grab a to-go order from Royal Grounds (BC Level 2), or explore off-campus dining options. All meals in our dining center are $10 per person during Welcome Week (children under 10 are free). Credit card payment is preferred. If your student has a meal plan, they'll swipe their ID card. Monson Dining Center—Brushaber Commons (BC) Level 3 or Off-Campus |
| 8-9 a.m. | Coffee with the Faculty: Parents and families are invited to stop by for coffee and meet some of our professors! Kresge Courtyard |
| 8 a.m.-11 a.m. | Info Central: Stop by this one-stop-shop to get answers, directions, and important check-in materials. Atrium—Brushaber Commons (BC) Level 2 |
| 9-10:30 a.m. | President's Greeting and Overview of Bethel Education: Hear a message from President Ross Allen and his wife Annie and learn how various campus offices equip students for success during their first year at Bethel. Also get an overview of campus life from August through May. The Underground—Brushaber Commons (BC) Level 2 |
| 10:45 a.m.-12 p.m. | Commissioning Service: Led by the Christian Formation and Church Relations team, this service is a meaningful highlight for families and students as we commit the year to the Lord. Benson Great Hall—Community Life Center (CLC) Level 1 |
| 12-1:30 p.m. | Lunch and Family Goodbye: This concludes the family track of Welcome Week. We encourage you to make any last shopping stops, have lunch, and say goodbye to your student. Your lunch options include our dining center during these serving hours, Royal Grounds (BC Level 2), or an off-campus venue. All meals in our dining center are $10 per person during Welcome Week (children under 10 are free). Credit card payment is preferred. If your student has a meal plan, they'll swipe their ID card. Monson Dining Center—Brushaber Commons (BC) Level 3 or Off-Campus |