VIII. Student Affairs MISSION STATEMENT
OFFICE OF RESDIDENCE LIFE
The mission of the Office of Student Affairs is to foster the development of the whole person—mind, body and spirit— according to the core values expressed in the mission and values of the College—namely Integrity, Hospitality, Community, Servant Leadership, Sustainability, and Excellence. We will do this by providing care, direction, activity, and education in all areas of students’ lives outside the classroom. In our areas of influence, we seek specifically to provide students with a rich, dynamic environment in which the intellectual, social, spiritual, and moral spheres of life reinforce one another.
The vision of the Bethany College Office of Residence Life is to facilitate the development of our residents within living and learning communities. We provide quality programs and services that promote personal growth, foster understanding of human diversity, and encourage academic success. Students must be registered for at least 12 semester hours in order to reside in a residential hall unless permission is granted by the Office of Residence Life.
BETHANY COLLEGE, A RESIDENTIAL CAMPUS Bethany College relies on each residential student to become an active member of their community. The goal is to have a community that assists each student to feel a common identity; experience a common bond with fellow students; hold one another accountable and responsible; protect the rights of one another; and facilitate personal, spiritual, and professional growth. This process is accomplished by providing an experienced and educated staff, setting rules and regulations, and offering engaging programs and services.
VISION STATEMENT Our vision is that graduating students and alumni will regard their co-curricular experiences as one of the best aspects of their time at Bethany College. The foundation of these experiences relies upon the creation of meaningful, formative and shared pursuits, which allow students to make connections, develop a sense of belonging, and persist to graduation.
Bethany College believes that the best education of the student as a whole person takes place when the student experiences the entire campus life. This can only take place when the student lives on campus. Thus, all full-time Bethany College students are required to live in campus housing, though some students may qualify to live off campus. These exceptions are: 1. Age 24 or older (by September 1 for the fall semester and February 1 for the spring semester of the academic year they are applying). 2. Plan to live with a parent or legal guardian within Saline or McPherson Counties (form required-find it on eSwede under Student Affairs). 3. Have full or partial custody of a dependent child (as defined by federal regulations). 4. Are currently married (paperwork required). 5. Are a veteran with at least 1 year of active duty service (paperwork required). 6. Have a health concern that makes living in any oncampus housing impossible (paperwork required). 7. Financial based concerns (documentation required).
This will be accomplished through a variety of programs and services offered by various departments within the Division of Student Affairs. In collaboration with strategic constituencies across campus, Student Affairs will play a key role in articulating and celebrating the core identity of the institution by intentionally moving towards establishing a culture in keeping with the college’s core values. This culture will enable all constituencies and stakeholders (faculty, staff, students, and the Lindsborg community itself) to create a united contribution to a uniquely “Bethany” educational experience.
EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENTS Bethany College students are expected to act responsibly. Once they are accepted to Bethany College, students agree to abide by the rules and regulations of the institution. The Student Handbook gives detailed information about these rules and regulations. Failure to abide by the community standards of the college is considered grounds for disciplinary action. The Student Handbook can be found on the Bethany College Website. Additionally, a student who violates a criminal or civil law, which interferes with or adversely affects the college, may be subject to campus disciplinary action as well as civil sanctions.
Application is not a guarantee that you will be granted the opportunity to live off campus. All applications to live off campus during the fall semester must be submitted to the housing office by April 15 for returning students and July 1 (or within 7 days of acceptance to Bethany College) for new students. All applications for the spring semester must be submitted by January 15 for returning and new students (or within 7 days of acceptance for new students). Please email the Housing Coordinator with any questions regarding this process.
STUDENT AFFAIRS OFFICE The programs and services related to student development are administered through the Office of Student Affairs, located in the lower level of Pihlblad Memorial Student Union.
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