BethelParent A newsletter for parents of Bethel University students
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Issue 51/Spring 2011
Just Jay Get a new perspective on the latest ideas about Bethel, higher education, theology, and much more by reading the blog of President Jay Barnes. “Just Jay” reflects Barnes’ thoughts on topics as emotionally charged as same-sex attraction and as everyday as the Bethel late-night breakfast tradition. A recent post discussed the many financial strains faced by institutions of higher education in the current economy, as well as Bethel’s own approach to strategic planning in tough economic times. “Our first order of business has been to solidify our financial base,” says Barnes. “There may be hard choices ahead, but a solid base allows us to plan with confidence.” Bethel’s strategic plan tries to answer five key questions: 1. In what ways will we stand out from the 4,000+ universities and 250+ accredited seminaries in North America? (Strengthen distinctiveness) 2. How will a Bethel education connect with what God is doing in the world and help graduates serve in the world? (Commit to global engagement) 3. Does it matter that Bethel reflects the cultural, racial, and ethnic diversity in the Christian church and the broader world? (Commit to diversity) 4. Should Bethel’s education focus on existing locations and populations or reach more broadly? (Extend reach and reputation) 5. How will we strengthen our key resources – people, facilities, finances? (Strengthen human, financial, and facility resources). Barnes’ conclusion? “Challenging times–yes! A vital mission–absolutely! I pray for Bethel what I pray for our students– that we will exceed what is expected of us with God’s help.”
Check out the Just Jay blog at bethel.edu/president/blog. n
Keep Us Up to Date! Have you recently moved or changed your email address or phone number? Keep us up to date at bethel.edu/parents, where you can make changes to your contact information. We want to stay in touch with you!
Spring Banquet Needs Parent Volunteers Each May, before final exams begin, the entire student body gathers for the All-School Spring Banquet, a meaningful tradition that celebrates the completion of the school year and the beginning of summer break. Parent volunteers play an important role in this special event, and we need your help! This year’s banquet will be held May 14. We ask parent volunteers to help with set-up, serving, and clean-up, all while enjoying the company of other parents and interacting with the many students celebrating a successful year. When the dishes are cleared, we invite you to sit down and enjoy dinner as our guests. We need volunteers for the following shifts: • 24 parents to arrive at 5:30 p.m. • 44 parents to arrive at 6:15 p.m. • 80 parents to arrive at 6:40 p.m. Clean-up should be complete by 8:30-8:45 p.m. If you are able to stay a bit longer to take down tables and chairs, your help would be greatly appreciated.
If you are interested in volunteering at the 2011 All-School Spring Banquet, sign up at bethel.edu/parents. n
Summer Jobs and Internships In an uncertain economy, it is more important than ever for students to be proactive in seeking summer employment and internships. Encourage your student to use the resources of Bethel’s Office of Career Services to start that summer job search now. The Office of Career Services welcomes students’ inquiries and offers individualized assistance by qualified and caring career counselors. Here’s what students can do now to maximize their chances of landing a summer position: • Begin to consider the type of summer employment/ internship that will help to develop the skills necessary for your future career. • Build relationships with alumni and professionals who work in your area of interest. Ask them to discuss their personal career paths, and to share their advice for current college students looking to work in their field. Research shows that building relationships (networking) is the best job search strategy. • Narrow down your areas of interest and begin to prepare your resume and cover letter. • Meet with a Career Services counselor to review your resume and cover letter. He or she can also help you hone your interviewing skills. “One of the great benefits of summer employment is the opportunity for a student to explore a career field or organization prior to entering the work world,” says Tali Sanderson, career specialist in Bethel’s Office of Career Services. “This experience can help to clarify one’s interests and develop the skills necessary for a future career. It also provides the opportunity to build relationships with professionals, ask questions, and seek advice. This often leads to a job offer. “Employers contact Career Services every day and ask how they can post their positions for students and alumni,” Sanderson continues. “We strongly encourage students to register for our free Online Career Center and to make an appointment for individualized assistance by calling 651.638.6460.” Register for Career Services’ free Online Career Center at bethel.edu/ career-services/alumni/ online-career-center. n
Expanded On-Campus Health Care Offers Cost Savings and Peace of Mind Do you ever worry about your student’s health care while they’re away at college? Has your student ever had to leave campus to seek health care? Beginning this fall, expanded on-campus health care options can help ease your mind and offer convenient services to your child. A full-time nurse practitioner will be available in Health Services from 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Friday, to help with your student’s health care needs. “As our student body has grown, we’ve seen an increasing need for on-campus health care options, and we’re excited to be able to offer more services to our students,” says Liz Miller, Bethel’s Director of Health Services. A $50/semester fee will include many health care services, including: • Unlimited visits to Health Services with no copayment; • Diagnostic testing such as strep and mono tests, urinalysis, and blood glucose screening; • Reduced costs for other tests and procedures such as labs, suturing, and wart treatment; • Care for mental health conditions that are within the scope of Health Services; • Management of health and immunization records; and • Reduced costs of some medicines, including over-the- counter and prescription medications. As an introduction, these services will be offered for free for fall semester, with the fee beginning in spring semester. “For many students, the semester fee will be less than they currently spend on copayments and deductibles, and the services will be more convenient than having to go off campus,” says Miller. Do you have any questions about what Bethel’s Health Services provides? You can call Bethel’s Health Services at 651.638.6215. Stay Connected with n
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Welcoming Your Student Home for Summer The long-awaited summer break is almost here! Along with the joy of reconnecting with hometown family and friends, your student may experience some
unexpected pangs of homesickness for the freedoms and friendships of college life. And parents will need to make some readjustments too! Here are some ways you can make summertime with your student a great experience for the whole family: 1. Communicate. As soon as your student moves home (or even before), have an open and honest discussion about key topics like curfew, household chores, summer job/finances, use of the car, and hosting or visiting friends. 2. Be flexible. Students are accustomed to the freedom of living on their own. Don’t try to force them back into the same set of rules they had before they left for college. Negotiate new expectations based on their more independent status while still maintaining limits that enable all family members to coexist. 3. Develop a new kind of relationship. Your student is becoming an adult, and is looking to you to recognize and support this new status even as they adjust to it too. Listen to their opinions and ideas and offer some give and take as you make decisions this summer. 4. Be accepting. Your student may be trying on different personas as he or she grows into an adult, so don’t be too quick to criticize clothing, hair, or friends. Remember that they were making these choices on their own while they were at college. 5. Be intentional. You only have a few short months before your student moves out again. Plan a family trip, a weekend excursion, or a few backyard picnics before the schedule gets too crowded. Make their time at home memorable and special for all of you. n
Mark Your Calendar! Easter Break (no classes) April 22-25 Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Jersey Lily • Bethel Theatre April 28-May 1, May 4-7 Jazz in the Great Hall • Benson Great Hall April 29 Handbell Ensemble and Male Chorus • Benson Great Hall May 1 Classics in the Great Hall • Benson Great Hall May 6 All-School Spring Banquet May 14 Wind Symphony “Bon Voyage” Concert • Benson Great Hall May 15 Final Exams May 16-20 Commencement May 21 Homecoming Sept. 30-Oct. 2 Family Weekend Oct. 21-23
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