Student Life

Office of Student Life 651.638.6300 | bethel.edu/undergrad/student-life

WELCOME TO STUDENT LIFE As student life professionals, our four main goals are to serve students wholeheartedly, to ensure that our work is done with excellence, to model and demonstrate humility, and to do all this with the love of the Lord. The Office of Student Life spearheads many different opportunities and initiatives that impact student experiences at Bethel, including athletics, Bethel Student Government (BSG), Campus Wellbeing, residence life, and more. The student life staff delights in being with students, and we are honored to have the privilege to help them grow intellectually, spiritually, and relationally. We encourage you to read more about the areas that encompass student life, keeping in mind that all of these efforts provide transformational and formational development.

ATHLETICS In striving for competitive excellence, Bethel University Athletics seeks to develop and strengthen the student athletes who have been entrusted to us. The 15 head coaches who lead our 18 sports teams do a tremendous job of team building and are committed to forming a culture that reinforces the core values of our institution. Bethel is part of the Minnesota Independent Athletic Conference (MIAC), which is one of the premier athletic conferences in the NCAA Division III. Thirteen Minnesota institutions make up the MIAC, with six of the schools located in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Our on-campus facilities include a competition gym, field house with 200-meter running track, football stadium with separate practice field, baseball stadium, softball field, soccer complex with a designated team room for the men’s and women’s teams next to the field, six tennis courts, designated locker room space for all 500 of our student athletes, and a state-ofthe-art Wellness Center. Our hockey teams have designated locker rooms 11 miles from campus at the National Sports Center, where we practice and play our home games. All regular season athletic events are free for students. Parents and families are also encouraged to cheer on the Bethel Royals at home and away games.

BETHEL STUDENT GOVERNMENT Bethel Student Government (BSG) offers robust opportunities for students to build community by getting involved on campus. BSG is a student-run organization composed of seven departments. One branch of the government— Student Activities—hosts over 30 low-cost events throughout the year for students. Additionally, BSG sponsors 30+ clubs spanning academics, athletics, and special interest areas. Other BSG initiatives include spiritual development opportunities, intentional programs for commuters and residents, and hundreds of leadership experiences for students. These opportunities help shape students in their growth—allowing them to develop relationships with others and providing insight into the ways God has uniquely gifted them.

CAMPUS WELLBEING At Bethel, we believe student wellbeing is influenced by the dynamic interplay between these dimensions of human functioning: physical, emotional, cognitive, spiritual, relational, and a sense of meaning. The Wellbeing Initiative works collaboratively with Bethel’s Wellness Center, Counseling Center, Health Services, and Christian Formation and Church Relations to provide resources that cultivate health and wellbeing for all Bethel community members. Incoming students will take the academic course entitled Introduction to Wellbeing, which assists them in establishing a framework for understanding and implementing a whole and holy lifestyle.

CULTURAL CONNECTION CENTER The Cultural Connection Center is a Christ-centered multicultural community space in CC317 designed to promote understanding, friendship, and shalom (peace). This space is intended for all students and is dedicated to nurturing a sense of belonging, promoting healthy dialogue about diversity, and providing educational opportunities that strengthen the multicultural fabric of the university.

STUDENT CARE AND CONCERNS The Office of Student Life is committed to helping students succeed in and out of the classroom. Our staff assist students in their personal growth through mentoring conversations, prayer, and encouragement. When student behavior causes concern, we respond in redemptive and restorative ways that help the individual and benefit the community. If your student experiences a difficult issue related to physical or emotional health, concerning behavior, or challenging circumstances, please encourage him or her to seek help by contacting our office or utilizing one of the many other resources, including Christian Formation and Church Relations, Counseling Services, and Health Services.

RESIDENCE LIFE Our mission is to be a home where students grow and thrive in connection with God and others. We are committed to making the residence halls feel like a place where students feel welcomed into the Bethel community, known authentically, and engaged in the vibrant community of campus life. We believe living on-campus is the best way to fully experience college life and we are excited to welcome you home!

WHO WE ARE The Residence Life Leadership Team, made up of two deans and the housing specialist, provides support and direction with housing management and residence life program initiatives. Our eight resident directors (RDs) are full-time professional staff who live in each residence hall and help guide the residential learning experience. Eight student assistant resident directors (ARDs ) assist the RDs in guiding the residence halls. Resident assistants (RAs) are student staff who live and work in the residence halls. There are currently 60 RAs serving across campus.

WHAT WE DO • Host community-building events and programs • Connect students with resources on campus • Create space for students to engage in self-discovery • Deepen your understanding of how to live out your faith in community • Help students learn about healthy interpersonal relationships • Guide students in practical life skills • Lend a listening ear • Answer questions about housing • Help students navigate roommate conflicts