Resources

You've got questions, we've got answers! Check out some of our most commonly asked questions as you prepare to come to Bethel. In order to narrow it down, we've provided a general list of question categories at the left.

If there is a question you have that isn't found there, please don't hesitate to call our Orientation Office at 651.638.6300 (toll-free: 800.255.8706). Or you can send us an email at welcome-week@bethel.edu.

Please be patient as we continue to update this list.

MONEY TECHNOLOGY CAMPUS SERVICES FOOD MISCELLANEOUS

MONEY

Let's be honest, college isn't cheap! Here are some important things you should know as you prepare to come to Bethel. Click here for some money management tips. Below you will find info on how to pay your bills and more.

What do I need to know about Financial Aid?

The Office of University Financial Aid is available to answer any and all questions you might have regarding your aid package. For more information visit the financial aid website at www.bethel.edu/finaid/cas. Fall semester charges for tuition, fees, room, and board are due Tuesday, September 4 (the first day of fall semester). Staff members from the Office of University Financial Aid and the Business Office are available to assist students with last-minute financial questions on level 3 of the Robertson Center (RC) Building, near the gymnasium.

Financial aid staff are available to assist students who need to
-Report a private scholarship (e.g., Dollars for Scholars),
-Apply for an educational loan,
-Submit their signed Financial Aid Response Form, OR
-Apply for financial aid.

If applying for a Perkins, Stafford, or SELF loan, remember to complete a separate loan entrance counseling session for each type of loan you are borrowing before Welcome Week begins. Online loan entrance counseling is available at: www.bethel.edu/finaid/cas/loans/counsel.

How and when do I need to pay my account?

If you have a balance on your student account that will not be paid in full by loans, scholarships, or grants, you must meet with the Business Office to either: Make payment by check/credit card (Visa/MasterCard/American Express) OR set up a monthly payment plan. To avoid standing in lines during Welcome Week, we encourage one of the following:

1. Mail checks to:
Bethel University
Business Office
3900 Bethel Drive
St. Paul, MN 55112

2. Call the Business Office at 651.638.6208 to make a credit card payment over the phone.

3. Go to www.tuitionpayenroll.com to sign up online for a monthly payment plan.

Both the Business Office and Office of University Financial Aid will be open the following hours during Welcome Week:
Wednesday, August 29, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Thursday, August 30, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Friday, August 31, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Monday, September 3, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Is there a cash machine on campus?

Yes! There is one located on the 2nd floor of the HC building next to the vending machines.

How do I pay for meals?

If you have a meal plan, you will swipe your card each time you go through the line in the Dining Center or Market Square. For more on meal plans, go here.

TECHNOLOGY

Interested in bringing a computer to Bethel? The New Student ITS startup guide is a great place to start.

Should I bring a computer to Bethel?

That is entirely up to you. Many students bring a computer with them for convenience, but there are many students who do not. If you're not sure, you can always wait a few weeks after you get here to see if you need one or not. If you don't have a computer, Bethel has a main computer lab, computer classrooms, and computer labs in residential areas. Hours of operation vary depending on the time of year.

What kind of computer should I bring?

Laptop or desktop, Mac or PC--this is a personal preference decision. Laptops allow you the freedom to take notes in class or write papers away from your room or computer lab. Both Macs and PCs work equally well on our system.

How many labs are there and when are they open?

There are two main computer labs as well as numerous computers in the library and other areas of campus. In addition, each residence hall is equipped with between two and four computers and a printer.

Is there wireless access at Bethel?

Yes. The main campus buildings have wireless capabilities and some residence halls do, too. Seminary Village is entirely wireless.

What is my email address?

To get started setting up your BU computer account (if you haven't already done so), visit the ITS for new students website.

CAMPUS SERVICES

There are numerous services offered to students at Bethel. Here are just a few that you might have questions about. For a longer list, check out these helpful links.

What is in the Campus Store?

The university store is located on level one of the Hagstrom Center, near the Post Office, and features a wide assortment of items to purchase. This is where you can buy your books, class supplies, as well as Bethel University clothing. The university store also features many gift items as well as a small convenience area where you can pick up things like toothpaste and deodorant. For more information, visit the Campus Store website. To take advantage of your 10 percent discount on gifts and clothing during Welcome Week, show the cashier your name tag.

What disability services are available?

To request disability-related accommodations or services during Welcome Week, please contact Kathy McGillivray, director of disability services, at 651.635.8759 (toll-free: 800.255.8706, ext. 8759), or email k-mcgillivray@bethel.edu. If possible, please provide at least two weeks' advance notice of the need for disability-related accommodations during Welcome Week. For more information on Bethel's disability services, visit the website at www.bethel.edu/disability.

Disabled/Wheelchair Access
Elevators can be found on both ends of the main campus complex. The elevators on the east side of the complex are located east of Market Square (HC levels 1, 2, and 3) and north of the Office of Security and Safety (RC levels 2, 3, and 4). The elevator on the west side of the complex is located in the northwest corner of the AC building (levels 1, 2, and 3). There is also an elevator in the CC building (levels 1, 2, 3, and 4).

What health services are available on campus?

A variety of medical services including assessment, diagnosis, and treatment are available at the Health Services office on campus located on the lower level of Townhouse H. Consultation with a physician, nurse practitioner, or nurses is available at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Nurses are on site Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Students may visit a physician who is on campus once a week at designated hours. The nurse practitioner is on campus two and one-half days per week. A nurse is on call evenings, nights, and weekends. For more information, visit the Health Services website.

Student Health Insurance
Bethel University Health Services provides on-campus services to enrolled students. Payment for all off-campus medical care due to illness or injury is your responsibility. Bethel does not provide health insurance coverage for you. If you do not have insurance provided under a parental health plan or some other protection plan, you should obtain your own individual health care coverage. Information on optional plans may be obtained from the Office of Student Life. For more information, please call 651.638.6300 or contact Tim Donovan of the David Agency at 612.333.4455 or timd@davidagencyinc.com.

MEDICAL EMERGENCY ON CAMPUS
In a life-threatening emergency, dial 9 (for outside line), then 911. Next, immediately call the Office of Security and Safety at ext. 6055. They will assist the paramedics in locating the emergency. If Health Services is open, you may call them next for support until paramedics arrive.

What counseling services are available?

As a free service to Bethel students, the Counseling Services staff provides counseling for individuals, couples (including roommate situations), and groups. If desired, and workable, we can also meet with a student and his or her family. We also provide consultation on a variety of types of issues related to fullness in living. Students, for example, may meet to discuss concerns about a roommate or family member. For more complete information, visit the Counseling Services website.

Where is the lost and found?

Items may be picked up or deposited in the Telecommunications Office located on the first floor HC building behind the Post Office boxes.

FOOD

Bethel University's Dining Services are provided by Sodexho Campus Services. We offer two distinct options for students to meet their food needs: the Dining Center and Market Square. Click here for more information regarding Sodexho or various meal plan options.

What are my on-campus dining options?

The two areas to buy food on campus (other than the vending machines) are the Dining Center and Market Square. Located on Level 2 of the HC building, the Dining Center features a self-service, all-you-can-eat format with a wide variety of meal selections that changes daily. It's the best bargain on campus! Market Square is a coffee shop atmosphere with grab-n-go sandwiches, soup, salad, pastries, and a grill-to-order option. Located next to the Dining Center, Market Square features a Caribou Coffee and Freshens Smoothies area.

Can I have food in my dorm room?

Of course! The only thing you are not allowed is anything that has an open flame or open burner. No camping stoves!

Is on-campus dining available during Welcome Week for parents?

Yes! Cost is as follows: Breakfast $4.18, Lunch $7.70, Dinner $9.39. Prices include tax. Specific hours for the Dining Center and Market Square are posted at the entrance of each location.

MISCELLANEOUS

What will my address be?

Your Name
Bethel University
3900 Bethel Dr. #PO box
St. Paul, MN 55112

What do I need to know about housing?

For all your housing-related questions (including lofting information), visit the Residence Life for New Students webpage.