Section 1 – Arrival and Orientation
Section 3 – Breaks, Vacations, and Visits
Q: What are the nearest airports to Bethany?
Bethany is located about 20 minutes southwest of the Minneapolis/St Paul International airport. There are two terminals, the Lindbergh terminal and the Hubert H Humphrey terminal. For specific directions to and from the airport, please see the Airport, Bus and Train Traveler Directions on our web site.
Most hotels in the area have shuttle service to and from the airport. However, there is no shuttle service to the Bethany campus, except for new students on Arrival Day of Orientation. We encourage enrolled students to car-pool to and from the airport for breaks and vacations.
Q: Can I stay on campus when I bring my student for Orientation?
There are no guest rooms available over Orientation and family members are not allowed to stay in the dorms during this time. A listing of local hotels is available on our web site.
Q: What are my student’s phone number and mailing address?
Your student’s mailing address is as follows:
Student’s Name
Bethany College of Missions
6820 Auto Club Rd, Suite A (not Suite C, which was used in the Admissions process)
Bloomington, MN 55438
Your student’s residence will have one public phone; the number will given to the student upon arrival for Orientation. Once the student completes Orientation we would suggest you ask them for the following phone numbers:
• Their direct number in their dorm
• Their mentor’s number (to use in emergencies in the evenings or on weekends)
• Their direct number during Practical Training; or if the student is not at a phone during P.T., their Supervisor’s direct number
Q: Who should I contact in case of a crisis?
You should contact your student’s mentor in the event of an emergency. If you are unable to contact the mentor, you can contact the Dean of Men or Dean of Women.
You can also reach the student by calling the Welcome Center during business hours (8 am – 5 pm CST Monday – Friday) at 952-944-2121. If your student is in class a note can be put in their box that you called. If your student is on their Practical Training assignment, they can sometimes be paged or called directly, but otherwise, a note will be put in their box.
Q: What telephone service is available on campus?
There is a campus phone available for each cell group in the dorms. This is provided as part of the campus housing at no additional fee, and is mainly for local and on-campus usage. Long-distance calls can be made on this phone using a calling card. Most students have cell phones; however, we recommend sending a pre-paid calling card with your student as well.
Q: What internet or e-mail service is available on campus?
We use an e-mail system called, World Client. Each student receives a BCOM e-mail account during Orientation.
Your student’s address is as follows: firstname.lastname@bcom.org
However, because it will not become active until Orientation, your early e-mails may bounce back to you.
Wireless internet is available in many locations on campus, including most dorm buildings, the prayer room, and the student lounge areas. It is not completely reliable, however, and students may wish to maintain an account with an internet server as well. Students can access the internet through phone jacks in each room of the dorms.
Q: Should my student bring a computer?
We would recommend that students bring a computer, though it is not required. There are some computers available in the Student Lounge; however, they are not always available and internet access can be unreliable. It is preferable that students have their own computer. A laptop is not necessary, but is very handy for class and for Global Internship.
Q: Can I ship my student’s belongings in advance?
Yes. Please mark the box as follows:
Name of Student
(enrolling Fall 2007)
Bethany College of Missions
6820 Auto Club Rd, Suite A (not Suite C, which was used in the Admissions process)
Bloomington, MN 55438
Boxes which arrive early will be stored for the student, and a note advising them of the shipment will be posted at the Welcome Center. Arrangements for pick-up can be made through the Welcome Center.
Q: What orientation sessions are open to parents?
Please see our Arrival Day Schedule for a listing of activities for parents and other family members.
Q: Where can we purchase items for the dorm room once we arrive?
A listing of local shopping is available on our web site and is included in the student’s Orientation materials.
Q: What churches are near the campus?
There is a church on our campus – Bethany Church. The majority of students attend this church. However, students are free to attend any church they might choose. A listing of local churches is available on our web site.
Q: Should my student plan to bring a car?
If the student anticipates the need to work, we would recommend bringing a car. If not, a vehicle would be a nice convenience, but not a necessity. Students planning to bring a car need to reserve parking in advance with the Admissions Office – a form is sent in a final mailing approximately one month prior to enrollment. Parking is assigned on a first come-first served basis.
Q: How will my student be able to get around without a car?
A number of students have cars on campus and are willing to car-pool or loan their vehicles out. There is also bus service available from the Minnesota Masonic Home, approximately one mile from the campus. The light rail, which provides service into downtown Minneapolis, can be boarded at the Mall of America and at the airport. If a student needs to get someplace and is unable to arrange transportation they should consult their mentor, who will assist them in getting to their appointment.
Q: What is Bethany’s dress code?
The purpose of our dress code is to foster a professional and respectful environment. Students’, grooming and personal hygiene should show concern for modesty and not draw undue attention to themselves. While there may be no biblically definable style of dress, there certainly are biblical standards that influence the way we dress. These would include:
• The desire to glorify God in all things (1 Cor. 10:31-32a)
• A concern for the feelings and sensitivities of others (1 Cor. 10:32)
• Walking out in practical ways what it means to put off one's old way of life. (Eph. 4:22-24)
• A refusal to be shaped by the value systems of this world (Rom. 12:2)
• A desire to act in ways that reflect maturity (2 Tim 2:2)
For specific details regarding the dress code, please contact the Admissions Office, or see the Student Handbook (given to students during Orientation).
Q: Are there health services available on campus?
No. However there are several after-hours clinics and a hospital within close driving distance. Mentors have been instructed as to how to handle medical emergencies and can assist students if they need to go to an after-hours clinic.
Q: What items should my student bring/not bring to campus?
See the What to Bring listing on our web site.
Q: What alternatives are provided if my student needs to miss a meal?
Students have access to kitchen facilities in nearly every dorm, and there is a student kitchen available in the Administration building. There is storage space for dry groceries and refrigerated items in most dorms as well. There is grocery store within 5 miles of the campus, and a number of convenience stores and fast-food restaurants within 3 miles.
Q: What are Bethany’s School Fees and Housing and Meal Costs?
Please see the Financial Information on our web site.
Q: What are the different methods of payment?
We are able to receipt checks, money orders, and cash payments. We cannot receipt credit card payments. Please see the Financial Information and Financial FAQs for more detailed information about finances and payments.
Q: How can I find out about financial aid?
We are non-accredited, which means that we have the maximum amount of freedom in our curriculum development, credit distribution, faculty credentials etc. However, the federal government does not grant financial aid to students attending non-accredited schools.
We have a number of discounts available to students who qualify based on set criteria. The maximum allowable discount is $1,000 for the year. Any combination of discounts can be used to meet the maximum. The list of discounts for and their criteria came in your student’s acceptance packet and is also on our web site.
Please note: the discounts listed are not automatic. If your student wishes to avail of a discount they must fill out the Discount Application Form (also included in your acceptance packet and on line) and turn it in by the stated deadline.
Q: Are payment plans available?
Students pay their fees one term at a time, approximately 1 month prior to the start of each term. No other payment plans are available. However, if extenuating circumstances exist, please contact the Admissions office to discuss your situation. Please see the Financial Information and Financial FAQs for more detailed information about finances and payments.
Q: How much spending money will my student need?
The student’s basic needs will be met through the fees paid at the start of each term (housing, meals, and schooling costs). However you will want to prepare for a few additional expenses:
• Books – can range from $15 - $30 per course
• Laundry – the machines can be used free of charge, but students need to provide their own detergent
• Car expenses - $100 per term for parking, and repairs, insurance, registration etc.
• Insurance – students must maintain minimal medical coverage throughout their enrollment
• Spending money
Q: My insurance company won't insure students in non-accredited schools. What should I do?
Some insurance companies will not insure students who are enrolled in a non-accredited institution. There are several points you may wish to discuss with your insurance agent or human resources director:
1) Bethany has a formal, written agreement of transfer with Crown College, in St. Bonifacius, MN. Crown is an accredited college. We also have many such arrangements on an informal level with a number of other accredited schools, such as Columbia International University and Liberty University. Sometimes a non-accredited school is granted some privileges of accreditation under the “umbrella” of such arrangements with accredited organizations.
2) We do have access to a very reasonable medical coverage plan, called the Parkway Plan - only $264 for the year! It is limited in scope (no hospitalization coverage, for instance; it covers everything that can be done in the Parkway Family Physicians doctor's office), but coupling this plan with a high deductible insurance for the bigger ticket items has worked really well for a number of students. Contact the Admissions Office for a brochure or visit the website at www.parkwayfamilyphysicians.com. Parkway is what most un-insured students go with.
3) You can also contact our insurance broker for good insurance options. These fellows are Christian businessmen and have been a big help to us in navigating the insurance world.
Jeff and Doug Gulleson
Good Neighbor Insurance
620 S. Winthrop St.
Gilbert, AZ 85296
866-636-9100
jeff@gninsurance.com
doug@gninsurance.com
www.missionaryinsurance.org
Q: How often can/should my student come home?
It is really important that new students connect well with their peers and get acclimated to life on campus early in their school experience. Therefore, even if you live close by, we advise you to encourage your student to stay on campus over the weekends (other than local church attendance) for the first couple of months of enrollment.
After that, it should be no problem for students to visit and hopefully bring friends home with them. Most local students visit home frequently (usually one or two weekends per month) and we would encourage them to continue attending their home church if at all possible.
If home is not within driving distance the frequency of visits usually depends on whether the student can afford plane or bus tickets. We encourage students to visit home as often as they can afford, especially over the longer breaks.
Q: When are Bethany’s vacations?
Please see our Academic Calendar.
Q: When should I make travel arrangements for my student to come home for breaks and vacations?
Please refer to our Academic Calendar for specific holiday dates. Take special note not only of the break start date, but also the return date, as students will be penalized for missing requirements before and after school breaks. Please do not book tickets until your student has enrolled and is engaged in the program, in order to get a better picture of what their individual schedule requires.
For instance, it should be noted that students are required to fulfill their Practical Training commitment on the day before a break begins. You will need to check with your student in advance to see what their Practical Training schedule will be that day before booking flights, as some students may be on an evening shift. Whenever purchasing tickets be sure to give your student enough time to get to the airport and go through security as well.
Q: Can students stay in the dorms during breaks and vacation?
Yes. Students need to make these arrangements with their mentor in advance of the break (preferably two weeks). In order to cover the housing and meal costs over breaks students are required to work in a department on campus for a minimum of 30 hours per week. These arrangements can be made through the mentor.
Q: Can I visit my student?
You are welcome to visit your student anytime that works within their schedule – we would recommend that one visit per month is a good maximum. Please don’t surprise them with a visit. It sounds like fun, but it can put stress on your student if they are unable to plan their homework etc. in advance. Be aware that the student schedule is very full and students have a number of time commitments and obligations outside of their class and Practical Training times. It may not be possible for your student to arrange time off of the normal schedule during your visit. However, if you are flexible, you can still arrange valuable time to connect with your student.
Q: Where can I stay when I come for a visit?
Students may be able to book a guest room for your visit, and they can inform you about the limits on the usage of the guest rooms and the costs. If you are interested in booking a room, instruct your student to contact the Services Secretary at least two weeks in advance to make those arrangements.
Students may also be able to host you in the dorms, but this is contingent upon the approval of the mentor and roommate, in order not to impose upon the permanent residents of the dorm. There is also a limit as to the number of days a guest may stay in the dorms with a student. Your student’s mentor can provide this information to your student.
You may also wish to look at the listing of local hotels we provide on our web site.
You are welcome to purchase meals in our cafeteria anytime during your visit.
Q: Will I receive a copy of my student’s grades?
No. Grade reports are given directly to students. If you wish to receive a copy of your student’s grade report, please contact the Registrar to make those arrangements.
Q: Can students stay in the dorms during the Interim Term (B.A. students only)?
Possibly. It depends on whether dorm space is available. Students who anticipate that they will need to stay on campus during Interim should discuss this with their mentor as soon as possible.
Q: Can my student store personal items on campus during the Interim term and Global Internship (B.A. Students only)?
Yes. Each Global Intern is given a small amount of storage space on campus to use for personal items. The space measures approximately 6’ x 6’. All items must be marked and are the intern’s responsibility to remove either upon graduation or early withdrawal.
Q: What happens if my student decides to withdraw or transfer to another school?
If a student is thinking of withdrawing from school, they need to talk first with their mentor, who will counsel them and instruct them in the proper procedure to follow.
An additional meeting with the Dean of Men or Dean of Women may be required depending on the circumstances of the withdrawal. We encourage students to remain in school through the end of their current term in order for them to earn full credit for the term and to make the most of their school fees, since they are non-refundable.
Students transferring to another school may request a transcript from our Registrar.
Q: What career service help does Bethany offer to students?
Throughout a student’s program at Bethany, we utilize different tools to help them assess and evaluate what future career choices might be right for them.
For those who want to be placed in a long-term missionary assignment, Bethany International Ministries (BIM) is a natural fit for many students. BIM is located right on our campus, and is happy to work with students in finding a career missionary assignment within the organization. Individuals are welcome to apply to BIM and join an existing team in one of more than 25 countries, or possibly start a new work.
Most graduating classes also have a mission team that develops from within the class, and so far those teams have all chosen to go out with Bethany to different parts of the world.
We also have relationships with many denominational and para-church mission organizations and will assist seniors in connecting with those groups upon request. We are very happy to assist graduates going to the mission field with any Christian organization.
