University FAQs
Below are answers to frequently asked questions about Bethel’s transition from college to university. If you have a question that does not appear on this list, please email IA@BethelUniversity.edu.
What was the process for making this decision?
The name change was discussed more than 15 years ago by the Board of Trustees, and in January 2018 they again talked about whether the time was right to make the change. The discussion was prompted by a recognition of who we are today, not whom we hope we will be in the future. Compared to the Bethel of 1947, our enrollment now includes graduate students (one in eight), online students (one in 10) and a more internationally focused student body (one in 12 born outside the United States.) Also, when you look at peer institutions across the country, “University” is the category in which we fit.
Is Bethel changing its mission or vision?
No. Although our student composition has changed since we opened our doors, one thing that hasn’t changed in the past 71 years is our mission. Bethel remains steadfast in its vision and commitment to provide a Christ-centered education that equips leaders to make a Kingdom impact in the church and the world. Our name will change, but our mission will not.
How was the name Bethel University chosen?
Over the past few months, several name options were discussed. This included forums with faculty and staff, and a survey to about 20,000 alumni, students, friends and donors asking for feedback. The survey was conducted by an outside, independent firm, and the results were presented to the Board of Trustees as they considered their final vote on the name. The chosen name received the support of a large majority of those surveyed.
Isn’t there another institution with this same name?
Bethel is not a unique name in the world of higher education, with two additional Bethel Colleges (in Kansas and Virginia) and two additional Bethel Universities (in Minnesota and Tennessee). Just as we stood apart from the other institutions as Bethel College, we will continue to do so as Bethel University. Our target audience will continue to identify with our unique mission as they have in the past.
What is the difference between a college and a university?
Throughout most of the world, “college” indicates a community college, vocational school, trade school, or high school, while “university” is typically used to describe an institution that provides bachelor’s and master’s degrees. There are no official guidelines that say we must be one or the other.
When will the change officially happen?
We will begin operating as Bethel University on May 6, 2019. We will celebrate the final Bethel College graduating class at commencement on May 4, 2019, and then formally begin using the new name, logo and seal. You may begin seeing the new marks as early as this fall, as we build excitement for the name change through giveaways and announcements.
Will current students graduate from Bethel College or Bethel University?
The class graduating in May 2019 will be the last to receive diplomas from Bethel College. After May 2019, all diplomas will say Bethel University. However, anyone who graduates after May 2019 who would like to have their diploma read Bethel College may surrender their Bethel University diploma and be issued a Bethel College diploma for a $10 fee. There will be a limited supply of replacement Bethel College diplomas and requests will be granted as long as supplies last.
Can alumni get new diplomas that say Bethel University?
Alumni, including the class of 2019, can surrender their Bethel College diploma and order, at cost, a new Bethel University diploma. More information will be available after May 6, 2019, on how alumni can order a new diploma.
Should alumni use Bethel College or Bethel University on their résumé, LinkedIn profile, etc.?
Both names are equally credible and valid, but for alumni who graduated while the institution was operating as Bethel College, it would be common practice to list your degree as “Bethel University (formerly Bethel College)” beginning May 6, 2019.
Will this affect the amount of scholarship or grant money available to students?
The name change will not increase or decrease the amount of financial aid assistance available to students.
Will Bethel's logo change? What about Bethel's colors and mascot?
We are working with an outside marketing firm to update Bethel’s logo and seal. The mascot and our blue and white colors will NOT change.
Will the website URL and email addresses change?
Yes, after May 6, 2019, we will have a new URL and new email addresses for all faculty, staff and students. The current URL and email addresses will redirect to the new ones for an extended period of time.
How will this affect athletics, as well as campus signage?
Most athletic marks will not be affected, because they say “Bethel” or “Bethel Pilots.” Uniforms, signs or other items that use the “BC” logo will be updated to a new “BU” logo, and anything that says “Bethel College” (for example, the athletic park sign) will also be updated. Many campus signs will be updated to say “Bethel University” prior to this year’s commencement ceremony – you will likely start seeing changes late in the spring semester. A campus signage audit was conducted prior to the Board of Trustee decision about the name change, in order to account for the cost of making these changes, which will be entirely covered by donations.
When can I get new Bethel University items from the Campus Store?
New items will be for sale at the Campus Store after commencement on May 4, 2019. However, you may begin to see new Bethel University giveaway items this winter.
Will the name change affect Bethel’s rankings in publications such as U.S. News, Washington Monthly, etc.?
No. These rankings are based on institutional factors not related to our name, such as number of students, number and type of programs, graduation rate, retention rate, etc. In fact, Bethel already appears on many lists next to other universities, and is designated by U.S. News to appear on the “Best Regional Universities” list.
When I request a transcript, will it say Bethel College or Bethel University?
Because a transcript is an official academic record, it will show the current name of the institution. However, the backside transcript key will note that, “Prior to May 6, 2019, Bethel University was known as Bethel College.”
What other developments are happening at Bethel?
The past year has brought many exciting things for Bethel, including the second largest estate gift in history, the newly renovated Kelly Auditorium (formerly the Octorium), our first endowed professorship, the launch of a new website, a new student album release from HCM Records and the hiring of coaches for our new bowling team and swimming and diving teams. This fall, we will break ground on the Jean and Van Gates Visitor’s Center. We recently received a number of impressive rankings including: No.29 on the U.S. News list of the “Midwest’s Best Regional Universities;” No. 16 on the U.S. News list of “Best Undergraduate Teaching – Regional Universities Midwest;” No. 7 in the Midwest on the Washington Monthly list of “Best Bang for the Buck Colleges;” No. 66 in the nation on the Washington Monthly list of “Top Master’s Universities;” named to Money Magazine’s “Best Colleges in America” list; one of 10 Indiana colleges to be recognized as a 2018 College of Distinction, and one of 72 schools in the nation to be named a Christian College of Distinction.