Bethel recognizes the importance of matching students with a family with whom they are comfortable. Students at Bethel College benefit greatly from the Host Family program. Our host families are members of the Bethel College community interested in learning more about Bethel College’s multicultural students, international students, and students whose homes are outside Kansas.
Do you want a Host Family?
Many students develop long-lasting relationships with their host families that last a lifetime. Start a student application process. By enrolling, you have a family away from home that will support you along the journey, even after you graduate.
Become a Host Family
There is no requirement for host families to offer homestays; students arrange their housing. Families often provide transportation to and from places since many students don’t have a car. Host families are not responsible for financial, academic, or employment obligations. Joining the program allows students to gain a home away from home and have the opportunity to be supported by someone who cares about Bethel, the traditions held, and the success of students.
Student Life would love to hear from you if you are interested in joining the Host Family Program and providing homes for students out-of-state. Email Camryn Harrison in the student life at charrison@bethelks.edu or call (316)284-5338. You can also complete the Host Family Application online.
Background Check Authorizations for Host Families
Bethel College is implementing background checks as a part of the Host Family program this year and we wanted to share as much information as possible with you. There is no cost to you. Bethel pays for this service. Each host family would complete a background check authorization form, physically sign and turn it into the Student Life Office at Bethel.
The results take 2-5 days to return and they include the following information:
- County Criminal (includes counties that the individual has lived in for the past 5 years).
- Nationwide Record Indicator with SOI (nationwide database used to identify potential search locations at the county level or within the National Sex Offender Registry).
- Residency History (current and previous residencies).
You may download the form here.
Statement Regarding Sexual Harassment & Mandated Reporting
Bethel College affirms its commitment to the promotion of fairness and equity in all aspects of the educational enterprise. Harassment and discrimination—including sex/gender discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, gender-based violence, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, and retaliation —not only disrupt this commitment, but may also violate College policy and federal, state, and/or local law. Bethel strongly affirms a zero tolerance approach for any infraction of sexual harassment and discrimination.
Bethel College prohibits harassment and discrimination and addresses reported incidents through the Equal Opportunity, Harassment, & Non-Discrimination Policy and Procedures, and, if desired by the individual who has experienced or is experiencing such behavior, through assistance in pursuing the criminal investigation and prosecution of alleged offenders (as applicable).
Should a student confide in you, as their host family, that they have experienced or are experiencing behavior that is coercive, discriminatory, harassing, and/or sexually violent in nature, or if you or someone you know has questions about their rights and options regarding such behavior, you are encouraged to contact:
- Janet Fulmer, Dir. of Human Resources & Compliance, Title IX Coordinator: (316) 284-5248 (ext. 248), titleixcoordinator@bethelks.edu.
- North Newton Police Department – Emergency – 9-1-1, Non-Emergency – (316) 283-3191, 2601 N. Main, North Newton, KS 67117, nnpd@northnewton.org, 24/7.
Should a student confide in you their desire to discuss such matters confidentially, you are invited to share the resources below. These resources are confidential and exempted from mandatory reporting obligations to the Title IX Coordinator. The resources are free and include both internal and external options.
- Jill Hoopes, Director of Student Wellness: (316) 284-5326, jhoopes@bethelks.edu (for students)
- Michael Unruh, Campus Pastor: (316) 284-5318 munruh@bethelks.edu (for students)
- Safehope 24-hour hotline: (316) 283-0350 (for students and community members)
- Prairie View Mental Health 24-hour hotline: 1-800-362-0180 (for students and community members)
- The National Sexual Assault Hotline–24-hour hotline: (800) 656-HOPE (4673) or visit at online.rainn.org (for students and community members)
A PDF version of the sexual harassment policy is available here.