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.
Are you considering a Host Family?
Many students find that they build excellent, lasting relationships with their host families that can
last a lifetime! By starting your student application process, you’re opening the door to a warm
family away from home that will cheer you on throughout your journey, even after you graduate!
Become a Host Family
Being a host family can be such a rewarding experience! There’s no need for host families to
provide accommodations, as students are typically responsible for their own housing
arrangements. Many families choose to offer transportation to help students get around,
especially since a lot of them may not have a car. It’s also good to know that host families aren’t
required to handle any financial, academic, or job-related responsibilities. By joining this
program, you can help create a nurturing home away from home for students, allowing them to
feel supported by someone who truly values Bethel, its cherished traditions, and the
achievements of its students.
The Student Life Department welcomes inquiries from individuals interested in participating in
the Host Family Program, which aims to provide accommodations for students from out of state.
Please contact Camryn Harrison via email at charrison@bethelks.edu or call (316) 284-5338.
Background Check Authorizations for Host Families
Bethel College has instituted background checks as a component of the Host Family program
for this academic year. We are providing you with comprehensive information regarding this
initiative. You will not be charged, as Bethel College covers the expense for this service. Each
host family is required to complete a background check authorization form, sign it physically,
and submit it to the Student Life Office at Bethel.
The results take 2-5 days to return, and they include the following information:
- County Criminal (includes counties in which the individual has lived 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).
Statement Regarding Sexual Harassment & Mandated Reporting
Bethel College affirms its commitment to promoting 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:
Camryn Harrison: First-Year Residential Programs Coordinator
(316) 284-5338 (ext.338), charrison@bethelks.edu
Janet Fulmer, Director 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 exempt from
mandatory reporting obligations to the Title IX Coordinator. The resources are free and include
both internal and external options.
- Student Wellness Counselor: studentwellnesscounselor@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 online.rainn.org (for students and community members)