While students and faculty are away for the summer, Bethel College is alive with activity. A number of campus improvements are currently underway, largely funded by gifts from friends of the college. Most of these projects are slated for completion by late August, when classes resume.

An estimated $100,000 renovation that will transform the former computer lab in the Miller-Moore Academic Center to the new Learning Commons is in process. Designed to be a one-stop shop for academic and technological support for students, this collaborative study space will house amenities like: desktop and laptop computer rental, a casual seating area, laptop bar, small study group rooms, work stations with tables and chairs, a student-oriented conference room and individual and two person carrels that can be reserved to work with a tutor.

As part of the Learning Commons project, the Center for Academic Success (CAS) is being moved  to the lower level of the Academic Center next to the Learning Commons. This will not only make the center more accessible to students; it will also make it ADA compliant.

Benton House is being transformed from a residential to a commercial property, with a number of improvements being done to make it ADA compliant. The former residential space will become the Student Media Center this fall with offices for the Beacon, Helm, Pilot Radio and Bethel Prime Time. As part of the renovation, new sidewalks, irrigation and landscaping are being installed, as well as new roofing. A new roof will also be installed on the Wellness Center building.

Other campus improvement projects include:

  • Remodeling in the Huffman Administration Building, with updated electrical work, renovation in the president’s office and infrastructure updates.
  • Renovations in the Acorn to better serve our students.
  • The installation of new sound and lighting equipment in Everest-Rohrer Chapel/Fine Arts Center, Auditorium, a $25,000 donor-funded project.
  • A new $100,000 chiller installed in the Wiekamp Athletic Center.
  • A 6-ft. fire pit at Logan Village, offering students an outdoor space to gather.
  • A new fence around the north side of Morey Soccer Field.
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