Celebrating the
Class of 2020
—Ross Allen
Bethel President
What to Expect
Online commencement ceremonies will run about 30 minutes and will air through Bethel’s accounts on Facebook Live and YouTube. The ceremony will include a word from President Ross Allen, a message from the Rev. Rufus Smith, a student and faculty reflection, the conferral of degrees, and the reading of each graduate’s name.
Follow these links to find the dates and times of your ceremony:
Celebrate with your peers following the online commencement ceremony. Your department or program will host a special gathering with your peers and faculty over Zoom. Follow the links above to access a Zoom link for your gathering.
Engage with the Class of 2020
Whether you’re a graduate, a relative, or a bethel alumnus, we encourage you to engage with the class over 2020 over social media.
Graduates, tune in 15 minutes early to the commencement feeds to see messages from your classmates. On the day of the celebration, share photos and insights on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter—and don't forget to tag Bethel!
Parents, relatives, and alumni, we would love for you to share messages of encouragement for graduating students—make sure to tag Bethel and use the hashtag #bethelgrad—on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter on commencement day!
The Class of 2020
This winter, students are graduating from the College of Arts & Sciences, Graduate School, and College of Adult & Professional Studies. Counting both spring and winter commencement, about 1,000 students graduated this fiscal year from all Bethel's schools.
About the 2020 Winter Graduates
College of Arts & Science- 60% of graduates are female
- The oldest graduate is 41
- Graduates are from five states (including Minnesota)
- Top Programs: Business, Education, Psychology
- 75% of graduates are female
- The oldest graduate is 55
- Graduates are from five states (including Minnesota)
- Top Programs: Business Management, B.S.N. Nursing, Organizational Leadership
- 76% of graduates are female
- The oldest graduate is 57
- Graduates are from nine states (including MN)
- Top Programs: Physician Assistant, Special Education, Teaching
FAQs for December Commencement
Q: Can I share the link for the online December ceremony with my family and friends?
A: Absolutely. In fact, we encourage it! We want your family and friends to hear your name read and see it on the screen. This is the big moment you’ve been working toward!
Q: Is the online December ceremony interactive?
A: The ceremony is not dual streamed nor is it a video conference. However, the virtual gathering after the ceremony is an interactive video conference.
Q: What’s the virtual gathering after the online ceremony?
A: This is an opportunity for you to visit with peers and faculty from your department or program. It will be hosted by a faculty member from your area.
Q: Will I receive my cap and gown? What if I earned honor cords?
A: All CAPS and GS graduates will receive a diploma cover, graduation cap, and tassel—plus honor cords if earned—by mail. These items will be sent to their permanent address on file. On December 13, CAS graduates will have the opportunity to pick up their graduation items in the Brushaber Commons Atrium during a 7-8:30 p.m. open house.
Q: When will I receive my actual diploma?
A: When you have met all academic requirements and financial obligations to the university, the registrar will post your degree to your transcript (typically in January) and then mail your diploma to your permanent address. Allow four weeks for mailing after your degree is posted.
Q: How can I access and share my ceremony video after December 18?
A: Both the CAS and CAPS/GS ceremony videos will remain posted on Bethel's Facebook and YouTube accounts. If they don't appear at the top of the page, just scroll down to search.
About Us
Bethel University has been a leader in Christ-centered higher education since 1871. For generations, our combination of evangelical faith with top-ranked academics has prepared women and men for excellence in leadership, scholarship, and service.
With more than 100 academic programs serving undergraduate, graduate, and seminary students, we’re one of the most comprehensive interdenominational Christian universities in the nation. Our committed faculty are passionate about integrating faith and learning—equipping students to tackle the world’s most challenging problems, for God’s glory and our neighbors’ good.
