Q&A with Alicia Ochs, associate dean for student care

When we say that Bethel’s a place students can belong and become, that goes far beyond being a warm community—it’s providing ways for every student to get involved, deepen their faith, hone their career aspirations, and build lifelong friendships. From start to finish, Royals are supported by expert staff who help them thrive as whole people, even—or especially—when the going gets tough. 

As associate dean for student care, Alicia Ochs is the ultimate campus connector. She leads the care team that works with students facing tough situations—from medical or mental health conditions to academic struggles to the loss of a loved one or other major life changes. We sat down with Ochs to find out what services are available to students and the role families play in students’ success. Here’s what she had to say:

What drew you to student care, and what makes this work meaningful for you?

My background involves a mix of higher education, ministry, and counseling psychology, and I love that student care is such a unique blend of these disciplines. I’m passionate about our students being cared for with a Christ-like love when they experience both the highs and lows that happen during their college years. I’ve been at Bethel for over six years, and I’ve absolutely loved it.

Can you describe your role and how you support students at Bethel?

Sometimes life gets complicated. That’s true for anyone, but especially for young adults who are often living independently for the first time while navigating big life, career, relationship, and identity questions! College really is a perfect storm.

Bethel’s care team is a multidisciplinary group of campus staff who are specifically trained to support students. They might be brought in when a student reaches out about a concern or situation they’re facing, or in response to a referral from faculty or staff who’ve noticed a student might be struggling. We have an intentional follow-up process designed to help students navigate an illness, injury, mental health concern, loss of a loved one, or other difficult circumstance. 

We also provide ways for students to proactively think about and invest in their wellbeing. BeWell at Bethel initiatives encourage the holistic wellbeing and mental health of students. Students can be a part of on-campus events designed to relieve stress and increase awareness around mental health. Some examples include:

• Puppies and Puppy Chow
• Gratitude journaling
• Build-your-own “stress less” kit or planter

We also provide suicide prevention and awareness resources and post helpful resources in residence halls monthly. Our hope is that students learn to recognize when they or a friend might be struggling, understand what’s available to them, and feel empowered to reach out for support through the systems we’ve put in place here.

What resources are available to help students flourish academically, emotionally, and socially?

There are so many amazing resources available on campus! Here’s a brief overview:

Academic support
Almost 50% of students take advantage of our Academic Enrichment and Support Center (AESC, pronounced “Ask Office”). The AESC Office has regular help sessions, academic counseling, a writing center, multilingual learner support, and tutoring services. 

Career exploration
Through the Bethel Career Commitment, every major has intentional touchpoints designed to give students clarity around how they’re gifted and what career pathways God might be calling them to. It’s all designed to give students confidence and excitement about where they’re headed and how their Bethel education is preparing them for the future.

Disability and accessibility services
Our Office of Accessibility Resources and Services (OARS Office) can provide accommodations so all students can learn and have fun on campus. This can include things like sign-language interpretation, exam accommodations, or alternative-format textbooks. 

Faith development
Our week is built around worship experiences like Chapel and Vespers, plus spiritual formation groups and service-learning and missions opportunities. But we also have campus pastors and prayer teams who are available to students for support. 

Health and counseling services
Bethel offers short-term counseling services and health services to help get students healthy and keep them healthy, both inside and out! Free counseling sessions are available to students. Our health services team offers preventive and urgent care, immunizations, physicals, and more.

Social connection
Students have the opportunity to build connections at Bethel through Royal athletics, intramural and club sports, clubs, Student Activities events, involvement in Bethel Student Government, on-campus employment, and our residence halls or commuter network. If a student is having trouble getting connected, they can reach out to our Student Life team, and we’d be happy to help them explore options for getting plugged in!

What would you want families to know about how Bethel cares for students?

Students are incredibly well cared-for at Bethel! Members of our care team reach out to students directly when we become aware of a concern and can provide a listening ear, prayer and encouragement, and practical support like we’ve mentioned above. We’ll also create a follow-up plan so we make sure students continue to get the support they need and that the right staff and loved ones are kept in the loop. 

What are some ways families can encourage their students to take advantage of Bethel’s support network?

• Normalize taking advantage of Bethel’s support network. Collegiate-level work is challenging, and it helps to know that a majority of our students utilize Bethel resources to help them succeed.
• Encourage your student to get involved. This could include going to Chapel or joining a community group, stopping by the “Shack” in their residence hall, attending student activities, becoming a TA for a class they enjoy, or getting an on-campus job. It’s so important for students not to feel isolated as they navigate this new season of life. 
• Encourage your student to check their Bethel email and respond when asked! Faculty and staff communicate important information this way.
• We don’t know what we don’t know! If you suspect your student might be struggling, help connect them to campus resources or my team. They might be overwhelmed.

How do you encourage students to develop the confidence and independence they’ll need beyond college?

We help students to be aware of resources, but it’s up to students to choose how they want to engage with those resources. From counseling to academic support to our career exploration experiences, we’re always thinking about helping students thrive now—but with an eye on creating long-term healthy habits and rhythms so they’ll build resilience and confidence for life. 

Student care goes beyond simply providing services to creating an environment where students are challenged, supported, and ultimately expected to take responsibility for their growth and success in preparation for life after college.

What about our student body are you most encouraged by?

Bethel has amazing students! I have a unique vantage point on campus, and I’m so filled with hope about the good work the Lord is doing in and through the Bethel community and this generation of students. Our students' resiliency, compassion for others, and hearts to serve truly are so inspiring! It’s a privilege to get to walk alongside these young people.

Become a Royal

With countless clubs and organizations, intentional student spaces, and a robust team of staff and faculty looking out for students’ best interests—life at Bethel is fun, fast-paced, Christ-centered, and future-thinking. Here, you’ll develop as a whole person, empowered to propel your life forward to become who you’re called to be. 

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