Campus Visitor Policy

Bethel University's employees and/or students who invite visitors to campus are considered “hosts” and are responsible for ensuring visitors adhere to expectations, including guidance on conduct, community behaviors, gatherings, meetings and events.

Bethel University's community members have made a commitment to live according to standards described in the Covenant for Life Together. While we recognize that visitors have not made these personal commitments, Bethel's properties and off-campus gatherings are considered drug, alcohol, tobacco, and weapon free. Visitors are thereby prohibited from:

• The possession, use, sale, or distribution of illegal drugs, alcohol, and any form of marijuana.

• All forms of tobacco use, including vaping, except as outlined in the University Smoking policy.

• The possession, use, or distribution of any kind of weapon on campus, as outlined in the University weapons policy.

Visitors to campus residence areas during the academic year are expected to comply with Residence Life Policies. Event guests hosted in residence areas are subject to the terms set by those events.

Visitors are expected to observe Bethel's parking regulations.

During Public Access Hours (7 a.m. - 7 p.m.), Guests and visitors are welcome to park on campus. East and West lots will be easiest on the Lakeside Campus, and the main lot is available at the Anderson Center.

After hours, guests may park in residential lots. Parking permits are required for all vehicles on campus overnight, so community member “hosts” will need to contact Safety and Security at 651.638.6000 for an Overnight Permit on behalf of their guest.

To support the University’s public health efforts, all visitors must follow the University’s established safety protocols, including:

• Maintaining social distance

• Masking in environments where distancing is not feasible

• Adhering to maximum capacity limits

• Handwashing

• Monitoring symptoms and avoiding campus if you are experiencing COVID-19-related symptoms.

Violation of these standards and protocols, or non-compliance with a University official investigating a violation of these standards and protocols, may result in barring, escalation to outside law enforcement, or other legal consequences based on the violation.

In addition, any violation of local, state, or federal laws governing use, possession, sale, or distribution of drugs, alcohol, or weapons reported on or near University properties shall be included in the Annual Security Report in accordance with the Jeanne Clery Act.

University Buildings are open to the public during Public Access Hours, Monday thru Sunday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. These hours may be extended for various events on campus, which is coordinated with the Offices of Athletics and Conference and Events Services. During Public Access Hours, visitors do not need to be registered by a community member.

Outside these hours, entries to University buildings are secured. Community member hosts are responsible for facilitating building access for their guests.

Between 9:30 p.m. and 5:30 a.m., Bethel is a closed campus. All traffic is restricted to the West entry, and visitors must be registered by a current community member. Persons arriving at the West Gate will be required to show Bethel or government-issued identification in order to enter campus. Unregistered visitors will not be allowed to enter campus. 

Types of visitors may include:

• Guests, including family members, coming to visit or pick up students

• Visitors staying overnight in campus housing

• Food delivery services (e.g. pizza, groceries, etc). 

• Rideshare services such as Lyft, Uber, and other taxis.

Campus hosts can register guests on campus by completing the Visitor Registration Form or by calling 651.638.6000.

• Community Commitments

• Drug and Alcohol Free Campus (Student Life)

• Alcohol Possession and Use Policy (Student Life)

• Drug Possession and Use Policy (Student Life)

• Drug, Tobacco, and Alcohol Free Campus (OPC)

• University Smoking Policy

• University Weapons Policy

Residence Life:

• Visitation Hours

• Quiet Hours and Courtesy Hours

• Guests On-Campus (Res-Life)

Parking

• Motor Vehicle Regulations

• Bethel University Building Schedule

• Find maps and directions to Bethel.