Universities From Around the Country Reach Out to Bethany Students

With the announcement that Bethany University will be closing its doors due to financial difficulties, many of its students are left to plan their uncertain futures. Several universities around the country are stepping up to help out though.

So far, Bethany has arranged Memorandums of Understanding, or agreements with other accredited schools to transfer continuing students to, with 12 schools from as far away as Virginia, Florida and Texas. There are 10 other schools offering special considerations to Bethany students wishing to transfer to them.

“Each college is offering a unique set of opportunities to help you finish your desired major or graduate program at a comparable cost, and within the same time frame,” Marilyn Vaughn, associate dean and accreditation liaison officer, wrote on the schools website. “Special services include allowing exceptions to certain policies that allow you to finish in a comparable time frame and to meet your educational goals.”

The 92-year-old private, Christian university announced that it was closing on June 13 and would begin a “teach out” mode immediately, with classes ending for good at the end of August, leaving many students wondering where they will end up in the fall.

Southeastern University in Lakeland, Fla., a private, liberal arts school, is one of the schools lending a helping hand. Bethany students who transfer to Southeastern and remain for the 2011-2012 academic year will be given a $1,000 traveling-expense credit and a 10 percent room and board discount, according to SEU President Kent Ingle.

“We’re pleased to be able to help those students who are part of our fellowship and we will do everything we can to make the transition smooth,” Ingle said. “At the same time, we’re sorry to see such a fine school close. Just like Southeastern, Bethany University has such a rich and proud history of equipping, nurturing and developing students for God’s calling on their lives.”

Other universities reaching out to help Bethany’s students include Vanguard University in Costa Mesa, Calif., William Jessup University in San Jose, and Northwest University in Kirkland, Wash.

For a complete list of schools offering special considerations or Memorandums of Understanding, click here.