Campus Community Programs, Personal Counseling, International Student Services
Student Life/Residence Life, Campus Ministries
Campus Community Programs
Activities provide a change of pace from the daily routine of academic work, broaden students’ interests, and promote creativity and growth.
Campus Activities
Campus Activities are planned, coordinated, and carried out by the student activities directors with the assistance of Campus Activities Board (CAB)—several selected students. The goal is to offer fun activities that provide opportunities for fellowship and recreation to all members of the campus community.
A wide variety of events are available throughout the year including movie nights, coffee houses, bowling nights, roller skating parties, Feast of Carols, Spring Celebration, and dances. In addition, CAB plans many non-traditional events with input from the larger student population and supervision from the directors.
The college views these activities as an integral part of each student’s mental, social, and physical development. Spouses and immediate family members of students living off campus are also invited to participate in many of these activities.
Other Campus Activities
- Music - A wide variety of musical opportunities are available to students through Bel Canto Singers, Hesston College Chorale, pep band, instrumental ensembles, and student-organized singing groups.
- Intercollegiate sports - Sports offered include men’s soccer, basketball, baseball, and tennis and women’s volleyball, basketball, tennis, and fast pitch softball. Hesston College is a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). Competition is scheduled with a variety of schools, mainly junior/community colleges in Kansas.
- Student publications - The Lark (yearbook) and The Hesston College Horizon (newspaper).
- Drama - The Theatre department stages several productions during the year including a musical in alternate years. Participation is open to all students.
- Intramural athletic events - Everyone can get involved in intramural volleyball, basketball, indoor soccer, floor hockey, racquetball, softball, and tennis.
Other Campus Events and Resources
- Hesston-Bethel Performing Arts - The Hesston-Bethel Performing Arts series is sponsored by Hesston College and Bethel College in cooperation with the cities of Hesston and North Newton. Five events during the year present world-renowned performers. All full-time students are given a free season pass to HBPA events.
- Art - The Hesston College Gallery exhibits a rich variety of art in displays that change regularly. Exhibits often deal with social and religious issues. The Annual Student Art Exhibit is held at the end of the spring term. The gallery is located in Smith Center and is meant for the enrichment and enjoyment of everyone. The Hesston College Art Collection, including the Paul A. Friesen Collection, provides a rich visual resource for the campus.
Personal Counseling
Counseling services are available to all students, faculty and staff. Frequently raised questions or concerns include relationships, dating, anxiety, depression, family, eating disorders, or low self esteem. The Campus Counselor’s office is located in the Student Life offices in Erb Hall. Contact the Student Life Office to make an appointment.
The counselor makes referrals to area mental health services if requested by the student or if longer intervention is needed. The counselor also refers persons who need evaluation for self-destructive or potentially life-threatening behaviors.
International Student Services
Through the office of the international student advisor, Hesston College provides a wide variety of support services to international students.
The international student advisor is also available for counseling and advising in matters related to cultural adjustment, dormitory and roommate concerns, transfer to other colleges, and other concerns or problems that may occur.
North American students are also welcomed to utilize the international student advisor’s services for counseling and advising related to issues or concerns that affect the college’s unique mix of many cultures and backgrounds.