Parents E-Newsletter

Spring Chapel Calendar:  Chapel is an important part Belhaven’s campus life, and this spring has seen several changes in format designed to enhance worship and spiritual growth.  You may view a complete list of speakers and listen to chapel online.

Career Programs:  Belhaven Career Services offers programs that help students for their future now.  We encourage students to stop by, call or schedule an appointment to meet one-on-one for career planning.  Career Services also partners with Academic departments on campus to offer career-related workshops.  Upcoming events this month include:

• Career Bootcamp on February 16 @ 11:00 am (Student Center Theatre)
• Belhaven Career Fair on March 1 @ 11:00am – 1:00 pm (Student Center)

If you would like more information about Career Services, please contact Claire T. Langley, Director of Career Services, at 601.968.5939 or clangley@belhaven.edu.

Financial Aid:  For nine years Belhaven University has been recognized as one of America’s Best College Buys, and seeks to continue making college an affordable option for today’s families.  For students and their families who are applying for need based aid such as federal grants, workstudy, and low interest loans, it is imperative to apply each year (as soon after January 1^st as possible).  Apply for federal student financial aid by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.  If you have questions please call 601.968.5933 or email studentaid@belhaven.edu.

Tutoring:  Encourage your son or daughter to utilize these valuable campus resources. Hours of operation are below for Spring 2012.

*Tutoring for Old Testament and New Testament is offered with the Worldview Learning Center.

Arts:  The Student Invitational Art Exhibition is about to begin in the Bitsy Irby Visual Arts and Dance Center Gallery.  This annual exhibition of student works highlights a wide range of styles and media including drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, and mixed media.  This exhibition is always one of our most festive and popular openings.  Admission is complimentary.

Gotcha: This highly intense game of water and strategy is back on campus.  Gotcha is open to all full-time students, staff, and faculty.  The game is free with a Belhaven ID.  Sign up takes place February 20th -24th during lunch in the Dining Commons.  Gotcha action begins on March 6th at 1:00pm and ends on April 13th at 5:00pm.

Student Involvement:  There are many ways for students to get involved on campus, whether through clubs and organization, athletics or ministry opportunities.  Below are several areas where students may find opportunities to become a leader on campus. 

Each residence hall is staffed by a professional Resident Director (RD) and a team of student leaders who serve as Resident Assistants (RAs).  They are committed to helping residents adjust to life at Belhaven University, as wekk grow academically, spiritually, and socially.  Students may apply for RAs positions through the Office of Student Life this week.  RA interviews begin the week of February 13th.

The Belhaven Leadership Council (BLC) is the student leadership arm of the Belhaven University student body.  As such, its members serve as the primary student body representatives and serve the best interests of the student body by giving distinctive Christian leadership in all areas of influence.  Students can apply to be a part of BLC through the Office of Student Leadership.  Applications are due by Wednesday, February 15.

Peer Leaders are student leaders who help new students transition into life at Belhaven.  Applications for Peer Leader roles are now available and are due into the Office of Student Leadership by Tuesday, February 22. 

Ambassadors are a vital part of Belhaven since they introduce prospective students to what life as a BU student.  They give tours, talk with prospective students by phone, and work with Admission Counselors.  Applications for Ambassadors will become available in April.  For more information, contact Jake Donald, Associate Director of Admission at jdonald@belhaven.edu.

The Belhaven Activities Team (BAT) exists to plan, promote and provide activities for Belhaven students that help foster community, increase student involvement and build an exciting atmosphere on campus!  BAT is a team of diverse, talented, active, involved and motivated students who work diligently to provide quality programming for the students, faculty and staff of Belhaven University. To find out more about being a part of BAT, your son or daughter may contact the Student Coordinator of Activities, Ricky Howard at activities@belhaven.edu or call 601-968-8904.

Blazers:  Five Blazer teams are ranked in the national top 25 poll, and both Men’s and Women’s Basketball lead their respective conference divisions.  Well over 100 student-athletes were recently recognized as members of the 3.0 GPA Club for the Fall 2011 semester.  Senior Day, the final home basketball game of the year, is Saturday, February 18 vs. Faulkner University.  Tennis and Baseball are both in season, and Softball and Golf begin their seasons this week.  You may view the composite schedule online for more details. 

Plan Ahead:  Below are some important dates for Spring 2012

• February 10 – Application deadline for August Graduation
• March 9 – Mid-term grades are posted
• March 10 – Spring Recess begins at 1pm
• March 19 – Spring Recess ends at 8am
• March 26 – Advanced Registration for Fall 2012 begins
• April 6 – Easter break begins at 8am
• April 10 – Easter break ends at 8am
• April 17 – Finals begin at 6pm and go through April 24
• April 26 – Residence Halls Close at 5pm
• April 28 – Graduation and Halls Close at 5pm for those participating in the graduation ceremony.

Dear Friends of Belhaven University,

This marvelous 100 year old building is crumbling, but the story of its life is a demonstration of the sovereignty of God.  Come with me on a video tour to show you why we must save Fitzhugh – and I want to tell you the story of Fitzhugh’s role in the most important three hours in the history of Belhaven.

Please click on the video above to see the graphic deterioration of Fitzhugh Hall.  I trust you’ll join us in praying for the Lord’s wisdom as we seek to save this century old campus  landmark.

Sincerely,

Dr. Roger Parrott

President, Belhaven University

P.S.  Tell us your story of Fitzhugh Hall on our blog.

Advance Registration:  Registration for spring semester classes is October 24 – 28.  This is the best opportunity for current students to get first choice of spring 2012 semester classes.  To register for classes, students must make an appointment with their academic advisor.  Encourage your son or daughter to take advantage of Advance Registration.

Homecoming – Parents & Alumni Weekend:  The Office of Student Retention and the Office of Development & Alumni invite you to a fun-filled weekend at Belhaven University.  Whether you’re visiting your student or your alma mater, you’re sure to find plenty of activities to enjoy with your friends and family during homecoming weekend.  The excitement takes place Friday, October 21 and Saturday, October 22.  Check out the schedule and register online.  Some key events for parents are the President’s Parent Breakfast, Family Cookout, 7th Annual 5k Run/Walk, Blazer Football vs. Union College, Student/Parent Dessert Social, Musical Theatre Production and the Meet the Blazers Basketball Event.

Tutoring:  Did you know that Belhaven has various academic labs on campus that are free for student use?  Encourage your son or daughter to utilize these valuable campus resources.  Hours of operation are listed below.

Tutoring is also available for Chemistry, Accounting, and Economics. Contact Amanda Slaughter at aslaughter@belhaven.edu or 601.968.8850 for more information.

December Graduation:  With the growth of our graduating class, we have decided to shift the pattern of our Jackson commencement ceremonies beginning this fall 2011 semester.  In December, we will have a mid-year ceremony for adult and graduate students.  For our traditional graduates, we will have a ceremony on the customary morning in April (April 28, 2012), and that same afternoon, we will have another ceremony for adult and graduate students.  This will allow us to tailor each of these events to the uniqueness of the audience.  For more information regarding graduation, visit the Office of the Registrar webpage at www.belhaven.edu/registrar. 

Blazer Athletics:  Homecoming Week is packed with exciting home action.  This weekend, Volleyball hosts Jackson State on Friday night at 7:00 and Loyola Saturday night at 6:00 pm. Our Football Blazers take the field versus Union College (KY) Saturday at 1:30 pm at Newell Field.  The weather should be perfect so students, parents, faculty, and staff are encouraged to bring friends, tailgate early on the hill, and cheer on the Blazers to victory!  To wrap up the weekend, the Meet the Basketball Blazers Event will be held on Saturday night immediately following the volleyball match in Rugg Arena.  Meet the Blazers is a fast-paced fun night of dunk contests, 3 point shooting competitions, and more! 

Arts Ablaze

Whether in the visual art gallery, the dance theatre, the concert hall, the recital hall, or the flexible theatre, a rich and diverse arts season awaits.  The Arts Ablaze contains the schedule for the year and comments from each of the arts department chairs.  You can download a copy of the ArtsAblaze (PDF) online.

Tunes, Tutus & Turning Wheels – An exciting concert highlighting artistic expressions of those with and without disabilities will be held on October 29 at 7:30pm in the Concert Hall.   This program will feature dancers from various walks of life, gathered together in a mixture of choreographic styles to present an entire evening of dance, music and creative arts. 

Belhaven Musical Theatre Revue – This fall’s musical theatre production of What I Say Goes: A Musical Revue of Motherhood will be held October 20-22 at 7:30pm in Bitsy Irby Visual Arts and Dance Center at 7:30pm.  This production contains pieces from some Broadway’s best shows, features some of Belhaven’s finest performers, and showcases mothers in a way one’s never seen before.

Parents & Alumni Weekend:  The Office of Student Retention and the Office of Development & Alumni invite you to join us for a fun-filled weekend at Belhaven University.  Whether you’re visiting your student or your alma mater, you’re sure to find plenty of activities to enjoy with your friends and family during homecoming weekend.  The excitement takes place Friday, October 21 and Saturday, October 22.  Check out the schedule and register online.  Some key events for parents are the President’s Parent Breakfast, Family Cookout, 7th Annual 5k Run/Walk, Blazer Football vs. Union College, Student/Parent Dessert Social, Musical Theatre Production and the meet the Blazers Basketball Event.

Connect:  Stay up-to-date with what is going on at Belhaven while connecting with other parents of current Belhaven students.  Join the Belhaven Parents facebook page. 

Planning Ahead:  When is fall break (mid-semester break)? When is Thanksgiving and Christmas Break?  When do the Residence Halls open for the spring semester?  For all of you who like to plan ahead, the 2011-2012 academic calendar is here! For any other dates of interest go to Belhaven University Academic Calendar

Fall Sports:  There’s a lot of excitement on campus.  Blazer Football, Soccer, Cross Country and Volleyball seasons are in full swing.  Last Saturday, Football claimed the first football victory ever over Mississippi College night, 35-31.  Men’s Soccer defeated East Texas Baptist University 8-0 and Women’s Soccer tied ETBU in overtime.  The Belhaven volleyball finished play at the Rhodes College Tournament with a 7-1 season record, including a 3-1 win over the host school.  The Cross Country teams ran in the Loyola University Invitational on Saturday morning, and Peter Davis was the top Blazers finisher, crossing the line with a time of 17:54.63.  Log on to Belhaven Athletics to keep an eye on fall sports.

Career Preparation:  For some students, this fall marks the start of their college career.  For others, it marks their final year of preparation for their calling in service to Christ.  Wherever a student is along this journey, the Office of Career Services is here to help them prepare.  The office offers career programming and one-on-one career counseling to help students plan for life after Belhaven.  Students may stop by the Office of Career Services in The Cube, or call to schedule an appointment at 601.968.5939.

Chapel:  The purpose of Chapel is to bring together the entire campus in a shared spiritually enriching hour, which allows students to be challenged to explore the depths of God’s truth and love.  Want to listen in?  Subscribe to Chapel Blog and listen to archived Chapel services online. 

Athletics, Arts & Campus Activities

Community Dance Concert – Members of Belhaven University Dance faculty join together with Belhaven alumni and other local dance artists to offer an inspiring and exciting evening of dance on Saturday, September 17 at 7:30 pm in the Concert Hall.

Poetry Reading – Darrell Bourque, two-time Poet Laureate of Louisiana, will visit Belhaven for a master workshop with students and a public reading on Wednesday, September 21 at 6:00 pm in Barber Auditorium.  Bourque was born in southwest Louisiana and began publishing poems while pursuing his Ph.D. at Florida State in the mid 1970s.  He is the author of six books of poems, including the recent volume In Ordinary Light: New and Selected Poems (2010).  Bourque was named Artist of the Year by the Acadiana Arts Council in 2001.

Theatre Performance – The Theatre department presents “Sister Calling My Name” by Buzz McLaughlin September 22-24 and 26-27 at 7:30 pm in Theatre 151. This play, directed by senior theatre major Dave Harris, is an emotionally touching story of Michael, who returns home to handle the affairs of his mentally challenged sister, Lindsay, who is in the care of his high-school sweetheart, Sister Anne; and journeys from the darkness of rejection and pain to a place of reconciliation. 

Upcoming Home Games

How Can We Help You?

Got housing questions?  Contact Greg Hawkins at 601.968.5969 or slife@belhaven.edu. 

Need to find financial aid and payment information?  Contact Linda Phillips at 601.968.5933 or studentaid@belhaven.edu.

Want to know what activities are happening on campus?  Contact Jo Beth Petty at 601.968.8990 or stleadership@belhaven.edu.  

Inquiring about academic success and resources?  Contact Ron Pirtle at 601.968.5932 or cadevelopment@belhaven.edu.

Got questions but not sure who to call?  Contact Amanda Slaughter at 601.968.8850 or aslaughter@belhaven.edu.

Advanced Registration: Advanced registration was held March 7-11 and allowed your son or daughter to have the opportunity to register for Fall, May Term and Summer I & Summer II classes.  Although these dates have passed there is still time for your student to register.  Your son or daughter should go online to Blazenet to choose their courses and then visit with their advisor to review the course selections.  After that step the advisor will submit the course selections and the schedule will be set to go!

Important! – Even if classes are in your student’s cart on Blazenet, the class is not on hold for them until they “Submit” for approval. This is a common confusion you may be able to help them with. Also, encourage them to follow up with their advisors after choosing their classes.

Ways to Get Involved: Is your son or daughter considering becoming more involved at Belhaven?  Here are some of the ways to be active on campus:

Spring Formal – A night full of fun, dancing and great food in the gorgeous setting of spring awaits students at this year’s Spring Formal.  This year’s formal will be held at the Castlewoods Country Club in Brandon from 9:00 pm – 12:00 am on Friday, April 15. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.  Tickets will be sold, Tuesday, April 12 – Friday, April 15 in the Dining Commons during lunch and dinner. Tickets on Friday will be sold at lunch ONLY.  Students must show a Belhaven ID to purchase a ticket. All guests must be signed in with a Belhaven student. Directions will be available in all Residence Halls and in the Student Activities Office on the first floor of The Cube.

Escape to the Lake – Your student may need an escape before finals.  Encourage them to come for an outdoor dinner, some great relaxation, and quality recreation!  Escape to the Lake will be held at the Football Practice Field near the Gillespie Lake from 4:45 – 7:00pm, Monday, April 18th.




Arts, Athletics & Campus Events

The Arts are definitely on display in the month of April.  Encourage your student to see and hear the sights at the Spring Dance Concert beginning the weekend of April 1^st and continuing through April 9^th. There is also a Guitar Ensemble Concert on April 9^th at 7:30 p.m. in the Concert Hall. For complete listings, link to The School of the Arts schedule – http://www.belhaven.edu/arts/schedule.htm.

Careers and Media: The Media Ethics Conference was a huge success!  The BU Communication Department had representatives from Fox, WLBT, WAPT, and Clear Channel Radio on hand to speak to Communication majors.  They discussed the media business and profitability and how one remains ethically balanced.  News Directors from all four local television stations shared stories that had aired on their stations and discussed with students why they treated the story in the manner they did.  Students were amazed and have indicated that it was awesome to speak to these News Managers about the business in which they plan to work one day. Thank you to the Department of Communication and Dr. Elayne H. Anthony for making this opportunity a reality for our students.

Athletics: The Belhaven Blazers are earning plenty of recognition as they compete on the court and the diamond.  In Women’s Basketball, Coach Billy Evans’ squad earned an invitation to the National Tournament for the first time in school history.  Four Belhaven spring sport teams are ranked nationally, with Softball at #8, Baseball at #23, Women’s Tennis at #25 and Men’s Tennis receiving votes.  For the most up-to-date details of all BU Athletics go to http://blazers.belhaven.edu/index.aspx .

Financial Aid: It’s not too late to request financial aid for the upcoming year. Be sure to remind your student to fill out their FAFSA for the 2011-12 Academic Year. To do so, they should access the FAFSA website at www.fafsa.edu. If you have questions, please call the office of Student Financial Planning at 1-800-960-5940 (toll free) or 601-968-5933 (local) or e-mail studentaid@belhaven.edu.Their office is also located on the first floor of Preston Hall.

Easter Break: Easter Break begins Friday, April 22^nd and is extended through Monday, April 25^th at 3:15 p.m. Finals week will resume at this time. Monday was added to Easter Break to help accommodate student travel schedules.

Advanced Registration:  Parents, be sure to remind your son or daughter that Advanced Registration is taking place this week, March 7-11. This provides your student the opportunity to register for Fall, May Term, Summer I & Summer II 2011 classes. Your son or daughter should go online to Blazenet to choose their courses and then visit with their advisor to review the course selections.

Financial Aid:  It’s time to start thinking about the next school year.  Be sure to remind your student to fill out their FAFSA for the 2011-2012 academic year.  Your son or daughter may access the FAFSA website at www.fafsa.edu.  If you have questions, please call the office of Student Financial Planning at 1-800-960-5940 (toll free) or 601-968-5933 (local) or e-mail studentaid@belhaven.edu.  Their office is also located on the first floor of Preston Hall.

Spring Graduation:  Belhaven University is pleased to announce that one of the world’s most significant visual artists and influential leaders in the Arts, Makoto Fujimura, will be the Jackson Campus commencement speaker on April 30.  Mako is an artist, writer, and speaker who is recognized worldwide as a cultural influencer by both faith-based and secular media.  As Presidential appointee to the National Council on the Arts (2003-2009), he has contributed internationally as an advocate for the arts, speaking with decision makers and advising governmental policies on the arts.  Belhaven will award Mako an honorary doctorate in recognition of his significant work and leadership in the Arts.  It is a joy for Belhaven to honor him, and for Mako to honor us by accepting, because Belhaven University is one of only 30 schools in America accredited in all four Arts – Music, Theatre, Dance, and Visual Art, and the only evangelical University working at the highest levels in the Arts.

Biology Department Places 1^st and 2^nd:  Belhaven University’s Biology students placed first and second in the Health Science presentations at the annual Mississippi Academy of Sciences meeting in Hattiesburg.  This Academy includes students and faculty from all junior and senior colleges, as well as professional schools and science research centers in the state of Mississippi. Belhaven students Jonathan Kalehoff, Isaiah Tolo, James Pregraves, and Jarrett Morgan received first place for their presentation and second place was given to Grace Martin and Jessica Wiseman. 

Blazer Football: Belhaven University recently recognized former Blazer and current San Francisco 49er Tramaine Brock by retiring his jersey for his accomplishments on both the collegiate and professional levels.  Brock is the first player in the history of the Belhaven football program to play in the National Football League.  Brock, a native of Long Beach, MS, had a team high six interceptions and returned two for touchdowns for Belhaven in 2009.  Brock tied the Belhaven single season record for most interceptions and compiled 51 total tackles with 2.5 sacks, and 13.5 tackles for a loss in the 2009 season.  Brock was also named to the Mid-South Conference Western Division All-Conference Team. 

Ways To Get Involved:  Is your son or daughter considering becoming more involved at Belhaven?  Here are some of the ways he or she can get involved on campus:

• Peer Leaders are student leaders who help new students transition into life at Belhaven during Welcome Week.  Applications for Peer Leaders were due in the Office of Student Leadership by Tuesday, March 8. 
• Ambassadors are a vital part of Belhaven because they introduce prospective students to what life will be like for them as a student.  They give tours, talk to prospective students on the phone, and work with Admission Counselors.  Applications for Ambassadors will be available beginning in April.  For more information, contact Jake Donald, Assistant Director of Admission at jdonald@belhaven.edu.
• The Belhaven Activities Team (BAT) exists to plan, promote and provide activities for Belhaven students that help foster community, increase student involvement and build an exciting atmosphere on campus!  BAT is a team of diverse, talented, active, involved and motivated students who work diligently to provide quality programming for the students, faculty and staff of Belhaven University. To find out more about being a part of BAT, your son or daughter may contact the Student Coordinator of Activities, Blakeney Hatcliff at activities@belhaven.edu or call 601-968-8904.

       Arts, Athletics & Campus Life Events

Gotcha:  This highly intense game of water and strategy is back on campus.  Gotcha is open to all (full-time) students, staff, and faculty.  The game is free with a Belhaven ID.  Gotcha action began on Tuesday, March 8 at 1:00 pm and ends on Friday, April 15 at 5:00 pm.

On Course for Fitness:  Fitness classes for abs workouts and turbo jam sessions are now a part of on-campus Fitness Programming.  These classes are offered on Tuesday at 6:30 pm and Wednesday nights at 9:15 pm through March 9. Classes are free of charge and open to all Belhaven students.  For more information, contact Mary Downing Forester at mdforester@belhaven.edu. 

Job Fairs:  There are two upcoming career fairs for students heading into the workforce.  The Belhaven On Campus Career Fair will be Thursday, March 10 from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm in the Student Center Theatre.   The Governor’s Job Fair is scheduled for Tuesday, March 22 from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm at the Mississippi Trademart building (which is located on the Fairgrounds on High Street). This is a great opportunity for your son or daughter, as there will be job offers given on this day!  If you have any questions regarding Career Services at Belhaven University, contact Claire T. Langley, Director of Career Services, at 601-968-5939 or clangley@belhaven.edu.

March Madness:  The Belhaven Women’s Basketball team will travel to Jackson, TN the week of March 14 to participate in the NAIA Women’s National Tournament.  This is the first time in school history that the Women’s team has earned a berth in this tournament field.   The 2010-11 Blazers won the Western Division of the Southern States Athletic Conference, and are led by SSAC Player of the Year, Regena Jackson, a junior guard from Denham Springs, LA.

Spring Break: Saturday, March 12 at 1pm – Monday, March 21 at 8am

Easter Break: Friday, April 22 at 8am – Monday, April 22 at 3:15pm*

*Monday was added to Easter Break to allow students a chance to travel home and to accommodate travel schedules.

Financial Aid:  For students and their families who are applying for need based aid such as federal grants, work study, and low interest loans, it is imperative to apply each year (as soon after January 1 as possible).  Apply for federal student financial aid by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) on the internet at www.fafsa.ed.gov.  If you have questions, please call 1-800-960-5940 (toll free) or 601-968-5933 (local) or e-mail studentaid@belhaven.edu.

Career Services:  Does your son or daughter need help with planning for his or her career?  Career Services helps students plan for a successful career path based on their own unique skills, talents, and interests.  Career Services also students by assisting them in writing resumes, preparing for interviews, and searching for full-time and part-time employment.  Some upcoming events for this month include:

• Resume Workshop on Feb. 10 @ 11 am in the Student Center Theatre
• Graduate School Workshop on Feb. 17 @ 11 am in the Student Center Theatre
• Career Bootcamp on Feb. 24 @ 11 am – 3 pm in the Student Center Theatre

For a complete list of spring events, see the News & Events feed on Belhaven’s website.  If you would like more information about Career Services, please contact Claire T. Langley, Director of Career Services, at 601.968.5939 or clangley@belhaven.edu.

Spring Chapel Calendar: An integral aspect of Belhaven’s campus life, weekly chapel helps foster community and focus the campus on the university identifier, “Our Standard is Christ.” The 2011 chapel speakers include pastors, mission organizations, Christian business leaders, and more.  All services are held Tuesdays from 11:00-11:50 a.m. at the Center for the Arts unless otherwise noted.   For a complete chapel schedule and list of speakers, see the Spring 2011 Chapel Schedule online.

Faster Internet:  Great news!  Belhaven’s internet access is even faster.  The completed upgrade has increased total internet speed from 12 Mbps to 50 Mbps!  The Information Technology department has also been tweaking management rules this past week to best utilize all of the available bandwidth.  In allocating bandwidth, 80% has been allocated for students; 24 Mbps for the Student Wireless, 8 Mbps for the wired access for the Women’s Residence Halls, and 8 Mbps for the Men’s Residence Halls.  Students should have already noticed the increased speed last week.

Tutoring:  Encourage your son or daughter to utilize these valuable campus resources.  Hours of operation are below for Spring 2011.

• Worldview Learning Center:  Mondays – Thursdays, 6:00 – 9:30 pm in the Library.
• Writing Center:  Mondays – Thursdays, 1:00 – 5:00 pm & 6:00 – 9:00 pm in Preston Hall Room 305A.
• Math Lab:  Mondays & Wednesday, 11:00 am – 9:00 pm; Tuesdays, 2:00 – 5:00 pm & 6:00 – 9:00 pm; Thursdays, 2:00 pm – 9:00 pm in Fitzhugh 112. 

Arts, Athletics & Campus Life Events

Looking back…

MLK  Day:  On January 17, several hundred Belhaven students gathered in Rugg Arena to disperse throughout the Jackson community to serve over 15 different ministry organizations, including the John Perkins Foundation, Stewpot Community Services, Gateway Rescue Mission, Mississippi Children’s Home, Voice of Calvary Ministries, and several others.  Learn more about MLK Day at Belhaven by watching a special episode of Jake on the Street.

Health & Wellness:  Beginning January 20, Belhaven University introduced the Health and Wellness Series to students, friends and neighbors in the Belhaven Neighborhood.  Made possible through a generous grant from the Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation, the BU Health & Wellness Series includes unique, educational, and hands-on programs that have been developed to help participants improve their health IQ.  Designed to inform about the fundamentals of a healthy lifestyle, the educational programs are led by experts in a variety of fields and will be enhanced through interaction with Belhaven University Sports Medicine and Exercise Science students and faculty.  For a complete list of Spring 2011 events, log onto BU Health.

Leadership Fair:  There are countless ways for students to be involved on campus.  A Leadership Fair was held on campus last week to highlight the opportunities to serve as a Resident Assistant (RA), Peer Leader, or on the Belhaven Leadership Council (BLC) for the 2011-12 school year.  Applications are available now through the Office of Student Leadership and the Office of Student Life. 

Coming up…

Dance Ministry Ensemble Concert:  Belhaven University’s Department of Dance will be presenting the Dance Ministry Ensemble Concert on February 11 & 12, 2011, in the Visual Arts and Dance Center at 7:30 pm.  This concert is the unique opportunity to be encouraged and uplifted through the visual experience of dance.  Some of the themes and concepts explored in these pieces include God’s forgiveness, having been moved by the love of God, and the sovereignty of Christ in our lives.  Doors open at 7:00 pm.

Student Invitational Art Exhibition:  The art department presents an annual student exhibition on February 19 – March 19 with an opening reception on Saturday, February 19 from 2:00 – 4:00 pm in the Visual Arts and Dance Center Art Gallery.  Student’s works highlight a wide range of styles and media including drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, and mixed media.  This exhibition is always one of the most festive and popular openings.  Admission is complimentary.

Black History Month:  During the month of February, Belhaven University will be celebrating ten days in history that changed our nation, as well as honoring ten inspiring people (Jesse Owens, Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, Jackie Robinson, Pearl Bailey, Clara McBride Hale, Alex Haley, Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth and Mark Dean) with information posted in the student center. Additionally the outdoor music in Gillespie Commons will take a break from classical music and accompany Black History Month with jazz.  Throughout the month there will be special events held in celebration of these days. These include jazz music, special speakers in Chapel, Soul Food Lunch, dance performances and performances by Belhaven V.O.I.C.E.S. (Gospel Choir).

Athletics:  Three years ago, Coach Levi Patton joined Belhaven as the Head Tennis Coach.  Through his leadership and vision, the tennis program has seen substantial growth and is currently the largest tennis program in the school’s history, and the tennis facility has been completely renovated.  Competitively, this year’s men’s team has already received votes in the NAIA top 25.  Learn more about the Tennis teams and view a complete listing of upcoming athletic events on the athletic website.

Also, the #12 ranked Blazer Softball team opens their season this Friday and Saturday by hosting the Sweet 16 Tournament at Freedom Ridge Park.  For fans wanting to see the best collegiate softball in the nation, this is the event.  The complete tournament schedule is available here.

Advance Registration: Advance Registration for spring semester classes began a few weeks ago.  This is the best opportunity for current students to sign up for the classes and the schedule they want.  To register for classes, students must make an appointment with their academic advisor.  If your son or daughter has not already done so, please encourage them to take advantage of Advance Registration.

Parent Resources:  We have recently updated the Parent Resources page on the Belhaven website.  We hope it will provide you with more information and resources to help you stay better connect as your son or daughter is enrolled here.  We also are currently in transition from moving from this email newsletter to the Parent’s Blog.  This blog will be updated regularly during the academic year, provide easy access to past newsletters, and the freedom to interact online.  You will receive an email subscription in the coming weeks. 

Calendar Changes: Due to recent regulatory requirements affecting college and universities, the Belhaven academic calendar has been adjusted with a new spring 2011 term, including new dates for the final exams and May commencement.  An updated calendar may be found online.

Belhaven Online Bookstore:  Are you looking for the right Christmas gift for the Blazers in your family?  Check out the online bookstore!  For a limited time, shipping is free for all purchases!  Place your orders for Christmas by December 16^th.

Arts, Athletics & Campus Life Events

Looking back…

Self-Defense Education:  On Tuesday (Nov 30), Belhaven offered a personal safety workshop.  A large gathering of students attended the workshop led by Tim O’Leary and Ian O’Leary.  These instructors have 68 years combined experience in martial arts and law enforcement, and offered demonstrations to help people combat violence in everyday situations.  It is more than self-defense – it’s self-offense. 

Men’s Soccer: Belhaven was one of the final 12 teams in the 2010 NAIA Men’s Soccer National Championship Tournament in Orange Beach, AL, and finished the year ranked #10 in the nation.  This is a significant accomplishment for Coach Steve DeCou and our players, as it was our first appearance in the national tournament since 1994.  The Blazers defeated the University of St. Thomas (TX) 2-1 before falling to the University of Mobile 4-3.  Belhaven ends the season with a 16-2-3 record and Coach DeCou was selected as the SSAC Conference Men’s Soccer Coach of the Year.

Coming up…

The Singing Tree:  Did you know that Belhaven University is home to the original singing Christmas Tree?  Churches around the country have similar concerts in which a choir is arranged on a large tree-shaped platform.  The event has been named one of the Top 20 Events in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society.  This year’s performances are on Friday and Saturday, December 3 & 4, beginning at 7:30 p.m.  Admission is free.

Time Out:  On Monday, December 6 from 7:30 to 10:00 pm, students have the opportunity to relax and take a time out from studying to enjoy games and snacks in the Student Center.  Sponsored by the Belhaven Activities Team and Intramurals, this event will feature a Halo or NCAA Football tournament, bingo, and much more.  Stay up-to-date on what students are doing on campus by subscribing to the Belhaven Leadership Council blog

Final Exams:  Tuesday, December 7 – Tuesday, December 14

We are pleased to announce that the new Belhaven fitness facility opens at noon today!  All of the cardio and strength equipment has been installed and is ready for use.  As part of the grand opening, BLC (Belhaven Leadership Council) will be on hand all afternoon as hosts and will also provide facility information.  We are also excited to have Mr. Joe Ellis, a nationally recognized fitness expert and consultant, to answer questions and instruct people on how to use the new equipment.  Belhaven students, faculty and staff may use the fitness facility and access it with their ID card beginning at Noon today, and hours of operation are as follows: M-F (6 am-11 pm), Saturday (8 am-11 pm), and Sunday (1-11 pm).  The facility is located behind the Rug Arena.

This new facility is part of a larger plan of the University’s commitment to fostering healthy life styles for its students, faculty, staff, and the Belhaven community-at-large.  Through Belhaven’s partnership with the Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation, the key components of the effort revolve around the development of two walking trails on the University’s 46 acre campus; informative and interactive health and wellness seminars, the completion of the campus fitness facility, and the addition of a wellness message into the many summer camps held on campus.  Construction was completed on the walking trails in October.  

Join us in thanking the Lord for the amazing things He has provided.

Belhaven’s 78th annual Singing Christmas Tree is on Friday and Saturday, December 3 & 4, at 7:30 pm. Come hear Belhaven students sing your favorite Christmas carols! Find out more about the Tree at http://bit.ly/bdn9hV.