Like any other school, Bethel University has quite a few words that people from “the outside” don’t seem to always understand. We abbreviate everything and laugh at whether or not things are “bethical." Who even started these things? Here’s some assistance for those of you who may not know what Bethel students are talking about half the time!
1. CWC
This one stands for Christianity in Western Culture, a general education course that a lot of Bethel students take. (Think history + Jesus + lecture halls + sleeping students).
2. DC
Easy! Dining Center. Full of noisy students, pizza, and long pasta lines. Careful when walking and carrying your tray -- if you drop it the entire room will clap for you, a congratulations for embarrassing yourself (not that I speak from experience...). In the Monson Dining Center you'll find tables full of sports teams, floor dinners, more than likely spot a few DC dates!
3. DTR
This term isn't unheard of outside the Bethel Bubble, running rampant on the world wide web. It stands for Determine The Relationship. The abbreviation can be used as an event or as a verb. DTRing involves a heart to heart discussion between two people to decide whether or not you're dating, if you're going to date, or any other options. This can occur on Sem. Hill, in the DC, or in a hipster coffee shop nearby.
4. Bethical
A mash of the words "Bethel" and "ethical," this word is usually used in reference to things or actions that go against the Covenant that all Bethel students sign and agree to participate in. This could include alcohol use, swearing, kissing before DTR, or any other things that could vaguely seem anti-Bethel. Often used as a joke, the word "bethical" has endless possibilities.
5. AC/CC/HC/RC
Here at Bethel, we abbreviate everything. These letters spell out the various academic buildings on campus. Academic Center, Clauson Center, Hagstrom Student Services Center, and Robertson Physical Education Center. Each building has several departments that is focused in it's vicinity, though all the buildings run together so it's difficult to tell them all apart.
6. Gadkin/Nikdag
I can't even count how many strange looks I've received upon uttering one of these two words. The looks don't often get better after explaining, but here goes. Gadkin and Nikdag are two sides of the same coin, that coin being a weekend designed by Student Activities for a pair of two courageous students braving the romance field. On a Monday night the student body gathers in Benson Great Hall to watch the Movie, which announces the theme, ask poem, and events for the weekend. Then the respective genders retreat to their rooms to prepare. At midnight is the ask. For Gadkin, guys ask girls and for Nikdag, girls ask guys. If you are asked then you get to go to preselected events with other couples (or groups of friends) and just have a blast. It's so fun! And kind of weird that our school sets up a match making weekend!
There are countless more terms that I wish I could brief you on. Just remember, when in doubt, assume that it's an abbreviation and just ask! Bethel students love explaining the weird things that we do at school. I wish you luck in all your Bethel related adventures, whether it is deciding to take CWC in the CC or DTR at Gadkin.
