ISSUE 10 • MAY 2008
 

Welcome to Natural Directions, the newsletter of the Office of Admissions at Bastyr University. We hope this newsletter gives you a better sense of Bastyr's programs and the admissions process. Our aim is to help make your journey to becoming a student at Bastyr as easy and rewarding as possible. Please keep us posted on your progress! - Bastyr Admissions

Inside this Issue

Important Dates»

Explore Bastyr»


Important Dates

Explore Bastyr Programs at Information Sessions on May 20 and 21
Are you passionate about plants and herbs? Do you get excited about a holistic approach to physical fitness? Our upcoming Information Sessions will give you a chance to turn those interests into a rewarding vocation. Join us for an intimate look inside Bastyr's programs in herbal sciences, and exercise science and wellness. The exercise science and wellness Information Session takes place on Tuesday, May 20, and the herbal sciences event is Wednesday, May 21, both at 6:30 p.m. Learn more about these events.

Transform Your Life in 2008 — There's Still Time!
If you've been considering changing your life and pursing a career you truly love, it's not too late! Apply now for fall 2008 enrollment into one of Bastyr University's natural health science programs. In the words of a Bastyr graduate: "I know I received the best natural medicine education in the world at Bastyr. Our medicine is powerful and can transform a person's life." To help you get started, we now offer online applications. If you need more information before applying: speak with an advisor by making a phone or in-person appointment, visit our campus or attend an on-campus event. Visit our admissions page for information about all programs.

Financial Aid Applications Still Accepted — and Good News for Undergrads
If you haven't yet had a chance to complete your financial aid application or other aid forms, it's not too late. Although it pays to act now (the earlier you submit your financial aid paperwork, the earlier you will receive your award), we will still accept financial aid applications through the summer. We also have good news for you about financial aid awards: Effective, July 1, 2008, undergraduate students who are classified as "independent" can receive an additional $2,000 in unsubsidized Stafford loans. This also applies to undergraduate students who are dependents and whose parents were denied a Parent Plus loan. If you have questions about financial aid, visit the financial aid section of our website or contact the Office of Financial Aid at 425.602.3329.

What is the Life of an ND Student Like? Find Out at "Bastyr Experience" on May 30
Learn more about the increasingly popular profession of naturopathic medicine by attending "Bastyr Experience" on Friday, May 30. "Bastyr Experience" is a full-day event providing a comprehensive overview of this profession and Bastyr's world-renowned program. You will have a chance to observe classes; tour the campus; learn more about the curriculum; meet faculty, staff and current students; and experience naturopathic health care for yourself during an appointment at our teaching clinic, Bastyr Center for Natural Health. You can also extend your stay until Saturday to attend the Bastyr University Herb and Food Fair (details below). Find out more about "Bastyr Experience."

Housing Update for Incoming Students
Planning to live on the Bastyr campus? Please note that although there are still a few spots available for on-campus housing this fall, we do not have any more vacancies for summer 2008. If you want to apply for on-campus housing for fall 2008, a housing application is now available online. Please download the application print it, fill it out and mail it to Donna Smith, Housing Coordinator, 14500 Juanita Drive NE, Kenmore, WA 98028. All applications must be postmarked by June 30, 2008. No applications will be accepted by e-mail. Since on-campus housing is extremely limited, we advise the majority of students to seek off-campus housing in the surrounding area. View our off-campus housing page.

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Explore Bastyr

Enjoy Spring Festivities at Our 10th Annual Herb and Food Fair
Spring is here, and with it comes our most popular event, the Bastyr University Herb and Food Fair, taking place in the lush and blooming fields on our campus. This year's fair, themed, "Celebrating our Cultural Traditions," will be held on Saturday, May 31, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will include cooking demonstrations, hands-on workshops, acupuncture demonstrations, free entertainment, children's activities, herb garden tours, reflexology path walks, information about Bastyr's academic programs, a chance to buy herbs and herbal products, and much more. We are also thrilled to present three great keynote speakers: Deborah Frances, ND, internationally renowned naturopathic physician and herbalist; Jennifer Hahn, adventurer, wild food harvester and author of Spirited Waters: Soloing South through the Inside Passage; and Sandor Ellix Katz, author of Wild Fermentation, who will also offer three workshops at this year's fair. Find out more, and we’ll see you at the fair!

ND Graduate Speaks About Naturopathic Medicine at the NIH
Amy Fasig, ND, a 2003 Bastyr graduate with a private practice in Seattle, Washington, recently gave a presentation at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) about the field of naturopathic medicine. During her talk, she educated a group of medical professionals and researchers from prestigious institutions about how naturopathic medicine is practiced, its history, and the role of naturopathic doctors (NDs) as primary care physicians. Dr. Fasig reports that many medical doctors (MDs) in attendance were surprised to learn about her extensive training and wide scope of practice. Find out more about Dr. Fasig's presentation.

Incoming Student Profile: Jeff Thomas Brings Impressive Background to Bastyr
Many people who pursue a Bastyr education already have impressive backgrounds in health professions; they simply want to take their careers to the next level. A great example is 26-year-old Jeff Thomas from San Antonio, Texas, who will start the naturopathic medicine program this fall. In his professional life, he has already worked as a personal trainer and as a chef. Academically, he already holds an associate's degree in culinary arts and will complete his bachelor's degree in nutrition this June. By studying at Bastyr, he hopes to grow personally and professionally. Says Thomas, "I am thrilled at the opportunity to be educated in the ways of naturopathic medicine and to share this invaluable resource with other like-minded individuals in a professional setting." Read more about Jeff Thomas.

Inaugural Bastyr Conference Addresses Issues in CAM Research
On Friday, April 25, the Bastyr University Research Center co-sponsored an inaugural research conference on Bastyr's campus, titled, "Collaborative Research in CAM: Making Studies Relevant to Clinical Practice." The conference brought together an elite group of researchers, educators and practitioners to discuss leading-edge complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) research methodology and findings. The conference was funded by the Naturopathic Physician Research Education Project (N-PREP), a curriculum grant from the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Presentation topics included research in whole practice naturopathy; CAM care at the end of life; and challenges in researching herbal medicines. Read more about the N-PREP grant and review the Bastyr University Research Center's recent accomplishments.

Bastyr Admissions Advisors Make Incoming Students' Lives Easier!
Intimidated by the admissions interview process? There's no need to be, as Bastyr's admissions advisors are experts at easing you through it. We recently heard via surveys from incoming ND students that the guidance and support of one of our newest advisors, Alexis Rush, was a big selling point for attending Bastyr:

  • "A big plus for Bastyr is Alexis Rush, a wonderfully supportive and helpful advisor. Bastyr by far had the best, clear-cut and professional admissions process of all the schools I looked at."
  • "The admissions process was well run and easy to follow. I felt that the students I talked to when I came up for my interview were very helpful and encouraging, as was Alexis. In general, I can tell from the admissions process that Bastyr is a highly nurturing and caring community, and I am excited and anxious to be a student there. Thank you."
Contact an admissions advisor today to take advantage of their supportive and knowledgeable help in guiding you on your path to career bliss!

Tibetan Monks to Construct Sand Mandala on Bastyr's Campus
During their annual visit, a group of Tibetan monks from the Drepung Loseling Monastery in India will spend four days on the Bastyr University campus creating and destroying a sacred sand mandala, a spiritual exercise that honors impermanence. The monks will construct the mandala between Tuesday, May 20 and Friday, May 23 in the Bastyr University cafeteria. Events during the monks' stay are FREE and open to the public; Buddhist gift items will be available for purchase in support of the monastery. Everyone is welcome to view the making of the mandala throughout the day and to observe the traditional opening and closing ceremonies. Read more about the monks’ visit to Bastyr .


Online Resources

Find a Bastyr Practitioner
Seeking a natural health care provider in your area? Find a practitioner by searching on Bastyr's website. Just enter your city and state!

What's it really
like at Bastyr?

Find out by reading first-hand testimonials from students, faculty and alumni.

Samantha Ivey "Bastyr University offers the only exercise science program that focuses on the body, mind and spirit. I love that the program is not just about working out and getting better physically, but also mentally, spiritually and emotionally..."

Samantha Ivey,
Candidate, Bachelor of Science
with Major in Exercise Science
and Wellness ('08)


Samyar Bukovcan "I know my degree will be well-respected. I chose to come to Bastyr because it has a well-known name throughout the country and it attracts uniquely passionate and caring individuals. I've never experienced a community that is so much like family. I don't think you'll find a more supportive environment in a school..."

Samyar Bukovcan,
Candidate, Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine ('08)

Read all stories.




How Can
Bastyr Admissions
Help You?

Admissions Advising
(e-mail, phone or in-person)
Program information
Transcript evaluations
Prerequisite advising
Application review
General financial aid information

Peer Advising
(Consultation with current Bastyr students)

Tours of Campus
and Clinic*

Free Medical
Appointment
at Teaching Clinic**

Admissions Events:

Nutrition Program Information Session
Thursday, May 15, 2008
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Bastyr University Campus

Exercise Science and Wellness Program Information Session
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Bastyr University Campus

Herbal Sciences Program Information Session
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Bastyr University Campus

Prospective
ND students attend
"Bastyr Experience"
Friday, May 30, 2008
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Bastyr University Campus

*Clinic tours available to ND
and AOM applicants only.

**One free appointment
available to ND/AOM
applicants and Bastyr
Experience attendees only.

Bastyr University is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) educational institution
located at 14500 Juanita Dr. NE Kenmore, WA 98028


Pass it On
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If you have comments or questions, visit http://www.bastyr.edu/contact/.