ISSUE 13 • FEBRUARY 2009
 

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

Now Accepting Applications for All Programs
We are still accepting applications for fall enrollment in the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) program on a space-available basis (the priority deadline was February 1). The priority deadline for all other programs is March 15. There couldn't be a better time to start a career in the natural health sciences. People are increasingly choosing natural health treatments as part of their overall medical care, and practitioners who can provide these services are in great demand. Bastyr is the leader in the field, with a reputation for outstanding academic programs and exceptionally well-trained graduates. To take the first step, fill out an online application. Need more information before applying? Speak with an advisor over the phone or in-person, visit our campus or attend an on-campus event. See the schedule of all ND admissions deadlines and visit our admissions page for information about all programs.

Launch a Career that Promotes True Wellness at February 21 Open House
Discover how Bastyr's many degree and certificate programs lead to careers helping people achieve vibrant health and a state of true wellness. Attend Bastyr University's Open House for Undergraduate and Graduate Programs on Saturday, February 21. Explore Bastyr's accredited programs in naturopathic medicine, acupuncture and Oriental medicine, nutrition, exercise science and wellness, health psychology, herbal sciences, and nutrition and clinical health psychology. Bastyr's uniquely diverse curricula, with more than 10 program options, provide a broad perspective unmatched by other health sciences schools. Confirm your decision by talking to faculty, students and admissions advisors; touring the campus; and attending informational sessions and demonstrations. Begin a career that will open up a new world of wellness for yourself and others. Find out more and RSVP today.

What's New at Bastyr? Find Out on Our Blog
Want the latest scoop on Bastyr University and the world of natural health? Bookmark our new blog! On the Bastyr University Community Blog you'll find information about upcoming events and classes, discover new recipes from our whole-foods kitchen, encounter useful health tips, learn about the University's short- and long-range plans, and much more. The blog is updated at least twice weekly, so check back frequently for the latest news. Visit the blog.

Discover Naturopathic Medicine at "Bastyr Experience" on March 13 or June 5
Interested in a career that not only helps others become healthier, but also contributes to global and environmental health? Get first-hand information about the field of naturopathic medicine at one of the upcoming "Bastyr Experience" events, held on Friday, March 13 and Friday, June 5. These full-day events provide a comprehensive overview of the naturopathic medical profession and Bastyr's internationally recognized program. You will have a chance to observe classes, tour the campus, learn about the curriculum, and meet faculty and students. If you attend in June, be sure to stay until Saturday and enjoy Bastyr University's extremely popular Herb and Food Fair (details below). RSVP today for "Bastyr Experience" on March 13 or "Bastyr Experience" on June 5.

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Explore Bastyr

Acquire New Skills Through Bastyr Community Education Classes
Life is better when you're learning and growing — especially when you're learning about health. So be sure to make time for our upcoming community education classes. Coming up soon is a two-day class on animal communication, Your Animals are Talking: Are You Listening? taking place on February 28 and March 1. On March 21, you can learn about Dinacharya: The Art of Daily Ayurvedic Healing Rituals. Try your hand at Soul Collage: Images to Feed the Soul on Saturday, March 28. April brings two more great courses: CranioSacral Therapy Seminar I, and Simple Home Remedies from Ayurveda. Finally, you won’t want to miss Essential Oil Solutions for a Stressful World on May 2. See a list of all classes.

Learn About Health at Community Events this Winter and Spring
This winter and spring, we're bringing you a variety of events designed to spark lively discussions and personal discovery.

  • Bastyr's evening discussion series, "The Politics of Health in America," continues Wednesday, March 4, with a spirited conversation about "Reforming Health in a Post-Election America."
  • Look for Bastyr at several local health events this spring, including Veg Fest on March 21 and 22. At our booth you can learn more about Bastyr's many programs and services.
  • Reserve June 6 on your calendar for our most popular annual event, the Bastyr University Herb and Food Fair. Held on our enchanting, wooded campus, the fair offers a day-long opportunity to sample herbal products, listen to faculty speakers, watch cooking demos, take a guided herb walk, experience Chinese medical treatments and meet with admissions advisors. Keep checking our website in the coming months for details about this festive event.
  • Are you a current student in a graduate-level health sciences program? Complement your studies with essential knowledge of natural health by enrolling in Bastyr University's summer program in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). This four-week introductory program, known as CAM Camp, takes place July 6-31, 2009. Find out more about this unique opportunity.
  • See a list of all upcoming events.

New ND Advisor Applies Teaching Background to Bastyr Job
Bastyr's new naturopathic medicine admissions advisor, Jennifer Labbienti, has an impressive background in teaching both in the U.S. and abroad. She has also worked as a master trainer for The Princeton Review, which named Bastyr's School of Naturopathic Medicine as one of the top medical schools in the country. All this has prepared her to be a terrific resource and support for students interested in becoming the best naturopathic doctors in the world. Read more about Labbienti’s background and her advice for prospective students.

Student Profile: Egyptian Émigré Finds Bastyr's Campus, Culture a Welcoming Second Home
Kiristin Sarkis, a first-year health psychology student and peer advisor in the Office of Admissions, emigrated from Egypt to Seattle five years ago. Overwhelmed by the many cultural differences between Egypt and the U.S., she made the transition easier by immersing herself in her new environment — taking English classes, volunteering, and, most importantly, searching for a medical school where she could fulfill her lifelong dream of becoming a doctor. After a stressful trip to a large state school, she discovered Bastyr University and "fell in love." The rigorous education in a relaxed atmosphere was exactly what she sought. Now as a peer advisor, she finds it natural to encourage prospective students to choose Bastyr. Read more about Sarkis.

Study Abroad Opportunities Abound at Bastyr
Students come to Bastyr for its unique and well-respected programs in natural health. Many also choose Bastyr for its abundant study abroad opportunities. These include a summer internship in China for acupuncture students, a course on herbal medicine and nutrition in Italy, and learning opportunities on the island of Vanuatu for midwifery students. Self-designed travel, work and study options are also available through the University's venture grant program, various student organizations and international medical volunteer organizations. For Brandon Leahy, a 2008 graduate of the acupuncture and Oriental medicine program, "The opportunity to study in China played a big role in my decision to come to Bastyr." Read more about the wide variety of options for studying abroad.

Bastyr University Not Affected by State Budget Cuts
Recent news about the many colleges and universities experiencing financial difficulties due to cuts in state funding is causing concern for many students and those considering college. Bastyr is standing strong in this economic climate. As a private university, we do not receive state funding and, therefore, have not had to cut our budget due to reduced funding. And our federal financial aid programs still offer financing at low fixed rates. Many find that in a time of economic hardship, enrolling in school makes good sense. It may even lead to a more rewarding career that pays off financially as well. Visit the financial aid section of our website or contact the Office of Financial Aid at (425) 602-3329 for more details. Our expert financial aid staff members are always happy to answer your questions and help you through the process.


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!

Want to be an ND? You Can Still Apply for Fall 09

ND faculty teaching at Bastyr Center for Natural Health

Good news! Although the naturopathic medicine application priority deadline was February 1, we are accepting applications on a space-available basis through early summer.

The priority deadline for all other programs is March 15 (with rolling admissions following).

Give us a call at
(425) 602-3330 and we will be glad to assist you
in the application process.




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:

Open House for Undergrad & Graduate Programs
For All Prospective Students
Saturday, February 21, 2009
10 a.m. — 3:30 p.m.
Bastyr University Campus

Bastyr Experience
For Prospective ND Students
Friday, March 13, 2009
10 a.m. — 4:30 p.m.
Bastyr University Campus

Bastyr Experience
For Prospective ND Students
Friday, June 5, 2009
10 a.m. — 4:30 p.m.
Bastyr University Campus

*Clinic tours available to ND
and AOM applicants only.

**One free appointment
available to ND/AOM
applicants.

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


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