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Community Lifestyle Statement Q & A

Why does a university like George Fox need lifestyle standards?

All universities establish community expectations to allow their institutions to achieve their educational missions. The George Fox lifestyle statement provides community expectations intended to help our university carry out its mission to provide a Christ-centered community where learning and spiritual growth occur. More than this, the statement was created to encourage community members to greater self-examination and sensitivity to God's leading.

Why is George Fox issuing a lifestyle statement now?

In the last two decades, George Fox has grown from a liberal arts college with several hundred undergraduate students into a comprehensive university with more than 3,200 undergraduate and graduate students at multiple sites. This increase in complexity has created a need for a single statement which provides a positive vision for Christian living within the context of all our George Fox communities.

How was this statement created?

This statement was formed after years of prayer, study of Scripture, and discussion. In 2005, the George Fox University Board of Trustees formed an ad hoc committee of board members and administrators to address the community lifestyle expectations. After meeting with alumni, staff, students and volunteers, the committee created a statement which was approved by the board this month. One board member endorsed the statement as "a powerful call to obedience and discipleship. We have increased our expectations in regards to the lifestyle we choose for the George Fox University community."

Does this statement change any university policies?

While the lifestyle statement encourages the community to greater self-evaluation of their lives, the policies for undergraduate students and campus life do not change. The statement does drop the university's restriction on the use of alcoholic beverages by employees. The new policy extends employees and students in the degree-completion and graduate programs the freedom of Spirit-led conscience in the consumption of alcohol in moderation when not in the presence of traditional undergraduates. The use of alcohol at university-sponsored events or activities will not be allowed.

What is the rationale behind the alcohol policy change for employees?

While Scripture is clear in its instruction to avoid drunkenness, it does not forbid the use of alcohol. The lifestyle statement reflects the diverse views of today's evangelical church regarding the use of alcohol. In this area - as they are in all other areas of their lives - employees are asked to pursue the highest call of God on their lives.

How does the George Fox employee alcohol policy compare with other Christian colleges?

The new policy is similar to those used by most of the university's peer institutions in the Council of Christian Colleges & Universities, including Azusa Pacific University, Biola University, Seattle Pacific University, Westmont College, Wheaton College, and Whitworth College.

Does this mean the university will change its lifestyle expectations for traditional undergraduates?

No. The board did not change the university's longtime community expectations for traditional undergraduates, who sign an honor statement to abstain from gambling, sex outside heterosexual marriage, and the use of pornography, alcohol, tobacco and non-medicinal drugs while enrolled.

Is the lifestyle statement a response to a recent visit by the Equality Ride gay rights activists?

No. These community lifestyle issues have been discussed by the board for several years. The approval of this statement affirms the university's position on human sexuality.

When does the lifestyle statement go into effect?

The policy was effective April 19, 2007.

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News Release: George Fox Board Issues Lifestyle Statement