Community
COMMUNITY AT GEORGE FOX UNIVERSITY
As a student at George Fox University, you are a member of a community. One of the primary functions of the comprehensive online handbook is to help define what being a community means at this university. While all communities expect their members to uphold certain standards of behavior and contribute to the welfare of the group in specific ways, we as Christians are called to a higher standard. We recognize that not all students at George Fox necessarily ascribe to a Christian commitment. However, as a student, you are expected to abide by and respect the guidelines and lifestyle expectations set forth in this document.Each member of our community plays a role in creating an atmosphere where others can learn, mature, and prepare to meet the challenges that lie beyond the college years. The expectations of the George Fox community, explained in the following pages, reflect our commitment to our Christian philosophy of education, which we pursue within the context of community.
Lordship of Jesus Christ
We believe the Scriptures establish the basic principles that should guide the development of Christian character and govern all Christian behavior. These include the lordship of Jesus Christ over all life and thought.
This involves wholehearted obedience to the moral law of God as taught in the Old and New Testaments and exemplified in the life of Jesus Christ; the careful stewardship of mind, time, abilities, funds, and opportunities for intellectual, spiritual, and interpersonal growth; and the care of our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit.
RelationshipLiving in daily fellowship with other Christians is a privilege and an expression of God's grace. In recognition of this privilege, we place great value on the quality of relationships in our community, and we acknowledge we are interdependent on and accountable to one another.
Within our community, the greatest expression of fellowship and the highest principle for relationships is love -the responsibility to love God with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strength, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. This means that unselfish love should be the motive in all of our decisions, actions, and relationships.
While there are many ways to express this type of love, we expect our students to focus on the following:
Building Up One Another
Each member of the community should strive consciously to maintain relationships that support, encourage, and help one another.
Bearing With One Another
Because we are human, we can and will encounter difficulties in relationships. In such cases, we should respond with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving whatever grievances we may have against one another.
Bearing One Another's Burdens
We are responsible to walk alongside those who are experiencing grief, discouragement, illness, tragedy, or other personal trials. We can do this by offering comfort, encouragement, consolation, and intercession.
Speaking the Truth in Love
We can strengthen our community and ourselves by being honest and loving in all our dealings with one another. Problems in relationships and behavior can be resolved constructively by confronting one another in an appropriate spirit. If we act for the benefit of others and do so in a loving manner, such confrontation can help us all mature and grow to be more like our Lord.
Reconciliation, Restoration, and Restitution
For our community to be healthy, we must work to heal broken relationships. When relationships have been damaged, regardless of the reason, we must reach out to one another and forgive one another to restore those relationships and to make restitution.
Practicing these and other expressions of love in our relationships requires continued effort and sensitivity to others. While strong, healthy relationships take work, they reward us by enriching our lives, honoring God, and helping us meet our personal goals and those of our university community.
Responsibilities for Behavior and Attitudes
Biblical Expectations
As members of a Christian community, we must remember that our behavior reflects not only on ourselves, but on other members of our community and on our Lord Jesus Christ. Whether we step out into the bigger world around us or interact in our own smaller realm, the things we say and do are a testimony to who we are and whom we serve.
Conversely, Scripture condemns attributes such as greed, jealousy, pride, lust, and hatred. Although these characteristics are sometimes difficult to discern - especially in ourselves - they can hinder relationships with God and with others and lead to unacceptable behavior. Members of our community are obliged to reject these attitudes and seek God's forgiveness and help, so that each one of us can grow in grace and righteousness.
Certain behaviors known to be morally wrong by biblical teaching are not acceptable for members of the George Fox University community. They include theft, lying, all forms of dishonesty, gossip, slander, backbiting, profanity, vulgarity (including crude language), sexual immorality (including adultery, homosexual behavior, and premarital sex), drunkenness, immodesty of dress, and occult practices. The expectations regarding what is not acceptable (i.e., profanity and vulgarity) for community members apply to the use of e-mail and voice mail. It is expected that students and employees will treat each other with respect and civility.
In keeping with scriptural warnings to conduct ourselves under the authority of government, members of the George Fox community are expected to uphold the laws of the local community, the state of Oregon, and the nation. The only exception would be the rare occasions in which obedience to civil authorities would require behavior that conflicts with the teaching of Scripture, in which case each individual would submit voluntarily to the civil penalty for disobeying the law. In every other case, behavior resulting in civil arrest on or off campus is subject to review and sanction within the university's disciplinary procedures.
University Expectations
The university also recognizes that while the Scriptures do not provide specific teaching regarding all social practices, they do advocate self-restraint in things that are harmful or offensive to others. The university has chosen, therefore, to adopt certain rules we believe contribute to our sense of community and to its aims and goals.
These standards are not set forth as absolutes or an index of Christian spirituality, but rather as expectations of those who choose to be a part of our community.
Since we are to trust each other and be responsible to each other, violations of these standards are regarded as a serious breach of integrity. When you sign the application for admission to George Fox University, you and every other student are agreeing to abide by the lifestyle expectations of this community for as long as you are enrolled.
Lifestyle Standards and Values
The following represents the lifestyle standards adopted by the Board of Trustees in April 2007:
As a community we encourage and teach our members to follow Jesus Christ and be collaborators in God's work in the world. We urge each member to become the kind of person and live the kind of life that Jesus taught and modeled. We believe such a life is described by the 'fruit of the spirit' as listed in Galatians 5:22-23. These fruits include love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control.
We believe the Bible teaches that all persons are created in God's image and that God actively seeks renewed relationships with every individual. We are bound therefore to regard each person with love and respect. (Romans 12:9-21, 1 Corinthians 13, Ephesians 4:32). So we avoid discrimination, abusive or manipulative actions, and gossip or mean-spirited behaviors. We seek actively to honor each person, loving and serving one another as Jesus taught us.
Our lifestyle excludes immoral practices and call us to transformed living as we 'offer [our] bodies as living sacrifices' to God (Romans 12:1-2). In regard to sexual morality, we believe that only marriage between a man and a woman is God's intention for the joyful fulfillment of sexual intimacy. This should always be in the context of mutual compassion, love and fidelity. Sexual behaviors outside of this context - including adultery, promiscuity, sexual abuse, and homosexual practice - are inconsistent with God's teaching.
We recognize these principles may conflict with the practice and opinion of some within the larger culture. We are convinced that this is God's design for providing the most loving guidance and practice for individuals and our community.
For a community to be its members must live with integrity. This includes honest academic work, telling each other the truth, keeping our promises and living so our actions match our words. (James 1:22-25)
The university is eager for each member of the community to grow spiritually (Hebrews 10:24-25).
We encourage involvement in activities designed to nurture spiritual growth. This includes Bible study, small prayer groups, service opportunities, and chapel attendance. The university encourages all members of the community to maintain personal practices of discipleship and to participate in a local church.
Our goal is to help each community member to think the same way as Christ thought (Philippians 2:5). This includes disciplining our minds to think about what is true, honorable, just, pure, pleasing, commendable, excellent and worthy of praise as commended to us in Philippians 4:8. We avoid gambling, not only to practice good stewardship of our resources, but also to prevent welcoming greed inwardly and joining in the social inequities on which gambling thrives.
While we recognize that committed Christians differ in how they view the consumption of alcoholic beverages, it is clear that the improper use of alcohol by students, faculty or staff could bring much harm to the communities of George Fox University. This is especially true of the traditional undergraduate community which consists largely of students who are under the legal drinking age. Nationally, it is well documented that underage and binge drinking as well as driving with significant blood alcohol levels are major problems on college campuses.
In addition, there is growing evidence that some individuals are predisposed to alcoholism. For these reasons, the use of alcohol by traditional undergraduate students is not allowed at any time they are enrolled at the university.
The use of alcohol at university-sponsored events or activities is not allowed. Further, the presence or use of illegal drugs or alcoholic beverages is not tolerated on any George Fox University campus, nor is the illegitimate use of prescription drugs. The use of tobacco is not permitted in any George Fox University building or by employees or traditional undergraduate students.
The goal of the George Fox University lifestyle standard is to create a community in which individuals are encouraged to be transformed into the image of Christ. In addition, we desire that our common life would reflect the teachings and Spirit of Christ in all that we do and say. In this ongoing process of transformation, all members of the George Fox community are encouraged to consider the following questions as a means of self-examination, in the tradition of the historic Friends (Quakers).
As individuals or groups within this community reflect on these questions we encourage them to respond in obedience to God's leading and to seek encouragement, support and accountability from other members of the community.
- Am I actively pursuing the highest call of God on my life even if that means giving up a personal 'freedom' for the sake of others within the community?
- As a member of the George Fox community, do I recognize my duty and responsibilty to others within our Christ-centered community?
- Am I a faithful steward of the resources which God has entrusted to me?
- Do I discipline my mind and body to serve as instruments of God?
These lifestyle standards reflect the university's mission, faith commitments, values, and our rich hertiage. They are intended to facilitate our life together at George Fox University.
You may not agree with some facets of the university's behavioral expectations, but by enrolling as a student here, you have agreed to live according to the expectations outlined in this handbook: student handbook.georgefox.edu.
Students who make decisions to violate the University's lifestyle expectations are held responsible for their actions through a process of community accountability.
The process is intended to be redemptive, restorative, and to assist the student in making better decisions in the future. Consequences given are appropriate for each situation. Some violations may result in a short or long-term suspension or dismissal from the university.
If you have any questions regarding the lifestyle expectations, please contact the dean of students or associate dean of students in the Student Life office.
If you have any questions regarding these statements, contact the dean of students in the Student Life Office.
Anti-Harassment Policy
George Fox University students work in an environment where the dignity of each individual is respected. Demeaning gestures, threats of violence, or physical attacks directed toward another person are not tolerated. This includes hazing or other initiations or any actions that may be hazardous, dehumanizing, harassing, or humiliating to community members. Also included is the use of telephones, United States or campus mail, or e-mail for the purpose of issuing obscene, harassing, or threatening messages. Also, vandalism of property is unacceptable.
Harassment due to race, color, sex, marital status, religion, creed, age, national origin, citizenship status, workers' compensation status, physical or mental disability, veteran's status, or any other status protected under applicable local, state, or federal law is prohibited.
A person may commit criminal harassment if he or she intentionally harasses or annoys another person by:
- Subjecting another person to offensive physical contact;
- Publicly insulting another person with abusive words or gestures in a manner intended and likely to provoke a violent response.
Sexual Harassment
Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature may constitute sexual harassment when:
Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's employment or academic status;
Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual influences employment or academic status decisions affecting such individual; or
Such conduct has the purpose or effect of interfering with an individual's work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work, academic, or student life environment.
The conduct prohibited may be verbal, visual, or physical in nature. It includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, physical touching, or the granting or withholding of benefits (e.g., pay, promotion, time off, and grades) in response to sexual contact. More subtle forms of inappropriate behavior such as offensive posters, cartoons, caricatures, comments, and jokes of a sexual nature are prohibited, as they may constitute sexual harassment when they contribute to a hostile of offensive work, academic, or student life environment.
Bias Incidents
Bias incidents can be any physical, spoken, or written acts of abuse, harassment, intimidation, the use of vulgarity, or making remarks of a personally destructive nature toward another person. Bias can occur whether the act is intentional or unintentional, or is directed toward an individual or group regarding race, color, creed, national origin, sex, physical or mental disability, political, religion, or any other distinguishing characteristic.
When an incident brings about legal action, it may be defined as a hate crime. Bias related incidents and hate crimes are inappropriate for our Christ-centered community and should be reported immediately to the Office of Student Life.
For more information regarding bias or hate crimes please contact the Student Life office.
Complaint Procedure for Harassment
If any employee or student believes he or she has witnessed discrimination or harassment, has been discriminated against or has been subjected to sexual or other forms of harassment, the person should immediately report it as follows:
If the alleged incident involves two students (outside the context of student employment), the vice president for student life or the dean of students should be contacted.
If the alleged incident involves a student and a faculty member, and academic dean, the provost, or the vice president for student life should be contacted.
If the alleged incident involves one or more support staff, administrators, faculty members, or student employees, a supervisor, the director of human resources, the provost, or any vice president should be contacted.
Complaints are to be investigated promptly and appropriate corrective action taken.
Retaliation is prohibited for good-faith reporting of concerns about discrimination or harassment. Employees who are asked to testify during an investigation are expected to cooperate fully. Retaliation against them for doing so is not tolerated. Any employee found to have engaged in discrimination, harassment, or retaliation is subject to immediate disciplinary action as deemed appropriate by the University, up to and including termination.
Substance Use and Abuse
The community recognizes the danger to the physical and psychological well-being of our members from the use of certain substances. Therefore, undergraduate members of the community are prohibited from using tobacco in any form, alcoholic beverages, and illicit or nonprescribed drugs and substances (including marijuana or controlled substances).
As prescribed above, these substances are not to be used, possessed, or distributed on or away from campus. Students are also prohibited from being in the presence of other students who are using the aforementioned substances. Community members also are expected not to abuse legal substances. The George Fox University campus is considered a smoke-free environment. Visitors to our campus are asked to comply with this standard.
Modest Dress
When attending classes or university activities, relaxing, or exercising on University grounds, students are asked to respect their fellow community members by choosing appropriate and discreet attire.
Sexual Purity
George Fox University accepts the biblical standards that prohibit all sexual immorality. Recognizing there are many social and emotional forces that challenge this standard, we believe the power of God and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit combine to provide the means to live victoriously with respect to sexual purity. Examples of unacceptable behavior include the following:
Commission of or attempt to commit a sexual act that, if proven in court, would be a criminal act
Any student involved with the use, distribution, or participation of pornography in any form
An unmarried student involved in a sexually active heterosexual, incestuous, or homosexual relationship
A married student involved in a sexually active adulterous, incestuous, or homosexual relationship
An unmarried or married student who chooses abortion for other than medical reasons
An unmarried male or female student involved in a pregnancy
Cohabitation with a member of the opposite sex. At a minimum this includes spending the night together and/or living together.
Situations are evaluated individually by the dean of students or his or her staff. Accountability and consequences are administered appropriately with the growth and development of each student in mind Questions may be directed to the dean of students.
Pregnancy Statement
Scripture urges believers to seek wise and godly counsel when faced with significant or difficult life choices. Therefore, should a George Fox student become pregnant while unmarried, she is encouraged to communicate with the dean of students or the associate dean of students or with Health and Counseling Services. These offices are prepared to stand with both the mother and the father as they consider the results of their actions, deal with the consequences, and experience the forgiveness that comes through repentance.
The university is committed to responding in a redemptive manner, seeking to balance compassion with accountability. Students can expect to be treated with Christian love as they deal with their new circumstances. Every effort will be made to ensure confidentiality, but the life and health of the mother and child and the spiritual well-being of the parents are our primary concerns. While some students in these circumstances may choose to leave the university temporarily, it is our hope that any student who chooses to continue in classes during pregnancy will find George Fox to be a supportive and redemptive community during this crucial time.
Gambling
Gambling is viewed as an unwise use of God-given resources and as a practice marked by greed. Therefore, gambling is not acceptable in any form.
Computer Use
The university provides each student with a computer. With this privilege comes the responsibility to use it with discretion and wisdom. The university believes it is unacceptable to misuse computers or other mediums of communication (mail service or phone systems) for the purpose of harassment; use, possession, or distribution of pornography; plagiarism; any other violations of the George Fox University community standards; or any violations of state or federal law. Students found to be misusing computers, mail, or phone services maybe confronted and held responsible through the discipline process.
The university does not provide any guarantee of privacy on the university network or e-mail. The university reserves the right to monitor and search any network traffic or files. Internet access and use is considered a privilege. Abuse of this privilege may result in disciplinary measures including, but not limited to, warnings, loss of access, short-term and long-term suspensions.
The university's "Campus and Network Technology Acceptable Use Policy" is available in Institutional Technology, located on the third floor of the Stevens Center. The following guidelines, taken from "The Principles of Civility in Cyberspace" by Marjorie W. Hodeges and Gary Pavela and published in Syntheses: Law and Policy in Higher Education, should govern the use of computers and the Internet:
Promote human dignity.
The Internet is a human institution, designed to enhance the growth and development of human beings. Every person using the Internet should be treated in ways that respect and promote human dignity.
Uphold the right to privacy.
Privacy is a component of human dignity. In addition to adhering to pertinent laws and rules, people using the Internet have an ethical responsibility to respect the reasonable privacy expectations of others.
Foster understanding and empathy.
People have shortcomings and make mistakes. They are accountable for the harm they do, but should be treated with understanding and empathy.
Know the limitations of the medium.
Communication on the Internet is not designed to replicate or replace the full richness and complexity of human interaction. Some direct and subtle attributes of communication are lost in the electronic medium. Anger, hostility, or sarcasm should not be readily assumed or inferred. If such characteristics are evident, they are usually best defused by reason, persuasion, and compassion.
Respect the work of others.
The lawful work of others should not be disrupted, altered, damaged, destroyed, or misappropriated. Nor should the work of others be used without proper attribution. Those who share information on the Internet should state how it might be distributed by others. If there is any doubt, the user should ask. Any unauthorized or illegal downloading or sharing of files is prohibited. Appropriate consequences may be administered for students involved in this improper usage.
Preserve and protect network resources.
The Internet is supported by values and virtues that promote individual freedom and responsibility, including self-restraint in the interest of others. The resources of the Internet must be protected, enhanced, and shared.
The Internet is a forum for democracy. New members should be welcomed and guided by example.
Discuss and define community standards.
The Internet is a large community composed of many smaller communities. Each community on the Internet has a responsibility to discuss, define, and disseminate reasonable standards and protocols for its members. Members of Internet communities have a responsibility to learn, follow, and help improve pertinent community standards and protocols.
Help mold the future.
The Internet is uniquely suited to educate, delight, inform, and persuade. Whether the Internet grows in an atmosphere of freedom and responsibility or is stifled by regulations and standards depends upon the integrity, honesty, diligence, and kindness of those who use it.
Student Use of Online Communication/Community Building Tools
The proliferation of online communication tools such as myspace.com, facebook.com, and blogs continues to transform the ways in which we communicate and develop community. George Fox University acknowledges these media as appropriate ways to share information. However, while there are many positives, there are also some concerns and cautions we want to make students aware of. Our desire is to provide guidance for students as you engage in these forms of communication.
It is important for students to be wise and cautious when posting personal information on the Internet. At a minimum, we encourage all students to do the following:
- Avoid posting residential address information.
- Do not post your phone number(s).
- Be discerning with the information you do post.
- Understand that any information you post may be viewed by anyone with Internet access.
It is important to understand that what you post online does not only represent you. Many sites indicate you are a student at George Fox University. As you know, being a member of this community means there is a significant responsibility to represent the University in a Christ-like manner, as well as to uphold the values and mission of the institution.
All content posted should adhere to the lifestyle agreement and standards set forth in the Student Handbook. Students are encouraged to use these guidelines, as well as the Computer Use Policy and the Discernment Policy in their decision making process. Since students have editing control over pages, our expectation is that you would review and remove questionable content.
The University considers all students responsible for comments posted on their own blogs, site, wall, etc., as well as what you may post on pages of other GFU students. If there is inappropriate material posted on your sites by other people, the University expects you to remove these items.
It is not the intent of the University to monitor what students place on these sites. However, we will respond to issues that are brought to our attention. If inappropriate information, content, or pictures are found on your myspace.com, facebook.com, blogs, or other such sites, you may be held accountable with appropriate consequences. As with all policies, the University encourages students to hold one another accountable.
Should you have questions about what may or may not be appropriate, please feel free to contact the Student Life Office or Residence Life staff.
Entertainment: Discernment Policy
Definition of Discernment:
In the context of media and entertainment (including music, drama, television, literature, and movies), discernment is the ability to make wise and reasoned choices from a Christian worldview regarding the truth and merit of everything seen and heard.
Abiding by the scriptural admonition in I Corinthians 10:31, we, as believers, are called to glorify God in whatever we do. Our choices in regard to entertainment are not exempt from this calling.
Because of the dominance of entertainment and media in today's culture, George Fox University encourages our community to exercise biblical discernment, grounded in the values and ideas of Scripture, when it comes to all forms of entertainment
The following list provides guidelines as we make choices in all forms of entertainment. They are obviously largely subjective (but important) and require individual and community accountability.
Language - excessive swearing, profanity, coarse joking, or blasphemy should be avoided (Ephesians 4:15, 20, 29).
Occult activity - forms of entertainment with themes that dwell on horror, death, evil spirits, or witchcraft should be avoided (Galatians 5:20).
Sexuality - entertainment choices that include graphic sexual content or nudity should be avoided (Galatians 5:16-26).
Violence - forms of entertainment with themes that include graphic violence or glorify violence as laughable or acceptable should be avoided (Luke 6:27-31).
Stewardship of time - We should avoid wasting time, and choose entertainment options that are worthwhile investment or our time and energy (Colossians 4:5).
Forms of Entertainment:
Movies (theater and VHS/DVD format):
Because film is one of the principal forms of art and entertainment in American culture, the university encourages students to think seriously about the artistic merits as well as the moral and philosophical implications of the films viewed. Students are admonished to select films of aesthetic and ethical interest that offer an important perspective on contemporary culture. It is expected that individuals will diligently use Christian principles in selecting films. The university reserves the right to prohibit movies that are not rated if their content is contrary to the university's mission and policies. All community members are expected to abstain from all NC-17 and X-rated movies (on and off campus).
Public viewing: It should be noted that it is illegal to show films in public venues unless rights and appropriate fees are paid. Watching movies within student living areas is permissible as long as they are not viewed in public places. Because of copyright laws, movies may be viewed only in a student's room or in the living rooms of apartments and houses.
On-campus viewing: Special consideration and sensitivity should be used when choosing films to be viewed on campus. Those people who live within the same apartment/house or room may be more sensitive and have a different view of issues held within the discernment policy - violence, language, etc.
Music: Recognizing that personal preferences in music vary widely among Christians, the university values freedom of musical taste and expression. All students are encouraged to exercise spiritual discernment in this important area. Further, students should be courteous to others when listening and should also be open to discussing choices in music.
Courtesy and respect for others is actively demonstrated by keeping the volume lowered and/or using headphones. In the residence halls, if music can be heard clearly in the hallways or in the room(s) next door, it is too loud and should be turned down.
Video/computer games and Internet use: Computers have become a great asset to the educational environment; however, one must be aware of the pitfalls of modern technology.
The easy availability of pornographic material on the Internet is one of many potential problems. As a community, George Fox University recognizes the damage caused by viewing pornography and prohibits such activity. Students are encouraged to guard their time carefully and be careful to balance recreation with academic work and social development. More information about the policies and procedures of technology use at George Fox can be found online at www.georgefox.edu/offices/ inst_technology/policy/.
Pornography
The pornography industry exploits people. Furthermore, use of the industry's products is immoral. Therefore, pornographic materials in any form are not to be viewed, used, possessed, or distributed on or away from campus.
Theft
Theft or damage to property of another, including members of the university community or on university premises is not permissible. Cases of theft may be reported to the police.
Firearms
Unauthorized possession or use of firearms (including air rifles, air soft pistols, and paint guns), ammunition, or explosives in or upon university-owned or university-supervised property is prohibited. Any firearms found or items that have a hard projectile or paint ball may be confiscated by university personnel.
Dances
The associated Student Community sponsors several dances during the year according to the guidelines approved by the university administration and board of trustees. Along with these events, the university also endorses these other expressions of dance in the academic programs: choreography in drama, musical productions, cultural activities, aerobics classes, and rally routines.
Other than the above-mentioned instances, organized dancing is not permitted on campus nor is it to be sponsored at off-campus facilities. The university highly discourages students from visiting dance clubs or similar venues. Any questions regarding what is appropriate may be directed to the dean of students or associate dean of students.
Academic Integrity
Members of the community are subject to the demands of academic integrity such as honesty and giving credit to sources. Any attempt to disrupt or obstruct the university's normal activities, including teaching, research, administration, and cocurricular activities is not acceptable and subject to review by the Office of Academic Affairs.
Members are expected to comply with all day-to-day policies and procedures, including, but not restricted to, those related to entry and use of university facilities. These policies and procedures are also found in the university catalog.
Protests
George Fox University recognizes the right of students and other members of the university community to express their views or peacefully protest against actions and opinions with which they disagree. The university also stresses a concurrent obligation to maintain on campus an atmosphere conducive to academic work, to preserve the dignity and seriousness of the university ceremonies and public exercises, and to respect the rights of all individuals.
General Safety
One of the responsibilities of living in community is to regard the health and safety of other community members. Periodically, students will be asked to complete a safety checklist. This list will assess the safety of their living conditions, as well as provide an opportunity for students to report issues that need to be addressed.
In regard to fire safety, it is expected that community members will work to promote a healthy and safe campus environment, specifically avoiding behaviors that may put another community member at risk. Any interference with the normal operation of a fire alarm system and/or inappropriate and unauthorized use of firefighting equipment is considered by the university to be extremely serious misconduct. Furthermore, students are not permitted to discharge any type of fireworks or explosives in and around buildings, tamper with a building's electrical system, burn incense or have open flames (including candles) in or near campus buildings (with the exception of residence hall fireplaces), refuse to participate in or obstruct any fire drills, use open-coil appliances, or place any motorized vehicle in a building or on a porch.
All these behaviors violate the fire safety code and may be subject to fines, compensation for damages, and/or other disciplinary responses.
The Responsibility of Community
Establishing a code of conduct is one way a community helps its members develop as individuals. While each person is an individual, individuals must share responsibility for the community.
As part of the George Fox University community, students are held accountable for these expectations while they are:
Enrolled in classes for the Fall Semester, (including Thanksgiving), Spring semester (including Spring Break), and May Term.
Representing the George Fox University community in any programs on or off campus, whether they are enrolled or not.
Living in university housing
Over Christmas break and summer, students should keep in mind they are representing the George Fox University community. The University expects students to use discernment and wisdom in their behavior and decision making during these periods.
The University also recognizes that it is intrinsically the responsibility of the individual to make such behavior decisions.
This should be considered in one's actions. Since most students are also members of smaller communities - their families - we want to make it clear that the policies of the university are not intended to infringe upon the family. Therefore, resident students who are home for vacation or the weekend are assumed to be a part of the family unit and under the direction of their parents.
Students who commute are expected to abide by these policies except when university regulations conflict with the governance of the family.
Students who choose to not live according to these stated expectations are held accountable within the community. Accountability and appropriate consequences are administered by the dean of students, the associate dean of students/director of student life, and residence life staff members. In severe instances consequences may include suspension or dismissal. We believe that by describing the expectations that come along with being a member of the university community, students should be able to take a more active role in helping George Fox University function as a Christian community and in achieving our goals as an institution of higher learning.
Discipline Process
At George Fox University, we believe the discipline process is redemptive, restoring, and in keeping with scriptural teaching. Discipline is an integral and necessary part of the body of Christ. As a university embracing the person of Christ as Lord and Savior, we accept the teaching of Matthew 18:15-17:
"If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or tax collector." (NIV)
This passage states that discipline must be included in our Christ-focused community, that a brother or sister is to be restored through confrontation and reproof that are part of a loving relationship.
Members of the Student Life Office -including resident assistants, area coordinators, assistant area coordinators, associate dean of students, and the dean of students - approach the process of discipline with a desire to help the student be fully restored to the community. One component of the process is the authority of the dean of students to suspend or dismiss a student, depending on the nature of the infraction. Careful consideration is given to these decisions with attention to both individual and community rights and responsibilities.
The severity of a violation, as well as the frequency of the offense, are considered in the discipline process. As the passage in Matthew suggests, there are times when an individual may need to leave the community for personal restoration and reconciliation. This is not intended to be done punitively, but in love and respect for the student involved and for the good of the community at large.
The book of Colossians provides an excellent summary of the goals of our community:
"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues, put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body, you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another . . . And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God . . ."(Colossians 3:12-17 NIV)
Seeking Help to Change and Grow
It is our hope that each member of the George Fox community is fully aware of his or her own behavior and the effects, positive and negative, that behavior can have upon the rest of the community.
If you know your behavior is outside the limits established by the university and want assistance to change your behavior, you are encouraged to take the initiative and discuss your concern with a student life staff member without the threat of disciplinary action.
In the case of such personal problems, student life staff work with you toward the goal of restoration. Exceptions to this approach may be when behavior is repetitive, selfdestructive, hazardous to others, or involves a significant legal issue in which the university is obligated to uphold the law.
If a student life staff member knows about the incident or situation from another member of the community, it can no longer be defined only as a personal problem. It may be considered a community issue and therefore may be subject to disciplinary action. Ignoring problem behavior gives tacit approval to the behavior in question and does nothing to restore the individual's relationship within the community.
In this light, if you believe a student is behaving in an unacceptable manner, you are encouraged to go directly to that person and express your concern about the behavior and about the consequences it might have on the community and the individual. Clarify community expectations and ask the student if he or she is willing to agree to change the offending behavior. If there is a positive response and the behavior changes, the problem may be resolved. If your confrontation does not solve the problem, the problem is serious (e.g., discrimination or harassment), or there is a continuing pattern of adverse behavior, encourage the student to seek assistance from a student life staff member or go yourself.
This written description of George Fox University's discipline process is intended to call all members of the community - not only a few select leaders - to responsibility for their own behavior. In sharing a more specific understanding of redemptive discipline, university officials recognize that it is impossible to codify how disciplinary issues are handled. Each situation brings with it a unique set of circumstances. Because of this, the disciplinary response may not be identical in every situation, but the desired outcome will always be the same: the reconciliation of the individual to him or herself, to God, and to the community of George Fox University.
When a student is suspended or dismissed, the university will make the determination as to the appropriate time and situation for the return. In rare circumstances, a student may not be welcomed back to the university.
Range of Discipline
Discipline may range from a warning to a dismissal. The majority of disciplinary situations result in accountability and appropriate consequences for the students involved. In severe instances consequences may include a short or long-term suspension, or dismissal. In the case of a short or long-term suspension, the student may lose his or her financial commitments for the term of the suspension.
A short-term suspension is defined as a period of time in a given semester during which the student is not allowed on campus. Generally the period of time is between three and seven days. The student may not attend class, live in campus housing, participate in university-sponsored cocurricular activities, or represent the university in any official capacity during this short-term suspension. Generally, academic work (papers, exams, etc.) is not accepted during the suspension period, and the student is not allowed to make up the academic work missed. A student who would receive a reduced course grade resulting from missed work during a suspension may be given the opportunity of withdrawing from the course without a grade.
When a student is suspended, his or her academic advisor and instructors are informed of the suspension, but usually not of the circumstances leading to it.
Disciplinary actions may include, but are not limited to warning, written agreement of behavior, short-term suspension, long-term suspension (either immediate or deferred termination of student status for one or more semesters), and/or dismissal (permanent termination of student status). Students who don't fulfill assigned consequences in the discipline process may have their diploma and/or transcript withheld until the sanctions are complete.
In the case of any suspension or dismissal, the student may not attend class, live in campus housing, participate in university-sponsored extracurricular activities, or represent the university in any official capacity for the length of the disciplinary action.
If a student is in the presence of another student who is violating the lifestyle agreement the university may treat that student as an active participant in the violation. Generally, all students involved in a situation such as this are held accountable through the discipline process. For example, if a student is discovered with a group that is using alcohol or drugs, the student may be disciplined for being present with the group even if he or she did not consume alcohol. In such a case, the university believes the student should have left the group.
Good Standing Policy
Students may be considered not in good standing with the university will be placed on probation in the discipline sanctioning process. Not being in good standing may affect a students participation in specific curricular or co-curricular activities.
Lying
Lying about the offense in question increases the degree of consequence incurred by the student. Students who are found lying to university officials, or failing to be forthcoming with information requested of them by university officials will be sanctioned appropriately. Honesty is honored within the context of the discipline process.
Appeals
Any student may seek reconciliation and review of process for action taken by administration, faculty, and staff. Copies of the student appeal policy are available in the Student Life Office.