Administrative Policies

Automobiles and Parking

All vehicles brought to campus, whether owned by employees, students, or the university, must be registered with Campus Public Safety.

For information about registering your vehicle or appealing a parking ticket, please see the Campus Traffic and Parking Regulations,

Babysitting and Childcare

Because of safety concerns and insurance limitations, facilitating on-campus childcare is not permitted.

Computers and Technology

Internet access and use is considered a privilege. While computers have become a great asset to the educational environment, one must be aware of the pitfalls of technology. Students are charged with the responsibility to use them with discretion and wisdom.

The university believes it is unacceptable to misuse computers or other mediums of communication for the purpose of harassment; use, possession, or distribution of pornography; plagiarism; any other violations of the community standards; or any violations of state or federal law. The university does not guarantee privacy on the university network or e-mail, and reserves the right to monitor and search any network traffic or files.

For other specific policies regarding computer use, please see the university's Acceptable Use Policy. More information can also be found at the Institutional Technology (IT) web page at it.georgefox.edu.

Video and computer games should be played while considering the balance of all other aspects required of you. Students are encouraged to guard their time carefully and balance recreation with academic work and social development.

Social Media Policy

Students are expected to use discernment, good judgment, and respect when posting on social media. George Fox does not regularly review content posted to social media sites. However, any posted content that comes to the attention of student life staff is subject to review in accordance with the University’s lifestyle standards and guidelines, as well as other community policies.

Students who are found to violate these policies in their posts are subject to disciplinary action. Please think before you post, be calm and clear headed, and avoid emotional or reactive posts that can be disrespectful or harmful to others. Please keep in mind that your family, roommates, internship supervisors, and future employers may read your posts, as well as prospective students, their parents, alumni, professors and college administrators. Search engines can turn up posts and pictures years after publication.

Institutional Statement Policy

George Fox is unified in our pursuit of educating and inspiring students to pursue God’s calling.  The university administration seeks to create a campus climate where all students, employees and alumni feel safe and welcome. Whether or not the university makes a statement about a specific issue or event, George Fox will always stand against racism, sexism and the exploitation of vulnerable people. We are dismayed when justice is not done and seek to follow Jesus’ command to love God with all our heart, soul and mind and to love our neighbors as ourselves. 

As a general policy, neither the George Fox administration or the president will produce a statement on political, legal or social events that do not directly involve the university or members of our community. In the aftermath of national or international events that cause emotional distress, students and employees are encouraged to utilize the many provided campus resources including counseling, Student Life and spiritual life staff. In rare cases, George Fox may release an institutional statement on issues or events in which the university community is directly involved. However, due to privacy laws and concerns, the university generally does not comment on student discipline or individual employment matters.

The university will immediately alert the campus when a direct and credible threat to the safety of our community is identified. The university’s Threat Assessment Team works with local authorities to evaluate and respond to threats to our community.

Solicitation Policy

Soliciting of any kind on campus, including door-to-door solicitation, is prohibited on-campus. If a solicitor or any suspicious-looking person approaches you, call Campus Public Safety at 503-554-2090 immediately with a description of the individual. Please do not confront the person. Contact Campus Public Safety or Student Life if you have any questions.

Student Organizations and Clubs

For most students the University experience is greatly enhanced through participation in co-curricular activities. George Fox University views this participation as essential to healthy growth and development and to the attainment of a well-rounded education. There are numerous opportunities for students to be involved and the University encourages engagement and participation through those venues. The Student Activities Director aims to support and strengthen several student clubs each year. 

As a Christ-centered community, the existence and activities of all clubs and organizations are ultimately authorized by the Student Life Office and must be consistent with the values, lifestyle expectations, Christ-centered commitments and community policies found in the Student Handbook. 

These expectations and policies govern the personal conduct of all undergraduate students and student organizations at GFU. Clubs must also meet standards of safety as defined by the University.

General Safety and Facilities

Within our campus community, there are numerous important considerations regarding safety within academic, residential and auxiliary buildings and structures. Students are expected to comply with all day-to-day policies and procedures. This includes, but is not limited to the following: appropriate entry, access and use of university facilities; as well as wearing appropriate attire, including shoes in buildings. The University also prohibits activities such as: climbing or accessing interior or exterior walls of buildings, campus structures or bridges; climbing through windows; or being on any building roof or ledge.

Fire Safety

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 prohibited and considered by the university to be serious and unacceptable behavior.  

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 appropriate responses.

Campus Display and Posting Policy

The posting and display policy at George Fox University applies to student-sponsored public displays and posters. Displays generally consist of a number of images, pictures or ideas intended for engagement by the broader campus community to create awareness or to generate discussion. Posters are generally intended to advertise a particular event or raise awareness about the activities of a particular officially recognized campus club or organization. 

The university aims to strike a balance between creating an appealing and inviting campus space for students, employees and visitors, ensuring easy maintenance of the campus, and providing students with opportunities to educate the community about their interests.To achieve these goals, this policy establishes guidelines for creating campus displays and/or posting materials and promoting events on campus. These guidelines are designed to adhere to the university's distinctive mission, lifestyle standards and expectations, prevent damage to structures, and maintain an aesthetically pleasing environment.

Students are encouraged to utilize The Daily Bruin, campus video monitors managed by Student Life, and campus social media accounts to promote and advertise their events. Community members should refer to specific sections in the Student Handbook for guidelines regarding residence hall decorations and postings, free speech and peaceful assembly, as well as on-campus political activities.

The following process needs to be completed prior to promoting, advertising, and/or displaying any items related to an event or educational program on campus. If the policy is not completed in its entirety then all materials related to the event or educational program will be removed.  

Posting/Display Approval Process

Clubs & student activities teams must have their posters/displays approved by Kara Holcombe. When ready for approval, please make an appointment to meet with her – kholcombe@georgefox.edu

1. Content of Poster/Display

• Content must align with the mission of George Fox University, lifestyle expectations, and other general written procedures.

• No commercial advertising, selling or solicitation of any kind is permitted. (Members of the George Fox community may utilize BruinBoards to advertise goods or services.) 

• Any flier or sign must be sponsored, facilitated or approved by a George Fox department, recognized student organization or club. (See step 2, below.) 

• If the poster or display promotes a specific event, the event must be identified by title/subject, date, time, location, and the sponsoring organization.

• If the poster or display does not promote a specific event but is part of an awareness-raising campaign, it must include an expiration date that is no later than two weeks from the date the posting occurs (for fliers or posters on campus bulletin boards) or five days for campus displays.

• Posters should not exceed 11x17 inches.
  

2. Obtain approval by advisor/sponsor/faculty or staff support

For campus displays, submissions for approval must be submitted at least two weeks before the display is to be posted

3. Email content of poster/display to studentlife@georgefox.edu and include your advisor

• Campus displays and posters are not considered “approved” until final notification is received from Student Life and display items have received a stamp from the Office of Student Life.

4. Once the Office of Student Life approves the content, the sponsor should print posters/display and obtain a physical stamp on EACH item to be posted. Stamps are located in the student life office located in Hadlock.

5. Campus displays are allowed in approved locations following the procedures outlined below.

• Campus displays will be allowed for up to five days before they must be taken down or replaced with a different display (that has also received approval).

• Approved locations include (see map)

  1. Plaza area near flagpole

  2. Klages exterior wall near flagpole

  3. The quad area adjacent to the flagpole

  4. The area between Brougher Hall and the Art Annex

• Displays that are not maintained will be removed.

6. For posters and flyers:

• Pushpins are recommended or removable tape is required.

• You must take down your fliers when your event is over.

• Only one flier/poster per bulletin board per club.

• Post only on bulletin boards, posting kiosks, or sandwich boards. Do not post on walls, windows, or doors. (Exception: Event location signs may be placed on building entrance doors on the day of the event.) 

• Table tents are permitted in Canyon Commons with approval from the Office of Student Life. 

• DO NOT:

  1. Post on the exterior of any campus structures such as buildings, bridges, posts, or walls including painted, metal, or glass surfaces

  2. Use staples. Only push pins or removable tape may be used.

  3. Affix the poster to glass doors

  4. Staple or tape posters/fliers to trees or other natural features on campus. Any property damage that occurs as a result of posting may result in a fine to the responsible individual or group.

  5. Cover fliers for other events that have not yet occurred or your poster may be removed.

7. Removal of Posters and/or Campus Displays

The university retains the discretion to remove any posting that does not comply with this policy.The group identified in the posting is responsible for the removal of the poster(s) or display according to the timelines outlined in this policy. Failure to comply with the removal of postings in a timely manner may result in restrictions on future postings.

 

 

Drones

The University has established the policy regarding drones in order to be in compliance with governmental regulations, state law, and other applicable local law, as well as to reduce risks to safety, security, and privacy. The operation of drones or other unmanned aircraft systems is prohibited on campus unless it is for university purposes with permission from the Executive Director of Marketing Communications, the Associate Director of Marketing Content or the Associate Director of Athletics. In addition to this approval, the drone pilot must be licensed as an FAA-Certificated remote Pilot.

Personal Transportation Devices

The safe and proper use of personal transportation devices such as bicycles, skateboards, and e-mobility devices is encouraged on the George Fox campus. All modes of transportation must be operated respectfully and carefully to keep the campus safe for pedestrians, riders, and others. All modes of transportation may only be ridden on roads or sidewalks. Operators must always yield to pedestrians and use courteous communication when approaching.

Non-Motorized Transportation

Non-motorized modes of transportation (including but not limited to bicycles, rollerblades, skateboards, and scooters) are permitted to be used on campus but are prohibited from being ridden in any campus building. Skateboards and longboards are permitted as a mode of transportation providing the rider is using the board appropriately, and the wheels stay in contact with the ground at all times while riding. 

E-Mobility Devices

The use of e-mobility devices must align with the university’s values and commitment to safety. Operators are responsible for the safe and respectful use, storage, and charging of e-mobility devices. Damage to other persons or university property is the owner’s responsibility.

• Permitted Devices: Any device that uses electric power from a battery source, including but not limited to e-scooters, e-bikes, hoverboards, Segways, one or four-wheel skateboards, and similar devices are allowed as a mode of transportation on campus and must be in compliance with all aspects of this policy.
• Speed Limit: E-mobility devices should be ridden at slow speeds, especially in pedestrian-heavy areas.
• Restricted Areas: Devices are prohibited from being possessed, used, stored, or charged inside all campus buildings, including residence halls and academic facilities. This complies with University policy, the guidelines established by Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue and enforced by the Fire Marshal, and is required by the University’s insurance company.
• Charging: Due to fire dangers indoor charging is prohibited anywhere on campus.
• Responsible Operation: Devices must be operated safely at all times. Reckless behavior, such as stunts, speeding, tandem riding, or any actions that endanger one’s self or others, is prohibited.
• Designated Parking: Park only at bike racks. Improper parking (e.g., at entrances/exits, hallways, rooms, etc.) is not allowed.
• Safety Gear: Helmets and protective gear are strongly recommended.
• Other Devices: Gas-powered modes of transportation are also subject to this policy and subsequent safety guidelines.

Non-compliance with this policy may result in fines, device removal, or loss of riding privileges.

Campus Public Safety and Crime Statistics

In compliance with the Clery Act, crime statistics and campus safety policies are available on the Campus Public Safety website.

Theft

Theft or damage to property of another, including members of the university community or on university premises is prohibited. Cases of theft should be reported to the police and Campus Public Safety. Students can help prevent theft by the following Property Theft Prevention guidelines on the Campus Public Safety website.

Weapons, Fire Arms, Munitions & Explosives

The safety and security of all members of our community is of utmost importance. The university prohibits the possession, use, or threatened use of firearms (including air rifles, airsoft pistols, and paint guns), fireworks, ammunition, explosives, chemicals or any other weapons on university property or at university-sponsored activities or on university-supervised property. University personnel may confiscate any weapons, firearms or items that fire a hard projectile or paint ball. Professional law enforcement officers are the only persons permitted to possess firearms while on campus. Concealed weapons are prohibited.

Pepper spray in amounts of 1.5 oz. or less or contact tasers may be carried for personal protection. If pepper spray or tasers are used inappropriately, they may be confiscated and appropriate consequences assessed. Large knives or swords are prohibited on-campus, including all residential buildings. Small pocket knives (less than 4” blade) are permitted on campus.