Campus Policies

Alcohol, Drugs and Tobacco

George Fox University is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy educational environment free from alcohol, drugs and tobacco. We have chosen to be a drug and alcohol-free institution and are committed to upholding the federal Drug Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA). The use, possession, or distribution of alcoholic beverages and illicit drugs, including marijuana, synthetic marijuana or controlled substances, or the abuse of legal substances, are prohibited on or away from campus. Medical marijuana, as well as recreational marijuana, whether smoked, vaporized, edible, topical, tinctures, wax, or any other form is prohibited regardless of any state's laws permitting marijuana. Any alcohol, drugs, tobacco, or any paraphernalia will be confiscated by University personnel and not returned to the student. 

We are a tobacco-free and smoke-free campus. The university prohibits smoking, including e-cigarettes/vapor cigarettes, and all forms of tobacco use or possession everywhere on-campus, as well as off-campus by students. 

Visitors to our campus are expected to comply with these standards.

Responding to Alcohol Incidents

There may be situations where a student’s actions, words, behavior, and/or other contributing factors (such as the smell of alcohol on their person or breath) are consistent with a person who has consumed alcohol, but they deny drinking when confronted. In these instances, if two or more University personnel have sufficient reason to believe a student has consumed alcohol the student may be held accountable for violating the lifestyle standards unless they can demonstrate they have not consumed alcohol. This may be accomplished by the student requesting to take a breathalyzer test, or being presented by student life personnel with the option of taking the voluntary test in order to prove their assertion of innocence. If they choose to not take the test, the student may be held accountable for drinking alcohol based on the original evidence that prompted the confrontation.

A breathalyzer test may only be administered when the student has requested to do so or has agreed to take it voluntarily when presented with the option by student life personnel.  A trained George Fox Campus Public Safety Officer administers the test in a private setting with another student life member present.

In instances where there is sufficient evidence that a student consumed alcohol, or when a breathalyzer test affirms a student was drinking, student life personnel ensures the student is accompanied by appropriate personnel to a safe place.

The reasons for implementing the option of using a breathalyzer are: (1) it provides an option for students who assert they have not consumed alcohol, but their behavior and actions exhibit signs to the contrary, and (2) it provides staff with an option to present to students if they deny consuming alcohol, but their actions and behavior exhibit signs of consumption.

Responding to Marijuana or Drug Incidents

Following a similar process to responding to alcohol incidents, there may also be situations when a student’s actions, words, behavior, and/or other contributing factors are consistent with a person who has used marijuana or other drugs, but they deny using when confronted. In these instances, if two or more University personnel have sufficient reason to believe a student has used marijuana or other drugs the student may be held accountable for violating the lifestyle standards unless they can demonstrate their innocence. This may be accomplished by the student requesting to take a voluntary and supervised urine analysis (UA) or other appropriate drug test, or being presented with the option of taking the test by student life personnel. If they choose to not take the test, the student may be held accountable for drug use based on the original evidence that prompted the confrontation.

A UA or other drug test may only be administered when the student has requested to do so or has agreed to take it when presented with the option by student life personnel. A trained George Fox health professional will administer the supervised test.

Student athletes participating in a varsity athletic sport, whether in season or out of season, may be required by Athletics personnel to submit to a supervised UA or other drug test. While Athletics and Student Life personnel work together to resolve these situations, there may be separate aspects of accountability from each department.

In instances where there is sufficient evidence that a student is under the influence of marijuana or other drugs, or when a UA or drug test affirms a student has used drugs, student life personnel ensures the student is accompanied by appropriate personnel to a safe place.

Bullying

Is unwanted, repetitive and/or aggressive behaviors that intimidate, intentionally harm, attack, or control another person physically, emotionally or socially.  This behavior can often be discriminatory towards protected attributes as outlined in the university’s harassment and discrimination policy. It often involves an imbalance of power that is directed towards a specific person or group.

Actions may include, but are not limited to the following: making threats, spreading rumors, attacking someone physically or verbally, inappropriate sexual comments, taunting, spreading rumors about someone, making mean or rude hand gestures, or physically hurting a person’s body or possessions. It may also include various aspects outlined under the hazing policy.

Cyberbullying

Is bullying that takes place using electronic technology, which may include devices and equipment such as cell phones, computers and tablets, as well as communication tools including social media sites, text messages, chat, and websites. Examples of cyber-bullying include, but are not limited to, the following: demeaning or discriminatory text messages or emails, rumors sent by email or posted on social networking sites, and embarrassing pictures, videos, websites, or fake profiles.

Free Speech and Peaceful Assembly Policy

George Fox University believes in the importance of freedom of expression and in the value of permitting students to publicly express their views whether in support of or opposition to issues and actions. The University also recognizes its obligation to maintain a campus atmosphere conducive to academic work, to preserve the dignity and seriousness of University ceremonies and public exercises, and to respect the rights of all individuals while preserving the mission and identity of our Christ-centered institution and community.

Individuals or campus groups who exercise their rights of free speech and/or organize a peaceful assembly should do so in compliance with University policies and procedures. The following define the appropriate parameters for a peaceful assembly or demonstration at George Fox University:

1. Time: Usually limited to a three-hour time frame between the hours of 8 a.m.–6 p.m., Monday-Friday (to allow other uses of the space and to ensure that adequate staffing is available if needed).
2. Place: Generally, protests or demonstrations should occur in a mutually agreed upon, defined area of the Quad.
3. Manner/Process: On-campus groups wishing to demonstrate on the George Fox University campus should receive approval from the office of Community Life (dean of students or designee), Student Activities (dean of student services), Spiritual Life (university pastors), or Intercultural Life (dean of student belonging and equity) at least 24 hours in advance with the specifics of what they propose to do. The appropriate administrator will contact the event organizers if there are questions or concerns about the proposed plan and to give final approval.

All protests and demonstrations should be peaceful and respectful of other members of the community and campus property.

• The event should not interfere with automobile or pedestrian traffic.
• The event should not interfere with approved demonstrations by others.
• Only approved amplified sound is allowed that is in compliance with Yamhill County and the City of Newberg statutes and that doesn’t disrupt University classes, etc.
• All signs, symbols, etc. that are used as a part of the demonstration must be removed immediately at the conclusion of the approved event by the organizers.

Exercising free speech and/or organizing a peaceful assembly violates University policy when the event:

• Includes participants who are not current faculty, staff, or students;
• Threatens property or public safety;
• Infringes upon the rights of others by inappropriately interrupting chapel, a classroom, or other college-sponsored events or activities (e.g., halting a lecture, debate, or any public forum by indirectly preventing the speaker from speaking – even for a brief period of time – or seizing control of a public forum for one’s own purposes);
• Violates the time, place, and manner restrictions listed previously;
• Degrades or demeans another person or people group;
• Violates the University’s existing policies on bias and discrimination 

The University retains the right to control the use of all University property at any time and for any reason. The Office of Student Life has the right to discontinue any protests or demonstrations not in compliance with these guidelines. 

George Fox values freedom of expression and, therefore, supports students’ desires to exercise this freedom in a public way as expressed in this policy. The use of the University forum for expression of ideas or viewpoints in compliance with this policy does not imply university acceptance or endorsement of the views expressed.

Hazing

George Fox supports activities that are designed to develop community and to impart group traditions. We are committed to introducing new students to campus traditions, language, and customs that enhance a sense of belonging and encourage involvement in university life. Understanding this, it is our desire to accomplish the following goals as students become members of campus activities, teams, or groups: 1) to help students build positive relationships with others; 2) to familiarize students with current and historical traditions; and 3) to provide an atmosphere in which students may come to understand that they are part of the George Fox history, present, and future.

We will make every reasonable effort to ensure that students who voluntarily participate in campus activities and groups are treated with dignity and respect, in accordance with the university’s mission, and that any induction or other activities fit within the mission statement as well as within common and civil law. Thus, induction and other group activities will be governed by the following expectations.

There is to be no behavior that causes, or is likely to cause, bodily danger or physical harm, or mental or emotional harm, regardless of a person’s willingness to participate. Even if a participant claims that no one was forced to partake, such an activity or behavior is still considered hazing. Groupthink behavior, peer pressure, and coercion often play a role.  Specifically, please note the following:

• Activity that may cause bodily danger or physical harm includes physical activity such as (but not limited to) forced calisthenics or exposure to the elements, sleep deprivation, or confinement. It also includes the forced consumption or application of food, liquid, alcohol or harmful substances.
• Mental or emotional harm includes embarrassment, ridicule, verbal abuse, and personal humiliation.
• No activities are allowed that induce, cause or require students to violate local, state or federal law or campus rules and regulations.
• Only currently enrolled George Fox students may be involved in University approved team or group-induction activities, unless they are given explicit permission to include others by their group advisor, coach, or instructor.

Violation of this policy may also be a violation of Oregon state law, which may result in a student’s loss of financial aid. Any group/club/team member violating these standards risks suspension from group/team activities. Consequences may also involve sanctions for the entire group. Violations of the Hazing Policy for Oregon State Law will be assumed to constitute violations of university policy, as well.

If you have any questions regarding campus policies or procedures, please contact the dean of students, associate dean of students/director of commuter life, or the director of residence life.

Legal Issues or Police Involvement

Any student who is involved in an incident involving the police or legal system to any degree is expected to self-report this behavior to student life personnel. Residential students should contact the director of residence life or an area coordinator. Commuter students should contact the director of commuter life.

Appropriate Dress

All personal apparel and attire worn while on GFU property must be free from any direct or indirect references to profanity, drugs, alcohol, marijuana, sexually offensive or suggestive, discriminatory, harassing, or demeaning items.

Movies and Music

Because music and movies are primary 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 these mediums. Students are encouraged 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 and music. The university reserves the right to prohibit movies that are not rated if their content is contrary to the university's mission and policies. Entertainment with profanity that can be heard by others is prohibited.

• Public viewing: It should be noted that it is illegal to show films in public venues unless rights and appropriate fees are paid.
• On-campus viewing: Special consideration and sensitivity should be used when choosing films to be viewed on campus. Individuals who live within the same apartment, house, or room may have a different view of issues of violence, language, etc. It is recommended that you discuss movie and music choices with your roommates.

On-Campus Political Activities

As a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, in all circumstances George Fox University is prohibited from participating or intervening in any political campaign on behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate for public office. Even an insubstantial violation may lead to monetary fines and exposes the University to the possibility of revocation of its tax-exempt status. Nevertheless, George Fox University encourages its students to engage in civic activity, including participation in the political process. To permit the most robust discourse during political campaigns, while at the same time ensuring compliance with the restrictions placed on the University as a tax-exempt organization, the University offers the following student guidelines. Students should observe the following with respect to their participation in national, state or local political campaign activities. Students are prohibited from engaging in the following political activities:

• Using University funding or equipment to produce, copy, post, or distribute documents, flyers, posters, etc. or post website information, transmit emails, or make presentations that advocates or endorses for or against a candidate or ballot measure
• Using University letterhead, logos or postage to send mail supporting or opposing a ballot initiative or candidate running for elected office
• Conducting a political campaign from a University office or other University facility, or otherwise using University resources, such as a University-provided telephone, computer or e-mail address to conduct such a political campaign.

Clubs and organizations desiring to host an event raising awareness around political issues need to receive approval from the Student Activities Director to ensure they avoid the appearance of endorsement of one particular candidate or ballot measure.

Pornography

Pornographic materials in any form (including the internet) are not to be viewed, used, possessed, or distributed on or away from campus. This includes any item (which may include sexually provocative or explicit material) whose content is exploitative or of concern to either gender. Further, the use of institutional or personal computers for the viewing, transmission, retrieval and/or storage of such material is prohibited.

As with other sexual conduct outside the confines of marriage, viewing of pornography is inconsistent with the teaching of Scripture; though we will seek to be redemptive in the lives of the individuals involved. Consequently, the University will offer counsel and assistance to support and strengthen the individual‘s resolve to live consistently with Christian teaching on sexuality.

Pregnancy

George Fox University will come alongside students who are preparing to welcome a new baby. Whether a pregnancy is planned or unplanned, we are prepared to help our students complete their degree, receive medical care, and navigate their new circumstances. Students will receive university support regardless of the circumstances of the pregnancy and there is no community accountability process. We hope this is helpful in removing any barrier a student may have in seeking help and support from the University.      

Every effort will be made to ensure student confidentiality. While some expectant parents may choose to leave the university temporarily, it is our hope that any student who continues in classes during pregnancy and new parenthood will find George Fox to be a supportive community. The following university offices provide services as a resource to expectant parents: 

• Lactation Rooms, Breast Milk Storage, and Changing Table: Murdock Library
• Medical Services: University Health & Counseling Center
• Leave of Absence: Registrar’s Office
• Change of Living Situation: Housing Office and Residence Life
• Nutrition Assistance: Bruin Community Pantry and Student Life
• Confidential Prayer Support and Other Community Resources: Office for Spiritual Life 
• Confidential Counseling: University Health & Counseling Center
• Sexual Misconduct and Title IX Reporting: Title IX Coordinator
• Other Help: Student Life

As you prepare to welcome your child, we pray blessings for you both and we look forward to walking alongside you as you continue your academic endeavors. 

Sexuality & Relationships

George Fox University accepts the biblical standards that prohibit all sexual immorality. In addition to what’s outlined in the Lifestyle Standards, 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 relationship
• A married student involved in a sexually active adulterous relationship
• Cohabitation is unacceptable for students. It is defined as, but not limited to: spending the night together or living with romantically or sexually involved partners.

The dean of students or their staff evaluates situations individually. Accountability and consequences are administered appropriately with the growth and development of each student in mind.