Student Handbook: Community Standards

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Biola Community Standards

Latest revision: September 2011

The Biola Community

Biola University is a unique environment committed to following Christ. We believe that community is born of other-centered practices, strengthened when members

• live with integrity,

• practice confession and forgiveness,

• attempt to live in reconciled relationships,

• accept responsibility for their actions and words, and

• submit to biblical instruction.

As women and men of Biola, we do not ask each other to be perfect people, but rather to be people in active pursuit of integrity and growth, in dynamic relationships with the living God and with others in community. Those in leadership at Biola are eager to serve by coming alongside you and offering support, accountability, and, when necessary, loving discipline, in order to help you grow. We affirm our commitment to serve you with your best in mind.

The Standards

We at Biola uphold integrity as a core value of our community. Members are expected to demonstrate a commitment to the value of integrity in word and deed and to take responsibility for their own violations of behavioral guidelines.

We at Biola recognize that scripture condemns sins of the heart, such as covetousness, selfishness, ambition, envy, greed, lust and pride. By their very nature, these sins are more difficult to discern, but because they lie at the heart of relationships, they are of central concern to the Biola community.  We confess and repent of these sins as we become aware.

Furthermore, students at Biola commit to refrain from practices that Scripture forbids, such as, sexual relations outside of marriage, homosexual behavior, theft and dishonesty.

Finally, for the purpose of character development and the creation of a healthy, vibrant Christian community, students at Biola commit to abstain from the use of tobacco products, the use of alcoholic beverages, and the activity of gambling.

Biola students have chosen, freely and willingly, to abide by these standards. We regard any violation of these standards to be a breach of integrity, since each member has voluntarily chosen to associate with the Biola community and to accept, uphold, and live by these standards.  

The University reserves the right to refuse or revoke admittance and/or dismiss any person who does not conform either to the stated guidelines and regulations governing student conduct, or to the expressed principles, policies, and expectations of the University. 

The University also reserves the right to take action against an individual for violating the Standards regardless of how much time has passed since the violation. The University also reserves the right to take disciplinary actions for violations of University standards by graduates awaiting degrees and students who withdraw from school while a disciplinary matter is pending.

When The Standards Apply

The Biola Community Standards apply to all students:

• While enrolled in classes for the Fall Semester (including Thanksgiving), Interterm, Spring Semester (including Spring Break), and Summer Term;

• Who are representing the Biola Community in any off-campus events, such as mission trips, internships, study abroad, and athletic or academic activities;

• Who are not enrolled in classes but are living on campus, and not checked out of their room.

The fact that these standards only apply to students while they are enrolled or in residence in no way indicates that the University believes that contrary behavior is acceptable during non-enrolled periods. The University recognizes that it is inherently the responsibility of the individual to make such behavior decisions. The essential role of individual judgment, discernment, and recognition of personal accountability to God throughout the Biola community cannot be overemphasized. Behaviors while not enrolled may affect a student’s ability to re-enroll or continue at Biola University (see also below, “Violation Of Law And University Discipline”).

Do the Standards Apply Off-Campus?

Off-campus rights and freedoms of students involve the responsibility to display conduct and behavior that reflect favorably on them, the University, and the community. Accordingly, the University reserves the right to take disciplinary action in response to behavior off campus that violates University standards and policies or adversely affects the University community and/or the pursuit of its objectives. The University also reserves the right to take disciplinary actions for violations of University standards by graduates awaiting degrees and students who withdraw from school while a disciplinary matter is pending.

Violation Of Law And University Discipline

The University reserves the right to review actions taken by civil authorities regarding any student or student organization. University disciplinary proceedings may be instituted against a student charged with violation of a law and may, at the sole discretion of the University, be carried out prior to, concurrently, or following civil or criminal proceedings.  Violations occurring during non-enrolled periods may be considered by the University in determining whether a student will be eligible to continue his/her enrollment in the University and if so, under what conditions.

Reporting Misconduct

Anyone may report a suspected violation of the Biola Community Standards by contacting the Office of the Dean of Students at ext. 5842. The person reporting the violation may be asked to submit a written report. The report should be a brief written statement citing the section of the Standards allegedly violated and providing a summary of the facts deemed to constitute a violation.  Reports should be submitted as soon as possible after the event takes place; however, the University reserves the right to take action against an individual for violating the Standards regardless of how much time has passed since the incident. Students living in the residence halls may also notify their Resident Director or Resident Assistant. For any campus emergency, call x5111.  Students who knowingly make a false report of misconduct are in violation of University policy.