2003-2004 Academic Catalog

8 Lifestyle Commitment At Cedarville we recognize and value the Bible as an authorita- tive guide for how we should live. We believe that our behavior should manifest qualities which honor Christ, and which demonstrate obedience to the Bible. Consequently, all mem- bers of the university family agree to live according to the University's lifestyle commitment. Faculty, staff, and administra- tors reaffirm this commitment annually when they sign their contracts. Students affirm their agreement to live by this commit- ment as a part of the application process and upon registering for classes. Some aspects of this agreement reflect our biblical convictions; others reflect what we call "institutional prefer- ences." Specifically, we agree to avoid acts of sexual immorality, and we agree not to use alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, or nonmedical drugs. In all things we seek to serve Christ and to avoid personal attitudes of dishonesty, selfishness, disrespect, racism, unethical conduct, and irreverence. A discipline system exists to correct those who violate the lifestyle agreement. Discipline can range from a small fine to immediate dismissal based on the severity of the offense. In all cases, our desire is to restore the individual to a correct relation- ship with Christ. Immediate dismissal often occurs in situations involving sexual immorality, theft, or a violation of the University's alcohol or drug standards. The University's standards of conduct are listed in the Cedarville University Student Handbook ( www.cedarville.edu/studenthandbook ) , along with information about how students can request a hearing involving a disciplin- ary incident, or what steps they can take to seek readmittance to the University following a dismissal. Co-CurricularOpportunities A wide variety of co-curricular activities are available for students, regardless of major. For information on the following, please see catalog sections as noted: Debate–Dept. of Communication Arts, pg 58 Drama–Dept. of Communication Arts, pg 58 Engineering Competitions–Dept. of Engineering, pg 84 Forensics–Dept. of Communication Arts, pg 58 Math Club–Dept. of Science and Mathematics, pg 154 Miriam Maddox Forum–Dept. of Communication Arts, pg 58 Student Radio Station–Dept. of Communication Arts, pg 58 Organizations Academic/Professional Organizations American Society of Mechanical Engineers is a student chapter of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers promoting practical experience and professional development. Association of Information Technology Professionals provides management information systems, computer informa- tion systems, and computer science majors with opportunities to network with AITP members and learn about information systems careers through seminars and computer-related activities. Epsilon Omega is a local chapter of Phi Alpha Honor Society, the National Social Work Honor Society, committed to promoting a high standard of education for social workers. Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers is a branch of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, which exists to promote technical and professional growth among electrical engineering students. Introduction University Services/Chapel New Student Orientation At the start of each semester, new students are provided with opportunities designed to facilitate adjustments to their new surroundings. The program includes orientation for parents. Special interest sessions, question and answer times, small group meetings, and social activities provide opportunities to adjust to a new environment. Placement testing may be required during orientation. Vehicles Freshmen with grade point averages of 2.5 or higher may bring motor vehicles to the University after their first semester. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors must maintain a 2.0 cumula- tive grade point average to retain the privilege of having a motor vehicle at the University. All motor vehicles must be registered with the Campus Public Safety Office. Chapel Dr. Dixon, our chancellor, has said many times, “The heartbeat of every Christian college/university is chapel.” Five days a week the Cedarville family and guests meet in our 3,400-seat James T. Jeremiah Chapel. At 10:00 a.m., the auditorium comes alive as the university family laughs, cries, sings, prays, and worships together. It is a place where we connect as a strong family does. Speakers from far and near grace our chapel platform to inspire and challenge our hearts. People like Dr. David Jeremiah, Dr. Joe Stowell, Alistair Begg, Knute Larsen, Jim Cymbala, and Dr. Warren Wiersbe, just to name a few, bring God’s Word to us. Alumni often speak of chapel being one of the things they miss most after graduation. Many return to be able to sit in on one more chapel experience. Student Life At Cedarville we seek to maintain a culture which reflects the values of the kingdom of heaven and the spirit of Jesus Christ. Cedarville's student life program is designed to support this kind of environment and to contribute to each student's growth intellectually, spiritually, socially, and physically. In each of these areas we recognize the relevancy and authority of the Bible and accept it as our final authority for faith and practice. Core values which shape our culture include love for God, love for neighbors, excellence in effort, and integrity in conduct. Spiritual Emphasis The University desires that each student grow in his or her relationship with Christ. Consequently, students are urged to set aside a definite period of time each day for private devotions. Daily chapel services provide spiritual encouragement and enrichment. Additionally, all students are required to attend church services regularly. Opportunities for worship include the Cedarville University Fellowship, which meets in the university chapel, as well as numerous churches within easy driving distance of Cedarville. Spiritual growth is further encouraged through student prayer groups which meet regularly to pray for special needs. One day each semester is set aside as a “Day of Prayer,” a time when the entire university family gathers to pray together.