2021-22 Student Handbook

Violations of respect can occur in online dialogue just as in face-to-face communication. Cedarville University prohibits all acts of disrespect outlined in this statement regardless of the mode of communication. The following types of behavior violate the spirit of this community and will not be allowed: ƒ Racial Harassment — Racial harassment includes any behavior or form of communication that does not reflect the biblical principle that all people are made in God’s image and are equal in value. Racial harassment includes physical and verbal intimidation as well as the use of racial/ethnic slurs or symbols. ƒ Sexual Harassment — Sexual harassment violates our Cedarville Covenant and federal and state law. Examples of sexual harassment include unwelcome sexual advances or requests for sexual favors. A person’s statements or behaviors (of a sexual nature) can be construed as harassment when they unreasonably interfere with work, study, or living conditions by creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment. Attempting to coerce another individual into performing a sexual activity is also considered sexual harassment. The sexual harassment policy is available to all members of the University community online at cedarville.edu/sexualharassmentpolicy . ƒ Title IX and Sex Discrimination — Consistent with our belief that all people are created in the image of God, and in compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Cedarville does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of sex in education programs or activities, including recruitment, admissions, athletic and extracurricular activities, discipline, distribution of financial assistance, distribution of institutional resources, hiring practices, employment, and promotion. Sexual discrimination includes any acts of sexual violence, sexual assault, and sexual harassment. In accordance with Title IX, the University has adopted a sexual discrimination policy to address reported violations of Title IX. In addition, the University has appointed a Title IX Coordinator who will investigate reported violations as well as oversee training and prevention initiatives. The policy and Title IX Coordinator contact information can be found at cedarville.edu/titleIX . Further, the University seeks to remove barriers to reporting sexual discrimination. To this end, a violation of the student handbook, when the violation is disclosed (either by a student-participant or a third party) as a result of a report of sexual discrimination, will not result in dismissal for the reporting party, provided that the complaint is raised in good faith and the health and safety of the individuals involved is not jeopardized. The University reserves the right to extend grace to all parties involved and may choose to recommend or require institutional or counseling remedies for a student consistent with our values. ƒ Hazing — Hazing is defined as subjecting a student to abusive or humiliating pranks. Any student, or student organization, participating in a hazing or prank-type activity that potentially endangers or adversely affects the physical and/or emotional well-being of another student, regardless of motive or intent, will be held accountable. ƒ Bullying — Bullying is intimidating or mistreating someone weaker or in a more vulnerable situation. ƒ Violence and aggression — Unacceptable behaviors include physical assault and battery, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, and menacing. ƒ Slander, libel, and use of vulgar, obscene, or threatening language. ƒ Vandalism or theft. Violations of these guidelines may result in dismissal. Respect for Neighbors Within the Cedarville Community Cedarville students are known for their professed commitment to Christ. We value this reputation and trust students to take all steps necessary to maintain it. As we uphold the Cedarville Covenant, students should: ƒ Ensure that conduct and behavior in and around their residence is kind, self-controlled, and consistent with University standards. ƒ Show consideration to neighbors regarding noise levels and parking expectations. ƒ Establish integrity by fulfilling any financial obligations to local businesses. ƒ Honor zoning regulations. COMMITMENT TO PURITY Cedarville University is committed to an approach to sexuality and moral purity that reflects biblical values according to the following affirmations: We believe that God’s design at Creation for sexual desire and orientation is within the bounds of a marriage union between a man and a woman (Gen. 1:26–28; Gen. 2:22–25; Rom. 1:26–27). We believe that premarital sex, extramarital sex, bisexual acts, same-sex marriage, and homosexual acts violate clear biblical teaching on sexual purity (Rom. 1:26–27; 1 Cor. 6:18–20; Gal. 5:19–21; Eph. 5:3; Col. 3:5–6). We believe gender identity and roles are aspects of God’s creative design (Gen. 1:26–28; 1 Cor. 11:7–9; 1 Tim. 2:12–14). Sexual intercourse and many of the intimate acts leading up to it are reserved exclusively for the context of a biblically defined marriage (Gen. 2:21–23; Matt. 19:4–6). Sexual activities outside of this context, including sexual intercourse, oral sex, and other intimate forms of touching, are prohibited. Behavior that is inconsistent with these standards is prohibited even when consensual. Consistent with our desire to teach and model a biblical approach to sex, the University prohibits same-sex dating behaviors and public advocacy for the position that sex outside of a biblically defined marriage is morally acceptable. We seek to help students who face all types of sexual temptation, encouraging single students to live chaste, celibate lives, and encouraging married students to be faithful to their marriage and to their spouse. Consistent with our commitment to God’s design for gender identity, the public advocacy for or act of altering one’s birth-gender identity through medical transition or transgender expression is prohibited. This commitment to gender identity also applies to — but is not limited to — the use of bathrooms, locker rooms, student housing, and participating in gender-specific University groups, clubs, and organizations. Cedarville provides the following specific guidelines intended to help single students with their commitment to moral purity: ƒ Students in romantic relationships should avoid spending extended time in a private place or location where there is not a healthy level of accountability, such as off-campus apartments or bedrooms. ƒ Students are not to share the same bed. ƒ Students are not permitted to spend the night in an off-campus apartment, hotel room, bedroom, etc., with the opposite sex, regardless of the number of students involved. Cedarville provides the following specific guidelines intended to help married students with their commitment to moral purity: ƒ Married students are not permitted to engage in sexual activity with anyone other than their spouse. ƒ Married students are encouraged to celebrate God’s design of sexual intimacy by pursuing emotional and physical intimacy with their spouse. ƒ Married students are encouraged to maintain appropriate boundaries and invite accountability for protection against temptations to emotional or physical adultery. Cedarville provides the following specific guidelines intended to help all students with their commitment to moral purity: ƒ Students are prohibited from accessing pornographic or obscene websites or creating links to such sites. ƒ Students are prohibited from posting or sharing sexually provocative material. Cedarville seeks to provide biblically faithful counsel, support, and equipping for holiness on matters of purity and sexual brokenness. Resources for students include Student Development staff, faculty, and the confidential setting of Counseling Services. Violations of these guidelines may result in dismissal. RESPECT FOR OTHERS Living in a residence hall provides an excellent opportunity to display love through respect for others. Respect for FellowMembers of the Campus Community One of the primary measures of spiritual maturity is how we treat our neighbors. Our relationships are to reflect the biblical principle that all people are made in God’s image and should be treated with kindness, dignity, and respect. 12 13