2021-22 Student Handbook

HONESTY One of the marks of integrity is honesty. Students are expected to be honest and truthful in all forms of communication (verbal or written). Forgery, providing incomplete or misleading information, scanning and not attending chapel, or misuse of your student ID card are examples of dishonesty that will result in discipline. ALCOHOL AND ILLEGAL AND HARMFUL SUBSTANCES The Bible contains many warnings on the use of alcohol and teaches the need for caution. This biblical teaching, coupled with the reality that alcohol is addictive to many and that alcohol-related problems pose a major threat to college students, warrants wisdom concerning the use of alcohol. Listed below are several principles that support and guide our approach to alcohol and are informed by the following Scripture texts: Prov. 20:1; Prov. 23:31–35; Prov. 31:4; Rom. 13:13; Rom. 14; 1 Cor. 6:9–10; 1 Cor. 8; Gal. 5:19–21; Eph. 5:18; 1 Tim. 3:3; Titus 1:7; 1 Pet. 2:13–17; 1 Pet. 4:3. Nearly 70 percent of our undergraduates are under the legal drinking age. For these students, drinking is not only unwise, it is also illegal. Both Testaments contain warnings concerning the use and specific instruction regarding the sinful abuse of alcohol. As a Christian university community, Cedarville is concerned about the potential risk to a person’s individual well- being and the reality that alcohol use has a significant negative impact on University culture. Abuse of alcohol is not consistent with a spiritually mature lifestyle. Alcohol use can reduce a person’s ability to make good decisions about sex and is commonly associated with various forms of sexual immorality, including sexual and physical assault. Alcohol makes a person less alert and diminishes self-control. Use of food and drink is listed by Paul in a discussion of “disputable matters.” We are advised to be careful not to place stumbling blocks in a brother’s way. We are also warned to be careful about what we approve and to seek each other’s mutual edification. To create a healthy environment for our students, and in some cases to comply with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989, Public Law 101-226, Cedarville University adheres to the following guidelines for all undergraduate students and graduate students enrolled in degree programs on campus, including those students who do not live in campus housing. Students are not allowed to use, purchase, share, or possess alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, or any illegal drug on or off campus. Students are also prohibited from recreational drug use, misusing legally prescribed medications, or using synthetic street drugs or medical marijuana. Students are notified of significant health risks associated with the improper use of certain substances, including those mentioned above. These risks include, but are not limited to, physical and mental dependency, damage to the heart and lungs, and, in some cases, death. In addition to University prohibitions, state and federal law prohibits the unlawful sale, use, or possession of drugs and alcohol. Penalties may include fines and/or imprisonment. Students are also reminded that underage drinking violates federal law. Students who engage in underage drinking or provide alcohol to underage individuals may be subject to legal sanctions in addition to University penalties. Students are not to attend bars or clubs where alcohol is the primary feature. Students are not permitted to attend parties where alcohol is being used in a manner that violates University standards. Students struggling with drug or alcohol use may obtain confidential support at Counseling Services and University Medical Services. Violations of these guidelines may result in dismissal. PERSONAL CARE AND RESPONSIBILITY All students are expected to live independently and are responsible for their own personal care. Any student requiring a personal care attendant because of a physical disability is responsible for making such arrangements. More information on the personal care attendant policy and other disability accommodations is available at cedarville.edu/disabilities . INVOLUNTARY ADMINISTRATIVE WITHDRAWAL This is a special, non-disciplinary process used when a student appears to pose a significant risk to self or to others, or when that student’s behavior infringes on the rights or educational process of others. A student may be subject to involuntary withdrawal from the University or from University housing if the student engages or threatens to engage in the following: Behavior that poses a danger of causing physical harm to self or others. Behavior that would cause property damage or directly impedes or disrupts the lawful activity of others. All appeals for Involuntary AdministrativeWithdrawal should be addressed to the Vice President for Student Life and Christian Ministries within 48 hours of the decision. DRESS AND APPEARANCE Our approach to standards for dress and appearance seeks to honor biblical principles of modesty as humility expressed in dress and to provide general guidelines appropriate for a Christ-centered educational institution. The biblical expectation of modesty is that the conduct of both men and women, which includes but is not limited to dress, serves to enhance rather than detract from the reputation of the Gospel (1 Tim. 2:3–10; 1 Pet. 3:3–4). Manifestation of modesty includes seeking to adorn the Gospel by placing emphasis on the condition of one’s heart expressed by living with humility in attitude, behavior, and dress (Prov. 31:30). Therefore, students are encouraged to portray servant attitudes toward Christ and other people in their dress and appearance. The specific guidelines included below are shaped by biblical principles, community preferences, and cultural expectations in terms of propriety and professionalism. Clothing should not be excessively short or revealing. For example, skirts/dresses should fall mid-thigh, midriff and underwear should not show, leggings/tights should have a skirt, dress, or shirt over top that falls mid-thigh (except during exercise), and shirts should not be low-cut and should have modest straps. Clothing should not have slogans that are inconsistent with University values. Shoes should be worn in academic buildings, chapel, and the dining hall at all times. Shorts, sweatpants, and pajama pants should not be worn to class or chapel. Clothing should be gender appropriate. Other than in the residence halls, shirts should be worn everywhere on campus, including the Callan Athletic Center. Students are expected to remove hats before entering class or chapel. In addition, our campus culture supports the professional development of students and allows faculty to communicate additional dress guidelines for classes that are consistent with the course objectives. DANCE We recognize that appropriate styles of dance can be a valuable part of art, worship, choreography, celebration, and exercise. Expressions of dance performed in a manner that honors God and promotes holiness are permitted. Unfortunately, many forms of dancing are closely associated with things that undermine godliness. Participating in dance that is sexually provocative, occurs in unhealthy environments, or accompanies lyrics that do not reflect a pure and godly lifestyle is prohibited. 16 17