Inspire, Summer 2009

c amp u s e v e n t s August 14–16 Getting Started Weekend 17–20 Fall Bible Conference September 12 Southern Ohio Bible Bee Walk ‘n Roll — Joni and Friends 25 CU Friday October 1–3, 8–10 Fall Play, The Miracle Worker 2 Legacy Banquet 2–3 Homecoming: Picture This! 10 Junior Jam Social Work Day Theatre Day 10–11 Cedarville Scholarship Golf Open 30 CU Friday November 6 ACSI High School Leadership Conference 7 Business Day Science and Math Day 20 CU Friday For more events and information, visit www.cedarville.edu/events . (All dates are subject to change.) Cedarville is known for its balanced approach to traditional standards and cultural relevance. I still remember what attracted me to Cedarville 30 years ago — strong academics and a balanced approach to student life. I particularly appreciated the careful distinction between standards based on biblical mandates and others that were simply institutional preferences. I believe that distinction still attracts students to Cedarville today. Managing student standards that are based on biblical mandates is fairly easy because they are rooted in clear principles from Scripture. But institutional preferences are a bit trickier, since they are apt to change with time. The challenge is that if we change too much we can unintentionally damage positive aspects of the Cedarville culture. But if we change too little or too slowly, we can end up out of touch with the values and preferences of the churches and families that send us students. We can’t position ourselves as a University to attract the previous generation of students; we need to consider new ways to communicate our strengths to the next generation. We will continue to uphold Cedarville’s distinctives: • Bible minor for all students • Daily chapel program • Opportunities for ministry, missions, and evangelism • Biblical approach to standards of conduct • Intentional emphasis on spiritual vitality throughout all programs In addition to a strong academic program, these elements set Cedarville apart. This year we carefully considered and then introduced two student handbook changes that reflect our intentional approach to student life. First, we now allow students to wear blue jeans for class dress. In recent years, they could wear jeans of other colors, but not “blue” jeans. What did not change was our emphasis on modesty and helping students learn about career-related professional standards of dress. In considering this change, we looked at the shifting dress standards in Christian K–12 schools, modifications at sister institutions, and preferences of current and prospective students and families. By a 2:1 margin, these groups preferred a jeans-friendly dress code. Sixty-seven percent of prospective students preferred this change, and 32 percent said it was an important factor in their college choice. Second, while participation expectations have not changed, we are changing the way we ask upperclassmen to report their involvement in spiritual formation activities, such as church attendance, ministry involvement, and Bible studies. Freshmen and sophomores will continue to fill out a weekly form, but upperclassmen will report once a semester. This change corresponds with our philosophy of moving students toward internalized motivation to engage in spiritual disciplines. I hope that as alumni you will appreciate these modifications. Even more, I hope your children and grandchildren will appreciate them. I know change can be unsettling, but God’s Word keeps us focused on those things that must not change. I believe when students view our standards as reasonable, biblical, and fair, they are more likely to internalize the values behind them. And that is really our ultimate goal! Dr. Carl Ruby ’83 is vice president for student life. You may contact him at rubyc@cedarville.edu with any questions. No Slippery Slope by Dr. Carl Ruby ’83