Student Guidelines Handbook

We are a tobacco-free and smoke-free campus. The university prohibits smoking, including e-cigarettes/vapor cigarettes, and all forms of tobacco use or possession everywhere on-campus; as well as off-campus by students. Visitors to our campus are expected to comply with these standards.

Responding to Alcohol Incidents
There may be situations where a student’s actions, words, behavior, and/or other contributing factors (such as the smell of alcohol on their person or breath) are consistent with a person who has consumed alcohol, but he/she denies drinking when confronted. In these instances, if two or more student life personnel have sufficient reason to believe a student has consumed alcohol the student may be held accountable for violating the lifestyle standards unless they can demonstrate they have not consumed alcohol. This may be accomplished by the student requesting to take a voluntary breathalyzer test, or being presented with the option of taking the test by student life personnel, in order to prove their assertion. If she/he chooses to not take the test, the student may be held accountable for drinking alcohol based on the original evidence that prompted the confrontation.

A breathalyzer test may only be administered when the student has requested to do so or has agreed to take it when presented with the option by student life personnel. A trained GFU Campus Public Safety Officer administers the test in a private setting with another student life member present.

In instances where there is sufficient evidence that a student consumed alcohol, or when a breathalyzer tests affirms a student was drinking, student life personnel ensures the student is accompanied by appropriate personnel to a safe place.

The reasons for implementing the option of using a breathalyzer are:
(1) it provides an option for students who assert he/she has not consumed alcohol, but his/her behavior and actions exhibit signs to the contrary, and
(2) it provides staff with an option to present to students if she/he denies consuming alcohol, but his/her actions and behavior exhibit signs of consumption.

Responding to Marijuana or Drug Incidents
Following a similar process to responding to alcohol incidents, there may also be situations when a student’s actions, words, behavior, and/or other contributing factors are consistent with a person who has used marijuana or other drugs, but he/she denies using when confronted. In these instances, if two or more student life personnel have sufficient reason to believe a student has used marijuana or other drugs the student may be held accountable for violating the lifestyle standards unless they can demonstrate their innocence. This may be accomplished by the student requesting to take a voluntary and supervised urine analysis (UA) or other appropriate drug test, or being presented with the option of taking the test by student life personnel. If she/he chooses to not take the test, the student may be held accountable for drug use based on the original evidence that prompted the confrontation.

A UA or other drug test may only be administered when the student has requested to do so or has agreed to take it when presented with the option by student life personnel. A trained GFU health professional will administer the supervised test. Student athletes participating in a varsity athletic sport, whether in season or out of season, may be required by Athletics personnel to submit to a supervised UA or other drug test. While Athletics and Student Life personnel work together to resolve these situations, there may be separate aspects of accountability from each department.

In instances where there is sufficient evidence that a student is under the influence of marijuana or other drugs, or when a UA or drug test affirms a student has used drugs, student life personnel ensures the student is accompanied by appropriate personnel to a safe place. Bullying is unwanted, repetitive and/or aggressive behaviors that intimidate, intentionally harm, attack, or control another person physically, emotionally or socially. This behavior can often be discriminatory towards protected attributes as outlined in the university’s harassment and discrimination policy. It often involves an imbalance of power that is directed towards a specific person or group.

Actions may include, but are not limited to the following: making threats, spreading rumors, attacking someone physically or verbally, inappropriate sexual comments, taunting, spreading rumors about someone, making mean or rude hand gestures, or physically hurting a person’s body or possessions. It may also include various aspects outlined under the hazing policy.

Cyber bullying is bullying that takes place using electronic technology, which may include devices and equipment such as cell phones, computers and tablets, as well as communication tools including social media sites, text messages, chat, and websites. Examples of cyber-bullying include, but are not limited to, the following: demeaning or discriminatory text messages or emails, rumors sent by email or posted on social networking sites, and embarrassing pictures, videos, websites, or fake profiles. For tips, tools and solutions for recognizing and stopping bullying in social media and online please see the following: Email: seedchurcht@yahoo.com

Dances
Student Activities sponsors several dances during the year according to the guidelines approved by the university administration and board of trustees. Along with these events, the university also endorses these other expressions of dance in the co-curricular and academic programs such as: choreography in drama, musical productions, cultural activities, events sponsored by the office of student life, aerobics classes, and rally routines.

Other than the above-mentioned instances, organized dancing is not permitted on campus nor is it to be sponsored at off-campus facilities. The university highly discourages students from visiting dance clubs or similar venues. Any questions regarding what is appropriate may be directed to the dean of students or associate dean of students.

Free Speech and Peaceful Assembly Policy

George Fox University believes in the importance of freedom of expression and in the value of permitting students to publicly express their views whether in support of or opposition to issues and actions. The University also recognizes its obligation to maintain a campus atmosphere conducive to academic work, to preserve the dignity and seriousness of University ceremonies and public exercises, and to respect the rights of all individuals while preserving the mission and identity of our Christ-centered institution and community.

Individuals or campus groups who exercise their rights of free speech and/or organize a peaceful assembly should do so in compliance with University policies and procedures. The following define the appropriate parameters for a peaceful assembly or demonstration at George Fox University:

1. TIME: Usually limited to a three-hour time frame between the hours of 8 a.m.–6 p.m., Monday-Friday (to allow other uses of the space and to ensure that adequate staffing is available if needed.

2. PLACE: Generally, protests or demonstrations should occur in a mutually agreed upon, defined area of the Quad.

3. MANNER/PROCESS:

On-campus groups wishing to demonstrate on the George Fox University campus should receive approval from the office of Community Life (dean of students or designee), Student Involvement (dean of student services), or Spiritual and Intercultural Life (university pastors or director of intercultural life) at least 24 hours in advance with the specifics of what they propose to do. The appropriate administrator will contact the event organizers if there are questions or concerns about the proposed plan and to give final approval.

a. All protests and demonstrations should be peaceful and respectful of other members of the community and campus property.

i. The event should not interfere with automobile or pedestrian traffic.
ii. The event should not interfere with approved demonstrations by others.
iii. Only approved amplified sound is allowed that is in compliance with Yamhill County and the City of Newberg statutes and that don’t disrupt University classes, etc.

b. Exercising free speech and/or organizing a peaceful assembly violates University policy when the event:
i. Includes participants who are not current faculty, staff, or students;
ii. Threatens property or public safety;
iii. Infringes upon the rights of others by inappropriately interrupting chapel, a classroom, or other college sponsored events or activities (e.g., halting a lecture, debate, or any public forum by indirectly preventing the speaker from speaking – even for a brief period of time – or seizing control of a public forum for one’s own purposes);
iv. Violates the time, place, and manner restrictions listed previously

c. The University retains the right to control the use of all University property at any time and for any reason. The Office of Student Life has the right to discontinue any protests or demonstrations not in compliance with these guidelines. George Fox values freedom of expression and, therefore, supports students’ desires to exercise this freedom in a public way as expressed in this policy. The use of the University forum for expression of ideas or viewpoints in compliance with this policy does not imply university acceptance or endorsement of the views expressed.

Gambling
Gambling is viewed as an unwise use of God-given resources and as a practice marked by greed. Therefore, gambling is not acceptable.

Hazing
George Fox supports activities that are designed to develop community and to impart group traditions. We are committed to introducing new students to campus traditions, language and customs that enhance a sense of belonging and encourage involvement in university life. Understanding this, it is our desire to accomplish the following goals as students become members of campus activities, teams or groups: 1) to help students build positive relationships with others; 2) to familiarize students with current and historical traditions; and 3) to provide an atmosphere in which students may come to understand that they are part of the George Fox history, present and future.

We will make every reasonable effort to ensure that students who voluntarily participate in campus activities and groups are treated with dignity and respect, in accordance with the university’s mission, and that any induction or other activities fit within the mission statement as well as within common and civil law. Thus, induction and other group activities will be governed by the following expectations.

There is to be no behavior that causes, or is likely to cause, bodily danger or physical harm, or mental or emotional harm, regardless of a person’s willingness to participate. Even if a participant claims that no one was forced to partake, such an activity or behavior is still considered hazing. Groupthink behavior, peer pressure and coercion often play a role. Specifically, please note the following:

A.) Activity that may cause bodily danger or physical harm includes physical activity such as (but not limited to) forced calisthenics or exposure to the elements, sleep deprivation or confinement. It also includes the forced consumption or application of food, liquid, alcohol or harmful substances.
B.) Mental or emotional harm includes embarrassment, ridicule, verbal abuse and personal humiliation.
C.) No activities are allowed that induce, cause or require students to violate local, state or federal law or campus rules and regulations.
D.) Only currently enrolled George Fox students may be involved in team or group-induction activities, unless they are given explicit permission to include others by their group advisor, coach or instructor.
Violation of this policy could also be a violation of Oregon state law, which may result in a student’s loss of financial aid. Any group/club/team member violating these standards risks suspension from group/team activities. Consequences may also involve sanctions for the entire group. Violations of the Hazing Policy for Oregon State Law will be assumed to constitute violations of university policy, as well.
If you have any questions regarding campus policies or procedures, please contact the dean of students or the associate dean of students. Modest Dress When attending classes or university activities, relaxing, or exercising on university grounds, students are asked to respect their fellow community members by choosing appropriate and discreet attire.

Movies and Music: Discernment Policy Movies
(theater and home movie format): Because film is one of the principle forms of art and entertainment in American culture, the university encourages students to think seriously about the artistic merits as well as the moral and philosophical implications of the films viewed. Students are admonished to select films of aesthetic and ethical interest that offer an important perspective on contemporary culture. It is expected that individuals will diligently use Christian principles in selecting films. The university reserves the right to prohibit movies that are not rated if their content is contrary to the university's mission and policies.

All community members are expected to abstain from all NC-17 and X-rated movies (on and off campus). Public viewing: It should be noted that it is illegal to show films in public venues unless rights and appropriate fees are paid. Watching movies within student living areas is permissible as long as they are not viewed in public places. Because of copyright laws, movies may be viewed only in a student's room or in the living rooms of apartments and houses.

On-campus viewing: Special consideration and sensitivity should be used when choosing films to be viewed on campus. Those people who live within the same apartment, house or room may be more sensitive and have a different view of issues held within the discernment policy - violence, language, etc.

Pornography
Pornographic materials in any form (including the internet) are not to be viewed, used, possessed, or distributed on or away from campus. This includes any item (which may include sexually provocative or explicit material) whose content is exploitive or of concern to either gender. Further, the use of institutional or personal computers for the viewing, transmission, retrieval and/or storage of such material is prohibited.

As with other sexual conduct outside the confines of marriage, viewing of pornography is inconsistent with the teaching of Scripture; though we will seek to be redemptive in the lives of the individuals involved. Consequently, the University will offer counsel and assistance to support and strengthen the individual‘s resolve to live consistently with Christian teaching on sexuality.

Pregnancy
Scripture urges believers to seek wise and godly counsel when faced with significant or difficult life choices. Therefore, should a George Fox student become pregnant while unmarried, she is encouraged to communicate with the dean of students, the associate dean of students, the director of commuter life, campus pastors in spiritual life, or with the Health and Counseling Center. These offices are prepared to assist both the mother and the father as they face this significant life transition.

The university is committed to responding in a redemptive manner, seeking to balance compassion with accountability and support. Students can expect to be treated with Christian love as they deal with their new circumstances. Every effort will be made to ensure confidentiality, but the life and health of the mother and child and the spiritual well-being of the parents are our primary concerns. While some students in these circumstances may choose to leave the university temporarily, it is our hope that any student who chooses to continue in classes during pregnancy will find George Fox to be a supportive and redemptive community during this crucial time. For nursing mothers, the University provides private lactation rooms, as well as places to store breast milk. Please see student life personnel for more details.

Sexuality & Relationships
George Fox University accepts the biblical standards that prohibit all sexual immorality. Please see the Lifestyle Standards and Values for a more complete description of the University’s important biblical values in this area. Recognizing there are many social and emotional forces that challenge this standard, we believe the power of God and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit combine to provide the means to live victoriously with respect to sexual purity. In addition to what’s outlined in the Lifestyle Standards, examples of unacceptable behavior include the following:

• Commission of or attempt to commit a sexual act that, if proven in court, would be a criminal act
• Any student involved with the use, distribution, or participation of pornography in any form
• An unmarried student involved in a sexually active relationship
• A married student involved in a sexually active adulterous relationship
• An unmarried or married student who chooses abortion for other than medical reasons • Cohabitation is unacceptable for students. It is defined as, but not limited to: spending the night together or living with romantically or sexually involved partners.

The dean of students or his or her staff evaluates situations individually. Accountability and consequences are administered appropriately with the growth and development of each student in mind.