Community Life Standards
The Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments provide clear guidelines for human behavior. In many areas of moral and ethical conduct, biblical imperatives are explicit. Since the Bible is not specific on all matters of behavior, however, Christian communities historically have followed diverse practices in a number of areas such as dress, entertainment, and separation. Each Christian community will have its own norms and standards, which reflect its interpretation of Scripture, its response to its cultural environment, and its tradition. While it is understood that some members of such a community may not have personal convictions supporting all of its standards, it is expected that those who join the community have evaluated its standards and made a decision to live by them.The members of the Bryan College community, including students, faculty, and the administration, have established the following standards which apply at all times while the student is enrolled in the college. As part of the application procedure, applicants are required to affirm that they have read the statement of Community Life Standards of the college and that they agree to support these standards. In accordance with a biblical commitment to personal development, the college makes every effort to administer these standards redemptively. Those who demonstrate a desire for growth will find a community of support and encouragement. Students who are consistently unable or unwilling to adhere to these standards of behavior will not be permitted to remain at the college. The right of any student to a fair hearing and equitable treatment will in all cases be protected.
- Practices specifically forbidden in the Scriptures are not permitted. These include dishonesty, theft, vandalism, fornication, adultery, homosexual behavior, immodest dress, profanity, gossip, and drunkenness.
- Scripture explicitly teaches respect for governmental authority. Members of the college community are thus expected to uphold the laws of the local community, the state, and the nation.
- In a Christian academic community, academic dishonesty, including cheating, plagiarism, and misappropriation of library materials or other college property, is regarded as a serious violation of biblical standards.
- Abuse of one’s body is inappropriate for a Christian. Accordingly, members of the college community will refrain from the possession or use of harmful substances such as tobacco, unprescribed stimulants or depressants, hallucinogenic drugs, and alcoholic beverages.
- Practices are undesirable that inhibit a responsible use of talents and resources, or that encourage exposure to demeaning social surroundings. Since gambling, the possession and use of pornographic materials, and attendance at questionable performances are of this nature, members of the college community will refrain from them, whether in a public or a private setting.
- In order to facilitate orderly community life, students are expected to abide by other procedural rules and regulations which are disseminated through official campus publications including the Catalog, the Community Life Handbook, and the Announcer.