Residential Life at SAGU
Student Conduct
Upon enrollment at the University each student makes a serious and spiritual commitment to obey all rules and regulations of SAGU, to take care of University property, and to assume all obligations as a student with DISCIPLINE, OBEDIENCE, CHARACTER. All admission standards apply during the entirety of the student’s enrollment including breaks between semester and summer break.
SAGU considers the following behaviors to be unacceptable for its students. Engaging in these activities is a violation of the Standard of Conduct of the University and results in a fine. Additionally the student could appear before the Student Conduct Committee for disciplinary action or subject the student to immediate suspension.
BIBLICAL STANDARDS
The following may incur a fine from $50 up to $250 and could result in the student appearing before the Student Conduct Committee and possible termination from the university. Failure to comply with disciplinary action could result in another fine.
We avoid the following in view of Scriptural mandates:
1. Possession or use of any illegal drug, mind altering substance, and/or drug paraphernalia.
2. Any Scripturally prohibited sexual behavior as described in Exodus 20:14; Proverbs 6:32; Matthew 5:27-28; Matthew 15:19; Mark 7:21-23; Romans 13:9; I Timothy 1:8-11; and I Corinthians 6:13, 6:18 including:
a. adultery
b. Fornication (which by scriptural definition encompasses intercourse, oral sex, or any physical contact producing sexual stimulation)
c. Homosexuality
d. Lesbianism
3. Dishonesty, cheating, falsifying chapel attendance or falsification of documents as described in Jeremiah 7:9-10; Matthew 15:19; and Mark 7:21-23 (see also p. 32, Academic Dishonesty/Cheating).
4. Stealing as described in Jeremiah 7:9-10; Matthew 15:19; Mark 7:21-23; and Ephesians 4:28
5. Using profanity or obscenity in your speech or written materials as described in Matthew 15:19; Ephesians 5:3, 5:4; and Colossians 3:8-10.
6. Possession or use of books, literature, magazines, audio/visual materials (tapes, CD’s, videos, DVD’s, suggestive posters) and web sites that are pornographic or inappropriate due to sexual content, obscene language, and/or violence (including all X and NC-17, ratings) as described in Mark 7:21-23; Matthew 15:19, and 5:27-28.
7. Visiting sexually oriented businesses as described in Galations 5:19-21; Thesselonians 4:3; and Hebrews 13:4.
8. Possessing material on occult practices, witchcraft, Satanism as described in Galations 5:19-21.
9. Abortion as described in Romans 13:9; and I Timothy 1:8-11.
10. Violation of any civil or criminal law - local, state, federal. (including but not limited to spouse or child abuse, child neglect, sexual harassment, stalking) as described in Hebrews 12:14.
11. Possession of another person’s property without permission as described in Ephesians 4:28.
We avoid the following in view of Scriptural ideals concerning living lives of righteousness, holiness, living about reproach, avoiding worldliness, avoiding the appearance of evil, respecting and caring for the body as the temple of the Holy Spirit (Titus 2:11-14; II Corinthians 3:18; Hebrews 12:14; I Corinthians 10:13; Romans 13:13; Romans 8:6-7; Romans 12:1-2; I Peter 4;7; Romans 8:6-7; Luke 21:34; and Galations 5:21):
12. Possession or use of alcohol, attending bars (places where the primary function is serving alcohol), attending places where men/women are sexually exploited.
13. Possession or use of tobacco.
14. Gambling
15. Dancing
16. All R rated movies (Students are encouraged to avoid any movie, no matter the rating, which contains content that inappropriately detracts them or others in the pursuit of a Godly lifestyle.)
COMMUNITY STANDARDS
The following may incur a fine from $50 up to $150 and could result in the student appearing before the Student Conduct Committee and possible termination from the university. Failure to comply with disciplinary action could result in another fine.
1. Unauthorized student visits to the room/residence of opposite gender, including mixed gender company off campus.
2. Disruptions of chapel, classroom, cafeteria, dormitories, or other school events.
3. Disrespect to University authorities. Failure to produce I.D. when requested by appropriate school personnel.
4. Failure to respond to an official summons sent by University as specified on p. 56
5. Possession of firearms, fireworks, or any device that burns of causes a fire, including but not limited to matches, candles, lighters, and illegal applicances.
6. Tripping or tampering with fire alarms, security alarms, thermostats or fire extinguishers.
7. Defacing, destruction, or unauthorized removal of school property. [Plus replacement cost]
8. Having university property illegally in your room or possession; such as, unauthorized possession of an examination, campus keys, another’s I.D. card, cafeteria dinnerware, university inventory tags, etc.
9. Hazing, fighting, or abusing peers (e.g. slander, gossip)
10. Failure to comply with Fire or Weather alarm or drill.
11. Failure to properly check out of Residence Halls at the end of each semester.
12. Throwing items, including water, from residence hall windows.
13. Pranks
14. Inappropriate use of windows or exits.
The following infractions could incur a fine from $10 up to $25. In some cases a warning will be issued.
15. Trash talking in sports.
16. Failure to properly check out of the dorm overnight.
17. Excessive noise or loud music during quiet hour, disturbing the peace.
18. Public display of affection (see p. 53-54)
19. Dress code violations (see p. 57-59)
20. Poor room inspection.
21. Failure to vacate residence hall during Sunday morning services.
22. Having pets in the residence hall.
23. Having water fights, or water guns in residence halls.
24. Failure to attend hall fellowships.
25. Grace minutes violation
GENERAL GUIDELINES
Haircuts for men and women must not be bizarre or appear uncared for or dirty. (Mohawks, etc. are not allowed)
The men of SAGU may wear beards. They must be kep well shaped and neatly trimmed.
Head coverings of any type cannot be worn in the chapel. This applies to both men and women.
Men may NOT wear earrings, studs, or plastic inserts at any time or place.
New tattoos or body piercing of any kind (including tongue piercing) is not allowed for either male or female students.
Campus work-study follows appropriate office decorum. Students will be accountable to their work supervisors for appropriate dress whether in an office or out of doors.
RESPONDING TO OFFICIAL NOTICE
A student is expected to make an immediate response to an official summons/notice from the Residence Hall Director, the Dean of Students, Director of Security and Safety Services, Faculty member, or any Administrative office of the University. Disregarding an official summons/notice may constitute grounds for termination.
FINES
When a student violates the Standard of Conduct of Southwestern Assemblies of God University he/she may be assessed a fine. Any fine should be resolved with immediacy. It is to be paid at the cashier’s window in the Administration Building during regular business hours. Any regular fine that remains unpaid after 15 days, becomes a separate infraction, and is subject to disciplinary action. All fines must be paid before a student begins classes in a new semester. Fines may be appealed to the Vice President for Student Services.
Community Service
In some cases a student may be required to perform “community service” as a form of restitution for offending behavior.
CAMPUSING
Under the supervision of the Dean of Students a student may be “campused” by his/her Dorm Pastor as a part of discipline. Campusing is defined in two ways:
1. “Full campusing” means that a student is restricted to the campus at all times and is confined to the dorm room except for church attendance, employment, meals, classes, chapel services, or when going to the Barnes Student Center to check his/her mail. Other than the assigned roommate, visitors are not allowed.
2. “Regular campusing” means that a student is confined to his/her room from 7:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
DISCIPLINARY PROBATION
A student may be placed on “disciplinary probation” for a major offense or the accumulation of several minor offenses.
1. A student may be placed on “disciplinary probation” for a major infraction or accumulating three minor infractions of the Standard of Conduct. The student may face the Student Conduct Committee as well.
2. If under 18 years of age, whenever a student comes under “disciplinary probation” the Dean of students contacts the parents or guardian explaining the circumstances.
3. Students under “disciplinary probation” are not permitted to participate in any extracurricular activities, such as traveling groups, varsity sports, club sports, chapel leadership/music, school musicals/programs, summer/holiday tours, hold an office in clubs, classes, SMA or Student Congress, or engage in a school activity or external ministry which puts them in a visible, public role.
4. If a student under “disciplinary probation” commits another offense, major or minor, that student may be required to appear before the Student Conduct Committee.
5. Any student who incurs disciplinary probation two semesters in a row will be suspended.
SUSPENSION
A student’s tenure may be interrupted for a stated length of time in such cases where, in the opinion of the university, it will benefit the student or preserve the integrity and standards of the school. SAGU reserves the right to suspend students because of low standards of scholarship, poor mental health, or a conflict of attitudes and standards of behavior with those which the university seeks to maintain.
A student who does not cooperate with the aims and ideals of the university may be asked to withdraw or be denied readmission whenever the general welfare demands it, even though there may be no specific breach of conduct.
In the event a student is suspended from school, he/she will be required to contact his/her parent or guardian immediately. A refund of room and board charges will follow standard refund policies applicable to student withdrawal. All students readmitted after suspension for disciplinary reasons are placed on disciplinary probation for the first semester after their return. Further violations could result in termination of the student.
Students who are suspended are required to vacate the campus community no later than 24 hours after the decision to suspend has been rendered. Suspended students are not allowed on campus unless given special permission from the Dean of Students and are viewed as trespassers subject to arrest and prosecution.
STUDENT CONDUCT COMMITTEE
Southwestern holds that every student, upon signing the University application form, is under moral contract to the University to abide by its standards. Consequently, each student is responsible to exercise self-discipline to live within the limits of the University standards. Because the student body is composed of persons who are devoted to Christ and who consider Christian submission and humility valuable assets to the building of strong character, this should not be a problem.
In the case of a serious violation of university standards the Dean of Students will initiate the following disciplinary process:
1. The Dean of Students, will notify the student to appear before the Student Conduct Committee.
2. The Committee will discuss the violation(s) with the student and the student will be permitted to give an explanation for his/her behavior.
3. The Committee has the right to suspend or terminate a student when the members are convinced that a major violation of school standards has been committed or terms of disciplinary probation have been violated.
4. In the event of suspension or termination, the student must leave campus within 24 hours. Any student denied admission or suspended for disciplinary reasons is banned from the campus except by special permission from the Dean of Students.
5. The decision of the Student Conduct Committee is communicated to the student by the Chairman of the Committee and the Committee will then have prayer with the student.
6. The decision of the Student Conduct Committee is communicated to the parents or guardian of a dependent student under 18 years of age, by the Dean of Students.
7. A student suspended by the Student Conduct Committee may choose to appeal the decision of the Committee. The appeal process is as follows:
a. The student must file a formal written appeal to the Appeals Committee through the Vice President for Student Services no later than twenty four hours after the Student Conduct Committee meeting.
If no formal appeal has been filed within twenty-four hours of the decision, the Student Conduct Committee decision will be final.
The Vice President for Student Services shall refer the appeal to the Appeals Committee within twenty four hours with any additional information pertaining to the matter in question. The Appeals Committee is made up of select members of the Administration as appointed by the President.
b. The decision of the Appeals Committee is communicated to the parents or guardians of the dependent student less than 18 years of age, by the Vice President for Student Services.
c. The decision of the Appeals Committee will be considered final.
8. The Appeals Committee has the prerogative to consider all decisions made by the student conduct committee and to
a. Reaffirm the action of the Student Conduct Committee, or
b. Lessen the severity of the action taken by the Student Conduct Committee, or
c. Increase the severity of the action taken by the Student Conduct Committee.