Life Style Expectations
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Indiana Wesleyan University desires:
- its students to be active learners, not passive;
- its campus to be a community of care and love for each other; for students to willingly submit to small group and individual accountability;
- to gain identity in Christ, not in the world's perspective of popularity, achievement, money, clothing, etc.;
- to be people of integrity; choosing sexual purity;
- to serve others through out-reach and lifelong ministry;
- and its students to become committed leaders for the future of our churches, society and the home.
Practices Governed by Scripture
By electing to be a member of this community, each IWU student
needs to embrace the Biblical elements which guide the conduct
of responsible Christians. We believe these basic tenets of
the Christian faith are foundational for the IWU community to
complete its work:
- loving God and being accountable to Him;
- committing and ministering to relationships with one another through the strength of the Holy Spirit as a member of Christ's body;
- endeavoring to bring all things including evangelism and social justice under the dominion of Christ;
- and using the Bible as our infallible, inerrant authority for establishing principles for personal and community conduct.
If you cannot commit to these values, you may have selected
the wrong university. It is not at all that other colleges are
inferior, but your fit with our campus and fellow students is
critical to your academic and social achievement. However, if
you are struggling with one of these values in your life, but
truly desire to change, then let us work together to reach new
levels of accomplishment in your future and ours.
No longer do we live in a predominantly Christian culture. We
believe we are called to be different in our values and life
style than the secular culture. What we watch or listen to,
how we dress and act, or how we spend our time and money should
be noticeably different than the behaviors of popular culture.
The following behavioral expectations are binding on members
of the Indiana Wesleyan University community and systems are
set in place to help hold each of us accountable.
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Exercise Self-Control
Those acts which are expressly forbidden in Scripture, including
theft, lying, dishonesty, gossip, slander, profanity, vulgarity,
adultery, homosexual behavior, premarital sex, drunkenness,
gluttony, immodesty, and occult practice will not be practiced
by members of the Indiana Wesleyan University community, either
on or off campus.
Greed, jealousy, pride, lust, needless anger, an unforgiving
spirit, and harmful disagreements will be avoided by members
of the Indiana Wesleyan University community (Jeremiah 9:3-9,
Mark 7:20-23, Galatians 5:19-21). Although by their very nature
more difficult to discern, they are potentially as destructive
to the community.
We are dedicated to supporting iniduals who may come to University
personnel for change and healing in these areas of sin. This
can only occur if the student is committed to total abstinence
from the resulting behaviors during counseling and restoration.
Without this commitment, continued enrollment is not possible.
Premarital Sex/Pregnancy
As a result of many personal and negative societal forces, students
often struggle with the temptation of engaging in premarital
sex. Anyone being tempted in this way is strongly encouraged
to seek help from the Student Development Office. Our university
community is committed to the sanctity and preservation of life.
As a result, if a pregnancy occurs, the University will not
seek formal institutional discipline if:
- the student(s) voluntarily come to the Student Development
Office seeking assistance;
- an abortion has not been performed;
- the student(s) vow to abstinence and begin personal counseling;
and
- the student(s) voluntarily step down from co-curricular
activities, including intercollegiate athletics, from being
candidates for positions of honor, from holding office or
any other responsible position in organizations or being
a university representative to the public.
Due to the importance of appropriate prenatal care and well-being
issues, University housing for the mother-to-be will not be
available beginning with the second trimester.
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Abstain from Substance Abuse
Members of the community recognize the danger to one's physical
and psychological well being in the use of certain products.
And, since the body of the Christian is the temple of the Holy
Spirit, deserving respect and preservation of its well being,
the possession and use of tobacco in any form and the possession
and use of alcoholic beverages is prohibited.
Indiana Wesleyan University prohibits the unlawful possession,
use or distribution of cocaine, narcotic drugs, marijuana, hash
oil, hashish, alcohol, controlled substances or paraphernalia
(including “rolling“ papers) by students on or away from campus.
Students are expected not to abuse the use of legal prescriptions.
The following is a summary of the laws in Indiana that pertain
to substance abuse. Dealing cocaine, marijuana, hash oil, hashish,
narcotic drugs, a controlled substance or paraphernalia is also
a felony. Alcohol possession or illegal consumption for minors
(under the age of 21) is a misdemeanor offense.
Students should be aware of the health risks associated with
the use and abuse of alcohol and illicit drugs:
- Drinking and driving is a leading cause of injury and
death.
- Alcohol can react dangerously with many medicines (both
prescription and over-the-counter).
- Drinking and/or using drugs during times of emotional
stress only makes problems worse.
- Drinking and/or using drugs can cause problems with law
enforcement.
For students who are dealing with alcohol and drug abuse problems
IWU's Center for Student Support Services has professionally
trained counselors that can assist students in the beginning
stages of a substance abuse problem. Student Support Services
will use the assessment services of the Cornerstone Professional
Treatment Services, Substance Abuse Center or the Wabash Addictions
Center. Students will be referred to these community agencies
if they are assessed as needing more intensive outpatient treatment
or residential treatment. The Student Support Services staff
members are not specialists in the treatment of substance abuse
and will usually work in conjunction with these agencies.
Sanctions will be imposed on students using or abusing substances
as outlined in the Student Handbook. These sanctions will range
from citizenship probation to dismissal and referral for prosecution
of the violation of local and state laws.
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Respect Authority
In keeping with scriptural admonitions to be under the authority
of government, members of the Indiana Wesleyan community are
expected to uphold the local, state, and federal laws, except
for those occasions in which obedience to the civil authority
would require behavior that conflicts with scriptural teachings.
It is expected that students will respect those in authority
over them at IWU as well.
Honor the Sabbath
Scripture teaches that the God we serve is worthy of all honor,
praise and worship. Members of the community are to revere the
name of God and observe the Lord's Day by ine worship and
spiritual edification and renewal for tasks ahead.
Abstain from Gambling
Scripture teaches the stewardship of God-given resources. Therefore,
we forbid gambling (the exchange of money and goods by betting
or wagering) in its various forms. For the same reason, we encourage
the University community to boycott lottery sales and similar
operations.
Do Not Discriminate
Because of our scriptural belief in the worth and dignity of
persons, each member of the community is expected to be sensitive
to special needs existing in our society and on our campus.
Therefore, discrimination against others on the basis of race,
national or ethnic origin, age, sex, socioeconomic status, or
handicap is a violation of our Biblical principles.
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Abstain from Verbal and
Physical Altercation
Demeaning gestures, threats or violence, or physical attacks
directed toward another person are not allowed.
Abstain from Pornography
In violation of the scriptural teaching concerning personal
dignity and moral purity, iniduals are exploited and degraded
by the immoral and inhumane action of the pornographic industry.
With computer networks and even CD ROM saturated with pornography,
this temptation runs well beyond videos and magazines. Therefore,
viewing, possession, and distribution of such materials is prohibited.
Live Above Repute
God calls us to a lifestyle characterized by honesty and integrity.
Members of the community, therefore, should be truthful in all
situations and refrain from activities involving personal and
academic dishonesty. All members of the community are expected
to comply with day-to-day policies and procedures as listed
in the appropriate handbooks, and comply with a reasonable and
lawful request by University personnel acting in performance
of their duties.
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Practices Governed by Consent of the Community for Its Common Good
In addition to behavioral obligation set forth in Scripture,
members of this community choose to impose upon themselves the
following rules for behavior out of the conviction that they
serve both the long-range interests of this institution and
the immediate good of its inidual members. Violations, therefore,
must be regarded as a serious breach of integrity with this
community to which each member has voluntarily chosen to associate.
Commuter students (who have never lived in the residence halls)
are required to abide by this standard when they are on the
Indiana Wesleyan University campus or in the presence of a resident
student or while attending university-related events.
Former resident students (those who have lived in the residence
hall for a least one semester) who have elected to live off
campus during their senior year and/or age 23, will continue
to be responsible for upholding the following rules and expectations
even though they no longer live in the residence halls. Compliance
with these expectations through academic vacation periods including
summer months while enrolled is expected as well.
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Dancing
A number of evangelical denominations have historically taken
a stand against social dancing as an expression of their commitment
to the Christ-exalting life. Our community, considering itself
in the mainstream of the evangelical tradition, and recognizing
the temptations inherent in the sensuous and erotic nature of
some social dancing, disapproves of social dancing by members
of the community. Some forms of performance choreography as
it relates to the public presentations of drama, music and cultural
performances are permitted by the artists involved. Celebratory,
folk, ethnic or group dance at wedding receptions is acceptable
as long as it remains wholesome and avoids any hint of sensuality.
Performances on campus are carefully screened and exclusively
selected by University personnel as educational and appropriate
to the performance.
Worship
Corporate worship enhances community building and support of
the body of Christ. We gather as a community at special times
for nurturing and admonition in the things of God. These activities
include compulsory chapel, spiritual care weeks, and other university-related
religious events. Members of the community should participate
in these gatherings and those of their own churches.
Entertainment
Scripture teaches that all our actions (work, study, play) should
be performed to the glory of God. We endeavor, therefore, to
be selective in choices of entertainment and recreation, promoting
those which strengthen the body of Christ and avoiding those
which would diminish sensitivity to Christian responsibility.
Particular attention should be given to movies and music lyrics
contrary to Christian principles.
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Media Policy
General Perspective
The entertainment industry may be one of the most significant
influences in American culture today. Unfortunately, Judeo/
Christian values have all but disappeared as the industry continues
to search for new ways to generate profits at the expense of
morality. Although some would argue that movies, music, magazines,
television, Internet and video games are purely entertainment,
in truth, they are powerful teachers introducing us to values,
lifestyles and behaviors otherwise outside of our personal experience.
Often this is healthy, causing us to think more deeply or understand
more fully. But sometimes this is unhealthy, causing us to be
intrigued with sin issues and/or building images and addictions
that will haunt us for the rest of our lives. Young people,
including college students, who are targeted by media, are often
even more susceptible to the lures of “entertainment“. Without
purposefully building critical thinking skills, especially in
a college environment, consciences can be badly damaged and
thoughtful selection almost non-existent.
This policy has been developed to help our student community
positively deal with this issue. At its core, IWU hopes to challenge
students to develop discernment, evaluate and ultimately select
entertainment that allows for meaningful learning and wholesome
fun. Believing Scripture teaches that purity of heart is influenced
by the eyes and the mind, our point of reference is based on
Philippians 4:8: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever
is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely,
whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think
about such things.“
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Music, Magazines, Television,
Internet, and Video Games
Students are generally permitted to use any of these mediums
unless they contain sexually explicit or pornographic material,
excessive profanity, excessive violence, promote or celebrate
the demonic/occult, devalue a particular gender or race, or
devalue the worth of God. (See Rating Levels below for specific
discernment guidelines). Music and video games with warning
labels or ratings for mature audiences should be specifically
avoided.
Movie/Video/DVD
While the external rating systems (G, PG, PG-13, R, NC-17) are
inadequate for developing discernment, in the absence of any
other early warning system, they can at least be a starting
point. At IWU, students are generally permitted to view films
including those rated PG-13 unless they contain sexually provocative,
explicit or pornographic material, excessive profanity, excessive
violence, promote or celebrate the demonic/occult, devalue a
particular gender or race, or devalue the worth of God. (See
rating levels below for specific discernment guidelines). Movies
with PG and PG-13 ratings should be selected thoughtfully, with
consideration for both personal conviction and community impact.
Using movie critic reviews or guide sources to evaluate the
appropriateness of a movie BEFORE viewing is one of the best
ways to make informed selections.
Movieguide.org, Crosswalk.com, and Screenit.com are three such
sources offering reviews even before the movie is released.
Critical thinking and discernment skills grow as information
is collected and pondered.
Although an “R“ rated movie rarely provides the educational
or redeeming value which would warrant its viewing, we have
developed a system for students to request specific movie exceptions
to the “R“ rated exclusion based on educational, historical
or social value. For students wishing to view an “R“ rated film
on their own, or for the University to consider a public showing,
a Movie Review Team, made up of students, faculty and administrators
is assigned the responsibility of evaluating requested movies
according to a specific set of criteria. The team would first
read the critical reviews of the film to determine its likelihood
of being approved. If it appears the movie has redeeming value,
the team would go view the film (or rent it if available) and
each member would rate it. A ten-day response to requests would
be the goal of the team. The team would keep a current record
of approved films and denied films, including denied PG-13 films.
Although it is difficult to specify precise criteria for evaluating
a film, the following is a list of criteria to be considered.
The levels in italics indicate the point at which a movie becomes
prohibited, although it is our prayer that students carefully
determine for themselves whether preceding levels are even too
liberal for them. (The categories were adapted from Sophisticated
Films Movie Guide.)
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Violence
- No violence.
- Some implied violence.
- Some overt violent scenes necessary to the progression
of the plot.
- Violent, implicit, and/or bloody scenes; explicit scenes.
- Excessive, gratuitous violence unnecessary to the plot.
Profanity/Blasphemy/Obscenity
(Profane - not concerned with religion or religious purposes;
serving to debase or defile what is holy.
Blaspheme - to speak of or address with irreverence.
Obscene - disgusting to the senses; repulsive; abhorrent to
morality or virtue; designed to incite to lust or depravity.)
- No profanity, obscenity, or blasphemy.
- Infrequent use of profanity. Occasional use of God's
name to express surprise, awe, or disgust as heard on network
television.
- More frequent, or stronger use of some obscenity. Occasional
use of God's name to shock or surprise.
- Frequent use of the above language and worse. Frequent
use of God's name to shock or surprise.
- Profanity, obscenity, or blasphemy pervasive throughout
the entire movie. Most characters, most scenes.
Nudity
- No nudity or implications to suggest such.
- No nudity, but occasional scenes with a person scantily
clad or in underwear.
- Limited and brief non-sexual glimpses of nude backside
exposure or side.
- Some exposure of backside or breast as part of a sexual
act or frontal nudity.
- Frontal nudity or exposure of backside or breast as part
of a sexual act or frontal nudity.
Sex
- No sex or implied sexual situations.
- Some minor, implied sexual situations, including verbal
suggestions.
- Some implied and infrequently overt sexual situations.
- Fairly strong sexual situations, such as in bed together
in a provocative scene.
- Explicit sexual scenes shown.
Coarse or Objectionable
Content
Improper sexist, racist, sacrilegious comments or situations,
and crude references to anatomy or sexual situations.
- None. Supportive or neutral to Christian worldview.
- A few minor comments or situations. Secular worldview.
- Several crude or overt references (or frequent use by
anti-hero). Secular worldview.
- Frequent coarse language or situations. Anti-Christian
worldview.
- Coarse or objectionable content pervasive throughout
the entire movie. Most characters, most scenes. Intentionally
contrary or abusive to Christian worldview.
Gender
- No derogatory gender references.
- A few minor negative gender comments.
- Several negative comments but most in character context
or essential to plot.
- Several derogatory comments or expressions of a particular
gender as sexual object.
- Frequent derogatory comments or purposeful depiction
of gender as sexual object.
Final Comments
We recognize that defining a Media Policy is limiting at best.
In a perfect world, this wouldn't be needed at all. The truth
of the matter is that we don't live in a perfect world, and
given human nature to push the limits, the world continues to
redefine morality more and more loosely everyday. The perspective
of “garbage in, garbage out“, as it relates to the power of
media, is unfortunately true.
Because we care about our community and especially our students,
we have tried to offer this policy as a compromise. If the University
didn't push back on this issue, it is unlikely that significant
discerning of any media selection would occur. It is our prayer
that with this policy creating a higher level of expectation,
students will be challenged to think and converse, and thus
make selections above and beyond the pressure of pop culture,
or media marketing ploys.
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Appropriate Appearance
and Attire
The University is concerned about attire and etiquette. Part
of this concern is based on moral issues (the Christian values
of modesty and simplicity) and part is based on a desire to
help students function in the world of work after college. As
a Christian, what is worn should not be immodest, provocative,
or call undue attention to one's self. As iniduals preparing
for the world of work it is important to learn to make decisions
about what clothing, hair style, or adornment is appropriate
in different settings. Awareness of the appropriate attire for
each occasional is an essential element in the social maturity
of the inidual.
Scripture does not specifically address a detailed code of dress
because of the rapidly changing styles in culture. Therefore,
the following are some general guidelines that reflect the values
of the Indiana Wesleyan community. In those areas not discussed,
the student is challenged to make decisions about his or her
attire that would be consistent with values behind these guidelines.
- Neatness and cleanliness are basic to wholesome appearance
and are expected of all students. Student employees, compensated
student leaders during the term of their responsibility,
athletes, and those representing Indiana Wesleyan University
in a public way are expected to adhere to more specific
guidelines as deemed appropriate by the university personnel
overseeing the group. For example: men's hair length no
longer than the collar; removal of earrings for men, removal
of all other piercings for men and women etc.; and avoidance
of hair or clothing style extremes.
- Classroom buildings and chapel (not including the residence
halls, Student Center or Baldwin dining room) are your place
of work and business. While we understand the importance
of being comfortable in times of warm weather, students
are expected to use discretion and to dress appropriately
for chapel and the learning environment. A sloppy appearance
lends itself to undisciplined learning and an atmosphere
that is contrary to the goals of the classroom. For this
reason, grubby, tattered or immodest clothing must be avoided
throughout campus. In addition, shorts are not permitted
in chapel or on Sunday in the Baldwin dining room. The faculty
will outline what is appropriate attire in the classroom.
- Be modest. Students may not wear abbreviated clothes,
tight-fitting garments, clothes of sheer material, extremely
short shorts, halters, etc.
- Male students are to wear shirts in all public places
indoors and out. Shirts should not reveal the torso or be
tight in nature.
- Female students may not wear skirts or skirts with slits
that are above the finger tip length, when arms are at their
side. Strapless dresses and dresses with spaghetti straps
are not appropriate. Low-cut dresses (i.e. cleavage revealed)
or dresses and shirts revealing more than a third of the
back are also not appropriate. Tank tops must have two-inch
straps (bra straps should not be showing). Blouses made
of sheer material which reveal under layers are not appropriate.
At no time should the navel be showing (arms at side or
raised). Midriff shirts are not appropriate. Female students
should wear appropriate underclothing (i.e. slip, bra) to
maintain a modest appearance.
- Any extreme in hairstyle, clothes design, and ornamentation
that attracts attention to itself usually detracts from
a learning or worship experience and should be avoided as
general campus wear.
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Inappropriate Supervision
Sexual temptations are becoming more powerful in today's society.
Students must have authorized supervision in order to spend
the night off campus with the opposite sex in another housing
facility (separate rooms). Authorized supervision is a married
couple, parent or parents or family member over the age of 23.
Interference
No student shall deliberately obstruct or restrain the lawful
movement or normal functioning of another member of the University
community, or remain in any facility of the University after
closing hours without authorization.
Marriage
Students planning to marry during the academic year should notify
the University Chaplain in Student Development at least 60 days
in advance. Resident students who wish to marry during the school
year (and remain in school) must experience a series of marriage
counseling sessions with the University Chaplain, College Church
pastor, or a marriage counselor of their choice.
Emotional/Psychological
Illness
Although many life issues can be resolved with counseling while
a student maintains enrollment, there are times when continued
enrollment only hampers growth or threatens the well being of
the community.
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Dis-enrollment
The University reserves the right to dis-enroll students who:
- exhibit little or no control in adhering
to University policies,
- are unable to carry out the normal routine
of campus life,
- threaten to harm self or others,
- or place consistent unrealistic expectations
on the time and energy of other students, faculty or staff.
Dis-enrollment decisions are only made
after prayerful and appropriate professional evaluation considering
the nature and extent of care required, the severity of the
problem, and the level of the student's cooperation, prognosis
and willingness to change.
Solicitation
Students, student groups and off-campus persons selling commercial
products or services are not permitted to sell door-to-door
in the residence halls. The rooms and facilities of IWU are
not to be used to hold parties, demonstrations, shows or ventures
for the purposes of selling or soliciting. The University will
not assist commercial agents in contacting students, nor will
it make student directories or campus postal facilities available.
Copyright Infringement
The Internet has become a dangerous depository of illegal copyrighted
music, text, pictures and books. It is a violation of University
expectations to download, and retrieve copyrighted MP3 music
files, and other material from the Internet. To avoid disciplinary
or criminal consequences, be very careful to investigate any
material obtained via the Internet to be sure it is legal before
copying.
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