The Biola Community

Biola University is a unique environment committed to following Christ's example of loving others. We believe that community is born of other-centered practices, strengthened when members:

• Live with integrity.
• Practice confession and forgiveness.
• Attempt to live in reconciled relationships.
• Accept responsibility for their actions and words.
• Submit to biblical instruction.

As men and women of Biola, we do not ask each other to be perfect people, but rather to be people in active pursuit of integrity and growth, in dynamic relationships with the living God and with others in community. Those in leadership at Biola are eager to serve by coming alongside you and offering support, accountability, and, when necessary, loving discipline, in order to help you grow. We affirm our commitment to serve you with your best in mind.

As you read through this handbook, you’ll notice that parts of our Community Standards and university policies are connected to specific biblical instruction, while other parts of our Community Standards and policies ask that you give up individual freedoms for the good of the greater community. In becoming a Biola student, you have chosen, freely and willingly, to abide by these standards and policies in order to promote the flourishing of all in our community.

Please note that as a student, you are responsible to know and abide by all University policies, rules, or regulations and will be held responsible if a violation occurs. Published University policies, rules, or regulations include:

1. Biola University Student Handbook
2. Biola University Catalog
3. Housing and Food Services Contract and the Housing Handbook
4. Campus Safety Handbook
5. Biola Network Usage Policy
6. All other official Biola University publications, including information posted on Biola’s website

The Biola Community Standards apply to all students:

1. While enrolled in classes for the Fall Semester (including Thanksgiving), Spring Semester (including Spring Break), and Summer Semester;
2. Who are representing the Biola Community in any off-campus events, such as mission trips, internships, study abroad, and athletic or academic activities;
3. Who are not enrolled in classes but are living on campus, and not checked out of their room.

The fact that these standards only apply to students while they are enrolled or in residence in no way indicates that the University believes that contrary behavior is acceptable during non-enrolled periods. The University recognizes that it is inherently the responsibility of the individual to make such behavior decisions. The essential role of individual judgment, discernment, and recognition of personal accountability to God throughout the Biola community cannot be overemphasized. Behaviors while not enrolled may affect a student’s ability to re-enroll or continue at Biola University (see also below, “Violation Of Law And University Discipline”).

The University reserves the right to refuse or revoke admittance and/or suspend or dismiss any person who does not conform either to the stated guidelines and regulations governing student conduct, or to the expressed principles, policies, and expectations of the University. The University also reserves the right to take action against an individual for violating the standards regardless of how much time has passed since the violation. Finally, the University reserves the right to take disciplinary actions for violations of University standards by graduates awaiting degrees and students who withdraw from school while a disciplinary matter is pending.

Off-campus rights and freedoms of students involve the responsibility to display conduct and behavior that reflect favorably on them, the University, and the community. Accordingly, the University reserves the right to take disciplinary action in response to behavior off campus that violates University standards and policies or adversely affects the University community and/or the pursuit of its objectives. The University also reserves the right to take disciplinary actions for violations of University standards by graduates awaiting degrees and students who withdraw from school while a disciplinary matter is pending.

The University reserves the right to review actions taken by civil authorities regarding any student or student organization. University disciplinary proceedings may be instituted against a student charged with violation of a law and may, at the sole discretion of the University, be carried out prior to, concurrently, or following civil or criminal proceedings. Violations occurring during non-enrolled periods may be considered by the University in determining whether a student will be eligible to continue his/her enrollment in the University and if so, under what conditions.

The University desires that all members of the Biola community encourage one another to abide by the community standards and hold one another accountable for their actions. At times, it is most appropriate and helpful to share about concerning behaviors or violations with the Department of Student Care. Anyone may share about a suspected violation of the Biola Community Standards by contacting the Department of Student Care at ext. 5842. Alternatively, students living in the residence halls may notify their Resident Director, Graduate Assistant, or Resident Advisor. The person sharing the concern may be asked to submit a written narrative about the nature of what occurred and any pertinent information available. While we ask that information be submitted as soon as possible, the University reserves the right to take action against an individual for violating the Standards regardless of how much time has passed since the incident. For any campus emergency, call x5111. Students who knowingly make a false report of misconduct are in violation of University policy and will be handled accordingly.