Jenzabar University

Huntington University seeks to be a redemptive community of love in which discipline is intended to be helpful to the individual and wholesome for the community. Careful attention is given not only to the act in question but also to the student in terms of his/her situation, response, and intent, as well as his/her influence upon the rest of the student body and upon Huntington University’s witness to the broader community. The University also recognizes that while Scriptures do not provide specific teaching regarding all social practices, they do advocate self-discipline and peer confrontation when self-discipline fails (see Matthew 18:15-17). When self-discipline and/or confrontation by peers does not occur or is ineffective in changing behavior, the Community Resolution Model is applied. The purpose, therefore, of discipline at Huntington University is to encourage personal growth, and all confrontation should offer counseling and support necessary to encourage positive personal development.

Huntington University contends that personal growth and maturity are encouraged most when the entire University community shares in supporting each other. Through the application of Biblical teachings and the process of dealing with relationships and policies, it is believed that the quality of life on campus will be enriched.

Communication within a Christian community should facilitate two processes:

1. A procedure by which any community member may secure assistance in areas of need, and
2. A procedure to govern the communication flow and decision-making process in situations involving the violation of community standards.

Rather than merely obeying rules, the Christian is encouraged in Scripture to govern his/her own conduct by consideration of the needs of others, especially through the example he/she sets. Thus the love for fellow community members will move one to refrain from activities that are detrimental to the spiritual growth of others even though he/she may not consider such activities to be wrong. Some situations necessitate immediate interaction. Situations constituting emergencies include, but are not restricted to those involving:

1. Imminent threat to life, limb, or property,
2. Legal authorities,
3. Frequent repetition or severity of violation of offensive behavior necessitating immediate community response, and
4. A new development not covered by definition, with unfamiliar ramifications.

Personal Responsibility - It is hoped that all community members will practice self-discipline. Although the individual interpretation of Biblical principles may vary, each individual is obligated by the expectations established by the community. When an individual perceives differences between his/her understanding of biblical principles and the community standards, he/she may enter into dialogue with the community. However, he/she remains responsible to live within community standards as long as he/she is a community member.

Person-to-Person - If a community member is in need of assistance, the person nearest to the individual should provide the assistance, or in the case of unacceptable behavior should communicate the community’s expectation and work with him/her to resolve the situation. This does not preclude the possibility of disciplinary measures.

R.D. /R.A - If the person is not able to obtain the needed assistance from a fellow community member, or the student persists in unacceptable behavior, the R.D. or R.A. should be contacted.

If the individual does not respond to peer or staff confrontation, the formal judicial process will be applied. In the event of a serious offense, the Office of Student Life will take disciplinary action. The formal judicial process is comprised of three students selected by the Student Government Association and two faculty members selected by the Faculty Concerns Committee. A Student Life staff member serves as chairperson. The student will be informed of the University’s expectation, which has allegedly been violated. He/she will be provided with the opportunity to respond (deny, explain, admit) to such violations. After the student has presented his/her story, the Student Concerns Committee (SCC) will meet to determine the most appropriate disciplinary response given the unique characteristics of the violation and the student involved in the incident. Upon communication to the student of the decision, the student has the right to accept or appeal the decision to the Student Concerns Committee (SCC) and the President in the event of immediate dismissal.

The following are alternative actions by which problems may be addressed as appropriate to the individual situation:

1. Private Confrontation: Discussion between the offender and the concerned person. No formal record of contact is maintained.
2. Reprimand: Written notice to the student offender from a member of the Student Life staff that continuation or repetition of conduct found to be in violation may be cause for more severe disciplinary action, and a temporary copy of the notice will be included in the student’s personal file.
3. Fines or Sanctions: Penalties deemed appropriate by the V.P. for Student Life.
4. Restitution: An amount of money to be paid and/or community service to be performed by the student in light of property abuse and/or damage resulting from willful or negligent behavior.
5. Disciplinary Probation: An official warning that further violations will result in suspension or dismissal. Disciplinary probation involves exclusion from co-curricular activities including intercollegiate athletics, Student Government Association student publications, cheerleading, or any position in which the student represents the University. If disciplinary probation occurs during two consecutive semesters or more than twice during the four years of University, dismissal from University may result. A permanent record is kept in the student’s file and a copy will be sent to parents of dependent students.
6. Suspension: A specific length of time during which the student is temporarily separated from the University. Parents of dependent students are notified and a permanent record is kept in the student’s file. No classwork will be permitted to be made up, including tests and papers. Suspensions are recommended to the President of the University for action.
7. Dismissal: A separation of the student from the University for at least the remainder of the semester. An appropriate notation of the reasons for such termination is placed in the student’s personal file. Dismissals are recommended to the President of the University for action and parents of dependent students are notified.

When interpersonal conflicts or other problems arise, students may be encouraged to seek mediation or counseling outside the disciplinary process. This assistance is considered confidential and may not be used as evidence against a student in further disciplinary procedures.

Students are encouraged during all levels of the Student Conduct Process to share information with their parents/guardians. University personnel seek student permission before contacting parents/guardians. However, due to concern for the safety and welfare of students, Huntington University reserves the right to contact parents/guardians in particular situations. Examples include, but are not limited to hospitalization, serious injury, illegal activity, and major discipline offenses.

It is the desire of Huntington University to create an environment that welcomes honesty as students pursue full healing and restoration in their lives. We invite any student who may be struggling with an issue (including, but certainly not limited to those contained in the Community Life Agreement) to make contact with any member of the Student Life staff, in order that resources and support might be provided.

An HU student has the right to appeal a disciplinary decision by the Office of Student Life. One or more of the following conditions must be met before an appeal will be heard:

1. There is significant new information not yet considered.
2. The student believes the penalty was unreasonable.
3. The student believes the officials imposing the discipline were biased.

All appeals must be made in writing within 48 hours after the student has received written notice. The letter of appeal should be submitted to the Office of Student Life and should include the offense committed, the discipline assigned, and the reason for the appeal.

The Student Concerns Committee will act on appeals concerning disciplinary action taken by the Office of Student Life. In the event of a conflict of interest of any member, an appropriate replacement will be appointed. All information preceding discussions and any new information shall be made available to the committee upon request.

Upon review of an appeal, any of the following actions may be taken:

1. Affirm in whole or in part the findings and disciplinary action.
2. Reduce the severity of the penalty.
3. Request a reconsideration of the case.

All appeal decisions are final. In the case of an immediate dismissal, the committee’s recommendation will be made to the President of the University for final action.