10 Battles That Define the Gospel - Audit Application

Social Security Number (omit dashes) Privacy Protection Policy

We are committed to protecting your privacy.

Upon receiving the secure transmission of your Social Security Number, it is immediately encrypted. Only the last 4 digits of your Social Security Number are available in plaintext for identification and account matching purposes. Your Social Security Number is available for decryption only by those officials who oversee the automated loading of personal information into student information systems, and only for that limited purpose.

Our databases are actively monitored and are firewalled to ensure the protection of your personal information, and we employ all industry-standard safeguards.

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Student Statement

In making application to become a student at Southern Seminary & Boyce College, you are asked to affirm the following statements:

Every student must be a believer, by faith, in the gospel of Jesus Christ for acceptance. I affirm that I have repented of sin and turned to Jesus, by faith, for the merit of his life, death, and resurrection for my salvation.

I pledge myself to abide by all the regulations of the faculty and administration as stipulated in the Student Handbook (see box below); to seek in every way to protect the good name of the institution; to preserve and protect the physical properties of the Seminary and to cooperate with the various groups of the Seminary family in creating and maintaining a spirit of Christian fellowship throughout my student days. I understand the Seminary reserves the right to request a student to withdraw at any time.

1) Mission Statement

Under the lordship of Jesus Christ, the mission of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary is to be totally committed to the Bible as the Word of God, to the Great Commission as our mandate, and to be a servant of the churches of the Southern Baptist Convention by training, educating, and preparing ministers of the gospel for more faithful service.

The Handbook is prepared, edited, and approved by the Executive Strategies Group and administered by the Dean of Students and the Office of Student Life. The contents offer a guide to student life at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and Boyce College. Each student is responsible for reading the material and abiding by all seminary policies and regulations. The most current version online is always operative.

2) Southern Seminary Community Standards

The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary cultivates and promotes an atmosphere for intellectual, emotional, social, moral, and spiritual growth, removing hindrances to such growth. We are committed to developing virtues exhorted in the Word of God, while avoiding attitudes and actions that His Word condemns as sinful.

Proper Christian character and behavior is founded on the responsibility to love God wholly and to love one’s neighbor as oneself. Virtues include love, kindness, faithfulness, prayerfulness, forgiveness, truthfulness, patience, humility, and modesty.

The character and life decisions of all community members should demonstrate integrity appropriate to Christian service that glorifies God — choices of appearance and entertainment, food and beverages, etc. Some actions and attitudes are incompatible with our commitment to God’s Word and cannot be permitted.

All students must participate actively in a local congregation through full membership or watch-care status. Watch-care status in a local church is acceptable when supported by both the home and local church.
Resolution and reconciliation is best accomplished in Christian love with candid communication (Matthew 18). If intractable, Christian mediation should be sought apart from secular litigation (1 Corinthians 6). Students should seek resolution through the grievance process within institutional channels, apart from the public view.
Sexual misconduct violates the image of God and the sanctity of the marriage covenant. Unacceptable violations of sexual purity include harassment or assault, homosexual or premarital sexual activity, the use of pornography, and marital infidelity.
Abstinence from alcoholic beverages, intoxicants such as marijuana, and illegal substances is always required, regardless of personal conviction or ecclesiastic tradition. The use or abuse of any substance is not acceptable.
Academic dishonesty violates the integrity of Kingdom work and witness. The standard for academic integrity is violated by cheating, plagiarism or the misappropriation of library materials.
Respect for persons is expected of community members, and is incompatible with lying, gossiping, profanity, slander, hateful actions or any threats to personal safety, including hazing, bullying, stalking, or any kind of harassment.
Biblical stewardship of property and resources is expected. Respect for private and public property precludes theft or vandalism. Financial malfeasance cannot be tolerated, such as neglect of economic obligations or gambling.
Activity that violates federal, state or local laws is unacceptable in accordance with instruction for obedience to governing authorities (Rom 13, 1 Pet 2).

Disciplinary procedures are characterized by Christian love, for the purpose of redemption and wholeness. The policy for redressing grievances prescribes steps to instruct, influence, discipline or dismiss those who disregard the community standard.

Community standards pertain to all who are associated with The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Members of the community include the administration, faculty and staff, the student body and their immediate family, corresponding participants in Extension Centers, plus campus guests.

3) Conscience and Conduct

Admission & Student Status

Student status is subject to review at any time. A member of the faculty, staff or student body may request a review by the Office of the Dean of Students if a student demonstrates the inability to live in harmony within the community, or if characteristics presumed present for admission are lacking, such as moral character, relational skills, potential for effective ministry, and appropriate church involvement.

The standards for student status always apply, and are not mitigated by calendar interruptions, geographic location or cultural and religious norms. The honor code and institutional policies for conduct and conscience are non-negotiable and always applicable during the tenure of enrollment.

Alcohol & Drugs

In accordance with the irreproachable standards of moral conduct as well as denominational expectations for all members of the seminary community, the use of alcoholic beverages, intoxicants such as marijuana, and illicit/illegal drugs is prohibited. This policy does not apply to worship communion or appropriate use of prescribed medications.

Church Membership

All students are expected to participate actively and regularly in a local congregation. If membership elsewhere is justified, watchcare status in a local church is an acceptable alternative when supported by both the home and local church. This policy complies with the Southern Baptist Convention mandate for denominational standing.

Chapel

The seminary community gathers to worship in Alumni Chapel on Tuesday and Thursday at 10:00

and all offices close. Boyce College conducts periodic chapels on Wednesday, as well as weekly Dorm Meetings. Student-led prayer groups meet regularly.

Boyce College Chapel and Dorm Meeting Attendance

Boyce College provides transformation beyond education. Therefore, students are trained in, with, and for a biblical worldview, a life of discipleship, and a heart for the nations. The two primary means of realizing this vision is the delivery of a rigorous academic curriculum in the classroom and a robust student life experience beyond the classroom. As the most regular and, in some senses, most significant campus-wide events, Dorm Meeting and Boyce/SBTS Chapel are an important means of constructing a biblical worldview, shaping a life of discipleship, and encouraging a heart for the nations among the Boyce College community.

All students living on-campus are required to attend Dorm Meeting every week. Absences will only be excused for illnesses and emergencies and must be approved by both the student’s RA and RD. Students absent from Dorm Meeting because of an official College event — e.g., students traveling with a varsity sports team — must still have their absence approved by their RA and RD.
In addition to the Dorm Meeting policy, full-time, on-campus students must attend 12 Boyce/SBTS Chapel services per semester. Boyce/SBTS Chapel is held Tuesday and Thursday at 10:00 a.m. in Alumni Chapel. The most current chapel schedule is posted at www.sbts.edu/students/chapel.
Attendance requirements will be based on the student’s status the day after the add/drop day.

In some instances, Boyce Student Life may designate non-Dorm Meeting and non- chapel events or activities as “Chapel Credit Opportunities.” Student Life staff and/or Student Leaders will be present to scan-in students. It is the student’s responsibility to find the Student Life staff and/or Student Leaders for scanning-in. Students may scan-in up until five minutes after the posted start time of the event. Students must stay for the duration of the event to receive credit for attending. These extra opportunities will be rare and occasional; therefore, students should not depend on these opportunities to make-up for absences accrued at Dorm Meeting or Boyce/SBTS Chapel.

Commuter, part-time, dual enrollment, and online students are exempt from this policy but are still encouraged to attend Dorm Meeting and Boyce/SBTS Chapel.

Decorum & Dress

Dignity and warmth are expected in every venue of seminary life, marked by mutual respect and cheerful courtesy. Appearance and attire, whether seasonal or semi-formal, must be modest everywhere on campus. Jewelry for facial piercing may be worn in the ears of women only.

Divorce & Marital Relationships

Students should model biblical marriage in public and private. Students are responsible for notifying the Dean of Students if their marital status has changed due to separation, divorce, remarriage or any legal proceedings. Students who divorce must withdraw completely from all programs and campus for a minimum of two consecutive semesters before an application for readmission can be considered.

Sexuality and Gender Identity

Southern Seminary’s policy regarding sex, sexuality and gender identity is grounded in the teachings of the Bible as understood in the Seminary’s confessional commitments – the Abstract of Principles and the Baptist Faith & Message 2000. This policy is intended to address transsexualism, transgenderism, and related gender identity issues.

We affirm that God’s original and ongoing intent and action is the creation of humanity manifest as two distinct sexes, male and female. We also recognize that due to sin and human brokenness, our experiential perception of our sex and gender is not always that which God the Creator originally designed, and yet affirm further God’s capacity to heal and transform our brokenness in keeping with His purposes and will.

With this foundational understanding of creation, fall, and redemption, we do not support or affirm the resolution of a psychological identity discordant with one’s birth sex. Similarly, we do not support or affirm attempts to change one’s given biological birth sex via medical intervention in favor of the identity of the opposite sex or of an indeterminate identity. Although as a Christian residential institution of higher learning we will respect those whose moral views diverge from ours, we will make institutional decisions in light of this policy regarding housing, student admission and retention, hiring and retention, and other matters.

In employment and in student life, we regard sex at birth as the identification of the given biological sex of each member of our constituency. Any blurring of the boundary between maleness and femaleness, such as identifying oneself as a transvestite, transsexual, or transgendered, is contrary to biblical standards.

We must view the actions or intentions of those seeking fundamental changes of any kind from one's sex at birth as a rejection of the biblical and theological understandings to which Southern Seminary is committed, and hence as grounds for removal from consideration for enrollment for a student applicant, and as grounds for termination of enrollment of a current student. The same is true for persistent or exaggerated examples of cross-dressing, or other expressions or actions that are deliberately discordant with birth sex.

All students and employees are responsible for notifying the Seminary of any violation of this policy, past or present. Decisions will be handled on a case-by-case basis in a pastorally sensitive manner.

Electronic Mail (e-mail) Policy

Electronic mail (e-mail) is the primary means of communication about classes, registration, activities and campus functions, facilitating the exchange of information in support of and consistent with the mission of SBTS. SBTS provides each student with an email account for the purpose of supporting SBTS-related activities. All students are expected to check e-mails regularly.

Users are responsible for all usage of e-mail service and for maintaining the confidentiality of the user name and password, as well as the content of all transmissions. Users agree to indemnify and hold SBTS harmless for any loss or damage arising from the content of any message. Users must supervise minors, persons under 18 years of age, who utilize seminary e-mail. This service cannot be used to gain unauthorized access to any other attached network or system. Since senders are accountable for the contents of communication through institutional email, this service must be used in an appropriate and ethical manner, not to transmit or distribute communications designed to annoy, offend or harass others. The misuse of electronic mail may result in loss of privileges, disciplinary sanction or legal action.

Students have no expectation of privacy in anything they create, store, send or receive via the Seminary e-mail system. The Seminary reserves the right, at its discretion, to access SBTS- assigned student email and related services. With the exception of academic content produced as part of the student’s fulfillment of coursework for Southern Seminary or Boyce College, content created, stored, sent, or received via the Seminary e-mail system are property of the Seminary.

Firearms, Weapons, & Explosives Policy

Seminary policy strictly prohibits the unlawful possession or use of firearms or other weapons by any persons on campus of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Kentucky Revised Statutes allows the Seminary to limit/prohibit the possession of any firearm or weapon. Students are not allowed to carry and/or possess weapons at any time while in Seminary buildings or on Seminary property, whether or not licensed to do so. Students are also prohibited from carrying and/or possessing weapons at any time while working or attending Seminary or seminary-related events, whether or not on Seminary property.

The seminary also prohibits university visitors from carrying and/or possessing weapons on seminary property or attending seminary-related, non-hunting activities. Non- employees include, but are not limited to, vendors, visitors, customers and potential customers of the university, excluding law enforcement officers.

Exceptions to this policy are those required by Kentucky Revised Statutes.

A request for individual exception can be made to the Chief of Campus Police. The Chief of Campus Police will make a recommendation to the Senior Vice President of Institutional Administration who will make the determination.

- - Definitions:
    - Firearms

Any device that shoots a bullet, pellet, flare, tranquilizer, spear dart or other projectile, whether loaded or unloaded, including those powered by CO2. This includes, but not limited to, guns, air guns, dart guns, pistols, revolvers, rifles, shot guns, cannons, etc, and any ammunition for any such device.

- - - Weapons

Any device that is designed to or traditionally used to inflict harm. This includes, but is not limited to: 1) firearms, slingshots, switchblades, daggers, blackjacks, brass knuckles, bows and arrows, hand grenades, hunting knives, nun-chucks, throwing stars, etc.; 2) any object that could be reasonably construed as a weapon; or 3) any object legally controlled as a weapon or treated as a weapon under the laws of the jurisdiction in which the Seminary premises is located.

- - - Explosives

Any chemical compound or mechanical mixture that contains any oxidizing or combustible units, or other ingredients, in such proportion, quantities or packing that an ignition by fire, friction, concussion, percussion, or detonator, or any part of the compound or mixture, may cause a sudden generation of highly heated gases that results in gaseous pressures capable of producing destructive efforts on contiguous objects or of destroying life or limb. This includes, but is not limited to, firecrackers, black powder, dynamite, etc.

Reports of any violation shall be made to the Chief of Campus Police or any “on-duty” officer.

Hazardous Materials

This policy does not replace or conflict with any federal, state or local law or ordinance pertaining to employee labor laws through OSHA or the Kentucky Labor cabinet, but provides guidelines for persons who live, reside or occupy any dorm, residential hall or other building owned and/or controlled by the Seminary. The term, “hazardous materials,” refer to any substance or material that is capable of posing an unreasonable risk to health or safety when transported, stored or illegally possessed. Included are waste, pollutants, petroleum products and any other elevated temperature material deemed to be hazardous. At no time may hazardous materials (including charcoal lighter fluid and auto oil or fuel) be taken into or stored in any housing unit without proper authority.

Though not all-inclusive, the following list identifies a few of the prohibited materials or substances that a reasonable person should not possess on Seminary property — explosives; poisonous gas; flammable liquids or solids; oxidizers; corrosives; infectious substances; spontaneously combustible liquids, substances or solids. This policy does not inhibit the use of materials legally needed by employees for their work tasks, in which all hazardous materials are stored, controlled and used in accordance with OSHA, state, federal and local laws. The Chief of Campus Police must approve the use of all hazardous materials.

Litigation & Criminal Charges

The seminary and college do not allow student status for anyone who must comply with court- ordered probation for felony conviction or must register as a sex offender. Current students who are charged in federal, state or civil court must report this immediately to the Dean of Students and withdraw until matters are resolved. Applicants are required to disclose any moral or legal factor that could impede their effectiveness and faithfulness in ministry.

Applicants who have fulfilled previous legal sanctions for criminal charges or immoral conduct must have already completed two years of supervision on site with a local church. Applicants and students alike are not eligible for active status while listed in state registries for sexual offenders or while serving court-ordered sanctions, such as incarceration or probation.

Plagiarism & Telecommunications

Plagiarism is the use or theft of intellectual property without attribution, both a moral and educational transgression. Students are required to affirm academic integrity in writing when submitting all course work: On my honor, I have neither given nor taken improper assistance in completing this assignment. (See Appendix B.) Appropriate and ethical behavior honors the software licensing agreements and copyright law; respects confidentiality and/or privacy of data; uses telecommunication and computing resources without offending, annoying or harassing others.
Students are accountable for their use of all computing and telecommunications resources. Misuse may result in legal or disciplinary action.

Discrimination and Harassment

The Seminary is committed to providing an environment that is free of discrimination, unlawful harassment and other unbiblical conduct. Actions, words, jokes, or comments based on an individual’s sex, ethnicity, disability, age, race, color, national origin, citizenship status, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other applicable legally protected characteristic, will not be tolerated.

Any students with questions or concerns about any type of discrimination are encouraged to bring these issues to the attention of the Dean of Students or the Women’s Support Coordinator.
Students can raise concerns and make reports without fear of reprisal. Anyone found to have engaged in inappropriate conduct, even if it does not rise to the level of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation under the law, may be subject to appropriate discipline, including without limitation dismissal as a student. Any form of retaliation due to a complaint of harassment or discrimination is strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary action.

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is unlawful and can involve a variety of unwanted, unwelcome and repeated behaviors such as sexually suggestive statements or questions, offensive jokes, innuendos, offensive touching, and displaying or showing sexually suggestive images. (This does not limit the discussion of human sexuality in an instructional setting.) The Seminary prohibits unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, where:

- - Submission to such conduct is made a term or condition of a student’s status as a student; or
- - Submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as a basis for decisions affecting the student; or
- - Submission to or rejection of such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with a student’s performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment.

Sexual harassment may include a range of subtle and not so subtle behaviors and may involve individuals of the same sex or different sexes. Incidences of perceived harassment by a student should be reported to the Dean of Students or the Women’s Support Coordinator for redress according to the discipline policy.

Anti-Bullying and Anti-Hazing Policy

Recognizing and addressing bullying and/or hazing is paramount to ensuring a safe and healthy campus environment that is conducive to learning and protects the rights of individuals. “Bullying” is severe or repeated use by one or more individuals of written, verbal, or electronic communication, or a physical act or gesture or exclusion directed at another individual. Bullying may cause physical or emotional harm, may create a hostile environment, and may disrupt the campus environment.

“Hazing” is any act committed against someone joining or becoming a member or maintaining membership in any organization that is humiliating, intimidating or demeaning, or endangers the health and safety of the person, whether it occurs on or off college property. Hazing includes active or passive participation in such acts and occurs regardless of the willingness to participate in the activities. Hazing may include but is not limited to the following activities when these activities are life-threatening or are intended to hurt or physically or mentally humiliate the individual:

- - Physical abuse such as kidnapping, paddling, slapping, branding, burning;
  - Physical exercise, such as scavenger hunts, road trips, or any activity resulting in excessive fatigue, physical or psychological shock;
  - Wearing apparel which is degrading or uncomfortable to the individual; or
  - Engaging in public stunts, hair cutting, morally degrading or humiliating games or activities, giving of food or drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) which is distasteful or designed to provoke nausea or inebriation.

No student organization or individual shall employ a program of student initiation or social events that includes hazing. It is the duty of all student organization members to report immediately any violation of this policy.

Any individual who believes that he/she is the subject of bullying or hazing or who has knowledge of bullying or hazing behavior immediately should report such conduct to the Dean of Students, the Women’s Support Coordinator, or Campus Police. Complaints of bullying or hazing will be investigated promptly and in as impartial and confidential manner as possible. Retaliation against any individual reporting such conduct will not be tolerated.

Any individual who is found, after appropriate investigation, to have participated in bullying or hazing is subject to disciplinary action.

Complaints of bullying or hazing may be reported to the following:

- - You can call Campus Police any time: (502)897-4444 from an off-campus phone or extension 4444 from an on-campus phone.
- - You can visit Campus Police any time. The office is located on the ground level of the Duke K. McCall Pavilion. The office entry doors are located on the brick sidewalk area of the Honeycutt/Norton connector.
- - You can contact the appropriate Student Life office. Student Life at Southern Seminary: (502)897-4220, Honeycutt 230. Student Life at Boyce College: (502)897-4295, Williams 110.

Duty to Report Suspected Violations

Each member of the Seminary community is required to report suspected violations of the Seminary code of conduct, applicable laws (local, state or federal), and any policy including, but not limited to, all policies outlined in this student handbook. Students should report such violations to the Dean of Students located at the following offices: Student Life at Southern Seminary: (502)897-4220, Honeycutt 230. Student Life at Boyce College: (502)897-4295, Williams 110.

However, in the event that a student should witness or receive a report of any act that is in violation of any federal, state or local law, he or she is under the obligation of “mandatory reporting” protocol and must promptly report actual and/or reasonably suspected violations to the appropriate law enforcement agency. The Louisville Metro Police Department can be reached at 502-574-LMPD (5673).

- - Reporting of Child Abuse

Any student who knows or has reason to believe that a child is being abused or neglected should report the matter to Child Protective Services and/or appropriate law enforcement authorities.

- - Ethics and Compliance Hotline

Members of the Seminary community also have the option to report a violation of any type via an independent Ethics and Compliance Hotline. If desired, the individual may elect to make such a report anonymously. The Hotline’s toll-free number is 1(866)458-3958.

Reporting via the Ethics and Compliance Hotline does not relieve the individual of his mandatory reporting obligation.

Solicitation & Special Offerings

Any kind of solicitation is prohibited on seminary property. Request for special offerings within the seminary community is disallowed, unless permitted by the Executive Strategies Group upon recommendation from the VP for Enrollment Management and Student Life.

Surveys & Distribution of Materials

Surveys or polls of any portion of the student body must be submitted to the Dean of Students for approval from the Executive Strategies Group. Students may post or distribute materials in designated areas after receiving approval from the Director of Student Activities or the Dean of Students.

Visitation in Campus Housing

Access by the opposite gender to any residence hall or dorm room is always prohibited except during seminary-sponsored events, designated moving times, or when authorized personnel must enter to ensure personal safety or to provide maintenance. Overnight guests in campus housing must be registered with Office of Student Housing. When guests arrive after business hours, guest information must be provided by the resident to Campus Police. In addition, Boyce students must inform their Resident Director or Resident Advisor. Failure to notify subjects the resident to disciplinary sanction, including eviction. The Seminary reserves the right to refuse accommodations to anyone.

Voter Registration & Political Activity

The office for voter registration (810 Barret Avenue) may be contacted, (502) 574-6100 or www.elect.ky.gov. Legal residents eighteen and older are eligible to vote if registered thirty days prior to election. An announced candidate for public office may appear on campus only in a forum conducted by an official organization in concert with its purpose, in the company of all other candidates for that office, and with approval from the President. Gospel and ministry priorities must govern all political discussion on campus.

4) Discipline Policy

Function of Disciplinary Sanction
Disciplinary sanction is administered through the office of the Dean of Students, who is charged with the investigation of inappropriate behavior. All disciplinary sanctions are designed as redemptive measures for personal growth and professional development, with primary concern for the welfare of the seminary Community.

Disciplinary action may result from any inappropriate behavior, such as immoral or unethical conduct, menacing or disruptive activity, violations of personal and/or property rights, civil or legal infractions, etc. Examples include:

- - Academic misconduct, such as plagiarism or cheating
  - False witness, deception or alteration of records
  - Neglect of financial obligations, economic malfeasance, or gambling
  - Theft or destruction of public, private or personal property
  - Use or possession of illegal drugs or intoxicants such as marijuana
  - Use of alcoholic beverages
  - Homosexual behavior or heterosexual misconduct
  - Repeated violation of a seminary regulation
  - Conduct unbecoming a Christian minister

Disciplinary Sanctions

Disciplinary sanction is administered through the office of the Dean of Students. Disciplinary action may result from any violation of any standard or policy outlined in the Student Handbook. If a student breaks or neglects these standards of conduct or is found living in conflict with the spirit of this document, the institution will bring disciplinary sanctions to the student. Discipline is intended for the wellbeing of both the student and the institution.

Categories of disciplinary sanctions are below. These categories are not necessarily ascending in an individual situation – for instance, a student may be withdrawn immediately without prior reprimand or probationary action if the institution deems such a decision in its best interest.

Reprimand with Corrective Action

The sanction of verbal or written censure that involves an official rebuke for behavior in conflict with the standard of conduct, with accompanying corrective instruction. If improvement is not adequately demonstrated, a student may be either placed on probation according to the description below or withdrawn according to the description below.

Probation

The conditional continuation of student status for behavior in conflict with the standard of conduct under supervision and evaluation, with the expectation of improvement. If improvement is not adequately demonstrated, a student may be withdrawn according to description below.

Disciplinary Withdrawal

The removal of active student status for behavior in conflict with the standard of conduct. Disciplinary withdrawal may be issued as either closed or open to readmission. If closed to readmission, then the student is considered permanently expelled. If open to readmission, a date will be given when the student may reapply for admission. On that date, if stipulations have been appropriately fulfilled and all financial accounts have been cleared, the student may reapply for admission. Reapplication does not guarantee readmission.

In the event that a student voluntarily withdraws themselves before or during the process of disciplinary sanction and it is determined that the student violated the standards of conduct, it may be noted that the student withdrew under protest, which will affect all future decisions regarding readmission.

Disciplinary withdrawal excludes the student from all institutional events, activities, and programs; mandates the immediate cessation of campus housing; and prohibits the student from being on campus for any reason without prior written permission from the Dean of Students. If the withdrawn student is employed on campus, the Department of Human Resources will inform him or her of immediate termination of employment.

Procedure for Appealing a Disciplinary Withdrawal

If a student is withdrawn for disciplinary reasons, he or she may appeal this decision. This appeal must be presented in writing within one week of the posting date for the original sanction, using notification through the student’s official email account to the Dean of Students. The appeal must include the following: a copy of the disciplinary decision, a statement as to why the student’s conduct did not in fact violate the conduct standard, and any evidence that supports this claim.

Upon receiving the appeal, the Dean of Students will assemble a Disciplinary Council consisting of three faculty members. At the earliest convenience for the Disciplinary Council, a hearing is convened. One faculty member will be appointed as chairperson and moderate the meeting, designating another faculty as secretary, whose written outline of the proceedings serves as the official record. All materials belong to the archives of the Dean of Students.

In this hearing, the Dean of Students summarizes the case and functions as prosecutor regarding the original conduct infraction. The student may call or question witnesses and present evidence that is directly relevant to the question of the original infraction of the code of conduct. All proceedings are closed, and the council deliberates in private. The chairperson communicates the council’s decision for implementation to the Dean of Students and directly to the student.

An appeal of the decision by the Disciplinary Council must be submitted in writing within three working days to the Provost, whose decision is final. This second appeal must include a copy of the original decision, a statement as to why the student’s conduct did not in fact violate the conduct standard, any evidence that supports this claim, and why the student is dissatisfied with the deliberations of the Disciplinary Council.

All failed appeals will result in a disciplinary withdrawal closed to readmission.

5) Grievance Procedure

A grievance is defined as a behavior or attitude perceived to be erroneous or unfair, including ridicule, inappropriate embarrassment, or work evaluation. Resolution and reconciliation is best accomplished in Christian love with direct and candid communication (Matthew 18). If intractable, Christian mediation should be sought apart from secular litigation (1 Corinthians 6). If initial efforts are not satisfactory, and if the issues are separate from institutional policies for employees, students may follow the grievance policy to seek resolution with faculty or staff members as well as fellow students.

Section I – General Policy

- - Within two weeks of the incident, the aggrieved person presents to the person(s) in question a written statement that delineates relevant facts (sequence, circumstances, individual(s), summarizes remedial efforts, and specifies an appropriate resolution.
- - The recipient should respond in writing within two weeks of receipt with options for resolution. If these are unsatisfactory to the aggrieved person, a written appeal may be filed (including the initial grievance and response) to the supervising dean or administrator within one week of the response.

The supervising dean or administrator investigates and makes a final decision in writing within ten working days of receipt. This decision may be appealed to the supervising vice president, whose decision is final.
Note: Any exceptions to this general policy are delineated below

Section II – for Grievances of Academic Issues Related to Grades and Course Information

The seminary specifically assigns to the individual faculty member responsibility for establishing grade criteria and the subsequent assignment of grades upon evaluation of student work. (Matters related to drop and add and absences are dealt with by petition through the Registrar’s Office.)

Approximately three weeks after the close of each semester, the student can view his or her grades for courses taken during that semester via Moodle. If a student feels that he or she has been assigned an incorrect grade for a course, the following procedure should be followed:

- - An appointment should be scheduled with the professor as soon as possible after receipt of the official grade from Academic Records. When making the appointment, the student should indicate that the purpose of the meeting is to review the grade that has been received.
- - This consultation with the professor regarding the grade must take place within 30 days of the issuance of the official grade. When the professor is not available, the student should consult with the dean of the school in which the course was taught (for master’s work) or the chairman of the appropriate doctoral studies committee for an extension of time or for other instructions.
  - If the consultation with the professor results in change of the previously assigned grade, the professor will complete a change of grade form with Academic records.
- - If the consultation with the professor does not result in a change of the previously assigned grade, and the student still feels compelled to contest the grade, the student should complete, sign, and deliver the Student Grievance form to the Dean’s Office.
- - The Dean’s Office will forward the form to a Grievance Committee comprised of persons appointed by the dean. The student may recommend to the dean a seminary student or faculty member to serve on the committee.
- - A member of the Grievance Committee will meet with the student and professor(s) involved and attempt to establish a resolution to the grievance.
- - The Grievance Committee will meet with the student and professor(s) involved and attempt to establish a resolution to the grievance.
- - If the issue cannot be resolved by the Grievance Committee, then that committee will forward the matter (with documentation) to the dean of the school.
- - The dean of the school will meet with the student and the applicable professor(s) and make a final decision with regard to the school.
- - The administrative assistant or secretary to the dean of the school will file a record of the transactions and information developed.
- - In the event the student files a grievance with the Academic Council — comprised of the deans of the individual schools, the Vice President for Enrollment Management, and the Dean of Students — after the process described above, the report of the Grievance Committee and final disposition by the dean of the school will be the only official documents provided to the Academic Council. The decision of the Academic Council is final.

Section III – for Grievances of Administrative Issues Related to Faculty Conduct, Performance, Attitude, and Course Content

- - The student completes, signs, and delivers the Student Grievance form to the Dean’s Office.
- - If the issue cannot be resolved by the student, faculty member, and dean, the matter may be taken to the Senior Vice President for Academic Administration and the Senior Vice President for Institutional Administration.
- - The administrative assistant to the dean of the school will file a record of the transactions and information developed. If the matter cannot be resolved by the student, faculty member, dean, Senior Vice President for Institutional Administration, and the Senior Vice President for Academic Administration, the matter may be taken to the President.

Section IV – for Grievances of Administrative Issues Related to Support Services

- - The student completes, signs, and delivers the Student Grievance form to the Dean’s Office.
- - The administrative assistant or secretary will forward the form to a Grievance Committee comprised of persons appointed by the dean. The student may recommend to the dean a seminary student or faculty member to serve on the committee.
- - A member of the Grievance Committee will meet with the student and professor(s) or administrator(s) involved and attempt to establish a resolution to the grievance.
- - The Grievance Committee will meet with the student and professor(s) involved and attempt to establish a resolution to the grievance.
- - If the issue cannot be resolved by the Grievance Committee, then they will forward to the vice president for the division a recommendation for resolution.
- - The vice president will meet with the student and the applicable professor(s) or administrator(s) and make a final decision with regard to the division.
- - The administrative associate to the appropriate vice president will file a record of the transactions and information developed.
- - In the event the student files a grievance with the Executive Strategies Group after the process described above, the report of the Grievance Committee and the vice president’s final disposition will be the only official documents provided the Executive Strategies Group. The decision of the Executive Strategies Group is final.

Section V – for Grievances Related to Accrediting Standards

As an accredited institution of higher education, Southern Seminary and all of its schools are bound to follow standards outlined by its accrediting agencies. Should students have complaints about the accrediting standards, those complaints shall be submitted in writing to the Dean of Students who will share such complaints with the institution’s Accreditation Liaison and the Office of the President, who will communicate such complaints to the appropriate agency staff.

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