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 Strategy Group and administered by the Offices of the Deans of Students and the Women’s Support Coordinator. The contents offer a guide to student life at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and Boyce College (the “Institution”). Each student is responsible for reading the material and abiding by all Institutional policies and regulations. The most current version online is always operative.
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.
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 Standards.Community Standards pertain to all who are associated with the Institution. Members of the Institutional community include the administration, faculty and staff, residential and online students, corresponding participants in Extension Centers, and the immediate families of these.
The Institution establishes these Community Standards in obedience to the moral precepts of the Bible as God’s Word (as understood and interpreted through the lens of the Institution’s confessional commitments: the Abstract of Principles, The Baptist Faith & Message 2000, the Chicago Statement, the Danvers Statement, and the Nashville Statement) and in keeping with the enduring teachings and commitments of the Christian church. The Institution reserves the right to interpret and apply these standards, and the biblical and confessional commitments upon which they are founded, in its sole discretion.
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.For the purpose of institutional accountability, student status remains active from admission until graduation or withdrawal from study. 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 conscience and conduct are non-negotiable and always applicable during the tenure of enrollment. Students who have been granted interrupted status are considered active with regard to institutional accountability. Students on campus must be able to present their Shield ID Cards at all times.Alcohol & DrugsIn accordance with the Community Standards as well as denominational expectations for all members of the Institutional 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 the appropriate use of prescribed medications.Church MembershipAll 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.ChapelThe Institutional community gathers to worship during the Fall and Spring semesters in Alumni Chapel on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. and all offices close. Boyce College conducts weekly Dorm Meetings. Student-led prayer groups meet regularly.
Boyce College Chapel and Dorm Meeting Attendance
Dorm Meeting and Boyce/SBTS Chapel are 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. The most current chapel schedule is posted at www.inside.sbts.edu/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.DressAppearance and attire must be modest everywhere on campus (e.g., excessive and/or inappropriate facial piercings are not permitted).Divorce & Marital RelationshipsStudents 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
The Institution’s policy regarding sex, sexuality, and gender identity is grounded in the teachings of the Bible as understood in the Institution’s confessional commitments, including the Abstract of Principles, the Baptist Faith & Message 2000, and the Nashville Statement. This policy is intended to address transsexualism, transgenderism, and related gender identity issues. All Institutional decisions related to such issues will be made in accordance with the foregoing biblical standards and confessional commitments, and the Institution will be the final interpretative authority on the meaning and application thereof.
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 employee retention, use of bathrooms, locker rooms, attire policies, use of pronouns, participation in sex-specific campus groups, clubs and organizations, and other matters.
In all matters and circumstances, 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 transgender, 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 this Institution is committed, and hence as grounds for removal from consideration for enrollment for a student applicant, and as grounds for termination of enrollment for 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.
Members of the Institutional community and guests of the Institution are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with, and that will in no way be contrary to, this policy. Conduct consistent with this policy includes, but is not limited to, the following: (i) using restrooms and bathing facilities which correspond to their birth sex; (ii) maintaining personal appearance and self- presentation in accord with their birth sex; and (iii) using pronouns that are in accord with their birth sex.
Compliance with this policy requires all subject to it to notify the Institution of any violation of this policy, past or present. Decisions stemming from this policy will be handled in a sensitive manner and on a case-by-case basis.Email PolicyEmail 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 the Institution. The Institution provides current students with an email account for the purpose of supporting Institution-related activities. All students are expected to read all emails sent by the Institution to their student email account.
Students are responsible for all usage of their assigned email account and for maintaining the confidentiality of the password of the account, as well as the content of all messages sent from the account, unless inappropriate use stems from technical issues or other problems outside of the student’s control. Students agree to indemnify and hold the Institution harmless for any loss or damage arising from the content of any message or the availability of the email account. Users must supervise minors, persons under 18 years of age, who utilize Institutional email.
Usage of the assigned student email account is expected to be consistent with the Institution’s Community Standards. Additionally, the following uses of student email are not permitted:- Concealment or misrepresentation of names in email messages.
- Use of student email for commercial or private business purposes.
- Use of student email for political campaigning or other political solicitation.
- Use of student email for the purposes of sending spam or unwanted messages.
- Use of student email to harass or threaten others, or to threaten to cause harm or damage to property.
- Use of student email to gain unauthorized access to any network or system.
- Use of student email in a way that is illegal or violates any terms of service applicable to the student email account.
The misuse of an email account covered under this policy may result in loss of privileges, disciplinary sanction, or legal action.
Use of a student email account for non-Institutional purposes including, but not limited to, signing up for online banking, social media accounts, or other online services is done at the student’s risk and is not advised. The Institution will not assist with any issues arising from a student email account used for any type of service unaffiliated with the Institution.
Students have no expectation of privacy in anything they create, store, send, or receive via the student email account. Students should also be aware that, while the Institution employs reasonable measures to protect against unauthorized access to Institutional systems, the security of a student email account cannot be guaranteed. The Institution reserves the right, in its discretion, to access and restrict access to Institution-assigned student email accounts 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 student email account is the property of the Institution.
If a student forwards email content from their Institution-issued email account to another email address, the student assumes all risk and responsibility for email content forwarded outside of the Institution-issued email account. Any forwarded email content is still subject to all Institutional policies and applicable laws.
A student’s access to his/her Institution-issued email account and associated services ends after 180 days have passed since the close of his/her most recent term of enrollment, unless the student has declared his/her intention to pursue future study at the Institution. A student is considered to have a declared intention under this policy if he/she has an accepted application with the Office of Admissions. If the term associated with this application passes and the student has not enrolled, his/her Institution-issued email account, along with its associated services, may be deactivated. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure his/her account does not expire by contacting the Office of Admissions (admissions@sbts.edu or boyceadmissions@sbts.edu) to declare his/her intention to pursue future study at the Institution.
The Institution may revise these conditions as it deems necessary and without warning. If a student is not taking courses, the student should not expect to have access to a student email account.Firearms, Weapons, & Explosives PolicyInstitutional policy strictly prohibits the unlawful possession or use of firearms, weapons, or explosives by any persons on the Institution’s campus, or while attending Institution-related off- campus events or activities.
Kentucky Revised Statutes allows the Institution to limit/prohibit the possession of any firearm, weapon, or explosive. Members of the Institutional community are not allowed to carry and/or possess firearms, weapons, or explosives at any time while in buildings or on property owned or used by the Institution, whether licensed to do so or not. Members of the Institutional community are also prohibited from carrying and/or possessing firearms, weapons, or explosives at any time while working or attending Institutional or Institution-related events, whether on Institution property or not.
The Institution also prohibits guests from carrying and/or possessing firearms, weapons, and explosives on Institution property or while attending Institution-related off-campus events or activities. Guests, for the purposes of this provision, include, but are not limited to, vendors, visitors, customers, and potential customers of the Institution, 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 is 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 Institution 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, fireworks of any kind, black powder, dynamite, etc.
Reports of any violation shall be made to the Chief of Campus Police or any “on-duty” Campus Police 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 Institution does not allow student status for anyone who must comply with court-ordered probation for felony conviction or who must register as a sex offender. Current students who are under investigation or are charged in federal, state, or civil court must report this immediately to the Dean of Students and will be suspended in accordance with this Handbook 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 student status while listed in state registries for sexual offenders or while serving court-ordered sanctions, such as incarceration or probation.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is both a moral and academic transgression and is subject to sanction under the Discipline Policy (as set forth in this Handbook). For the Institution’s definition of plagiarism, see Appendix B. When submitting coursework, students affirm by implication, if not by explicit statement, the academic integrity of their work.
Technology & Telecommunications
Appropriate and ethical behavior honors 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 Institution is committed to providing an environment that is free of unlawful discrimination, harassment, bullying, abuse, or any other conduct in violation of the Community Standards. 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 are encouraged to bring these issues to the attention of the appropriate 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, including students, faculty, employees, volunteers, vendors, or board members, even if the conduct does not rise to the level of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation under the law, may be subject to appropriate discipline, up to and including Disciplinary Withdrawal and/or termination. Any form of retaliation due to a complaint of harassment or discrimination is strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary action, up to and including
Disciplinary Withdrawal and/or termination
Students should report concerns about any type of harassment, or unlawful discrimination according to the procedure set forth in Appendix A. While anonymous reports can be made, they may limit the ability of the Institution and law enforcement to conduct a thorough inquiry or investigation.
Confidentiality will be guarded to the extent possible, although it may be necessary to discuss the allegations with others when conducting a thorough inquiry. Students are expected to cooperate fully with any inquiry or investigation.
The Institution does not tolerate false reports of harassment or any other misconduct. False reporting (as opposed to complaints that, even if erroneous, are made in good faith) may warrant disciplinary action.
Sexual Harassment
The Institution prioritizes providing our employees, students, vendors, visitors, and all those affiliated with the Institution, a safe and welcoming work and learning environment. As such, we prohibit all forms of harassment, including sexual harassment. Sexual harassment can involve a variety of unwanted, unwelcome, and repeated behaviors, such as sexually suggestive statements or questions, commentary about an individual’s body parts, obscene comments or gestures, leering, offensive jokes, innuendos, offensive touching, and displaying or showing sexually suggestive images or objects including through digital devices, email, text, or social media. This does not limit the appropriate discussion of human sexuality in an instructional setting.
The Institution 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. If you are aware of incidences of sexual harassment by a student, faculty member, employee, vendor, trustee, volunteer, or any other individual affiliated with the Institution, you should report the incident for redress in accordance with the Discipline Policy. Reports should be made in accordance with the Duty to Report Suspected Violations provision, or as more fully set forth in Appendices A and D of the Student Handbook.
While anonymous reports can be made, they may limit the ability of the Institution and law enforcement to conduct a thorough inquiry or investigation. Confidentiality will be guarded to the extent possible, although it may be necessary to discuss the allegations with others when conducting a thorough inquiry. Students are expected to cooperate fully with any inquiry or investigation.
The Institution forbids retaliation against anyone for reporting any sexual harassment, assisting in making a complaint of sexual harassment or cooperating in any investigation of sexual harassment. Retaliation will be treated as a separate, distinct cause for complaint and for disciplinary action.
The Institution does not tolerate false reports of harassment or any other misconduct. False reporting (as opposed to complaints that, even if erroneous, are made in good faith) may warrant disciplinary action.
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 a deliberate misuse of power in relationships by one or more individuals of written, verbal, or electronic communication, or a physical act, 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, demeaning, or endangers the health and safety of the person, whether it occurs on or off Institution property. Hazing includes active or passive participation in such acts and occurs regardless of one’s willingness to participate in the activities.
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 should immediately report such conduct to the appropriate Dean of Students, the Women’s Support Coordinator, or Campus Police. Their contact information may be found in Appendix A. Complaints of bullying or hazing will be addressed promptly. Retaliation against any individual reporting such conduct will not be tolerated.
Duty to Report Suspected Violations
Each member of the Institutional community is required to report suspected violations of the Institution’s Community Standards, 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 Campus Police, the appropriate Dean of Students, or the Women’s Support Coordinator, as set forth in Appendix A.
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/she is under the obligation of this “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 – Mandatory Report
- MANDATORY REPORT: 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. The Louisville Metro Police Department can be reached at (502) 574-LMPD (5673).
- 24-Hour Confidential Reporting Hotline and Online Reporting
- Members of the Institutional community also have the option to report a violation of any type via a 24-hour confidential reporting hotline. If desired, the individual may elect to make such a report anonymously. The Hotline’s toll-free number is 1(866) 458-3958. Reports may also be made online at: https://www.sbts.edu/confidential-reporting.
- Reporting via this hotline or online does not relieve the individual of his/her mandatory reporting obligation(s).
Solicitation & Special Offerings
Any kind of solicitation is prohibited on Institution property. Request for special offerings within the Institutional community is disallowed, unless permitted by the Executive Strategy Group upon recommendation from the VP for Enrollment Management and the appropriate Dean of Students.
Surveys & Distribution of Materials
Surveys or polls of any portion of the student body must be submitted to the appropriate Dean of Students for approval from the Executive Strategy Group. Students may not post or distribute materials without prior approval from the Office of 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 Institution-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 may subject the resident to disciplinary sanction, up to and including eviction. The Institution reserves the right to refuse accommodations to anyone.
Participation in Institutional Media Production
Unless otherwise indicated in writing to the Office of Communications, each student grants permission to the Institution and their agents and employees the unrestricted right to reproduce photographs and/or video images taken of them, or members of their family, for the purpose of publication, promotion, illustration, advertising, or trade, in any manner or in any medium, including website and social media pages.
Each student hereby releases the Institution and its legal representatives for all claims and liability relating to said images or video. Furthermore, each student grants permission to use any statements that were given during an interview or guest lecture, with or without his/her name, for the purpose of advertising and publicity without restriction, and further waives right to any compensation.
