An honoring community encourages healthy and respectful relationships. Members are expected to seek the interests of others above their own (Philippians 2:4). Community members are expected to honor and respect those in authority in the institution, whether administrators, faculty or staff members, coaches, or student leaders.
In Matthew 11:29, Jesus says, “I am gentle and humble in heart” (NRSV). This is the only time in Holy Scripture that Jesus describes his own character. Seeking to imitate Christ’s character (1 Corinthians 11:1), we commit to use our words in person and online to encourage and honor our community. We choose not to gossip (speak with intention to harm), lie or use vulgar or demeaning language (Ephesians 4:29). Words or actions that are derogatory to another person, their characteristics, their background, or their religion have no place in this community.
Gambling, theft, vandalism and plagiarism are inconsistent with the Christian life and respectful citizenship, and therefore are not acceptable. The community fosters a respect for personal, institutional and public property and expects its members to care for the property of others with the same kind of care and respect they would give their own (Ephesians 4:28). Students will be held responsible for vandalism or damage to property of others. This includes technological property of others such as computer files, voice mail, social media posts and smart phone usage.
As a community we respect the property of others. Community members should not enter facilities that are not their own or they have not been given access to. Keys should not be duplicated.
Romans 13:1 is clear that we should subject ourselves to the authority of the government. Asbury University community members are expected to uphold all local, state and federal laws. Arrest on or off campus is subject to review within the University’s disciplinary procedures.
On rare occasions civil laws might require behavior that is contrary to God’s law as found in Scripture; instances where we may echo Peter and the Apostles, “We must obey God rather than any human authority” (Acts 5:29, NRSV). In such cases, everyone would submit voluntarily to the civil penalty for his or her behavior, and said behavior would be reviewed within the University’s disciplinary procedures.
Any incidents involving verbal and physical abuse, including hazing in any form, are unacceptable. Personal and group identity bias incidents, which may include demeaning language, slurs, name-calling, offensive terminology, cultural appropriation, or subtle insults, are not part of this community or the life of a Christian. In addition, discrimination against others based on race, national origin, sex, religious beliefs, or disability is not acceptable. View the University’s bias incident report process and the online report form.
Students must obtain permission from a Dean, Associate Dean, Provost, Vice President of Student Life, or relevant Cabinet level officers before inviting an outside speaker to campus.
Students (or any community member or guest) must obtain permission from the Office of Student Life before posting posters or advertisements on campus that are nonspecific to Asbury University.
Permission must be obtained from the Vice President for Student Life at least 24 hours prior to conducting any public demonstration.
Students should refrain from activities or behaviors that disrupt normal functioning in the classroom, residence halls and across the campus.
All community members are expected to be intentional in honoring the campus environment and one another in matters of dress. Respect for the academic endeavor is demonstrated by clothing that is presentable, neat and clean. Clothing should cover the body from shoulder to mid-thigh. Heightened expectations by Student Life and/or academic departments may exist when students officially represent the University or for special events and occasions (e.g., student teaching, presentations, internships, chapel platform leadership and recitals).
Examples of clothing inappropriate for the Asbury University main campus and buildings: