Student Guide - Community Life

Community Life

Philosophy of Community Standards

North Central University is a Christ-centered institution of higher education. All members of the NCU community are encouraged to live Christ-like, God-honoring lives. In an educational community, individuals are influenced by the speech, attitudes, and behavior of other individuals. To preserve this community, standards of conduct have been established. These standards are derived from Scripture, constituency, community, state and federal law.

NCU expects these community standards and the principles they represent to be embraced by all members of the community. Community members are expected to refrain from the public disparaging of the beliefs of North Central University or its supporting Christian fellowship, the Assemblies of God.

Disciplinary Process

Students, staff, faculty, and administrators are expected to share the responsibility of lovingly confronting another individual if his or her attitude or behavior becomes inconsistent with biblical principles or the standards of the NCU community. This confrontation should follow the model put forth in Scripture (Matthew 18:15-17).

 

Although NCU strives to place an emphasis on the principles behind the standards or “rules”, there are times when a student’s conduct is so disruptive to either his or her own or another’s education, comfort, safety or satisfaction that disciplinary action must be taken.

 

Community members noticing behavior out of compliance with NCU community standards should speak with the offending individual and encourage him or her to meet with their respective Resident Director or Dean in a timely manner to discuss the compromise in community standards. This meeting, in which a student voluntarily admits to policy violation, is considered a “come in” and may result in reduced disciplinary action. If the student refuses to respond to such encouragement, other community members are encouraged to report the inappropriate behavior to their respective Resident Director or Dean in order to provide accountability and assistance to the offending student. This meeting, in which a student is confronted with a reported policy violation, is considered a “call in” and may result in full disciplinary action.

Efforts to understand student situations and problems are an integral part of all potential disciplinary proceedings. In either type of meeting the student and Resident Director and/or Dean will seek to understand the root(s) of the problem and assign reasonable and appropriate means of addressing the behavior and/or consequences. Continued behavioral problems contrary to the standards of NCU may be grounds for dismissal.

Disciplinary discussions are treated privately and with sensitivity. It is the policy of the University to deal with each student as an individual yet in a pattern consistent with the overall purpose of North Central University. Decisions are based on the knowledge of the facts concerning the particular situation.

Disciplinary Sanctions

A variety of disciplinary sanctions may be utilized depending on the individual circumstance(s). Though dismissal is exceptional, students who are dismissed from NCU may not be permitted to visit the campus or participate in University events. Re-admission may be granted by the Admissions department only after all requirements set forth by the Student Development department have been met.

Disciplinary Status

Students subject to disciplinary sanctioning may be assigned one of the following disciplinary statuses:

Probation: Students placed on probation have violated University behavioral policy. Probation is a heightened status and further policy violations committed while on probation may be grounds for suspension or dismissal. Students placed on probation may not be permitted to serve in student leadership roles or participate in officially recognized campus clubs, ministry teams, organizations or inter-collegiate athletics. In these cases, the Dean of Community Life or Dean of Residence Life and the representing Resident Director will meet with the student and his or her advisor/coach to discuss the incident(s). The Dean and advisor/coach will then decide upon the student’s future involvement.

Provisional Continuance: Provisional continuance is heightened disciplinary status that is meant to be more stringent than probation. If a student who is placed on provisional continuance is also involved in student leadership, varsity athletics, a campus organization or ministry team, that student will immediately forfeit the opportunity to continue their involvement. Provisional continuance can be assigned for a single violation, a series of violations, or after probation and/or official warning has failed to deter further violations. As such, provisional continuance is a means by which the University may communicate the significance of a student’s policy violation(s) without resorting to dismissal.

To address a range of disciplinary situations, two definitions of provisional continuance may be used:

Specified Provisional Continuance: Students placed on specified provisional continuance for a policy violation will be dismissed if that particular violation is repeated. Violations of other policies may also result in dismissal to be determined on a case-specific basis.

Unspecified Provisional Continuance: Students placed on unspecified provisional continuance for a policy violation or series of policy violations will be dismissed for any further policy violations of any type or degree.

Petitions for exceptions to this rule may be filed in cases were academic credit is at risk (i.e. internships). Petitions will be considered on an individual basis. Students who wish to make an appeal for academic reasons (i.e. Chorale, One Accord, internships, etc.) must make their submission in writing to the Registrar who will bring these appeals to an academic disciplinary committee. Students who wish to continue their involvement in non-academic organizations such as athletics, ministry teams, and student leadership roles must submit their written appeal to the Vice President of Student Development. The Vice President of Student Development may choose to employ a committee for reviewing appeals.

Appeal Process

Disciplinary decisions, except those made by the President of the University, may be appealed. Any appeal of a disciplinary decision should first be directed to the Vice President of Student Development. Final appeals should be made in writing to the President of the University. All appeals must be made in writing within 24 hours of notification of disciplinary decisions.

Respect for Authority

Students are expected to conform to local, state and federal laws and authorities. Students are expected to adhere to the reasonable and lawful request of a University official. Non-compliance with these standards may result in disciplinary sanctions.

Sexual Behaviors

NCU expects all members of the community to refrain from any form of sexual immorality including but not limited to adultery, promiscuity, any form of extramarital sexual activity (touching of intimate parts with or without clothing), homosexual behavior, or viewing pornography. Co-habitation is also considered unacceptable. Discretion is expected in the public display of affection.

Pregnancy

In the event a student becomes pregnant outside of marriage, she is encouraged to access confidential University resources including counseling services available through the Student Success Center or a faculty or staff mentor. North Central University supports life and is committed to partnering with the student to pursue the best course of action for all those involved (expectant parents, unborn child, parents of the student(s), and the NCU community). All efforts will be made to maintain confidentiality in this sensitive situation.

Harassment/Offensive Behavior

Respect should be shown at all times to all members of the NCU community. All community members are expected to pay attention to their written and spoken communication. Slander, gossip, obscenity, vulgarity, profanity, lying and forgery are considered inappropriate.

Verbal or physical harassment of any member of the North Central University community is prohibited. This harassment is defined as the real or threatened abuse of persons or property or the persistent insult and harassment of a person or persons.

 

Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination and is considered by the University to be serious misconduct. Sexual violence (including sexual abuse and rape) will not be tolerated within the NCU community. Appropriate disciplinary action, including suspension or dismissal will be taken against any person found to have violated this policy.

 

For the purpose of expediting resolution, complaints of sexual harassment, sexual assault, or sexual violence by faculty or staff members or by fellow students must be made promptly to the Vice President of Student Development. Upon receipt of a complaint, the specific incident will be reviewed and a satisfactory resolution will be sought. In cases where an acceptable informal resolution is not found, the complainant must file a formal written complaint. In all cases, confidentiality of the process will be maintained to the extent possible except as required by applicable law. Internal procedures under the NCU harassment policy do not pre-empt or supersede any legal procedures or remedies available to a victim under state or federal law.

Discrimination

North Central University subscribes to and encourages the equal right of all to pursue excellence in their lives without discrimination according to race, ethnicity, gender or social class.

NCU conscientiously abides to nondiscriminatory practices in hiring and promotions. The University expects all students and faculty to remove from their behavior and speech habits, as well as from their thinking, all indication of racial or ethnic bias. Discrimination in any form will not be tolerated in the NCU community.

Multi-Cultural Diversity

North Central University values the image of God in His creation and will not condone sexism or discrimination based on race, color, ethnicity, gender, age or ability level.

Hazing/Pranking

Hazing is defined as subjecting a fellow student to abusive or humiliating pranks such as initiations, responses to engagements, kidnappings, etc. Any student participating in a prank or hazing activity may be held responsible for his/her behavior regardless of motive or intent.

Alcohol, Tobacco and Drug Policy

Students must refrain from the possession, use or distribution of non-medical drugs in any form. Students must also refrain from the possession or use of any alcoholic or tobacco products in any form. The use of a hookah or shisha is also not permitted. The distribution of alcohol or tobacco is permitted in employment roles when the distribution is a secondary function of that position. Examples of unacceptable employment roles include bartending, working at a liquor store, working at a tobacco shop or hookah bar, etc.

Gambling

Students are expected to refrain from all forms of gambling money or material possessions. This includes athletic tournament “pools”.

Dancing

Dancing is not permissible in settings where alcohol is a primary business such as bars and clubs. Students are expected to use discretion and modesty at all times.

Theft

Students are not permitted to engage in theft or shoplifting either on or off campus.

Property Misusage

Campus property should be respected at all times. Participants in vandalism, including spectators, will be held financially responsible for damage and may be subject to disciplinary action. Elevators should be used responsibly, including observing capacity limits. Students are expected to use appropriate manners in the cafeteria; throwing food is not permitted.

 

Sports of any kind are not permitted inside campus facilities other than the gymnasium. This includes bouncing or throwing a ball, throwing a Frisbee, skateboarding, roller or in-line skating, bicycling, use of water balloons, squirt guns, or water fights. Objects or liquids should never be thrown from the windows of University buildings.

 

Students and guests are prohibited from visiting the on-campus residences of students of the opposite sex outside of scheduled visitation hours. Students are restricted from accessing all University building or skyway roofs, unfinished or locked basements and the sixth floor of Carlson Hall. Campus offices should not be entered or utilized without specific permission.

Babysitting

Babysitting is not permitted in the residence halls under any circumstances. On-campus apartment residents are permitted to care for a maximum of one child but must first obtain written permission from their roommate(s). A copy of this agreement must be given to the Resident Director.

Printed Postings/Surveys

A limited number of printed postings may be placed in designated on-campus areas. All postings must be approved by the Student Life office and may be posted for two weeks. Postings may be removed if hung with tape or the content is out-dated, inappropriate or irrelevant. A copy of the full printed posting policy is available in the Student Life office.

If students would like to have their announcement posted on the Video Communication Screens they should fill out a request form in the Student Life Office. All slides may run on the video screens for two weeks.

The Rama Report is North Central’s weekly newsletter informing students, staff and faculty of what is happening on campus. Named after our mascot Bama the Rama, the Rama Report is NCU’s official form of communication to our community. If a student would like to submit something for the Rama Report, they may email submissions to internalrelations@northcentral.edu. All submissions are subject to revisions and editing.

Students wishing to circulate a survey must first obtain approval from either the Vice President of Student Development or the Vice President of Academic Affairs. The survey must be submitted at least one week in advance with a note regarding its purpose, use and intended audience. Approval must be received in writing from a University official. Mass distribution of literature through student mailboxes must be approved by the Mail Center.

Computer Usage

Students are expected to cooperate with the following guidelines in order to use NCU computer technology:

· The University reserves the right to access student accounts and files as necessary for system maintenance or to enforce compliance with these policies.

· Students are not permitted to utilize other students’ computer accounts or share their account/passwords with others.

· Copyright laws concerning software or files, including music and video, must be observed. For more information regarding copyright laws visit www.northcentral.edu/it/.

· Rules of other computer systems on the internet must be followed.

· Students are encouraged to exercise ethical discretion in the selection and use of materials.

· NCU accounts may not be utilized to operate any type of business

· Wireless routers are not permitted

Online Activity

NCU encourages consistency and integrity in our public and private lives. This includes internet communication. Since blogging or social networking websites such as Facebook.com or MySpace.com are accessible to the public, students are expected to make thoughtful choices when representing themselves to fellow students, University officials, future employers, strangers, etc.

Disturbing, obscene or harassing language is unacceptable in virtual conversation just as it is in real, daily conversation. NCU does not police the internet for inappropriate photography or dialogue, however postings could be cause for disciplinary action.

Given the anonymous nature of online communication students are encouraged to use discretion in meeting unknown people through internet chat-rooms, social networking and blogging websites or messaging technologies. Students may not compromise the safety of the NCU community by permitting a person known only through online communications into campus facilities.

Pornography

Students are expected to refrain from the possession or consumption of material which, when viewed or listened to, presents the body in a degrading or compromising manner or encourages and/or elicits sexually immoral thoughts or behaviors. Students struggling with consuming pornography are encouraged to access confidential University resources including counseling services available through the Student Success Center or a faculty or staff mentor.

Entertainment Standards

Video: Students are permitted to view or possess movies or television programming with a rating up to “PG-13” or “TV14” while on-campus. Students are not permitted to view or posses video with an “R”, ”TVMA” or higher rating or any unrated equivalent while on-campus. Students are permitted to view movies with a rating up to “R” while off-campus. NCU staff and faculty may use their discretion in showing any movie with an “R” rating or below on-campus for educational purposes. NCU prohibits the public showing of movies in common areas without the proper license in accordance with copyright law.

Music: Music containing obscene, violent or sexually explicit lyrics or music possessing a “Parental Advisory, Explicit Content” warning label must not be heard outside of a student’s apartment or residence hall room. NCU encourages the use of headphones if listening to this kind of music is necessary.

Gaming: Games with an “Adult Only” rating are not permissible on campus. Other games containing questionable material should be played at low volumes and should not be heard outside of a student’s apartment or residence hall room.

The University recognizes that students must develop personal discretion without relying solely on the entertainment industry’s secular rating standards. Consequently, students are encouraged to give consideration to implications of the media they consume. Students are expected to respect other members of the NCU community by not exposing others to media they have not chosen to consume.

Appearance Standard

NCU welcomes individual expression through personal appearance within the following parameters based on an conservative interpretation of biblical, cultural or constituent sources.

While in class or chapel dress should be neat and clean; shoes and shirts are required but pajama pants or slippers are not permitted. Clothing, accessories or other appearance embellishments that carry an offensive, immodest or provocative message are considered inappropriate. Students should refrain from exotic hairstyles and colors.

Women are expected to dress modestly. Shirts, shorts, and skirts must be an appropriate length. Tops must not be cut excessively low or be open-backed.

Facial piercings (such as eyebrow, cheeks, chin, lips, tongue, etc.) are not allowed at any time with the exception of nose piercings for women. Gauged ear piercings must be solid. Retainers of any type are not permitted at any time for piercings otherwise disallowed by this policy. Body modification is not permissible.

Final decisions concerning appropriateness or modesty may be made by University officials.
Weapon Policy

Weapons of any kind, including but not limited to, handguns, rifles, shotguns, other firearms, knives, stun guns/lasers, potato cannons, paintball guns, pellet/BB guns, martial arts weaponry, bows, slingshots, and any other devices used in game or sporting activities, including ammunition, arrows, or other types of projectiles associated with such items, are prohibited on North Central University campus property. This prohibition is to be interpreted in the broadest sense to include any such weaponry and further extends to "toy" or facsimiles thereof that can cause bodily harm or threat to other persons.

The weapons prohibition set forth above further extends to all North Central University sponsored or related off-campus activities, including business, academic, sporting or leisure activities, related travel, or any other events involving North Central University. This prohibition against possession of weaponry explicitly includes vehicles owned or operated by North Central University.

North Central University security personnel are authorized to make reasonable inquiries and searches as necessary to enforce this policy. Anyone in violation of this policy will be subject to confiscation and forfeiture of the weapons and disciplinary action up to or including dismissal. Further questions on the weapons policy may be addressed to Security department.

 

Use of Candles or Open Flame

To promote safety and reduce the risk of fire, North Central University prohibits open flame usage except for religious holidays or special events in designated areas when a permit has been filed and approval obtained from the Minneapolis Fire Marshal. Permit applications and can be obtained through the NCU Security office.

Candles, candle warmers, incense burning, or open flames are not allowed in the residence halls at any time. Candle or incense burning is permitted in on-campus apartments only, however residents may be held responsible for any resulting damage. Fireworks or explosives of any kind (including “stink bombs”) are not permitted on NCU property.

Fire Evacuation Procedures

In the even of a fire, please follow the steps below:

 

1. Do not shout “Fire.” Stay calm and keep order.

2. Activate the nearest fire alarm.

3. Evacuate the building immediately using the nearest exit; stairs or fire escapes should be used instead of elevators.

4. Report to the Word and Worship Center and check-in with University staff (NCU Security, Resident Director, Resident Advisor, etc.)

5. If you University officials have not notified the Minneapolis Fire Department, call 911. Be prepared to provide the location of the fire and appropriate building entrance.

6. Once evacuated, individuals should re-enter the building only after being given permission by University officials or the Minneapolis Fire Department.

 

In order to test and practice fire alarm and evacuation procedures, NCU performs one fire drill per semester in each on-campus housing facility.

 

Tampering with fire notification or safety equipment is considered a compromise of campus safety and therefore may be grounds for dismissal from the University and may result in city, state and/or federal penalties

Tornado/Severe Storm Procedures

If a tornado or severe storm siren sounds, persons should immediately seek shelter inside the lowest level of a campus building away from windows until local weather or University officials signal otherwise.

Church Attendance

Commitment to a local church body is a vital part of the Church fulfilling the Great Commission. Although involvement on campus and in the community is encouraged, it is no substitute for church involvement. North Central and the Assemblies of God require all students to have consistent involvement with a local congregation.

Required Ministry Involvement

North Central University requires every student to fulfill four service projects before graduating. These projects are a component of each student’s academic degree requirements. The program is called Ministry Service-Learning and students must register for the required projects during each semester’s regular class registration period.

Four projects are offered each semester to be completed in succession. The projects are outlined as follows:

1. Prac 201 - Church Ministry Project I

2. Prac 202 - Church Ministry Project II

3. Prac 203 - Church/Community Ministry Project III

4. Prac 204 - Church/Community Ministry Project IV

A degree will not be conferred by NCU until the student has completed his or her requirements

Chapel Attendance Policy

Chapel is an integral part of the spiritual education at NCU. Therefore, all students are required to attend daily chapel services. An alternate student-led chapel provides students the opportunity to participate in all aspects of the chapel service for development of their ministry gifts outside of the classroom.

Each student is given a certain number of allowed absences according to his or her class standing. Class standing is defined by the number of credits completed towards graduation before the beginning of a given semester. Allowed absences are to be used at the student’s discretion for illness, medical appointments, work, travel or any kind of emergency. Below is a list of absences allotted per semester by class standing:

Freshmen 0-29 credits 15 absences

Sophomores 30-59 credits 25 absences

Juniors 60-89 credits 30 absences

Seniors 90 + credits 45 absences

Students may attend either the main chapel or student-led chapel any day of the week as long as they do not exceed the number of allowed absences for the semester. Listening to a service while seated in the lower or upper levels of the atrium does not constitute chapel attendance.

Attendance is recorded by scanning of the student ID card. Students may scan in at any time from 10:50 am until 11:00 am, any scans prior to, or after this time slot will not be recorded. Students arriving to chapel after 11:00 am will not be counted as present for that day.

A student who forgets, or is unable, to check-in to chapel, but still attends for the entirety of the service has 24-hours to check-in at the Student Life office. However, a student is only allowed to do so three times per semester. Chapel discrepancies will only be reviewed within one week from the date in question.

Chapel takes place from 11:00 am to 11:50 am. Students who cannot stay for the entirety of the chapel service are not to check-in. In the event that chapel goes over the required time, students may feel free to leave but should do so in a quiet, non-disruptive manner. If you must leave early, you must immediately sign out in the Student Life office.

Checking-in for chapel and leaving without attending is seen as a serious breach of integrity and will receive disciplinary action according to the Non-Compliance Policy.

Non-Compliance with Chapel Policy

Students who choose not to comply with the chapel attendance policy will receive disciplinary action as follows:

First Recorded Infraction

Over skipping

· A fine of $25 per over-skip will be assessed against the student’s account up to $200.00. The account will be held until the fine is paid in full.

· The student will be placed on chapel probation for the semester following the infraction

Checking in and leaving

· Reduction of allotted absences by one half

· Assessing of fines resulting from allotment reduction at the rate of $25.00 per skip up to $200.00.

· The student will be placed on chapel probation for both the remainder of the semester in which the infraction occurred and the semester following the infraction.

Second Recorded Infraction

Over skipping

· A fine of $25 per over-skip will be assessed against the student’s account up to $200.00. The account will be held until the fine is paid in full.

· The student will be placed on Provisional Continuance for the semester following the infraction

· The student will be required to meet with a member of the Chapel Committee to discuss the sanctions resulting from his or her Provisional Continuance (see p.13)

Checking in and Leaving

· Reduction of allotted absences by one half

· Assessing of fines resulting from allotment at the rate of $25.00 per skip up to $200.00.

· The student will be placed on Provisional Continuance for both the remainder of the semester in which the infraction occurred and the semester following the infraction.

· The student will be required to meet with a member of the Chapel Committee to discuss the sanctions resulting from his or her Provisional Continuance (see p.13).

Third Recorded Infraction

· Students found to be in violation of the chapel policy for a third time will be subject to dismissal for the remainder of the current semester and/or the following semester.

· The student will be required to meet with a member of the Chapel Committee to review the sanctions of their dismissal from North Central University.

Non-chapel disciplinary infractions may be taken into consideration when evaluating a student’s disciplinary standing.

Students returning to NCU following a chapel related dismissal may be required to establish a peer mentor relationship for the purpose of encouraging compliance with the chapel attendance policy, disciplinary status will be reviewed upon acceptance.

Chapel Attendance Policy Variance

On rare occasions, a variance from the chapel attendance policy may be granted to students with exceptional circumstances. Requests for variance should be made by completing a chapel variance request form. These are made available in the Student Life office for the first three weeks of each semester.

A student should not assume that exemptions have been granted until receiving written notification indicating that fact. It should also be noted that a chapel attendance variance is granted on a per semester basis. Having received a variance in the past does not guarantee a variance in the future. A chapel variance request form must be filled out at the beginning of each semester.

Students enrolled in 8.5 or fewer credits are encouraged, but not required to attend chapel.