Code of Conduct

 

 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” (Ephesians 4:29).

“It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble.” (Romans 14:21).

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. (I Corinthians 6:19–20).

Based upon these and other Biblical principles, Oak Brook College students are expected to reflect Godly character in their speech, dress, and actions. Modest and professional dress that is gender appropriate is expected at every College event, and disruptive language or behavior will not be permitted. At all times, Oak Brook College students are expected to be honest, courteous, diligent, and humble. All students are expected to refrain from the use of alcohol, nonprescription drugs (other than over-the-counter medications), and pornographic material. Misrepresentations on an application for admission, lying, profanity, immoral behavior, plagiarism, collaboration, or discussion with other students about graded writing assignments or papers (unless specifically permitted by the course professor), and cheating on exams are clear violations of the Standards of Conduct. If a student’s conduct, speech, or dress is not consistent with these Biblical standards, a student will be confronted pursuant to Matthew 18:15–16. If a student admits wrongdoing after being informally asked about an apparent impropriety, the student will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action by the College.

If a student denies wrongdoing after being informally asked about an apparent impropriety, the student shall be given written notice of the suspected wrongdoing and shall be requested to respond in writing within 10 days. The student shall be informed in the notice that he or she may request that the matter be reviewed by a three-person panel consisting of a disinterested faculty member, a member of the administration, and a student who was in, or who has taken, the same course. If the student does not make a request for the matter to be reviewed by a three-person panel, the student will explain his or her position to the faculty member(s) involved and the Associate Dean. The student shall be permitted to have the assistance of counsel and the opportunity to call witnesses whether the review is conducted by a disinterested three-person panel, or by the faculty member(s) involved and the Associate Dean.

Upon completion of the review process, the final determination shall be stated in writing and given to the student. The written determination shall include a statement of facts, conclusions, and the sanctions.

The purpose of disciplinary action is not necessarily punishment. Faculty and administrators have a responsibility to see that justice is done with respect to the evaluation of a student’s academic performance as well as their moral character. When a student is not acting in a manner consistent with the Standards of Conduct, any other student affected should confront the student in error. If such action does not result in repentance and a change, a faculty member or the dean needs to confront the student in an attitude of love and with the goal of restoration. If, after being confronted, a student repents, mercy is appropriate in determining a sanction. However, if a student refuses to acknowledge wrongdoing, proven by sufficient evidence, just sanctions are necessary. Sanctions may include a reprimand, reduction in the course grade, failure of the course, suspension, or dismissal from the College.