Rosedale Bible College : Dean of Students : Resident Policies 7

Chapter 7: Discipline & Restoration

One of our goals as an institution is to maintain a safe and nurturing campus environment, deliberately crafted to foster a dynamic faith in Jesus, encourage spiritual growth and build godly character. We also seek to empower students to develop self-discipline that will complement their call to be ambassadors of Christ and to build His kingdom. During the course of a student’s time at RBC it may be necessary to use discipline to help steer him or her towards attitudes and behaviors that are in line with God’s word and/or the community standards of RBC. It is our desire to help students make necessary corrections in their attitude and behavior so as to be in good standing in the campus community.

Our goal is for all discipline to lead to the restoration of the student. We will seek to be redemptive by providing pastoral care to students who are struggling, so that they may find the freedom offered by Christ. As sin is dealt with in their life, we will also forgive and seek to restore such a person within the campus community. At times, discipline will be punitive in nature, particularly when unacceptable behavior or attitudes are ongoing or are coupled with arrogance or rebellion.

All members of the campus community share in the responsibility of maintaining a Christ-centered campus environment. Students are encouraged to lovingly confront their peers when they see guidelines being willfully violated. Since confrontation is difficult, the Student Life Department will help and support students who feel the need to confront but are unsure of how to do so in a constructive and healthy manner.

Disciplinary action may take a variety of forms, depending on the nature of the offense, and may include counseling, verbal warnings, written warnings, campus work duty, fines, restitution, campus restriction, disciplinary probation, non-return, suspension, and dismissal from the college. The college also reserves the right to contact the appropriate governmental authorities in the case of illegal activities or actions that may bring willful harm to others.

We believe that we are in partnership with parents, legal guardians, and the student’s church community as we aid students in their development. In situations where deemed appropriate the dean of students or the president may contact a students’ parent and/or pastor after a student signs a waiver granting permission to do so.

Disciplinary Process

Verbal Warnings

Staff, RDs and RAs will attempt to give verbal corrections and warnings for issues of irresponsibility and minor infractions of community standards. An ongoing need for verbal correction will result in written warnings.

Written Warning

Written warnings may be given for any infraction of RBC’s community standards. Anyone in the Student Life Department is authorized to give a written warning. Students, staff, or faculty should report violations of RBC’s community standards to the dean of students.

1st – Warning recorded in the student’s record.
2nd – $5.00 fine
3rd – $10.00 fine and meet with the dean of students
4th – $20.00 fine and meet with the dean of students
5th – $30.00 fine and meet with the Student Life Council

Depending on the nature of the offenses the dean of students or the Student Life Council may introduce additional disciplinary action.

Any additional written warnings (beyond the 5th) will seriously jeopardize a student’s ability to remain at RBC.

Referral

The RDs and RAs may refer a student directly to the dean of students as they deem necessary.

Definitions of Possible Disciplinary Action

Counseling

Student is required to meet regularly with a student life staff member or faculty member for accountability.

Fines

Students may receive a fine in the amount determined by existing college policy, the dean of students or the Student Life Council.

Unpaid fines will be posted to the student’s account at the end of each semester and will need to be paid before beginning the classes the following semester.

Restitution

If a student’s inappropriate or careless actions have resulted in damage to college property and/or the property of others in the college community, or if these actions have caused expenses to be incurred by the college or others in the college community, the student may be asked by the dean of students or the Student Life Council to repay some or all of the cost of the damage done or costs incurred.

Work Duty

A student may be assigned work duties in and around the campus by the dean of students or the Student Life Council.

Campus Restriction

The student is confined to campus for a specified period of time and may only leave campus for church and for planned Ministry Formation responsibilities. The length of time will be determined by the dean of students or the Student Life Council.

Non-Return

The dean of students and academic dean, after consultation with each other, may ask a student not to return for a subsequent semester or term if their academic performance, attitude, and/or behavior are not in harmony with the goals and purposes of RBC. A student who is asked not to return for a subsequent semester will be notified in writing by the dean of students or the academic dean. The student may appeal this decision in writing to the president of the college.

Disciplinary Probation

Short of suspension or dismissal, Disciplinary Probation is the most serious statement that RBC makes regarding a student’s attitude or behavior. A student may be placed on disciplinary probation without lesser warnings or discipline, depending on the seriousness of the offense. During probation, the student may not represent the college in any way, or be involved in any leadership positions. Other restrictions or discipline may also be given. Before a student is placed on disciplinary probation the student will meet with the Student Life Council. Additional violations of RBC’s community standards will likely result in suspension or dismissal.

Suspension

The student is required to leave campus for a specified period of time. Class attendance is prohibited for the duration of the suspension. A student will meet with the Student Life Council before a suspension is imposed. Prior to readmittance, the student must provide assurance that the offending behavior and attitude will not reoccur.

Dismissal

The student must leave the college for a minimum of one year after which he or she may be reconsidered for readmission at the discretion of the Student Life Council. Prior to dismissal the student will meet with the Student Life Council. Any dismissal must be ratified by the president of the college or by a joint action of the dean of students and the academic dean in the absence of the president. Students who are dismissed will not receive any refund for room/board charges or student fees. Tuition reimbursements will be given according to the class-withdraw policy.

Student Life Personnel and Committees

Resident Directors and Assistants

RDs and RAs are accountable to the dean of students and are responsible for ensuring students’ compliance with RBC’s community standards. Students wishing to appeal the decision of an RD or RA must do so in writing to the dean of students.

Dean of Students

The dean of students is charged with the oversight of the entire Student Life Department and is accountable to the president of the college. Students wishing to appeal the decision of the dean of students must do so in writing to the Student Life Council.

Student Life Council

One of the Student Life Council’s roles is to support and process the decisions made by the dean of students and his staff. This committee acts on behalf of the campus community and works in tandem with the dean of students to help create a Christ-centered campus environment and uphold the college’s community standards. In the event of an appeal of a decision made by the dean of students, the academic dean will convene and chair a meeting with the Student Life Council. The dean of students will attend meetings but will not be part of the formal decision process regarding that appeal.

This council is comprised of the dean of students (committee chair), resident directors, a faculty member, and a student council representative. This council will provide due process by addressing more serious matters of student discipline as requested by the dean of students. It will gather necessary information about the offense and deliberate to determine the appropriate disciplinary action. Decisions regarding suspension and dismissal may be made by this council, and confirmed as noted above. In the event that this decision will need to be made during the absence of one of the members, the remaining members may make that decision. This council will also serve as a consulting body to the dean of students during other disciplinary actions and student life issues.

Students wishing to appeal the decision of the Student Life Council must to do in writing to the president of the college.

Disciplinary Appeal Process

Students have the right to appeal disciplinary action taken by the RDs, RAs, dean of students, or the Student Life Council. If a student would like to file an appeal he or she must submit the request in writing to the dean of students or the academic dean. Appeal requests must include a detailed account of what events and decisions have transpired to date and on what grounds the student believes that the appeal should be heard. Appeals must be submitted in writing within 3 days after sanctions have been given if the student wishes to have them heard. An appeal is normally based on one or more of the following:

The discipline is disproportionate to the offense.
The decision was not supported by fact or evidence.
New evidence has become available that would significantly alter the decision.

All appeals must be submitted in writing under the following criteria:

Appeals of decisions by RDs and RAs should be submitted to the dean of students for a hearing.
Appeals of decisions by the dean of students should be submitted to the academic dean and will be heard by the Student Life Council.
Appeals of decisions made by the Student Life Council will be heard by the president.

Concluding Comments

Hebrews 12:11 teaches that “no discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” We are committed to making discipline a function of discipleship and we will do our best to be redemptive with any student in the disciplinary process.

As a community of believers we should all strive to live together in peace. Membership in any group, Christian or secular, necessitates guiding rules, regulations, and standards to provide order and direction. Even though we are individuals, we cannot live together peacefully if “everyone does what is right in his own eyes.” As you have reviewed the expectations and community standards of RBC, we hope that you have found a place where you can grow spiritually, academically, and socially. If, however, you know that you will not be able to follow RBC’s standards, then we encourage you to pursue your educational goals elsewhere.





	S T U D E N T H A N D B O O K Chapter 7: Discipline & Restoration One of our goals as an institution is to maintain a safe and nurturing campus environment, deliberately crafted to foster a dynamic faith in Jesus, encourage spiritual growth and build godly character. We also seek to empower students to develop self-discipline that will complement their call to be ambassadors of Christ and to build His kingdom. During the course of a student’s time at RBC it may be necessary to use discipline to help steer him or her towards attitudes and behaviors that are in line with God’s word and/or the community standards of RBC. It is our desire to help students make necessary corrections in their attitude and behavior so as to be in good standing in the campus community. Our goal is for all discipline to lead to the restoration of the student. We will seek to be redemptive by providing pastoral care to students who are struggling, so that they may find the freedom offered by Christ. As sin is dealt with in their life, we will also forgive and seek to restore such a person within the campus community. At times, discipline will be punitive in nature, particularly when unacceptable behavior or attitudes are ongoing or are coupled with arrogance or rebellion. All members of the campus community share in the responsibility of maintaining a Christ-centered campus environment. Students are encouraged to lovingly confront their peers when they see guidelines being willfully violated. Since confrontation is difficult, the Student Life Department will help and support students who feel the need to confront but are unsure of how to do so in a constructive and healthy manner. Disciplinary action may take a variety of forms, depending on the nature of the offense, and may include counseling, verbal warnings, written warnings, campus work duty, fines, restitution, campus restriction, disciplinary probation, non-return, suspension, and dismissal from the college. The college also reserves the right to contact the appropriate governmental authorities in the case of illegal activities or actions that may bring willful harm to others. We believe that we are in partnership with parents, legal guardians, and the student’s church community as we aid students in their development. In situations where deemed appropriate the dean of students or the president may contact a students’ parent and/or pastor after a student signs a waiver granting permission to do so. Disciplinary Process Verbal Warnings Staff, RDs and RAs will attempt to give verbal corrections and warnings for issues of irresponsibility and minor infractions of community standards. An ongoing need for verbal correction will result in written warnings. Written Warning Written warnings may be given for any infraction of RBC’s community standards. Anyone in the Student Life Department is authorized to give a written warning. Students, staff, or faculty should report violations of RBC’s community standards to the dean of students. 1st – Warning recorded in the student’s record. 2nd – $5.00 fine 3rd – $10.00 fine and meet with the dean of students 4th – $20.00 fine and meet with the dean of students 5th – $30.00 fine and meet with the Student Life Council Depending on the nature of the offenses the dean of students or the Student Life Council may introduce additional disciplinary action. Any additional written warnings (beyond the 5th) will seriously jeopardize a student’s ability to remain at RBC. Referral The RDs and RAs may refer a student directly to the dean of students as they deem necessary. Definitions of Possible Disciplinary Action Counseling Student is required to meet regularly with a student life staff member or faculty member for accountability. Fines Students may receive a fine in the amount determined by existing college policy, the dean of students or the Student Life Council. Unpaid fines will be posted to the student’s account at the end of each semester and will need to be paid before beginning the classes the following semester. Restitution If a student’s inappropriate or careless actions have resulted in damage to college property and/or the property of others in the college community, or if these actions have caused expenses to be incurred by the college or others in the college community, the student may be asked by the dean of students or the Student Life Council to repay some or all of the cost of the damage done or costs incurred. Work Duty A student may be assigned work duties in and around the campus by the dean of students or the Student Life Council. Campus Restriction The student is confined to campus for a specified period of time and may only leave campus for church and for planned Ministry Formation responsibilities. The length of time will be determined by the dean of students or the Student Life Council. Non-Return The dean of students and academic dean, after consultation with each other, may ask a student not to return for a subsequent semester or term if their academic performance, attitude, and/or behavior are not in harmony with the goals and purposes of RBC. A student who is asked not to return for a subsequent semester will be notified in writing by the dean of students or the academic dean. The student may appeal this decision in writing to the president of the college. Disciplinary Probation Short of suspension or dismissal, Disciplinary Probation is the most serious statement that RBC makes regarding a student’s attitude or behavior. A student may be placed on disciplinary probation without lesser warnings or discipline, depending on the seriousness of the offense. During probation, the student may not represent the college in any way, or be involved in any leadership positions. Other restrictions or discipline may also be given. Before a student is placed on disciplinary probation the student will meet with the Student Life Council. Additional violations of RBC’s community standards will likely result in suspension or dismissal. Suspension The student is required to leave campus for a specified period of time. Class attendance is prohibited for the duration of the suspension. A student will meet with the Student Life Council before a suspension is imposed. Prior to readmittance, the student must provide assurance that the offending behavior and attitude will not reoccur. Dismissal The student must leave the college for a minimum of one year after which he or she may be reconsidered for readmission at the discretion of the Student Life Council. Prior to dismissal the student will meet with the Student Life Council. Any dismissal must be ratified by the president of the college or by a joint action of the dean of students and the academic dean in the absence of the president. Students who are dismissed will not receive any refund for room/board charges or student fees. Tuition reimbursements will be given according to the class-withdraw policy. Student Life Personnel and Committees Resident Directors and Assistants RDs and RAs are accountable to the dean of students and are responsible for ensuring students’ compliance with RBC’s community standards. Students wishing to appeal the decision of an RD or RA must do so in writing to the dean of students. Dean of Students The dean of students is charged with the oversight of the entire Student Life Department and is accountable to the president of the college. Students wishing to appeal the decision of the dean of students must do so in writing to the Student Life Council. Student Life Council One of the Student Life Council’s roles is to support and process the decisions made by the dean of students and his staff. This committee acts on behalf of the campus community and works in tandem with the dean of students to help create a Christ-centered campus environment and uphold the college’s community standards. In the event of an appeal of a decision made by the dean of students, the academic dean will convene and chair a meeting with the Student Life Council. The dean of students will attend meetings but will not be part of the formal decision process regarding that appeal. This council is comprised of the dean of students (committee chair), resident directors, a faculty member, and a student council representative. This council will provide due process by addressing more serious matters of student discipline as requested by the dean of students. It will gather necessary information about the offense and deliberate to determine the appropriate disciplinary action. Decisions regarding suspension and dismissal may be made by this council, and confirmed as noted above. In the event that this decision will need to be made during the absence of one of the members, the remaining members may make that decision. This council will also serve as a consulting body to the dean of students during other disciplinary actions and student life issues. Students wishing to appeal the decision of the Student Life Council must to do in writing to the president of the college. Disciplinary Appeal Process Students have the right to appeal disciplinary action taken by the RDs, RAs, dean of students, or the Student Life Council. If a student would like to file an appeal he or she must submit the request in writing to the dean of students or the academic dean. Appeal requests must include a detailed account of what events and decisions have transpired to date and on what grounds the student believes that the appeal should be heard. Appeals must be submitted in writing within 3 days after sanctions have been given if the student wishes to have them heard. An appeal is normally based on one or more of the following: The discipline is disproportionate to the offense. The decision was not supported by fact or evidence. New evidence has become available that would significantly alter the decision. All appeals must be submitted in writing under the following criteria: Appeals of decisions by RDs and RAs should be submitted to the dean of students for a hearing. Appeals of decisions by the dean of students should be submitted to the academic dean and will be heard by the Student Life Council. Appeals of decisions made by the Student Life Council will be heard by the president. Concluding Comments Hebrews 12:11 teaches that “no discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” We are committed to making discipline a function of discipleship and we will do our best to be redemptive with any student in the disciplinary process. As a community of believers we should all strive to live together in peace. Membership in any group, Christian or secular, necessitates guiding rules, regulations, and standards to provide order and direction. Even though we are individuals, we cannot live together peacefully if “everyone does what is right in his own eyes.” As you have reviewed the expectations and community standards of RBC, we hope that you have found a place where you can grow spiritually, academically, and socially. If, however, you know that you will not be able to follow RBC’s standards, then we encourage you to pursue your educational goals elsewhere.