It is important to stress that the following standards (especially with regard to personal conduct) are not presented with the view that they constitute an ultimate index to Christian maturity.
Northwest Nazarene University, as an institution of the Church of the Nazarene, follows the directives and guidelines established by the General Assemblies of the Church and published in the Church Manual which serves as a guide for the lifestyle expectations of the University.
Violations will be regarded as a serious breach of integrity with this community to which each member has voluntarily chosen to associate. Following are categories of behavior which are not permissible or acceptable for an NNU student, and will result in disciplinary action by the appropriate agent(s):
1. ALCOHOL & DRUGS: Using, possessing, displaying (even empty containers) or procuring tobacco and/or alcohol, is prohibited, on or off campus. Upon probable cause, students are subject to alcohol testing by a University official. Refusal to comply with testing when it is requested will be considered a violation of the University’s policy against alcohol usage. Being in the presence of, using, possessing, or procuring illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia, and the improper use of prescription drugs is prohibited. Drug testing may be required when a student exhibits behavior that indicates there my be use of illegal drugs. Such “for cause” situations include, but are not limited to: 1) erratic behavior; 2) violent behavior, including altercations; 3) changes in behavior; 4) evidence of physical symptoms associated with drug use; 5) anything that can give someone a reasonable, sincere belief that the individual is illegally using drugs.
With the pre-approved and immediate consultation of the Vice President of Student Development, a decision will be made as to whether a test should take place. (Note: the student is responsible to cover the costs of the drug testing).
2. DISHONESTY: Any misrepresentation (i.e., cheating, plagiarism, etc.) or theft. This is an affront to your fellow students and faculty.
3. SEXUAL IMMORALITY: Northwest Nazarene University accepts the biblical standards that prohibit all sexual immorality. Recognizing there are many social and emotional forces that challenge this standard, we believe the power of God and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit combine to provide the means to live victoriously with respect to sexual purity. Examples of unacceptable behavior include the following:
• Commission of or attempt to commit a sexual act that, if proven in court, would be a criminal act
• Any student involved with the use, distribution, or participation of pornography in any form
• An unmarried student involved in a sexually active heterosexual, incestuous, or homosexual relationship
• A married student involved in a sexually active adulterous, incestuous, or homosexual relationship
• Cohabitation with a member of the opposite sex. Included but not limited to spending the night together and/or living together.
4. SEXUAL OR RACIAL HARASSMENT, MALICIOUS OR HAZING: Sexual harassment, hazing, or Malicious Harassment: Subjecting a person to abusive, demeaning, or intimidating treatment, or any practice that degrades or endangers another or destroys property. Malicious and sexual harassment is a crime, thus a violation of legal code.
5. VULGARITY: Taking the name of God in vain and using other language regarded as vulgar or obscene.
6. ENTERTAINMENT: Engaging in music, literature, multi-media (internet), and entertainment, the nature or reputation of which would not be in keeping with the building of Christian character or which diminishes moral perceptivity and judgement or which dishonors God, including all forms of dancing that detract from spiritual growth and break down proper moral inhibitions and reserve are prohibited.
The University will not authorize, endorse, sponsor, or advertise any activity, event or form of entertainment inconsistent with the church’s directives and guidelines. The Board of Trustees and the University administration are aware of the diversity of views and practices with regard to what is viewed as appropriate and inappropriate entertainment within local congregations and families of Nazarene churches.
The decision by individual University students to participate in various forms of entertainment off-campus, and without expectation of institutional sponsorship, authorization, endorsement or advertisement shall be considered a matter of personal choice. This is best left to the student’s personal judgement and to his/her relationship with and counsel of, his/her local congregation or fellowship.
7. COMPUTER USAGE: The accessing, downloading, or distributing of offensive materials violates the lifestyle guidelines of NNU. The viewing of pornographic sites on the Internet will be monitored. Consequences may include loss of Internet access.
8. LAWS OF THE LAND: Breaking the laws of the land (i.e., theft, vandalism, under-age drinking, drug use, etc.).
9. DISRUPTION OF THE CAMPUS: Any behavior, which is disruptive of or offensive to the campus community.