Lifestyle Commitment

The mission of Northwest Nazarene University is the transformation of the whole person. Centered in Jesus Christ, the NNU education instills habits of heart, soul, mind and strength to enable each student to become God’s creative and redemptive agent in the world. This mission statement, combined with the University’s key values of transformation, truth, community and service, serves as the basis for the commitment that all members of the NNU Community agree to acknowledge in word and deed.

 NNU is founded upon the prevailing truth in Scripture which outlines patterns for righteous living. Romans 12:1-8 reads, "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will. For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully" [Also see: 2 Cor. 5:11-6:1; Galatians 5:13-14, 6:1-10; Ephesians 4:1-17; Philippians 4:8-9].

At NNU, we recognize that not all members of our community come from the same background of beliefs and traditions, and with that, we recognize there can be an inherent difficulty in maintaining the delicate balance between our personal identities and our collective identity as a growing, diverse liberal arts university committed to a lifestyle and mission that is founded upon and fully realized in the heart and character of Jesus Christ.

At NNU, we as a community join to commit ourselves to living lives that are founded upon the beliefs, traditions, and practices of the Christian faith, and of the Church of the Nazarene in particular. We commit to this standard not out of legalism or blind commitment to the letter of the law; instead, we commit together to create a community which values transformation, truth, community, and service while also seeking to maintain a vision by which we form scholars, nurture disciples, serve the church, shape our culture, and redeem our world.

To that end, we commit together to a set of principles that will best enable us to fulfill our mission:

We commit to lifestyle choices that promote clarity of thought and purpose and that maintain a positive witness. We commit to avoid the procurement, distribution, and/or use of alcohol as a beverage, tobacco, marijuana, and illegal/unauthorized prescription drugs so that we might protect ourselves and others from the harmful effects and impaired judgment that inevitably result from substance abuse. We commit to avoid other potentially addictive behaviors that may result in the damaging of personal character and witness.

 We commit to behavior and language that enhance and grow our personal character. We use our words to uplift and encourage one another. We commit to avoid any language or behavior that may be construed as harassment based upon gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, or other defining identity traits. We commit to exclude from our conversations vulgar, obscene, or bullying language, and we commit to live lives free from lying, dishonesty, fraud, perjury, and any disruptive or offensive actions, whether spoken, written, or otherwise. 

We commit to lives of sexual integrity. Sexual integrity and human sexuality is an integral part of personhood, and is a gift from God. At NNU, we desire to respect, honor, and protect the gift of human sexuality provided by the Creator. Because Northwest Nazarene University is an educational institution of the Church of the Nazarene, the theological and moral convictions of the University reflect the Articles of Faith, Covenant of Christian Character, Covenant of Christian Conduct and the statements regarding Current Moral and Social Issues contained in the Manual of the Church of the Nazarene (www.nazarene.org/manual). 

Within this community, believers are called to live as faithful members of the body of Christ. Singleness among the people of God at NNU is to be valued and sustained by the rich fellowship of Christian community. To live as a single person is to engage, as Jesus did, in the intimacy of community, surrounded by friends, welcoming and being welcomed to tables, and expressing faithful witness (COTN Manual Section 31).

We also recognize that some in our community might be called to marriage. We hold that the full behavioral expression of sexuality is to take place within the context of a marriage covenant between one man and one woman and that all individuals remain celibate outside of the bond of marriage. Therefore, we seek to cultivate a community in which sexuality is embraced as God-given and good, but not a necessity for the full expression of the human experience. In this community, biblical standards of sexual behavior are upheld. We stand against the use and/or distribution of pornography, and/or the promotion of any sexual ethic and/or behavior contrary to its identity and the integrity of the beliefs of the Church of the Nazarene.

We will maintain our posture for the biblical values and standards we uphold and our expectation that all NNU Community members live lives consistent with those values and standards, but we simultaneously affirm our commitment to extend and promote God’s love and compassion for all people. It is our desire to create a warm and welcoming environment for all students, therefore, we will not tolerate harassment, bullying, insults or derogatory actions or behaviors.

We commit ourselves to use appropriate discretion in the use of our time and in our entertainment choices. Recognizing that our digital age has brought all manner of media to our fingertips, we commit together to making entertainment choices that enhance our character and will not damage our ability to be effective emissaries of our mission. We commit to behavior in the digital world that is representative of our behavior in the physical world, and so refrain from illegal tampering with the technology of others and their privacy, as well as avoiding use of the internet to harass, bully, defame or expose the private or personal information and likeness of others. We know that this choice is made both in public and in the privacy of our own rooms, and we therefore commit to taking the necessary steps to remove any hindrance to professional and personal growth.

We commit to upstanding behavior in every environment, be that the residence hall, the classroom, the sanctuary, or out in our community. We exemplify this commitment by paying attention to appropriateness and neatness of dress, our bodily hygiene, and to language and behavior as outlined above. Footwear must be worn in all buildings except for residence halls and apartments.

We commit to the safety and well-being of all members of our campus community. We commit to exclude from campus the possession of weapons of any kind, ammunition, explosive devices, flammable materials and any other objects that may cause bodily harm. We also commit to treating one another with respect and to building our community upon trust and love, and so commit to avoid any hazardous activities, hazing or pranks which create safety and health (physical, mental, emotional) concerns.

As in any community in which high standards are the norm, we recognize that some of us may, at times, fail to keep these commitments and potentially require further consequences as a result. As an extension of the ministry of reconciliation as described in Scripture, we are committed to addressing these missteps, and to finding a grace-filled solution, which brings all parties into a right relationship and back into step with the mission and character of NNU.

This lifestyle commitment sets forth the philosophies and commitments under which we live, but is not exhaustive as to behaviors which might result in discipline under University policies. To see complete policies concerning discipline procedures and behaviors which might result in discipline, view our complete policy later in this document, regarding student discipline and appeals.

Community Living

As outlined in the Lifestyle Commitment above, the members of the NNU Community commit themselves to a lifestyle that aligns itself in thought, word, and deed with the stated mission and core values of the University. As a residential campus, with the majority of traditional undergraduate students living together in residence halls, we also seek to fulfill our commitments through our relationships as roommates, neighbors, and community residents.

We know that living in community can provide great advantages for your experience at NNU. Except for those students who qualify for off-campus housing as outlined below, all students who are single and maintain full-time student status are required to live on campus. Residence hall living enhances development of personal identity, relationship skills, thoughtful decision-making, leadership qualities, and community interdependence and care. Numerous studies from universities across the nation indicate that students who live on campus enjoy a more rewarding and successful college experience. Research reveals that on-campus students earn higher grades, are less likely to drop out, and become more involved with extracurricular activities and campus personnel.

We recognize that living in community with one another can present unique challenges, and that consideration and respect for other students and university constituents is imperative. The health, safety, and rights of others should be regarded at all times, as outlined in the guidelines listed below.

On-Campus Living Policy

1. Application process. The application process for a student to live in a residence hall on the University campus is commenced by (a) the student being granted admission to the University; (b) the student's submission and the University's approval of the NNU Terms and Conditions of Occupancy and the Residential Application and Contract (collectively “the Occupancy Agreement”); and, (c) the student's payment of the University's tuition deposit. The Occupancy Agreement incorporates the terms of this Student Handbook, and sets forth additional terms and conditions which the student must timely meet before a residence hall room is assigned.
    
2. Room assignment. New students are assigned by the University to a particular residence hall room according to room capacity (2, 3 or 4 to a room) and are expected to accommodate the roommate(s) assigned. Room assignments are made according to (a) space available, and (b) the order in which the completed Occupancy Agreement is received. It is to the student's advantage to complete and return these items as early as possible to the University. As a returning student, the University reserves the right to refuse any application due to lack of available space or management decisions, at which time the student will be notified. The University further reserves the right to change room assignments at any time in the interest of health, discipline, management or general welfare of the student(s). Single room occupancy may be available for an additional charge.
    
3. Term of occupancy. Residence halls will normally be open to receive students at 8:00 a.m. on the day prior to class registration day each semester, and will remain open until noon on the day following the last day of finals first semester, and noon on the Monday after graduation in the spring. Residence halls will normally be closed during Christmas break; spring break; and the summer (apartments excluded).
    
4. Residence Life.
   - All students are expected to comply with all policies and procedures of the University, whether communicated on the University website, within the residence halls, by resident assistants, or in some other fashion.
   
   - All students are expected to comply with all fire drills.

 - No students may display signs or flags of any kind in their room windows or on their doors.

- No candles or any items with an open flame are permitted.

 - No pets (except fish) are allowed to be kept in or around the residence halls ( with regard to support and comfort animals—see Policy VIII).

- Students may not bring their own beds to the residence halls.

- The student agrees to give proper care to the assigned residence hall room and its furnishings and equipment, and to make prompt payment to the University for any damages, in an amount determined by the University. In addition, charges for loss of equipment or furniture, or damages to or defacement of any common area (such as lounges, recreation rooms, halls, bathrooms) may be assessed against residents of the area. Furniture, including bunk beds, may not be moved without permission of the resident director of the residence hall.

- Residence hall rooms must be maintained appropriately by the student, who is responsible for linens, towels, furniture, and related items.

- Repairs or alterations to the residence hall rooms are to be made only by University personnel; students are to report any need for repairs to the resident director.

- Personal property loss by students is not the University's responsibility in any case, including but not limited to cases of fire, theft, or similar events. Therefore, students should consider obtaining appropriate insurance coverage for their items of personal property.

- All students are bound by all policies, procedures, rules and regulations enacted by any individual residence hall within the University.

 

5. University's right to examine residence hall rooms. The University reserves the right of entry to any residence hall rooms to make necessary inspections for management, maintenance, safety, sanitation, welfare and conduct issues. In making such entries, the University shall abide by the following policies:
   
   - A reasonable effort will be made by the University to locate an occupant of the room prior to entry.
   
   - A report of such an entry shall be filed with the Office of Student Life. The report shall include the date, time, purpose of entry, and the persons who made the entry. A list of any student property taken from the room shall accompany the report. The student may obtain a copy of said report upon written request to the Office of Student Life.
   
   - No student property shall be confiscated by the University unless such property appears to be in violation of the Lifestyle Commitment and/or On-Campus Living Policy. At least two University representatives will be involved in any such entry.
    

6. Food service. All students (except fourth-year or more designated students) living on campus are required to eat in the University's dining hall. Inquiry about submitting an exception to this requirement can be made at the Office of Student Life before the first Friday of classes each semester.

Residential Life Policy: Off-Campus Living

Certain undergraduate students may apply to live off campus, under the following conditions:

1. Students who (a) have reached their 21st birthday; (b) are three or more years out of high school; (c) are a graduating senior; or (d) are living with a parent or legal guardian, excluding first-year freshman students who are required to live on campus.
2. Students are prohibited from living on or off campus with members of the opposite gender unless they are legally married or a family relation.

Written permission for undergraduate students to live off campus, in compliance with one of these policies, must be obtained from the Associate Vice President for Student Life (AVP) or designee. Any decision regarding any such issue is solely within the discretion of the University.

Off-campus housing permission is subject to review and revocation when conduct or academic standards are not maintained by the student in accordance with the Lifestyle Expectations. False information on the application is also a basis for revocation.

Any exceptions to the above-stated policy must be reviewed and approved by the AVP for Student Life or his/her designee.

 

Chapel Policy – Updated 8/9/2022

It is the policy of the University that all undergraduate students are expected to attend a required number of chapel/convocation services. Such attendance actively contributes to the spiritual formation of our students, reinforces the University’s mission in the lives of our community members, encourages a sense of community, and makes the student aware of issues relevant both to the student and the world outside the University.

1. Place and time of chapel/convocation services. Unless otherwise indicated by the University, chapel/convocations are held in Swayne Auditorium (in the Brandt Center) and at a time set by the University schedule. The regularly scheduled services are as follows:

• Monday morning (10:10-10:50 a.m.)
• Wednesday morning (10:10-10:50 a.m.)—Community Chapel; most offices on campus are closed for staff and faculty to attend with students
• Wednesday evening: Timeout (9:00-10:00 p.m.)—Student-led worship service
• Friday morning (10:10-10:50 a.m.)

Several additional spiritual formation sessions are offered each semester to enable students to achieve their required credits each semester. These additional sessions include weekly small groups, evening sessions with chapel and other guest speakers, community service opportunities, and more. Students generally receive one spiritual formation credit for attending each of the above-referenced services/sessions.

2. Attendance recording. Student ID cards must be scanned as students enter and exit chapel to receive formation credits. If you forget your student ID, you are allowed to fill out a paper chapel card for Monday, Wednesday, Friday chapels, up to three times per semester.

3. Late arrivals. Students entering a chapel/convocation less than 10 minutes late may still scan in and receive a tardy. (Students entering a chapel/convocation more than 10 minutes late will not receive credit for that chapel.) Students in excess of three tardies per semester will not be eligible for credit for further late arrivals.

4. Sickness/Family Emergency. Students who believe they may fail to meet their attendance requirement due to personal illness and/or a family emergency must notify the Office of Mission and Ministry within 3 weeks of the incident in order to be considered for an exception. The intention of this policy is to work as effectively as possible so as to avoid adding punitive action to personal injury, so keeping us informed as much as possible will enable us to work with each student most effectively.

5. Standard spiritual formation credit requirements per semester:

• Full-time students (12+ academic credits) = 30
• Part-time on-campus students (7-11 credits) = 30
• Part-time off-campus students (7-11 credits) = 15 (No reduction form needed)
• Part-time students (6 credits or less) = 0 (No reduction form needed) 
• Non-traditional students (26+ years old at the beginning of the semester) = 0
• Parents with children ages 6 or under = 15 (A reduction form must be filled out at the beginning of each academic year in this circumstance, and will be automatically renewed for the spring semester.)
• Graduating seniors (final semester only) = 20 (No reduction form needed)
• Post-Bac & Graduate students = 0 (No reduction form needed)

6. Exceptions to standard spiritual formation requirements. Exceptions to the standard spiritual formation requirements will be considered by the University upon the student's timely submission of a reduction form to the Office of University Mission & Ministry in the following cases:

• School-sponsored field experience or internship assignments. Reductions will be based on necessary chapel/convocation hour conflicts.
• Students dropping to part-time (7-11 academic credits). You must notify the Office of University Mission & Ministry if you change to part-time after the start of the semester.
• Special circumstances for commuter students; see the reduction form for a full list of acceptable reduction justifications.
• The Office of Mission & Ministry may grant or withdraw reductions for any reason, in its sole discretion.

REDUCTION APPLICATION DEADLINE: Third Friday of the semester. Reduction applications may be requested by contacting chapelattendance@nnu.edu.

Unless otherwise noted, approved reductions do not remain in effect without being renewed EACH SEMESTER.

7. Students not meeting spiritual formation requirements. Students who do not fulfill their spiritual formation requirements may be subject to the following actions, as determined by the Office of Mission & Ministry:

• Failure to achieve the required number of spiritual formation credits will result in a $10 fine for each of the first 5 missing credits; each missing credit thereafter shall result in a $25 fine per missing credit.
• Students who do not achieve at least half of their requirement will be required to meet with a representative from the Office of Mission & Ministry. Pending the outcome of this meeting, a student may face further disciplinary action and will be placed on probationary status.
• Students who fail to achieve at least half their requirement for two consecutive semesters may face further disciplinary actions, including possible dismissal from the University.
• Students found to have falsified their spiritual formation credits, or to have participated in the falsification of the spiritual formation credits of another student, may face disciplinary consequences, including the nullification of all credits presently earned in the semester and up to an additional $250 fine. 

8. Attendance issues: It is the goal of the Office of Mission & Ministry that all credits are entered in the portal system within 48 hours of each chapel/convocation; however, there are some occasions where credit entry may be delayed. Please allow 72 hours to pass before contacting the office about a credit discrepancy. Any issues regarding attendance must be resolved by the student with the Office of Mission & Ministry by emailing chapelattendance@nnu.edu within two weeks of the potential discrepancy. Students are responsible for tracking their progress in meeting their spiritual formation requirement, which is available on the student portal (my.nnu.edu). Any disputes or changes regarding spiritual formation credits must be resolved before the end of the semester.

Student Disciplinary and Appeals Process

The University anticipates that all traditional undergraduate and residential students, like other constituent members of the University Community, will abide by those matters set forth in this Student Handbook, including the Lifestyle Commitment and similar lifestyle provisions set forth on the University website. In the event of the failure of a student to abide by these expectations, the University has adopted a process to hear, investigate, evaluate, address and, when necessary, adjudicate any violations or alleged violations of the requirements of the institution-wide lifestyle standards in an equitable and Christian manner. 

The following standards and procedures, which are intended to protect both the interest of the student and the University, will be used in all matters involving discipline of students, with the exception of sexual misconduct as defined in the University’s Sexual Misconduct Policy (https://www.nnu.edu/title_ix_policy.pdf). The applicable policies and procedures for disciplinary decisions and any other sanction imposed based on a finding of responsibility for a violation of the Sexual Misconduct Policy will be those set forth in the Sexual Misconduct Policy. The disciplinary procedures set forth in this Handbook shall not be applicable to sexual misconduct complaints.

I. BASIS FOR DISCIPLINE

The following conduct constitutes conduct for which discipline as described in this Section is authorized:

• Violation of the Lifestyle Commitments and On-Campus Living Policies.

- Lying, dishonesty, fraud or perjury.

- The use of profanity or vulgarity.

- Sexual conduct outside of heterosexual marriage.

- Stealing, theft or vandalism.

- Fighting and bullying, or threatening behavior of any type, harassment, creation of a hostile environment or any physical or mental abuse of another person, whether child, elder or otherwise.

- Consumption, possession, display or use of alcohol (as a beverage), illegal drugs (including prescription drugs in the absence of a valid prescription), marijuana, and tobacco. 

- Grossly negligent conduct.

- Use of the internet to harass or embarrass another person, to spread rumors about another person, to defame another person or to obtain privileged or confidential information.

- Defamation of NNU faculty, staff or students and/or their families.

- Students are not allowed to record lectures or class discussions unless otherwise given explicit permission by the instructor. Disability accommodations are available through the Center for Academic Success and Advising (CASA).

 

- Unauthorized access to or manipulation (hacking) of computers, computing devices, networks, mobile devices, information systems or software.

- Gambling.

- Conviction of a felony or a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude.

- Any other conduct that is harmful to persons or property or which is disruptive of the educational process where such conduct would be deemed to be material or harmful by a reasonable person and particularly where such conduct is repeated or persistent.

- Promoting views or engaging in conduct that is not in harmony with standards and practices of Northwest Nazarene University and the Articles of Faith, Covenant of Christian Character and Covenant of Christian Conduct contained with the Manual of the Church of the Nazarene (www.nazarene.org/manual).

- Students who are struggling with issues and behaviors that violate behavioral or disciplinary policies are encouraged to seek support and help. 

Any student who initiates contact with a staff member in Student Life, the Chaplain’s Office, or the Wellness Center regarding issues and behaviors of this nature will receive no disciplinary consequences. Students who request help will be asked to abstain from behaviors that violate university policies and may be asked to sign a behavioral agreement or seek professional assistance.

Student Life may still impose reasonable and applicable expectations or boundaries for student leaders who seek support and help through the Amnesty policy.

II. DISCIPLINARY OPTIONS

Violation of or failure to abide by any conduct requirements, whether employment, lifestyle, or other, may result in warning or admonition, counseling, mentoring, accountability meetings, restitution, probation, suspension, expulsion, fine, conduct restrictions or requirements, report to parents, residence reassignment, or such other response as the University may in its sole discretion deem to be appropriate.

A. Considerations in Selecting Disciplinary Options

In the enforcement of any conduct requirements, the University may consider mitigating (factors calling for reduced severity), aggravating (factors calling for increased severity) and extenuating (factors calling for special consideration) factors or justification (factors excusing conduct) attendant to any violation, issues of ambiguity and clarity in policy or requirements, or lack thereof, of such requirements, and prior conduct of persons violating any requirement. The University reserves the right to use or not use progressive intervention, response, consequence or sanction in any case as it deems appropriate. In determining the severity of any consequence, response, sanction or discipline, the following considerations may be applied by the University, among others:

1. Instances of direct physical, emotional or psychological harm to persons or harm to property or property rights will be considered to be more serious and of immediate concern by the University and may at the discretion of the University result in more serious and immediate response or sanction without benefit of progressive intervention.

2. Instances of repeated or persistent prohibited conduct will be considered to be more serious by the University and may at the discretion of the University result in more serious and immediate response or sanction without benefit of progressive intervention.

3. Instances of lifestyle conduct where such conduct would be deemed to be material or harmful by a reasonable person or to be damaging to the reputation and mission of the University will be considered to be more serious by the University and may at the discretion of the University result in more serious and immediate response or sanction without benefit of progressive intervention. Instances of self-protection or conduct intended to protect others from physical, emotional or psychological harm or injury will be considered to be less serious or to justify the use of prohibited conduct and may therefore result in less serious response or sanction.

4. Instances where prohibited conduct is undertaken with intent and is flaunted publicly will be considered to be more serious by the University and may at the discretion of the University result in more serious and immediate response or sanction without benefit of progressive intervention.

B. Purpose of Disciplinary Process

In the application, interpretation and enforcement of these policies the University shall strive to make decisions which are consistent with the foundational purposes of the University as a Christian institution serving the Church of the Nazarene and the greater Christian Community and Kingdom of God. Redemption and restoration shall be overriding goals in most instances and absent aggravating circumstances demanding more serious intervention.

C. Disciplinary Process

The following process, including rights of appeal, shall be applied in all cases by the University in implementing any disciplinary decision.

a) A recommendation for discipline or a complaint must be made to the Vice President for Student Life, Associate Vice President of Student Life, any Resident Director or otherwise through the administrative structure. The President, the Vice President for Student Life, the Associate Vice President of Student Life, or any Resident Director may initiate any disciplinary matter on his or her own initiative upon good cause, or on a request by any employee or student based upon good cause, as determined solely at the discretion of such person. A complaint or recommendation for discipline shall be accompanied by a detailed description of the basis for the recommendation (setting forth specific allegations of violation, facts comprising the violation and specific provisions of this Handbook which are alleged to have been violated) and any documents, witness lists, affidavits, written witness statements, any investigative reports created pursuant to this Handbook, or any other supporting material, all of which shall become a part of the official record as described below. The person designated hereunder shall review information, conduct such further investigation as he or she deems appropriate, and render a decision as to the basis for discipline and the appropriate disciplinary response to be applied. 

b) Any person receiving such a complaint or recommendation for discipline relating to a traditional undergraduate and/or residential student shall refer the matter to the Associate Vice President of Student Life for the purposes of record-keeping. The Associate Vice President of Student Life may then refer the matter to two Resident Directors (acting as a team) for disposition as provided herein. In the event that a matter is retained by the Associate Vice President of Student Life, he or she may enlist an advisory team, composed of two Resident Directors to assist in investigation and make recommendations concerning the disposition of the matter.

c) Any person with responsibility for investigation or determination hereunder may request to be recused; The Vice President for Student Life shall approve or disapprove such recusal and if recusal is approved, said Vice President shall appoint alternate personnel of similar authority to act in place of the person recused for all purposes and actions in this Section of the Student Handbook. In the event that a person designated to investigate or reach a determination is unavailable or cannot respond in a timely manner, the Vice President for Student Life may appoint alternate personnel of similar authority to act in place of the person recused for all purposes and actions in this Section of the Student Handbook.

d) In consideration of student discipline at all stages, including appeals, the following standards shall apply:

1. All proceedings shall be confidential absent any overriding duty of disclosure imposed by law, policy or statute.

2. All documents submitted or created as a part of the process shall be included within such confidentiality requirements.

3. The Associate Vice President of Student Life shall maintain the official record regarding the matter, and such record shall be the only official record concerning the matter.

4. The student shall be afforded an opportunity to examine all materials contained in the official record.

5. The student shall be afforded the opportunity to speak with the appropriate Resident Directors, Associate Vice President of Student Life, or Vice President for Student Life and to inquire and present his or her point of view, evidence, and arguments.

6. All time requirements set forth herein shall be strictly enforced unless both the student and the University acting through the Vice President for Student Life agree in writing to alter such time requirements. Failure to abide by time requirements shall be deemed to be a waiver of any further rights to process hereunder.

7. As procedures herein are not formal legal proceedings, neither the student nor the University shall have a right to have legal counsel present at any proceedings hereunder.

8. The student may designate one person who is not an attorney to attend proceedings hereunder with the student. This designee will not be allowed to speak for or on behalf of the student.

9. The student shall have the right to provide any documents, witness statements, affidavits, and written arguments or briefs, and such materials shall become a part of the official record of the matter and shall be considered by the University in good faith.

10. No rules or procedures shall apply beyond those set forth in this Handbook, with the exception of matters related to sexual misconduct as defined in the University’s Sexual Misconduct Policy, which will be subject to the policies and procedures set forth in the Sexual Misconduct Policy (https://www.nnu.edu/title_ix_policy.pdf). 

11. Except where statute, law or policy apply and except where compliance with this term could cause physical, emotional or psychological harm to the witness, the student shall have the right to know the identity of persons complaining or testifying against the student and shall have the right to submit written questions to be asked to that witness by the University; the student shall have the right to know answers to such questions. There shall be no right to in-person cross-examination.

12. All decisions shall be rendered in writing, signed and dated by the individual(s) rendering such decision.

13. All decisions shall be personally delivered to the student, and in any matter involving a complainant, the decision shall also be personally delivered to the complainant.

14. Decisions shall be rendered based upon a preponderance of evidence giving due regard to the quantity, quality, and credibility of the evidence.

 III. APPEALS

After determination of discipline, if any, by the appropriate Resident Directors or the Associate Vice President of Student Life, the affected student shall have the right to appeal any decision to render discipline and/or the disciplinary option rendered.. Such an appeal shall be made to the Vice President for Student Life, The disciplinary action will not be in effect or implemented unless direct physical, emotional or psychological harm to the student or others might in the opinion of the Vice President for Student Life occur if the student is not immediately required to comply with the disciplinary decision.

A student who desires to appeal must appeal to the Vice President for Student Life of the University by filing a Notice of Appeal with that Vice President within three (3) business days of receipt of the written decision concerning such discipline. The Vice President for Student Life shall undertake such processes as are appropriate and shall issue a written decision concerning the appeal within ten (10) business days (unless that Vice President shall for good cause extend the time for decision). The Vice President for Student Life may at his or her discretion meet in person with the student or any other persons, or may commit to consider the matter solely on the basis of the written record created below. Any failure by the student to timely file a Notice of Appeal shall be deemed to be both a waiver of the right to appeal and confirmation of a Final Action by the University. For all matters, the decision by the Vice President for Student Life shall be final.

IV. ADMINISTRATIVE DISCRETION

An institution of higher learning is authorized by law to establish and administer codes of conduct and to suspend, expel, or dismiss students whose actions negatively impact the campus community. The University reserves the right to disqualify, discontinue, exclude, or involuntarily withdraw any student from the University at the discretion of the Vice President for Student Life or designee, as deemed necessary for the safety or well-being of the student or others.

The University also reserves the right to alter this handbook. The current University Lifestyle Policies & Standards of Conduct supersedes all previous handbooks.

Drug-Free Schools and Workplace

See this on the Consumer Information page.