Student Handbook

Student Expectations

John Brown University is committed to imparting knowledge and the total development of its students. Standards have been established to provide the framework for an environment conducive to the whole person's growth. In describing the university standard, JBU recognizes that its students are emerging adults and must have ample opportunity to make decisions to aid their development and growth. At the same time, JBU has a distinctive Christian nature and has certain standards that identify JBU as a Christian community.

Each student voluntarily chooses to be a part of the JBU community. Students must sign the JBU Community Covenant before admission to the university and again each academic year thereafter, indicating that they know and will observe all community standards and expectations. Enrollment as a student at JBU implies that the student agrees to conform to the policies and regulations of the university and that the student is subject to disciplinary action by the university upon violation (regardless of where the student resides).

Every member of the JBU community is also expected to show responsibility for other members through being an example by their own conduct and in supporting and challenging others to Christian obedience. Community members must hold each other accountable for maintaining JBU’s behavior standards.

The college faculty, staff, administration, and students reserve the right and are encouraged to confront and address any behaviors that are viewed as harmful, destructive, or inconsistent with the mission and educational philosophy of JBU as stated in the catalog (and, as stated in Matthew 18).

Students violating the expectations in the handbook are subject to disciplinary action. Every student disciplinary situation is handled on a case-by-case basis considering all of the facts and circumstances and seeking to treat all people involved with truth, love, respect and dignity.

1. Scriptural Standards
   JBU students should avoid practices forbidden in Scripture. Included are such activities as dishonesty, occult practices, sex outside of marriage, drunkenness, and theft. Scripture also warns about “sins of the spirit,” such as covetousness, jealousy, pride, and lust. Although these “sins of the spirit” are much more difficult to discern, they lie at the heart of relationships with God and others. Therefore, it is important to address such attitudes when they become discernible for positive change to occur.
2. Legal Standards
   1. General: All national, state, and local community laws are to be obeyed. Any student charged or convicted of a felony or misdemeanor can expect a university response in addition to any federal, state, or local response. The only exception to this submission to legally constituted authority would be the rare occasion when obedience to civil authorities would require disobedience to God's moral law. In such cases, individuals must be prepared to submit to the penalty for such behavior.
   2. Drugs, Narcotics & Alcohol: Narcotics and/or any and all controlled substances producing altered states of consciousness, such as cocaine, amphetamines, heroin, marijuana, any hallucinogenic drugs, or any drug paraphernalia, are not to be used or possessed. Exceptions are medications currently prescribed by a physician. Arkansas law does not permit anyone under the age of 21 to use alcohol. 
3.  JBU Community Standards (See links within Community Standard section of handbook.)
   
4.  Areas of Personal Discretion

   Students are expected to exercise careful judgment based on Scriptural standards when making choices in such areas as movie, video, computer and television viewing; reading material; room decorations; off-campus entertainment; and on-line social networks.

5. Spiritual Life Expectations

   All of our lives are to be lived to the glory of God. This is to be reflected in our private thoughts and actions, our relationships with all Christian brothers and sisters, and our words and actions toward those outside the body of Christ. Students are encouraged to cultivate a dynamic faith in Christ by loving God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength and by loving their neighbors as themselves (Mark 12:29-31). This includes practicing a devotional life through prayer, Scripture reading, corporate worship, participation in a growth group or other accountability group, and evangelism and service through CAUSE or other ministries. We also encourage all students to regularly participate in a local church body.

6. DO YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW NEED HELP?

   If a student is having difficulty with an issue in their life, whether it violates the Community Covenant or not, they are strongly encouraged to seek help from some member of the campus community.

7. Immunity Policy
   In line with JBU’s developmental and redemptive philosophy, the immunity policy is designed to support students who have experienced or witnessed unwelcome sexual conduct that is severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive. A student who has experienced or witnessed unwelcome conduct is strongly encouraged to report the behavior to the Title IX coordinator. To lower barriers in reporting sexual misconduct, JBU will not pursue disciplinary action against a student who makes a report to the university as a reporting party or witness to an incident of unwanted sexual conduct. When immunity is extended, the university may initiate an assessment or educational discussion or other non-disciplinary options regarding alcohol and other drug use.