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Community Standards

Bethel College seeks to be a community that shares the values articulated in our institutional mission. At the same time we welcome and embrace the rich diversity that students from varying backgrounds bring to the campus. Each member of the community, however, is expected to affirm and strive toward the goals of the Bethel community and to maintain a relationship of trust with others.

We hold that the highest standards of personal conduct are contained in the teachings of Jesus Christ. Guided by these teachings, we strive to be a community whose members are responsible to each other in the following ways:

• to seek the health, growth and development of self and others,
• to guard the dignity and worth, and to promote the equality and empowerment of self and others,
• to be honest and trustworthy,
• to help maintain the order, peace and privacy people need for rest, study and reflection,
• to value volunteerism and participate in service to others,
• to work through conflicts without force, intimidation or retreat,
• to promote relationships that are free from sexual discrimination, sexual coercion, exploitation and abuse,
• to keep the environment safe and clean, and
• to nurture the spiritual awareness and development of self and others.

We have adopted certain standards of conduct so that this can be a community where the pursuit of these values and commitments can flourish.

• Public Laws. All public laws are to be followed.
• Rights of Others. There are to be no acts, which are designed to result in property damage (including vandalism), disrupt campus activities, create excessive noise or which threaten/cause physical or emotional harm.
• Personal Integrity. There are to be no acts of dishonesty, fraud, theft, unlawful or unauthorized entry of locked premises, or unauthorized possession of keys.
• Guns or Explosives. Except as expressly permitted by the Vice President for Student Life, the use or possession of any fireworks, explosives or guns, including BB guns, is not allowed on campus.*
• Drugs. The presence, distribution, or use of illegal substances or paraphernalia related to these substances is prohibited. Upon reasonable suspicion of drug use, the College may submit the student to a drug test.
• Alcohol. The presence, distribution or use of alcoholic beverages or containers is prohibited on campus* or at any College-sponsored activity.
• Sexual Conduct. Non-marital sexual intercourse is not allowed.
• Smoking. Bethel is a smoke-free campus.*
• Intervisitation. Intervisitation between men and women in residence hall rooms is limited to specific times. In Voth and Haury halls, non-Bethel guests must be escorted by a resident.
• Sexual Harassment. Sexual harassment is defined as repeated and unwelcome sexual advances that interfere with an individual’s living or academic standing, or promises rewards contingent upon sexual favors. Complaints lodged against students will be subject to the normal disciplinary process as defined in the student handbook.

*The term "campus" is defined as any College-owned property and the semi-wilderness park and natural resource which are adjacent to the College property to the east commonly known as "Sand Creek."