How are students expected to uphold the school's values?

Every college, Christian, faith-based, state, or secular, will have a student handbook that details what is expected of students in terms of conduct and behavior. At the beginning of the year, especially if students live on campus, they are informed of the handbook, given a summary of some of the rules they are expected to follow (usually in the context of their dorm specifically) and may even be required to sign or "check to agree" to the conditions in the handbook.

Not every college will require students to sign the handbook, some will assume that students continuing to attend the university is agreement to the conditions and expectations outlined in the handbook. The rules for conduct, dorms, and dress code will vary depending on the college.

Faith-based colleges may have more lenient and less strict rules, especially concerning dress code, than more conservative Christian colleges, but likely many of the expectations will be based on a Christian perspective. Some common examples may include restrictions on public displays of affection, cursing, banning alcohol on campus, or requiring dorm rooms to be open when someone of the opposite gender is visiting. In some cases, they may also include religious requirements/expectations in their handbook, such as chapel attendances, purity pledges, or conducting oneself in a manner that reflects Christ.

Ultimately, a Faith-based college's expectations as far as conduct and behavior are presented in the student handbook. The purpose of these rules and regulations is to uphold the values of the university, create a safe and healthy environment for students, and keep everyone in order. It's important to understand that the rules in the student handbook are not suggestions, and even if a student does not agree with the rules, they are expected to abide by them. Even if a student is not religious or does not practice faith, if the student handbook outlines religious requirements, those requirements still apply to all students.

Most colleges have a copy of their student handbook available on their website. To find out specific rules, expectations, or requirements that the college expects of their students, search the website of the Faith-based college you are interested in, or reach out to their admission's department.

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