Student Handbook
2024–2025
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INFORMATION DIRECTORY……...................................................................................................................... 2 PHILOSOPHY, MISSION, AND OBJECTIVES OF THE WORD OF LIFE BIBLE INSTITUTE…...................... 4 CODE OF HONOR I. Statement of Faith…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..6 II. Standard of Conduct………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..6 III. Grievance Policy…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….8 IV. Confidentiality of Student Educational Records (FERPA)…………………………………………….………………….…….8 V. Nondiscrimination Policy…………………………………………………………………………………………………………...8 VI. Title IX Policy………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..9 VII. Equal Employment Policy................................................................................................................................ ............. 10 SECTION ONE: STUDENT LIFE I. Student Life Mission and Structure ...................................................................................................... 14 II. Student Life Guiding Principles .......................................................................................................... 14 III. Student Life Philosophy ................................................................................................................... 15 IV. Spiritual Life .................................................................................................................................. 17 V. Discipleship Program ...................................................................................................................... 17 VI. Relationships ................................................................................................................................ 18 VII. Official School Breaks ..................................................................................................................... 18 VIII. Campus Life .................................................................................................................................................................. 19 IX. Dress Code.................................................................................................................................................................... 22 X. Discipline ....................................................................................................................................................................... 23 XI. Computer Usage Policies .............................................................................................................................................. 26 XII. Campus Security and Emergency Procedures.............................................................................................................. 28 XIII. Health and Medical Care ............................................................................................................................................... 32 XIV. General Guidelines........................................................................................................................................................ 34 XV. Student Awards ............................................................................................................................................................. 36 SECTION TWO: ACADEMICS I. Academic Mission Statement ........................................................................................................................................ 40 II. Academic Standards and Procedures .......................................................................................................................... 40 III. Academic Information……………………………………………………………………………………….…………………….42 IV. Academic Standings...................................................................................................................................................... 43 V. Graduation Requirements ............................................................................................................................................. 43 VI. Student Study Skills Assistance .................................................................................................................................... 44 VII. Standards of Academic Progress .................................................................................................................................. 44 SECTION THREE: MINISTRIES I. Mission Statement ......................................................................................................................................................... 50 II. Vision Statement ........................................................................................................................................................... 50 III. Objectives...................................................................................................................................................................... 50 IV. Overview........................................................................................................................................................................ 51 V. Available Ministries........................................................................................................................................................ 52 VI. Special Events............................................................................................................................................................... 53 VII. Service Assignments ..................................................................................................................................................... 53 STUDENT AGREEMENT ................................................................................................................................ 55 KEY WORD INDEX ......................................................................................................................................... 57
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INFORMATION DIRECTORY
Office Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday If using an on-campus phone, you may just dial the last four digits of the phone number to reach their extension. Academic Office Resident Professor Mr. Mark Strout 518-494-1433 Associate Academic Dean/Assistant Professor Mr. Dan Fahning 727-379-5068 Administrative Assistant Mrs. Rebecca Garrafa Britos 727-379-5029 Academic Coordinator Miss Kelsey Brown 727-379-5066 Registrar/Transcript Requests Mr. Dan Skau (NY) 518-494-6280 Administration Vice President Youth and Family Camps Mr. Rich Andrews 727-379-5003 Vice President of Bible Institutes Mr. Brian Baker (NY) 518-494-1532 Executive Dean, Global Campuses Mr. Mark Strout 518-494-1433 Admin Assistant, Global Campuses Mrs. Rebecca Garrafa Britos 727-379-5029 Executive Administrative Assistant Mrs. Fran Ingersoll 727-379-5034 Admissions Recruitment Coordinator Mrs. Kara Strahan 727-379-5065 Dean of Enrollment Mr. Brian Tanedo (NY) 518-494-1599 International Student Coordinator Mrs. Kinga Vickery 727-379-5044 Alumni Office Miss Rebecca Berga (NY) 518-494-1439 Business Office Manager TBD 727-379-5043 Financial Aid Mr. Alex Hackett (NY) 518-494-1606 Commuter Program Advisor Mr. Ben Young 727-379-5036 Health Insurance Mrs. Fran Ingersoll, RN 727-379-5008 (Student Accident Plan) Mrs. Laurie Yarosh (NY) 518-494-6302 Health Center United Concierge Medicine 844-484-7362 Guest Services Desk 727-379-5000 Manager Mrs. Audrey Nightingale 727-379-5098 Shuttle Service Miss. Susanna Lillie 727-379-5000 IT Support Network Administrator Mr. James Mindrup 727-379-5070 On-Site Support Engineer Mr. Andre Casillas 727-379-5069 Kitchen Chef Manager Mr. Blu Chacon 727-379-5018 Chef Ms. Sandy Adcox 727-379-5017 Chef Mr. Austin Adcox 727-379-5629 Chef Mr. Jonathan Casillas 727-379-5629 Chef Mr. David Rocha 727-379-5629 Food Prep Miss Harley Green 727-379-5629 Food Prep Miss Victoria Barrs 727-379-5629 Dining Room Hostess Miss Summer Primrose 727-379-5629 Library 727-379-5605 Lost & Found Guest Services 727-379-5000
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Maintenance
Facilities Manager Maintenance Maintenance Maintenance
Mr. Bill Steele Mr. James Hartwig Mr. Kyle Ralph Mr. Jeremiah Mercier Mr. Wesley Britos Mr. Jayce Gibson
727-379-5051 727-379-5050 727-379-5054 727-379-5054 727-379-5054
Grounds
Athletic Coordinator
Married Students Advisor
Mr. Ben Young
727-379-5036
Ministries
Dean of Ministries Music Director
Mr. Justin Crow Mr. Gavyn Andrews Mr. Joshua Auli Ms. Susanna Casillas Mr. Rick Warken
727-379-5028 727-379-5071 727-379-1426 727-379-5610 727-379-5071 727-379-1426
Ministries Operations Coordinator
Service Assignment/Ministry Teams Coordinator Mr. James Koch
Overflow Drama Coordinator Spanish Ministry Coordinator
Registration/ Customer Service
Mrs. Vicky Steinberger
727-379-5010
Student Life Offices Dean of Students
Mr. Benjamin Young Mr. Riley Winter Mrs. Michele Jones
727-379-5036 727-379-5060 727-379-5041 727-379-5035 727-379-5055
Dean of Men Dean of Women
Men’s Resident Director Women’s Resident Director
Mr. Josebraham Ganawah Miss Ashlyn Lough
Visitors
Sign in at Guest Services
727-379-5000
ACCREDITATION Word of Life Bible Institute is a member of the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS) [15935 Forest Road, Forest, VA 24551; Telephone: (434) 525-9539; e-mail: info@tracs.org], having been awarded Reaffirmation Ill of its Accredited Status as a Category I institution by the TRACS Accreditation Commission on April 25, 2022. This status is effective for a period of ten years. TRACS is recognized by the United States Department of Education (ED), the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), and the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE). ACCOMMODATIONS Requests for accommodations (special arrangements) or auxiliary aids for students with disabilities should be addressed to Mr. Ben Young, Dean of Students (Ext. 5036), who will work with the student to assess the need and facilitate the appropriate resource. HANDICAP ACCOMMODATIONS The Word of Life Bible Institute will work in conjunction with the appropriate local governmental agencies to ensure that public and residential buildings are in alignment with codes to meet the needs of the disabled. The Executive Dean, in conjunction with the Dean of Students, will work to ensure that special accommodation needs are met for each individual.
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PHILOSOPHY, MISSION, AND OBJECTIVES OF WORD OF LIFE BIBLE INSTITUTE PHILOSOPHY Word of Life Bible Institute as an educational institution has developed its entire program around a particular philosophy of education. This philosophy of education is based on three key words: Know ( Study ), Grow ( Life ), and Show ( Ministry ). These three words characterize our approach to education. Believers are commanded to study the Word of God, accepting it as their foundation and authority. Since discipleship and character building are the responsibility of godly leadership, we need to build an institution that will educate students in biblical doctrine and conduct through the classroom and lifestyle of our staff. Our goal is to produce students that practice excellence in the Christian life, bringing glory to God. This philosophy is based on the following principles: 1. We believe that the Bible is not only the foundation for morality, but it is also authoritative in every area that it addresses. It is, therefore, the beginning of wisdom and a prerequisite for any academic endeavor (2 Timothy 2:15). 2. We believe that any area of Bible study must be built on a proper relationship to Jesus Christ (Colossians 2:6-7). 3. We believe that intellectual knowledge is only a beginning step and that a student has not learned until he has put this knowledge into practice (2 Timothy 2:1-2). 4. We believe that character development is a legitimate concern of education (Colossians 1:9-11, 2:8-9; Titus 2:7-8). 5. We believe that staff and faculty are more than teachers. They are role models and, as such, must display Christian character and commitment before the student (Ezra 7:10; 1 Corinthians 4:15-16; Matthew 28:19-20). 6. We believe that doctrine is the foundation of all our endeavors (2 Timothy 3:16; Titus 2:1). MISSION The mission of Word of Life Bible Institute is to educate each student within a rigorous academic and structured discipleship atmosphere preparing him or her to live a life of maximum effectiveness for the Lord. INSTITUTIONAL OBJECTIVES Word of Life Bible Institute seeks to produce students who: 1. Know – Cultivating an increasing knowledge of God and His Word through diligent and deliberate study. 2. Grow – Possessing a growing relationship with God through the practical application of biblical truth to daily life and participation in biblical community. 3. Show – Demonstrating a commitment and ability to model and share biblical truth and boldly proclaim the gospel of Christ. PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES Word of Life Bible Institute maintains the following learning outcomes and anticipates students completing the program will: 1. Understand the context, content, and contribution of every book of the Bible. 2. Understand the basic doctrines and history of Christianity. 3. Understand the historical, grammatical, and literal hermeneutical approach and its application to Scriptures. 4. Understand how to take biblical and theological knowledge and apply it to life and ministry in any given context. 5. Understand and implement effective research and writing techniques. 6. Think critically from a Christian worldview about their studies, life, and ministry. 7. Develop and incorporate spiritual disciplines into daily life with the goal of long-term spiritual progress.
8. Study and apply biblical principles of leadership within various contexts. 9. Learn and apply principles of discipleship within various contexts. 10. Understand principles and techniques of ministry. 11. Incorporate various principles and techniques into real-world ministry opportunities.
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PROGRAM Word of Life Bible Institute is a two-year, non-degree granting institution, whose high academic standards are recognized by most Christian Colleges. The emphasis of the first year is Biblical Foundation, and it is offered at several locations around the world. The emphasis of the second year is Ministry Foundation, and it is only offered at the main campus located in Pottersville, New York. Students who complete the first year receive a Bible Certificate. A diploma is awarded for the successful completion of both years of the program. Each year is comprised of two academic semesters and a Summer Ministry Practicum.
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CODE OF HONOR I. STATEMENT OF FAITH 1. We believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament are verbally inspired of God, and they are without error in the original writings, and they are the supreme and final authority for faith and life. 2. We believe in one God, Creator and Sustainer of the universe, Who is eternally existent in three persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 3. We believe in the Deity of Jesus Christ, His virgin birth, sinless life, His death to pay the penalty for everyone’s sins, His bodily resurrection, His exaltation at God’s right hand, and His personal, imminent, pretribulational and pre-millennial return. 4. We believe that all have sinned and are therefore guilty before God and are under His condemnation. 5. We believe that all who by faith receive Jesus Christ are born again of the Holy Spirit, therefore children of God and eternally saved, and that the Holy Spirit dwells within every believer to enlighten, guide, and enable the believer in life, testimony, and service. We believe that God answers the prayers of His people and meets their needs according to His purpose. 6. We believe that God gives spiritual gifts to all believers for the building up of the body of Christ. However, the miraculous sign-gifts of the Spirit, such as tongues and healings, were limited to the early church. 7. We believe in the bodily resurrection of the just and unjust, the everlasting blessedness of the saved in Glory and the everlasting conscious punishment of the lost in hell. 8. We believe that all believers are called to a life of separation from all worldly and sinful practices and alliances. 9. We believe that from the beginning with Adam and Eve, God ordained marriage as only between one man and one woman. All sexual activity outside of this biblical definition of marriage, including homosexual practices, is in direct contradiction to God’s Word and His intention for the institution of the home. 10. We believe that God wonderfully and immutably creates each person as male or female for His glory. These two distinct, complementary genders together reflect the image and nature of God, and the rejection of one's biological gender is a rejection of God's decreed will and good plan for humanity and the individual. Historicity of Genesis Word of Life Bible Institute is committed to the historical and factual accuracy of the book of Genesis. Therefore, we teach a recent creation of the entire universe and all forms of life in the six, 24-hour days of the creation week. We believe that Adam and Eve were the first man and woman and that all of mankind has descended from them and has inherited a sin nature from their fall into sin, resulting in a cursed creation. We believe in a personal Satan who led some of the angels to rebel, enticed Eve to eat the forbidden fruit, and continues to oppose God’s program for human history. We believe in a worldwide flood which explains the disappearance of certain species recorded in the fossil record, the subsequent development of mankind from Noah, and the creation of language groups and nations from God’s intervention at the Tower of Babel. We believe that Satan’s attempt to overthrow God is doomed to fail and that the Lake of Fire has been prepared as a place of eternal conscious punishment for him, his demons, and all humans who reject Christ. II. STANDARD OF CONDUCT 1. Word of Life Fellowship, Inc., including domestic and foreign affiliations under the Word of Life structure, is dedicated to the Lordship of Christ in all areas of life. The distinctives of Word of Life lay in its philosophy and goals. The Word of Life family is a community of a board of directors, staff members and students (hereafter referred to as “associates”). Each associate consequently bears certain responsibilities and obligations within the organization for the implementation of its philosophy and goals. In order that the organization functions efficiently and its goals be realized, it is necessary that there be a mutual commitment to a corpus of standards which involve the willing surrender of certain individual purposes and goals. 2. Word of Life follows specific biblical principles, which relate to Christian behavior. Therefore, Word of Life prohibits practices, which are clearly forbidden by the Word of God, such as drunkenness, sexual immorality, dishonesty, and the like (I Corinthians 6:9-20). Further, to expect associates to exemplify Christian love, consideration for the rights of others, honesty, and a high sense of Christian ethics is to expect only that which the Word of God teaches to be primary in the character of the Christian (Ephesians 4:24-5:8).
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3. Word of Life is firmly committed to a literal interpretation of the Bible and rejects any attempt to “reinterpret” Scripture in light of “modern” moral or psychological theories. In the biblical account of creation, the family was the first societal institution ordained by God (Genesis 1:27, 2:18-22). Furthermore, Scripture plainly declares that the first two humans created by God were a man and a woman (Genesis 1:27, 2:18-22). God joined the man and woman in the holy rite of matrimony and commanded them to be fruitful, multiply, and replenish the earth (Genesis 1:28). Therefore, the only legitimate marriage is the joining of one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24, Romans 7:2, I Corinthians 7:10, Ephesians 5:22-23). In both the Old and New Testaments, God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity should take place outside of a marriage between a man and a woman. Accordingly, all forms of homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality, bestiality, incest, fornication, adultery, and pornography are sinful perversions of God’s gift of sex (Genesis 2:24, 19:5, 13, 26:8-9, Leviticus 13:22, 18:1-30, Romans 1:26-29, I Corinthians 5:1, 6:9, I Thessalonians 4:1-8, Hebrews 13:4). Since Word of Life believes that all sexual activity outside of a marriage, including homosexual practices, are in direct opposition to God’s Word and constitute a direct contradiction to God’s institution of the home, Word of Life will not employ or continue to employ men or women who promote or participate in homosexual behavior or any other sexual activity outside of marriage. 4. Word of Life recognizes the principles of Christian liberty within the sphere of those things, which are intrinsically innocent. However, Word of Life also recognizes that liberty needs to be restricted in certain instances. Scriptural precedent is found in Acts 15 and Romans 14, where certain practices inherently innocent were forbidden because they could do spiritual harm to other members of the Christian community. Verses for reference include: I Corinthians 6:12 — Lawful, but not expedient (not profitable for our good). 5. Certain principles of conduct are a necessary part of the effort to establish an atmosphere within which the goals of Word of Life can be realized. For this reason and in an effort to maintain a consistent and above-reproach testimony to youth, Word of Life requires associates to refrain from the possession or use of alcoholic beverages, all smoking products, recreational and illicit drugs, from gambling, and from sensual dancing and dancing at clubs. Ceremonial dancing at special family events such as weddings and anniversaries is permitted. Biblical discretion and restraint will be exercised in all choices of entertainment, including radio, television, all forms of audio and visual recordings, movies, stage productions, computer and video gaming, various forms of literature and social media (Psalm 101:3, Romans 14:13-17, I Corinthians 9:22-23, I Corinthians 10:31, 2 Corinthians 6:3, Philippians 4:8, Ephesians 5:3-4, I Timothy 4:12, Titus 2:12). Furthermore, it is expected that associates will actively support a local Bible-believing church through service, giving, and allegiance (Hebrews 10:24-25). 6. Word of Life rejects the principle that exposure to and/or experimentation with doubtful and objectionable practices is essential to the development of moral or intellectual discernment and/or discrimination. Word of Life reserves the right to make the final decision in any questionable area. 7. Word of Life recognizes that observance of Word of Life standards does not comprise the whole of an individual’s responsibility to God and hence does not necessarily indicate that one is living a life of full commitment. The philosophy of Word of Life, however, maintains that willingness to obey these standards shows a maturity and spiritual concern for the whole Christian community (Galatians 5:13-24). 8. Conduct that is an offense to good taste, sound morality, or Christian propriety will not be acceptable. While some may not have personal convictions wholly in accordance with Word of Life standards, the purpose underlying them necessitates the honorable obedience to them. If an individual can no longer in integrity conform to them, that person I Corinthians 10:23 — Lawful, but not edifying. I Corinthians 8:9 — Could be a stumbling block. Romans 1:32 — Christians are different, and by living like the world, we approve of it. There should be no pleasure in watching sin. Ephesians 5:6-7, 11 — Don’t be deceived with vanity and participate in it. Colossians 3:17 — Make sure it pleases the Lord, not the emotions, flesh, or self. Hebrews 12:1-2 — Lay aside weights as well as the sin.
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should withdraw from Word of Life. Willful disobedience of these standards will bring about dismissal from Word of Life immediately. 9. To insure that the position of Word of Life will be maintained in an uncompromising manner and believing that a consistent and exemplary life should be expected of those who undertake the instruction and guidance of Christian youth, it is required that associates shall individually affirm by signing the following at the time of initial association and shall so reaffirm at such time as determined by Word of Life. III. GRIEVANCE POLICY We believe that the first step in resolving any dispute, whether interpersonal or organizational, is to invoke the principles outlined in Mathew 18 and to directly address the party (or office) with whom a problem has arisen in order to seek a resolution. It is our sincere hope that as two believers openly seek the mind of the Lord in regards to their concerns, the Holy Spirit will bring peace to the situation. As this may not always be the case, human intervention may at times be required. If, in spite of all sincere attempts, a matter remains unresolved, the next step may be to file a formal grievance. A form for such purpose is available from and should be submitted to the Executive Vice President’s office in Pottersville, New York who will address the matter with all appropriate personnel within 14 days. Every effort will be made to resolve all issues in writing within 30 days or less. One must recognize that solutions may not be deemed satisfactory by all concerned parties. However, the administration will seek a resolution that is fair, practical, and based on the authority of Scripture. If, after following through on the above procedure, a student believes his/her grievances were not satisfactorily addressed by the administration of the Word of Life Bible Institute, he or she may contact the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS) at: 15935 Forest Rd., Forest, VA 24551, by telephone at (434) 525-9539, or by their web site tracs.org. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 and its amendments give schools clear guidelines on the privacy of student records. This notice is given to inform you of your rights as a student and to help you understand how to access and disclose information from your educational records. Definitions Educational Records : With certain exceptions, educational records are those records, files, documents and other materials that contain information directly related to the student and are maintained by an employee or representative of the school. School Official : A person employed by Word of Life Bible Institute in an administrative, academic, research, or support staff position; a member of the board of directors; or a student serving in an administrative support role or on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee. Legitimate Educational Interest : A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibilities for Word of Life Bible Institute. Directory (public) Information : In accordance with the Act, Word of Life Bible Institute designates the following information as directory information: student name, address (home, current, and email), telephone (home and current), photo, student ID, program of study, awards, recent school attended, enrollment status, dates of attendance, participation in official organizations and sports, and height and weight of sports team members. Students’ rights under FERPA 1. You have the right, with certain exceptions, to inspect your educational records. Requests should be made to the Registrar’s office or to the Executive Dean’s office and will be granted within a reasonable timeframe not to exceed 45 days from the original request. IV. CONFIDENTIALITY OF STUDENT EDUCATIONAL RECORDS (FERPA) Privacy Information
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2. You have the right to request the amendment of your educational record that you believe is inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of your privacy rights under FERPA. You must make a written request including signature and date to the Registrar’s office or to the Executive Dean’s office for an amendment to be considered. Additional information regarding the request process will be provided to you at the time the initial request is made. 3. You have the right to provide written consent before the Bible Institute discloses elements of your educational records except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. The Bible Institute may disclose information without consent to school officials with legitimate educational interest and information that Word of Life has identified as directory information. A complete list of FERPA allowable disclosures without consent may be obtained from the Registrar’s office or the Executive Dean’s office 4. You have the right to withhold the disclosure of directory information. If you exercise this right, Word of Life Bible Institute will not disclose any directory information to parties that may be seeking this information without your written consent. Withholding of this information may cause delays in maintaining insurance coverage and applying for transfer to other institutions and must be exercised with great caution. Written requests to opt out of directory information disclosure must be made to the Registrar’s office or to the Executive Dean’s office. 5. You have the right to file a complaint with the US Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Word of Life Bible Institute to comply with the requirements of FERPA. Complaints should be sent to: Family Policy Compliance Office US Department of Education V. NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY Word of Life Bible Institute (WOLBI) does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and its regulations, including in admission and employment. WOLBI maintains a religious exemption from certain regulatory provisions of Title IX in any instance where compliance would not be consistent with the religious tenets of the Institute, particularly its position on marriage, sexuality, and the sanctity of human life. Inquiries about Title IX may be referred to WOLBI’s Title IX Coordinator, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, or both. WOLBI’s Title IX Coordinator is Mr. Justin Lough. His office address is 4230 Glendale Road, Pottersville, NY 12860. He can also be reached via email at jplough@wordoflife.edu or telephone at 518-494-1478. The OCR office for New York is located at: New York Office Office for Civil Rights U.S. Department of Education 26 Federal Plaza, Suite 31-100 New York, NY 10278-9991 Telephone: 646-428-3800 FAX: 646-428-3843; TDD: 800-877-8339 Email: OCR.NewYork@ed.gov VI. TITLE IX POLICY 400 Maryland Ave SW Washington DC 20202 The Word of Life Bible Institute (WOLBI) has adopted Title IX grievance procedures that provide for the prompt and equitable resolution of complaints made by students, employees, or other individuals who are participating or attempting to participate in its education program or activity, or by the Title IX Coordinator. These grievance procedures address complaints of sex-based harassment that involve a student party. Word of Life Bible Institute is committed to providing a safe environment free from discrimination. We believe that all people are created in the image of God and are equal. With this in mind, the Bible Institute does not discriminate on the basis of sex in our education programs or activities, including recruitment, admissions, distribution of financial
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assistance, hiring practices, employment or promotion. This echoes Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which states, “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, or be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any education program or any activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” The Bible Institute is required to comply with Title IX and the U.S. Department of Education’s implementing regulations. The following seeks to clearly define terms and set forth policies to educate our campus community and help ensure that our campus remains a safe environment for all to learn and grow in their walk with the Lord. The Bible Institute has designated the following individuals to coordinate our efforts in this area: Mr. Justin Lough
Title IX Coordinator and Institutional Effectiveness Coordinator 4230 Glendale Rd, Page Center for Student Success 518-494-1478 jplough@wordoflife.edu Mr. Ethan Morin Title IX Investigator and Assistant Camp Director at the Pines 4230 Glendale Road, Ministries Center 518-494-1321 ermorin@wol.org Ms. Samuelle Champion
Title IX Investigator and Operations General Manager 4230 Glendale Rd, Welcome Center 518-494-1578 samuellechampion@wordoflife.edu Questions regarding Title IX may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator and/or to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights. Word of Life’s Full Title IX policy: wol.is/titleix Definitions of Terms, Submission of Complaints, Grievance Policies and Procedures. Students of any race, color, sex, national origin, and ethnic origin are admitted to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at Word of Life. While Word of Life does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, nationality, or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs, as a religious institution, Word of Life reserves the right to deny admission or to terminate the enrollment of persons whose lifestyle, words, actions, or otherwise do not align with the Word of Life statement of faith, code of conduct, or other policies of this organization. EMPLOYMENT POLICY VII. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT POLICY ADMISSIONS POLICY Word of Life Bible Institute (Word of Life) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe it is our moral and legal obligation to meet the responsibility of ensuring that all management practices regarding employees are conducted in a nondiscriminatory manner. In compliance with Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act and other applicable federal and state statutes, all recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting for all job classifications will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including state of employment protected classes. It is, therefore, our policy and intention to evaluate all employees and prospective employees strictly according to the requirements of the job. All personnel related activities such as compensation, benefits, transfers, job classification, assignments, working conditions, educational assistance, terminations, layoffs, and return from layoffs, and all other terms, conditions and privileges of employment will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including all
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applicable state of employment protected classes. Word of Life is a Christian religious-affiliated organization, and as such, is not subject to religious discrimination requirements. The University’s hiring practices and EEO discrimination practices are in full compliance with both federal and state law; however, as a religious institution, Word of Life reserves the right to deny or terminate employment or to deny or terminate any other status of persons whose lifestyle, words, actions or otherwise do not align with Word of Life’s statement of faith, standard of conduct, or other ministry policies or religious beliefs. This statement is not intended to waive the ministerial exception or other ministerial or religious exceptions to Title VII or other federal, state, or local antidiscrimination laws or regulations.
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SECTION ONE STUDENT LIFE
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I. STUDENT LIFE MISSION AND STRUCTURE The mission of Student Life is to help students cultivate healthy relationships with Christ and others through providing leadership, a discipleship atmosphere, and development in spiritual disciplines. A. Objectives The specific objectives of the Student Life Department are to help every student to: 1. Develop and incorporate spiritual disciplines into daily life with the goal of long-term spiritual success.
2. Learn and apply biblical principles of leadership within various contexts. 3. Learn and apply principles of discipleship within various contexts. B. Structure
The Dean of Students, under the authority of the Executive Dean, leads the Student Life Department including the Dean of Men and Dean of Women. They minister together, overseeing all aspects of campus life including housing, spiritual, and social activities or events, counseling, discipleship, and discipline. The International Student Coordinator and the Dean of Students assist international and off-campus students with their specific needs. Resident Directors are selected to assist the Deans in the management of Student Life programs and the training, oversight, and discipleship of the Resident Assistants. Each Resident Director reports directly to a Student Life Dean. Student leadership (Residents Assistants) is comprised of students selected by the faculty and staff who have demonstrated leadership potential and personal responsibility. They serve to facilitate and maintain the standards of the Bible Institute as set forth in this handbook. Dorm Resident Assistants assist with the oversight of dorm life and Service Resident Assistants assist with oversight in various service areas. RAs exercise vital leadership roles in the dorms, in service areas, in the classroom, and on ministry teams. They also serve to encourage students in their walk with the Lord. II. STUDENT LIFE GUIDING PRINCIPLES The Christian life is a walk of faith. Without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). Unbelief turns us away from the Lord, hardens the heart, and neutralizes the benefits of hearing the Word of God (Hebrews 3:12-4:2) whereas faith energizes the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Therefore, we want to help students to learn to walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). As we seek to encourage this, it is our desire that the following biblical principles guide our approach. A. The Sufficiency of Christ Through His Word (Colossians 2; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:1-4) Sanctification is the process by which believers change to become more like Jesus Christ. Salvation and sanctification are both of the Lord, unmerited favors that we access by faith. As we trust and obey God’s Word, the Holy Spirit transforms us through the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). Scripture alone can accurately evaluate every situation and provide effective guidance for authentic life change. When external checklists, programs, and policies claim to prescribe a cure for the human condition or to generate spiritual growth on their own, they compete with the sufficiency of Christ through His Word. Therefore, our focus will be to constantly direct students to the Scriptures and help them to internalize truth. B. The Reality of New Life in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:14-19; Galatians 2:20; Colossians 1:27, 3:1-4) The Christian life is not a matter of doing all that we can to become like Christ. It is responding by faith to the truth that Christ is now our life and allowing Him to live through us! Since all students who come to WOLBI profess new life in Christ, we take them at their word. In the words of Paul, “Therefore from now on we recognize no one according to the flesh even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him in this way no longer. Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come” (2 Corinthians 5:16-17). Therefore, in matters of behavior, personal responsibility, and community life we appeal to a student’s new identity in Christ and call him or her to live in a manner that is worthy of their calling (Ephesians 4:1; Philippians 1:27); no longer for self but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.
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C. Heart Transformation (Romans 12:1-2; Ephesians 4:17-24; Colossians 3:15-16; Hebrews 4:12-13) The Word of God makes it clear that our fundamental problem is deeper than a lack of information or of skill. It is in fact, our hearts which are easily led astray from faith to unbelief (Hebrews 3:12-13). Scripture teaches that the goal of instruction is a pure and a sincere heart (1 Timothy 1:5; Hebrews 10:22). Therefore, in each of the processes of instruction, admonition, correction, and restoration we aim to deepen students’ understanding of how behavior originates from the heart and is ultimately linked to faith and unbelief. Our goal is to allow the penetrating light of God’s Word to examine their hearts, fill them with truth (Philippians 4:8), and transform them by the renewing of their minds. D. Edifying Relationships (Hebrews 3:13, 10:24-25; Galatians 6:1-5; Ephesians 4:14-16, 25-32) God has placed believers in a community, the Church, which is described as Christ’s flock, His body, and His building. These metaphors indicate that God never intended believers to function in a vacuum! Paul compares us to the interdependent parts of the human body (1 Corinthians 12:12-31) and reminds us that we are actually “members of one another” (Ephesians 4:25) and are to build each other up in love as we minister to each other (1 Peter 4:8-10). The New Testament employs the phrase “one another” over fifty-six times in order to express the shift from the self- interest of the unbeliever to the gracious humility of the believer who now expresses love and concern for others. This is not accomplished by simply deploying a program but also by spending time listening to and building relationships with one another. Realizing that we are all tempted by sin, believers can move toward one another with understanding and humility, calling each other away from the dangers of sinful choices and pointing one another back to the truth of God’s Word. Scripture teaches us that the end goal of all discipline is restoration of freedom, fellowship with God, and fellowship with one another. In this way, the loving pursuit of a brother or sister in sin becomes an act of compassion. E. A Compassionate Environment (Colossians 3:12-14; Philippians 2:1-4) We want to provide a nurturing community, where we walk with students through the issues they are struggling with. We desire to show them how to live in fellowship with other believers and what it means to walk in relationship with the Lord and to experience His grace together. The Word of God instructs us that it is the grace of God, rightly understood, which teaches us to “ deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age” (Titus 2:11-12). This does not imply an absence of rules nor of correction. Rather, a compassionate environment provides the right context within which to: × Function with the understanding that no one is perfect though we are all accountable (Philippians 3:12-16). × Deal appropriately with sin and to pursue authentic biblical freedom (Galatians 6:1-5). × Forgive others freely from the heart (Matthew 18:35). III. STUDENT LIFE PHILOSOPHY At Word of life Bible Institute, we pursue life change! The Student Life Department facilitates this by maintaining an atmosphere conducive to growth in faith, hope, and love. This atmosphere is cultivated in the dorms, in co-curricular activities, in campus service assignments, and in ministry. Our philosophy describes the approach we take and is well summarized in the following verses: “We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom so that we may present every man complete in Christ. For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me,” (Colossians 1:28-29). To that end, the philosophy of the Student Life Department centers around three concepts: A. Christ-Dependent - Because we tend to depend on ourselves. (1 Corinthians 1:30-31; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10; Galatians 2:20; Philippians 3:1-16; Colossians 2:1-23, 3:1-3) Scripture teaches that Christ is our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. He is our life, our hope of glory, and the One in whom we are now hidden in God. Every day we are called to live out these realities by faith. We share the same concern as the apostle Paul, who said, “But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ,” (2 Corinthians 11:3). Therefore, we desire to continually point students to Christ, who is the object of their faith, and away from a dependence upon themselves and the tendency to pursue self-righteousness in their own strength by the keeping of rules. True righteousness is through faith in Christ. Though rules are important for worship and fellowship, they can never produce genuine godliness since they are powerless in dealing with the weakness of the flesh. Therefore, we seek to encourage students to keep their focus on Christ not on themselves nor on other people (Heb.12:1-2) and to rejoice in Him, not in their own accomplishments.
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B. Love-Driven - Because we tend to neglect others. (Matthew 22:36-40; Ephesians 5:1-5; Galatians 6:1-5; 1 Peter 1:22, 4:8-10)
One of the characteristics of an authentic Christian community is love for others that is the result of having experienced God’s grace and love personally (John 13:34-35; 1 John 4:19). Humility, a teachable heart, and a desire to seek the best interests of others are hallmarks of sincere love. This often involves setting aside personal preferences in order to serve others or help those who may be struggling in some area of life. In cases where a brother or a sister is struggling with sin, loving them enough to walk with them through the process of repentance and restoration provides a radically different motivation for dealing with the issue. No longer is the goal to simply ignore the problem, maintain appearances, or to ensure that offenders somehow pay for their sin in order to balance the scales. Instead, the intended goal is restored fellowship and joy. Therefore, it is our desire to model genuine peace-making and burden-bearing and to pursue forgiveness and restoration whenever sin has been uncovered in someone’s life by the Holy Spirit. C. God-Glorifying - Because we tend to live for self. (Romans 8:29; 1 Corinthians 6:18-20, 10:31; 2 Corinthians 5:14-15; 1 Peter 2:11-12, 4:10-13) The end goal of all spiritual growth is to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ, reflecting Him to the world rather than pursuing our selfish desires and drawing attention to ourselves (Romans 13:14). Therefore, we encourage students to view every dimension of life as a forum for putting Christ on display and to allow Him to live through them. Seeing all of life as a platform to glorify God rather than self makes the classroom, the dorm room, and one’s ministry or service assignment places where God is to be honored rather than ignored. Compassion and Discipline It is our desire to provide a compassionate, nurturing environment at the Bible Institute that is more like a walled garden than a fortified compound. This does not imply an absence of rules or discipline. Love does not ignore truth nor does truth override the need to be loving (Ephesians 4:15). Compassion does not preclude giving directions, issuing warnings, and providing correction and training that is consistent with truth. Discipline proves relationship. Instruction demonstrates love (Hebrews 12:8). Furthermore, biblical discipline is not heartless, nor does it follow a predetermined set of responses. The Word of God exhorts us to “admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone.” (1 Thessalonians 4:15). This implies a need to exercise discernment in choosing an appropriate course of action in response to misconduct rather than dealing exactly the same way with everyone regardless of their response to correction. Therefore, in all discipline situations, we will seek to choose a response that is in a student’s best interest and which is appropriate to his or her particular circumstance. Biblical Mandates and Institutional Policies The administration of the Bible Institute recognizes that there is a distinction between Biblical Mandates and Institutional Policies . Both can be found in our Standard of Conduct as well as in this Student Handbook. Biblical Mandates are specific commands from God’s Word directed to all believers at all times in all places such as the command to abstain from sexual immorality (1 Thessalonians 4:3). Institutional Policies such as specific dress code expectations are best viewed as “house rules” intended to maintain an environment most conducive to the realization of our goals (no one appreciates chaos). As a spiritual, as well as an academic community, we ask students to adhere to both Biblical Mandates and Institutional Policies . While a student’s personal convictions may differ somewhat from Institutional Policies , their free choice to become a part of the Bible Institute community constitutes a commitment to willingly abide by them, both on and off campus, while the academic semesters are in session (Hebrews 13:7,17). When at home during official school breaks, students are accountable to Biblical Mandates but not to Institutional Policies . It is expected that they will conduct themselves in a way that will honor the Lord and will not discredit their identity in Christ, their parents, their local church, or the ministry of Word of Life with which they are associated during the time of their enrollment. When determining appropriate responses to misconduct, attention will be given to recognizing the differences between Biblical Mandates and Institutional Policies . The goal of the administration will always be to restore students to freedom and fellowship.
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