Exercising Responsible Christian Freedom
Members of the Greenville University community voluntarily commit themselves to the following standards of behavior. This commitment results from the conviction that these standards serve the good of the individual as well as the total community. These standards are not presented as absolutes or as an index of Christian spirituality, but rather as expectations of this community. Because of the importance of trust in and responsibility to one another, violations of these standards are seen as a serious breach of integrity within the community.
Freedom to Worship Christ Together - Corporate worship, prayer, fellowship, and instruction are essential for our community. Therefore, students, faculty and administrators are expected to attend chapel. Regular attendance signals a mature response to our community goals.
Freedom to Protect Human Life - Greenville University believes in the sanctity and dignity of human life, beginning at conception and extending throughout our natural lives.
Freedom to Observe a Day of Rest - Members of the community are encouraged to observe the Lord’s Day (traditionally Sunday) as a day set apart primarily for worship, fellowship, ministry, and rest. While activities such as recreation may be a part of the day, “business as usual” that relates to University programs and services will not be sanctioned or encouraged except when absolutely necessary.
Freedom from Destructive Words and Actions - Consideration of others and standards of respect, civility, and good taste are important to Greenville; therefore, all activities should be guided by this principle. Hence, any kind of demeaning gesture, threat of violence, hate language, or physical attack directed toward another person will not be tolerated. Vandalism or theft of property is also not acceptable. The pornography industry exploits people, therefore, pornographic materials are not to be used, possessed, or distributed on or away from campus. Gambling (exchange of money or goods by wagering or betting) is an unwise use of God-given resources, and therefore, is not acceptable in any form. Members of the community observe the demands of academic integrity such as honesty and giving credit to sources. Plagiarism will not be tolerated.
Freedom from Substance Abuse - As Christians, we believe that life is full, abundant, and free in Jesus Christ. Therefore, we abstain from whatever damages, destroys, or distorts His life in us. Illicit drugs are prime offenders. The abuse of alcohol or use of tobacco and marijuana products can have equal or greater destructive effects, thus, we encourage abstaining from the use of alcoholic beverages and tobacco and marijuana products. Consequently, consumption of alcohol or use of tobacco or marijuana on Greenville University property or at University-sponsored events is prohibited. While enrolled in Greenville University, traditional undergraduate members of the community will abstain from the consumption of alcohol and tobacco and marijuana products. Further, all members of the community are to refrain from the use of illegal drugs and substances, or the use of prescription drugs not authorized by a physician.
Freedom of Purity - The University, guided by the historic church’s understanding of sexuality and marriage as interpreted through Scripture and tradition, believes that God created male and female in God’s own image; that the gift of sex is reserved for marriage between one man and one woman; and members of our community should therefore abstain from premarital, extra marital, and same-sex sexual relationships. We recognize that there are individuals who experience same-sex attraction, and/or self-identify as LGBT+ in our community. Regardless of one’s perspective or tradition, we encourage all community members to engage one another with civility and respect. In all issues of purity, we have a corporate responsibility to be God’s agents of transformation as we learn to live a Christian life that is wholesome and pure. We commit to help all of our students thrive and find fullness in Christ within the context of our Wesleyan tradition.
Greenville University expects its members to apply scriptural standards of discretion and discernment and to be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. As individuals and as a community, we must uphold the ideal of purity when choosing whether or not to participate in an activity. Prudence tells us that environments and activities, which diminish one’s moral sensitivity should be avoided.
Compliance with day-to-day policies and procedures of the community is expected from all members. These routine items are listed in the Student Handbook and the Greenville University Catalog for students and the Employee Handbook for faculty, staff and administrative staff.