Student Life
Biblical Basis for Community Relationships
"A community by definition is a group of people living together who share a common way of life which is expressed in shared beliefs, goals, values, purpose, responsibilities, and communication. Inherent in this common way of life is a set of principles and derived customs which characterize the distinctiveness of such a community."A distinguishing mark of a Christian community is that its members commit to a set of basic principles which are considered essential to maintain the spirit and health of the community. At Somerset Christian College, the foundation of our community is relationships with God and others as expressed in the Great Commission and the Greatest Commandment:
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you." (Matthew 28:18)
"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind . . . . And . . . you shall love your neighbor as yourself." (Mark 22:37-40)
We have identified the following specific expressions of love as being among the most desirable in our relationships and our community:
Fruit of the Spirit
Scripture teaches that certain attributes are available to individuals through the Holy Spirit. These attributes include:"Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. Against such things there is no law." (Galatians 5:22 24).
These "fruit of the Spirit" are foundational to the health of our community and to be sought, encouraged and demonstrated in our relationships. In contrast to encouraging these positive attributes of the heart, Scripture condemns attitudes such as greed, jealousy, pride, prejudice, and hatred. Although these attitudes are sometimes difficult to discern, they can hinder relationships with God and others and lead to unacceptable behavior.
Encouragement
We expect each member of the community to strive consciously to maintain relationships that support, encourage, and help others.“We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up” (Romans 15:1-2).
Mutuality and Patience
Because of our humanness, difficulties in relationships can occur. In such cases, we are to respond as the Scripture states:“...clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another” (Colossians 3:12).
Burden Bearing
We are responsible to come alongside those experiencing grief, discouragement, illness, tragedy, or other personal trial. Expressions of bearing one another's burdens include comfort, encouragement, consolation, and intercession.“Brethren, if someone is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 5:1-2).
Speaking the Truth in Love
A community such as ours can be strengthened by speaking the truth to each other with love. Problems in relationships and behavior can be resolved constructively by confronting one another in an appropriate spirit. If the welfare of the one being confronted is paramount and if the confronter is acting in love, the process can produce growth.“…speaking the truth in love, [we] may grow up into all things into he who is the head – Christ…” Ephesians 4:15
Reconciliation, Redemption, and Restoration
Healing broken relationships is necessary for a healthy community. When relationships have been harmed, regardless of the reason, individuals are expected to reach out to one another, to forgive one another, to restore relationships and to make restitution.“. . .and He (Christ) has given us the ministry of reconciliation... and He has committed to us the message of reconciliation” (II Corinthians 5:18 19).
Implementing the above expressions of love in relationships requires continual effort and sensitivity to others. Relationships of this quality enrich our lives, honor God, and assist in meeting the goals of the college.
Accountability and Appeals
SCC is built upon biblical principles of growth and discipleship. This means care and confrontation are needed to facilitate Christian maturity. The purpose of discipline in the life of a believer is to develop a consistent walk with Jesus Christ, which draws others toward a relationship with Him as well.Restoration
The goal of the discipline process is individual redemption and restoration of damaged relationships. The process for repairing a breach in a relationship varies from situation to situation depending on circumstances.Even in situations in which temporary separation of a student from the College is necessary, steps to restore the relationship will be established.
Accountability
Discipline in the Christian community should take several forms. First, each individual should discipline him or herself in such a way as to be in harmony with the community. Secondly, individuals should confront one another privately in love and gentleness with a goal of restoring others to a right relationship within the community (Matthew 18:15-17; Ephesians 4:15; Galatians 6:1-2).Informal Discipline
Informal Discipline is intended to produce restoration and reconciliation within the community. All members of the community should strive to nurture the community through informal discipline motivated by a heart of love. Students are encouraged to be accountable and responsible for their actions. Students who, prior to any administrative knowledge of an indiscretion, come to the Coordinator of Student Life for help and/or forgiveness will receive help and/or forgiveness as deemed appropriate by the administrator. This "growth initiative" will require the individual to forsake the activity that has created the rift and take the necessary steps to be reconciled to the community. The administrator will determine the steps necessary for restoration. Generally, informal discipline does not become a part of a student's permanent record.Formal Discipline
There are times when formal discipline becomes part of the redemption process. While these procedures may seem sterile and legalistic, the intention is to draw one back into the community with the least disruption within the community.These formal discipline procedures will be applied in a consistent and fair manner, which will afford interaction between the individual and the college. Formal discipline may become a part of a student's official record.
Examples of formal discipline are included in the following:
- Incident Notice -- a documented statement of the standard violated with an official warning.
- Fines -- may be levied for community offenses. The range for fines is $5-$50 (plus restitution, if applicable). Fines are to be paid in cash.
- Disciplinary Warning -- a disciplinary status in which the student is required to receive counseling and may include some form of campus community service and /or growth contract.
- Disciplinary Probation -- a disciplinary status which permits students to remain in school under specific terms designated by the Coordinator of Student Life. A student who is on disciplinary probation may not represent the College in any manner or hold any class, club or student body office.
- Suspension -- an action by the Coordinator of Student Life which separates the student from the College for a specified period of time not to exceed ten class days. During a suspension, a student is to go home immediately (unless the Coordinator of Student Life provides another option) and not return to campus until the specified period has ended. The parents of dependent students and appropriate faculty/staff will be notified. No refunds will be issued for days missed. When the student returns to campus, he or she will be placed on Disciplinary Probation that will include mandatory counseling. (Academic consequences are pending faculty decision.)
- Disciplinary Withdrawal -- an action initiated by the student and approved by the Coordinator of Student Life for a student to withdraw without the privilege of re-enrollment for at least the following semester.
- Disciplinary Denial of Re-enrollment -- an action by the Coordinator of Student Life to separate a student from the College for at least one semester for disciplinary reasons.
- Disciplinary Dismissal -- an action by the Coordinator of Student Life and the Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of the College to separate a student from the College immediately for disciplinary reasons. The length of the dismissal and the terms by which the student may qualify to return are determined by the Dean of Students. Refunds for tuition may be made in accordance with the program guidelines.
Appeals
Following any formal discipline, a student has the right to appeal to the next highest level of authority. The appeal must be made in writing within 48 hours after receiving the discipline.The process includes an opportunity for the student and the individual who initiated the discipline to state and defend his or her position to the appellate authority. The decision of the appellate authority will be final. Appeals of discipline shall be made as follows:
Discipline by the Coordinator of Student Life may be appealed to the Discipline Review Committee which will respond within the following business week after receiving the appeal. The Discipline Review Committee is authoritative and there is no further appeal.
Discipline Review Committee
The Discipline Review Committee is the final authority for appeals which follow disciplinary action by the Coordinator of Student Life. The committee, which is formed only according to need, reports directly to the Vice President of Academic Affairs & Dean of the College and is composed of one faculty member, one staff member, and one student.Occasionally there may be differences or difficulties between students and/or faculty in the classroom. In these cases, a joint Academic and Student Development Review Committee will be formed to review individual situations and recommend courses of action to faculty and students. Student life policies and academic appeals policies will be jointly considered and carried out.
Standard of Conduct
(As Stated in Admission Application)At Somerset Christian College, we strive to bring all of life under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. We believe that a personal faith in Jesus Christ is the foundation for social, intellectual, and spiritual growth; further, the College believes that as ethical principles of the Christian faith are applied to life, certain actions are beneficial and others are detrimental to the development of Christian character. Spiritual discernment and restraint are needed in seeking to lead a holy life; this includes what you allow your eyes and ears to be exposed to. God's Word specifically states that some actions such as stealing, the use of slanderous or profane language, occult practices, and inappropriate sexual behaviors such as premarital sex, marital infidelity, and homosexual behaviors are unacceptable; actions motivated apart from love and faith are dishonoring as well. The use of illegal drugs and other substances that are harmful to the temple of the indwelling Spirit are prohibited.
Programs, Services and Activities
The Office of Student Life seeks to accomplish its mission through cooperative, responsive relationships, programs, services and activities.Student Services
The goal of Student Services is to provide supportive, community-oriented services to address the needs of students at Somerset Christian College academically, spiritually, emotionally, and vocationally. Our desire is to become an ever-improving, caring, and equipping community that encourages personal and community health. To accomplish this, we practice cooperation within the College community, the larger Pillar of Fire ministry, Zarephath Christian Church, Star 99.1 Radio Station, and the Zarephath Health Center as well as a network of contacts with professional Christian counselors, therapists, and psychiatrists that work in our area. We also seek to maintain positive and mutually rewarding contact with churches, pastors, and various parachurch ministries.Types of Service
- Advising/Mentoring Services
- Faculty Advisors
- Field Mentors (through departmental internship programs)
- Professional and/or Lay Counseling referral services
- Tutoring services through the SCC Instructional Resource Center
- Graduate School and Career advice through Faculty Mentors, Department Heads, and the Coordinator of Student Life
- Employment opportunities through such websites as www.jobweb.org and www.intercristo.com.
Method of Delivery
Consult with your Faculty Advisor, who is your best source of information. Your Faculty Advisor may assist you directly or refer you to another member of the SCC team:- A faculty or staff member
- Coordinator of Student Life
- Director of the Instructional Resource Center
- Vice President of Academics
- President of the College