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Student Policies and Handbook

A Distinctively Christian Environment

Distinctively Christian colleges and universities have one thing in common: they exist to promote teaching and learning in a Christian environment. Learning is not confined to the classroom, laboratory, and library. Learning occurs in many contexts including: Chapel, Residence Life, Student Organizations, Intercollegiate Athletics, and through a host of other campus opportunities.

At ETBU, students are known by name, respected as individuals, and given opportunities to interact with people from varied backgrounds. Students should feel comfortable and free to take intellectual risks, assume responsibility for their learning and social welfare, and have opportunities to participate in community governance.

East Texas Baptist University strives to provide an educational setting that is distinctively Christian, where emphasis is placed on high academic standards, the enhancement of self-discipline, and the individual growth and maturity of each student. In a society of individuals dedicated to the common cause of Christian education, it becomes necessary for each member to subscribe to and support a body of student expectations and regulations designed to protect the rights and privileges of each member. At every level of education, high expectations clearly articulated are essential to learning. 

A student’s enrollment at ETBU involves a moral agreement with the University to follow set behavioral guidelines. Each Christian community has norms and standards which reflect their own interpretation of the Scripture, response to the cultural environment, and tradition. While it is understood that some members of the community may not have personal convictions supporting all ETBU standards, it is expected that those who join the community have evaluated these standards and made a decision to live by them. The administration and faculty have a sincere expectation that significant personal and spiritual growth will occur in the life of each student. Student engagement expectations are based on two basic principles supporting the academic, practical, and spiritual commitment of the institution: Biblical principles and principles of community living.

Biblical Principles The Word of God provides clear guidelines for human behavior. It has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth without any mixture of error for its substance.

Principles of Community Living Standards have been established to provide the framework for an environment conducive to personal, social, and spiritual growth. These are not to be interpreted as standards of spirituality but as standards of one’s ability to function within this university community of students, faculty, and staff.

Non-Discrimination Policy 
East Texas Baptist University does not illegally discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, age, religion, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other basis on which the University is prohibited from discrimination under local, state, or federal law, in its employment or in the provision of its services, including but not limited to its programs and activities, admissions, educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other University-administered programs. In order to fulfill its purpose, the University may legally discriminate on the basis of religion in employment. The University has also been granted exemption from certain regulations promulgated under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 which conflict with the University’s religious tenets.

Student Code of Conduct 

Expectations:

  • abide by University policies and regulations.
  • obey all federal, state, and local laws.
  • show respect for others.
  • prepare for, attend, and participate in classes and learning activities.
  • conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the principles of academic and ethical integrity.
  • uphold the University’s mission, including civility, respect, and compassion.
  • actively participate in their church and community.
  • accept the inherent responsibility that as students of ETBU they represent more than just themselves.

East Texas Baptist University requires students to follow the policies set forth regarding individual behavior. All members of the University community are expected to uphold the Christian principles of love for others and genuine concern for their welfare. The University has established various guidelines to encourage students to assume responsibility for their actions as they mature at ETBU. A complete overview of the policies for students of the University is set forth in the ETBU Student Handbook. Conduct outside the specific situations addressed will be evaluated in a manner consistent with the spirit of our programs and policies.

Disciplinary Procedures

The purpose of disciplinary sanctions at ETBU is to encourage personal responsibility, character development, and adherence to all policies. The Student Code of Conduct requires students to be in compliance with all local, state, and federal laws, as well as University policies. An administrator from Student Engagement may impose one or more of the following penalties for violating any local, state or federal law, or any University policy and/or regulation:

  • Policy Reminder - a verbal and/or written reminder regarding a behavior that is contrary to the Student Code of Conduct.
  • Community Assignment - a required work project that benefits the community and encourages a positive behavioral response.
  • Disciplinary Probation - a type of probation indicating that the student has engaged in unacceptable behavior. Disciplinary probation may entail the loss of privileges, loss of financial aid, and exclusion from co-curricular activities.
  • Housing Suspension - a lesser type of suspension which allows a student to continue attending classes although he or she is not allowed to live in residential housing or attend University events.
  • University Suspension - removal from student status with an option to apply for readmission after a specified period of time. Suspension requires the student to leave school immediately and not return for any activity of the University for the specified period.
  • University Dismissal - a permanent separation from the University. A student dismissed from the University may not visit or be present on campus without permission from Student Engagement.

A student may appeal any disciplinary action, short of suspension or dismissal, to the Vice President for Student Engagement. In these matters, the Vice President's decision will be final. A student may appeal housing suspension, university suspension, or university dismissal to the Student Conduct Committee. The process for appealing a disciplinary sanction is outlined in the Student Handbook.

Download an online version of the ETBU Student handbook below. 

The full Student Handbook is located on the intranet in the Student Documents folder. You must login to view it using your ETBU username and password.