Code of Conduct
UVF Pillars
Core Values
- Jesus is our Center
- Students are our Focus
- Progress is our Expectation
- Excellence is our Pursuit
- Servant-Leadership is our Identity
- Teamwork is our Spirit
- Community is our Calling
Community Life
The culture and community of the University of Valley Forge is defined by seven values: Jesus is our Center, Students are our Focus, Progress is our Expectation, Excellence is our Pursuit, Teamwork is our Spirit, Servant Leadership is our Identity, and Community is our Calling. Centered on Jesus and biblical principles, we desire to align our behavior (how we live, work, serve, and grow together) with our community values. Realizing all of us fall short of God’s glory, the University believes that upholding biblical expectations for community and behavior allows us to cultivate an environment where a Spirit-filled, loving community can develop.
The following community standards reflect the kinds of issues people encounter when living in community together, including safety concerns, interpersonal issues, health and wellbeing, and state and local requirements. While some behavioral standards may seem lenient to some, and strict for others, it is our intention to uphold biblical principles of conduct. This may mean voluntarily setting aside some personal freedoms for the sake of the community. Community is our Calling. Together we endeavor to promote personal and community culture and behavior that helps us to grow as disciples of Jesus Christ.
Behavioral Standards
Statement on Racial Diversity
- Title VI of the Civil Rights Act (1964) prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin. Racial harassment or discrimination is illegal and will not be tolerated in any form. The use of racial epithets, insults, slurs, threats, jokes, intimidation, or utterances of any kind will not be tolerated.
- Viewpoints about race should be expressed within a respectful setting with the goal of learning of experiences other than one’s own. Respectful conversations about race meant to produce growth in understanding are welcomed and encouraged; however, it is imperative that mutual respect remain at the core of these conversations. Members of the UVF community come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences and may hold varying viewpoints on any topic, including race. All members of the UVF community are encouraged to show empathy and support of one another when the topic of race arises.
- Through educational efforts, we seek to create and implement strategies to increase racial and ethnic competency among campus members and to develop a healthy, racially diverse campus culture.
- UVF will respond promptly and firmly to all acts with racist intent. Students are encouraged to report incidents of racism to the Student Life Office immediately. Residence Life Directors and/or members of the Diversity Committee will gather information from all parties involved. The Vice President of Student Life will take action to resolve the issue in a fair and just manner. Language or acts of racist intent will be considered Level 2 infractions; serious or repeated language or acts of racist intent will be considered Level 3 infractions according to the University’s Disciplinary Process.
Statement on Human Sexuality and Gender Identity
As a community of believers in Christ, we have faith in the redeeming and sanctifying work of God in all areas of our lives. The University of Valley Forge is endorsed by and committed to the doctrinal statements of the General Council of the Assemblies of God, rooted in Evangelical, Holiness, and Pentecostal traditions, and we align with our parent organization regarding interpretation of Scripture. Our ultimate goal is to recognize that our true identity is in Christ and our daily thoughts and actions give us opportunity to live out redeemed identity. We believe as we commit our lives to God, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to grow in our faith, compassionately care for and lead others to Christ, and be good stewards of all of our resources, including sexuality.
We believe God created humans to love and worship Him above all else (Deut. 6:5) so that everything we are and everything we do falls under His Lordship. We are His people. So, as we consider our human sexuality, we strive to honor and serve Him, above our own desires. Our sex and sexuality is not an end in itself but is something God created for His purpose. We understand our beliefs may be contrary to other worldviews and we do not seek to antagonize or disrespect those whose views differ from our interpretation. Since the University of Valley Forge is a Christian university, guided by the above principles, members of this community are expected to live congruently with the Scriptural teachings of our heritage. We further expect this community of believers to extend grace and care as we strive to honor God in all we do and say
We believe God created two distinct sexes, male and female (Genesis 1:27; Matt. 19:4-5), and our sexuality is a gift from God reflecting who we are as humans, designed for His purpose to do the good work He has called us to do. We regard sex at birth as the identification of a person’s biological sex and do not support attempts to alter one’s birth sex in favor of an opposite psychological gender. This statement is not meant to reflect those rare situations concerning congenital disorders of sex development.
We believe God designed sexual intimacy to be expressed solely within a marriage between a male and female (1 Cor. 6:9, 16-20) and sexual intimacy outside of that marital relationship, as recorded in Scripture, violated the will of God. We do not support acts of sexual behavior (opposite-sex or same-sex) other than those that occur in legal marriage between a male and female.
Our commitment is to live in ways that guide us towards holiness, whether we are unmarried or married. Our sexuality, expressed through sexual abstinence for single persons and sexual faithfulness in marriage, allows us to bring honor and glory to God.
We do not support behavior whereby personal desire, satisfaction, and/or dominance (such as pornography, lust, exhibitionism, sexting, sex trafficking, etc.) supersedes care for others and service to God.
Persons in our community may have had experiences that cause them to struggle in maintaining sexual purity or faithfulness, experience same-sex attraction, or question their biological sex or psychological gender. These experiences may have led to internal conflict and external behavior that is incongruent with the biblical standards. But this is not the end of the story. We serve a God who redeems our sexuality and who invites us to trust Him with our whole beings. For those whose beliefs align with these Christian teachings and community standards, the University of Valley Forge can be a place of healing and restoration. We seek to care for persons in ways that convey respect, concern, support, and accountability.
Interpersonal Conflict and Disputes
While harmony is a hallmark of the Christian community, conflicts do occur. UVF desires to assist all members of the University community in the resolution of personal disputes. When facing a dispute, community members are encouraged to remain calm and seek the Lord regarding the issue. Persons are strongly encouraged to seek to resolve the dispute first with the other person(s) involved (Matthew 18:15-17 model). Should you be unable to resolve the matter with them it would be appropriate to ask an objective person to hear the dispute and provide some guidance. In disputes involving two students, an objective person could be a Resident Assistant, Residence Director, Director of Campus Life, a staff member or a faculty member. If the dispute involves a student and a University department it is always appropriate to ask a supervisor to consider your dispute if you were unable to resolve it with the person involved. The matter may eventually be referred to one of the University administrators who are available to help resolve disputes in their areas of responsibility. If you are unclear regarding the steps you should take to resolve disputes the Vice President of Student Life is available to listen and provide some avenues for how to proceed.
Grievances
A grievance is defined as an issue related to a perceived academic or nonacademic injustice, whereby a student believes that he/she has been dealt with unfairly or in a way that violates established laws, rules, polices, or procedures by an employee or employees of the University. The University’s full Student Grievance Policy is available on the website at valleyforge.edu under Consumer Information. The Student Grievance Petition Form allows students to submit a formal grievance to the University for investigation. Students are asked to review in detail the University’s Student Grievance Policy before submitting the form.
Response to University Personnel
A prompt, respectful, and cooperative response to requests for information or to meet with University personnel, including Campus Security officers, is required and greatly appreciated. Students are required to respond within 48 hours to all email or phone requests for information. Students who fail to cooperate or respond inappropriately to a request are subject to disciplinary action, which may include a fine.
Personal Expression
The right to free expression is limited not only by general community concerns, but also by individual needs and biblical standards. Sensitivity to the rights, needs and concerns of others should be evident in all public areas, including the library, classrooms, residence halls, athletic areas, lounges, Dining Commons and campus grounds. Vulgar or coarse language, coarse joking, obscenity, lying, gossip, passing rumors, verbal abuse, racial slurs, intimidation and the like are prohibited on campus, off campus, and in online venues such as social media, email, gaming, etc.
Interruptions and Disturbances
Senseless acts that damage or destroy resources are not tolerated. Willful acts of disruption in class, chapel services, or the day-to-day business of the University are prohibited. Such acts include but are not limited to: failure to comply with the directives of University officials; false reports of fire or other dangerous conditions; creation of a fire hazard or other dangerous condition; activities or actions that interfere with campus safety, civility, or environmental health.
Hazing and Pranks
Hazing, defined as an act which endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, or which destroys or removes public or private property, for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in, a group or organization, is strictly prohibited. Disciplinary action will be pursued if students are involved in hazing. Similarly, pranks that cause harm to persons or property are also illegal and strictly prohibited. Because the appropriateness of a particular act may be difficult to gauge, students are discouraged from participating in pranks. Consequences may include a verbal or written warning, a fine or other disciplinary sanction as appropriate.
Alcohol and Tobacco
The purchase, possession, transportation, consumption, or distribution of intoxicating beverages, tobacco or paraphernalia (pipes, hookahs, electronic cigarettes or recreational vaporizers) in any form is prohibited. For those under 21 years of age, consumption of alcohol is also a crime according to the laws of the State of Pennsylvania. In light of the University’s concern regarding alcohol consumption, students are not permitted to be employed as bartenders. This standard applies both on and off campus and is to be followed the entire time an individual is enrolled or living at UVF, including weekends, breaks and summer. Students who have been convicted under State or Federal law involving the possession or sale of a controlled substance, are ineligible for federal student aid for specific periods ranging from one year to an indefinite period depending on the nature of the offense and whether the student is a repeat offender.
Substance Abuse
UVF complies with the Drug Free Schools and Communities act. The use, abuse, or unauthorized use of all controlled substances, illegal or prohibited drugs and non-medical narcotics or hallucinogenic drugs, and the possession of drug paraphernalia is prohibited. Students who possess, distribute, purchase, illegally manufacture, and/or use narcotics (including medical marijuana, the misuse, abuse, or unauthorized use of prescription drugs or other non-controlled substances, Salvia, any form of hallucinogens, etc.) or other intoxicants, or who otherwise violate this policy are subject to disciplinary action. Federal laws prohibit marijuana use, possession, and /or cultivation at educational institutions. There is no exception for medically prescribed marijuana or any product containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in any of its forms or their derivatives; therefore, the use, possession, or cultivation of marijuana for any purposes, including medical, is not allowed. A first offense violation of this policy includes a range of responses up to dismissal from the University. The University will cooperate with law enforcement agencies in responding to illegal drug possession.
Notification of a History of Addictions
Students who have a history of addiction to alcohol, tobacco, drug abuse, pornography, or other potentially life-controlling issues are strongly encouraged to discuss the matter with their Residence Director. The purpose of the conversation is to promote accountability and to determine if resources are available to assist the student.
Discrimination
Discrimination of any type (e.g. racism, sexism, ageism) will not be tolerated.
Criminal Activity
Members of the UVF community are required to conform to all local, State and Federal laws. Students who are arrested for any reason (misdemeanor or felony at the City, State or Federal level) are required to notify the Student Life Office immediately. The University will cooperate with local authorities when it becomes aware that a law may have been broken. The University may pursue disciplinary action when students are suspected of unlawful behavior regardless of the status of criminal or civil proceedings.
Knowing Presence
A “knowing presence contribution” is defined as: behaviors, active or passive, which fail to confront or correct the misconduct of fellow community members. Students who choose to remain in the vicinity when one or more violations are occurring are choosing to accept the consequences of that decision. Anyone who creates an opportunity or encourages another person to violate regulations may be deemed as responsible as the actual perpetrator and may be subject to the same sanctions.
Emotional Health
It is not unusual for students to experience difficult circumstances during their college career. Whether it is a relationship breakup, stress, depression, past trauma, or even the death of a loved one, professional counseling or pastoral guidance is sometimes needed. Students in difficulty are encouraged to contact the Health and Wellness Center which will provide referrals to qualified professional counselors through the Counseling Center. Limited funds are available to assist students with the cost of these services. Students who have been diagnosed with a serious mental health disorder or are consistently seeing a mental health professional are also requested to inform the Student Life Office so that support can be provided as necessary. Students with a history of eating disorders, abusive relationships, or who have experienced any other trauma are encouraged to seek helpful and supportive resources by contacting a Residence Director. In some instances, a student may be asked to commit to and sign a Wellness Contract. The Wellness Contract will outline specific steps the student will take, under the guidance of Residence Life staff, to encourage his or her well being and health. The contract may include such elements as regular counseling appointments, regular meetings with the University nurse, outside medical care, pastoral mentoring, keeping an eating log or journal, suspension of leadership, athletics or extracurricular activities for a specific length of time, etc.
On rare occasions, a student may be required to leave UVF for a period of time in order to receive appropriate medical care. Students not actively attending classes or chapel are subject to involuntary withdrawal from the University if it is determined that they are suffering from severe emotional distress, and as a result of that distress, engage in or threaten to engage in behavior that may cause harm to themselves or to others, or that proves disruptive to the University community. Any attempt, verbal or physical, toward ending one’s own life will result in notification of local law enforcement authorities and/or mental health authorities. Residence Life personnel will also intervene by providing support, and when appropriate, will require students to sign a contract against harm. The student who has withdrawn will be permitted to return to the University only after the issue that led to the withdrawal has been successfully dealt with and a support plan has been developed by the student’s counselor or physician and agreed to by the Vice President of Student Life.
Public Intimacy
Respect for others limits the settings in which physical intimacy can occur. Discretion in the display of affection is expected in public places, including all lounges. Displays of affection that could place another person in a compromising situation or cause offense or embarrassment are prohibited. Lap sitting, resting one’s head on the lap of another person, and extended periods of hugging or kissing are not appropriate in public. In addition, students should refrain from posting pictures or videos online that portray images described in this section.
Sexual Immorality
Members of the University community are required to refrain from all forms of sexual immorality including, but not limited to, any form of pornography, promiscuity, homosexuality, pre-marital sex, adultery, rape, sexual violence and abuse, public nudity, contact of intimate parts above or below clothing, sharing sexual images of oneself or others and other forms of sexual misconduct. Furthermore, the use of University telephone or computer equipment or personal computer to access pornographic sites, services, databases, or talk radio stations is prohibited. Actions which infer sexual immorality, such as ‘hooking up’ or ‘sleeping together’ or ‘living together’ are also prohibited.
Pregnancy is one possible result of sexual behavior. Students should know that the University of Valley Forge sincerely supports any student who finds herself pregnant and chooses to seek help in carrying out the pregnancy. The University strongly believes in the sanctity of human life and that all persons are made in the image of God and is opposed to elective abortion as a means to terminate an unwanted pregnancy. Any student faced with such a decision is greatly encouraged to see their Residence Director for help and support.
Sexual Harassment and Misconduct
The University of Valley Forge is committed to maintaining an environment conducive to learning for all students and a professional workplace for its employees and takes active measures against all discrimination, discriminatory harassment, and sexual harassment, including sexual misconduct and violence.
Sexual harassment means conduct on the basis of sex that satisfies one or more of the following:
- An employee of the university conditioning the provision of an aid, benefit, or service of the university on an individual’s participation in unwelcome sexual conduct;
- Unwelcome conduct determined by a reasonable person to be so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the university’s education program or activity. Other forms of sexual misconduct are also forms of sexual harassment:
- Sexual assault means an offense classified as a forcible or non-forcible sex offense under the uniform crime reporting system of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
- Sex offense means any sexual act directed against another person, without the consent of the victim, including instances where the victim is incapable of giving consent.
- Fondling—The touching of the private body parts of another person for the purpose of sexual gratification, without the consent of the victim, including instances where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of his/her age or because of his/her temporary or permanent mental incapacity.
- Incest—Sexual intercourse between persons who are related to each other within the degrees wherein marriage is prohibited by law.
- Statutory Rape—Sexual intercourse with a person who is under the statutory age of consent.
- Rape: The penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent of the victim.
- Consent means words or overt actions by a person who is competent to give informed consent indicating freely given agreement to have sexual intercourse or sexual contact.
- Silence is not a guarantee of consent.
- Consent to one activity or one event in time does not imply consent to future sexual actions.
- In order to give consent, one must be of legal age.
- A person cannot give consent when they are mentally or physically incapacitated.
- Dating violence means violence committed by a person— A. who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim; and B. where the existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on a consideration of the following factors: i. The length of the relationship. ii. The type of relationship. iii. The frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship.
- Domestic violence includes felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence committed by a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the victim, by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, by a person who is cohabitating with or has cohabitated with the victim as a spouse or intimate partner, by a person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction receiving grant monies, or by any other person against an adult or youth victim who is protected from that person’s acts under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction.
- Stalking means engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to— A. fear for his or her safety or the safety of others; or B. suffer substantial emotional distress.
Any member of the University community may report complaints of sexual harassment, including sexual misconduct, to the Title IX Coordinator. Any form of sexual harassment is unacceptable for any member of the University community, including faculty, staff, and students.
More information about Title IX, the Title IX Coordinator, and UVF’s Title IX Care Team, including contact information and how to make a report, may be found in the Title IX Appendix at the back of this publication, and on the University’s website at valleyforge. edu, Title IX.
General Expectations
It is expected that all UVF community members will avoid the following behaviors:
Lying
Misrepresentation
Forgery
Forgery, alteration or misuse of campus documents, records, or identification, or knowingly furnishing false information to University officials.
Unauthorized Use
Unauthorized entry into, unauthorized use of, or misuse of property in the possession of, or owned by, the University or a member of the University community.
Vandalism
Unauthorized alteration of property from its original condition, placement and/or presentation, including graffiti, paint, alteration to landscaping, etc.
Theft
Attempted or actual theft of and/or damage to property of the University or property of a member of the University community or other public or private property.
Failure to Evacuate
Failure to evacuate a campus building immediately upon the sound of an alarm, or failure to follow specific prescribed procedures, including the on-site directives of a campus representative.
Breaching Security Systems
The University is not and will not be responsible for any damage, injury, or other harm of any nature whatsoever to any person or to the property of any person who deliberately disables, circumvents, compromises, or otherwise interferes with any of the University’s security systems, equipment, protocols, policies, or any other security measures of any kind.
These behavioral standards are for all students for the entire time they are enrolled here.
Entertainment Standards
The University of Valley Forge encourages students to think seriously about the moral and philosophical implications of the media they consume. Questionable entertainment and activities, including those that diminish a person’s moral sensitivity, are to be avoided. If any person present is uncomfortable with the content of the entertainment, all persons present should respect that person and resist from viewing or listening to the material. As a general rule, entertainment that contains consistent non-biblical values and conduct such as, profanity, sexual themes, gratuitous violence, etc. is discouraged. This standard applies to all entertainment including live theater, television, movies, videos, video games, radio, concerts, music, social media sites, websites, etc.
The University recognizes that students must learn to exercise discretion without relying solely on the entertainment industry’s secular rating standards. However, students are expected to cooperate with the following standards on and off campus.
Movies and other Media
- Students are permitted to view movies and other media with the rating up to “PG13” and “TV14”. Students are not permitted to keep or view movies that are rated “R”, “TVMA”, or higher.
- Non-rated movies or other media that have “R” ratings or “TVMA” (or higher) content are also not permitted.
Music
Gaming
- Games with an “Adult Only” rating are not permissible. All games should be played at low volumes and should not be heard outside of a student’s residence hall room. All forms of gambling are prohibited.
- Students should be aware that some games with lower ratings may not be permitted due to content.
Dancing
Any dancing in social settings such as clubs, bars and lounges is not permitted. This does not prohibit modest dancing at appropriate non-UVF sponsored events and cultural settings such as family celebrations or formal occasions such as weddings and balls. Performance or athletic choreography is permitted by students involved in public presentation of drama, music and cultural performances as well as scheduled classes.
Movie Copyright Laws
Viewing a movie in a Residence Hall lounge is permissible as long as the gathering is not advertised publicly or admission is charged.
Appearance Standards
The Bible establishes a number of principles that bear upon appearance decisions including: modesty that we may not offend others (I Cor. 8), avoiding a preoccupation with clothing (Matt. 6:25-33), emphasizing the care and beauty of the inner person rather than outer adornment (1 Tim. 2:9; 1 Peter 3:3-5), and respecting others (Romans 12:10). Furthermore, neatness, cleanliness and appropriateness are qualities appreciated by roommates, spouses and coworkers. Appropriate dress in chapel respects the Lord and the worship experience. This is especially true in the attire of participants in the chapel service. Dressing for class encourages a readiness in students to learn and respects the preparation of the faculty member.
Because people have different perspectives regarding the concepts of modesty and appropriateness, the University has established appearance guidelines for all community members, including resident spouses and children. Students are encouraged to strive for excellence and to exceed minimum expectations in all areas, including dress. Because these are community standards, members of the faculty, staff, administration and even other students will confront students if their appearance is in violation of the appearance standards.
Students are typically provided a warning (first offense) or a fine if they are found to be out of appearance standards in public. Students are encouraged to carefully evaluate their appearance prior to entering a public place.
Appearance Standards are as follows: (These apply at all times when in public.)
- Attire must be neat, clean and modest.
- Footwear is required.
- Hair must be kept neat, clean and well groomed.
- Shirts are required at all times.
- Tops must have a minimum of a 1-1/2 inch strap or sleeve.
- Dresses, skirts, and shorts must be modest in cut and length.
- Pants and leggings must be clean, neat, and modest.
- Head coverings (hats, hoods, etc.) may not be worn in class or Chapel.
- Inappropriate attire includes: clothing that is torn (ask a Residence Director for a further description), grubby, too-tight, provocative, exposes torso, midriff or back, undergarments, advertises/displays items contrary to University policies or Christian beliefs; pajama pants or sweat pants with writing on the back.
- Students are not permitted to obtain any brandings, self piercings, or self tattoos.
- Ear, nose or other piercings, and ear gauges should be modest.
- If participating in an organized sporting event (“shirts and skins”), men may not be required to wear a shirt.
- The Student Life Office reserves the right to determine what is modest.
It is to be understood that some clothing styles that look modest on one person may not be modest on another. Any student with questions related to appearance standards is invited to ask a Residence Director.
Banquet and Formal Event Attire
Chapel Platform Attire
Chapel platform attire should be professional, neat, clean modest, and ironed.
