Code of Conduct – Shiloh University

Shiloh University is a Christian school. As such, faculty, staff, and students are expected to uphold the University’s statement of faith and to behave in a manner reflective of the Gospel of Christ.

Course Conduct and Etiquette

Academic engagement requires a commitment to respecting the opinions of others, remaining open minded to new perspectives, and consistently using personal values to guide decisions. This is not to say that all views are equal—nor that they are all valid. Nevertheless, the ability to thoughtfully and respectfully engage in differing viewpoints is an important aspect of academic growth.

The following netiquettes apply in discussion forum participation and all papers written for Shiloh University:

If you feel the need to agree or disagree with the instructor, your classmates, or the course materials, do so respectfully by acknowledging the valid points in their arguments.
Acknowledge that everyone is entitled to have his or her own perspective on the issue.
Refrain from using the online classroom as your platform to advocate special causes.
Avoid angry, sarcastic, or defensive tones. Instead, use a polite and indirect approach when addressing confronting remarks.
Avoid judging people or their work, even if you strongly disagree with their position – remember that “with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you” (Matt. 7:2).

In order to ensure that Shiloh University courses provide a safe and positive learning environment, students and faculty are expected to be respectful of each other. Any of the following may be grounds for formal warning and possible dismissal:

Failure to maintain a respectful attitude in University courses and communications.
Engaging in conduct that is deemed disruptive to the learning of others.
Making defamatory statements that deliberately misrepresent others.
Promotion of an attitude or lifestyle that is contrary to the Scriptures and the University’s Statement of Faith.

Harassment or Discrimination

Shiloh University is a multicultural community sharing the Christian affirmation of the absolute God-given worth and dignity of each individual. The affirmation is expressed in the policy of the University to forbid harassment or discrimination based on gender, race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental handicap, disability, or military status.

The University affirms that racially-motivated acts of discrimination are contrary to the Christian faith. The University affirms that all forms of discrimination and harassment diminish the dignity and impede the academic freedom of members of the University community. The University is committed to providing and maintaining a positive learning and working environment, free of discrimination and harassment for all students, staff, faculty, and other members of the University community.

Sexual Harassment, Abuse, or Assault

It is Shiloh University’s policy to provide students and employees with an environment for learning and working that is free of sexual harassment. All students and employees are entitled to be treated with dignity and respect.

University administrators are responsible for assuring that effective measures are taken to implement this policy’s procedures. It is a violation of this policy for any member of the University to engage in verbal or physical sexual harassment. It is a violation of this policy for any member of the University community to make an intentionally false accusation of sexual harassment. Any person who has been accused of sexual harassment pursuant to the terms of this policy who retaliates against his or her accuser in any manner will be charged with violating this policy as well.

Sexual Abuse and Assault Awareness

During Student Orientation, students will be provided with the following information regarding the prevention and reporting of Sexual Abuse and Assault.

What to do if You Are Assaulted

Get to a place where you are safe from further attack.
Call the police immediately. The police will help even if you choose not to prosecute.
Call a friend or family member for support.
Don’t bathe or douche as this will be washing away valuable evidence.
Get medical attention immediately. The primary reason is to check for physical injury. However, the medical examination also provides physical evidence for legal proceedings.
Save the clothing you were wearing at the time of the assault.

Counseling and Education/Prevention

The following options are available for counseling as well for education and prevention information.

Iowa
Iowa Department of Public Health Your Life Iowa
https://www.yourlifeiowa.org/
(855) 581-8111

Iowa Coalition Against Sexual Assault
http://www.iowacasa.org/
Sexual Abuse Hotline: (800) 284-7821
Sexual Violence Prevention
https://www.iowacasa.org/resources

National
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)
(800) 656 HOPE (4673)
Safety and Prevention
https://www.rainn.org/safety-prevention

Center for Changing our Campus Culture
Victim Services/Advocates
http://changingourcampus.org/category/victim-services/

University Responsibility:

Any member of the University community including students, faculty, or staff; who believes that he or she has experienced sexual assault or abuse or who witnesses what he or she believes to be sexual assault or abuse should contact the Vice President of Academics.

At the request of the victim, the University will assist in notifying the appropriate law enforcement agency.
The University is obligated to notify the local police department anytime it becomes aware of an incident involving sexual abuse or assault.
The University will work with local agencies to provide support services and counseling for the victim of the assault or abuse.
The University will investigate all assault complaints and resolve them in accordance with University policy.
After review of the information resulting from the investigation, the Vice President of Academics will decide upon the appropriate action to be taken from an academic standpoint.
Specific details regarding any action to be taken against the individual who was the object of the assault or abuse complaint will remain confidential.

Failure on the part of the any member of the University faculty or staff to report a complaint to the Vice President of Academics will result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Employee Disciplinary procedures:

No disciplinary actions will be rendered until a thorough investigation of the alleged offense has been completed.
Violations of laws and University policies and regulations regarding rape or sexual offenses will be subject to prosecution through both legal and civil authorities, and the appropriate employee disciplinary procedures. The range of university penalties shall include but are not limited to one or more of the following: counseling, reprimand, suspension, or termination.
Employees accused of rape or a sexual offense are entitled to avail themselves of the appropriate grievance process for their category of employment. Information on grievance processes is available from the Human Resources Office. The university procedures guarantee that both the accuser and the accused shall be informed of the disposition of the sexual assault complaint, the accuser and the accused will be treated with dignity, courtesy, and professionalism, and that while the offense must be reported
according to federal reporting mandates and Iowa law, the victim’s right to
choose the course of action to be or not to be taken will be upheld.

Definitions

Work, for the purposes of this policy, means employment-related activities carried out by University employees and University-sponsored activities carried out by volunteers.

Member of the University community means student or employee or an alumnus or volunteer involved in any University-sponsored activity.

Sexual Assault or Abuse is defined as unwelcome and unsolicited conduct of a physical sexual nature by a member of the University community of the opposite sex or same sex. It may include the following:

Date Rape
Acquaintance rape
Forcible sexual offenses
Non-forcible sexual offences
Offensive or abusive physical sexual contact

Non-Academic Dismissal

Individuals who violate the University’s stated Code of Conduct will be disciplined and potentially subjected to further corrective action up to and including termination or expulsion. Therefore, Shiloh University expects that all relationships among students, staff, faculty, and other members of the University community will be free of discrimination and harassment.

SU’s graduate programs aim to equip men and women for impacting culture, changing lives, and furthering the advance of God’s kingdom.

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