Expectations and Consequences

Because of our concern for the overall health, well-being, and spiritual growth of our students, violations of community standards are seen as an opportunity for dialogue and to support changes in behavior. It is our hope that your relationships at Bethel will be healthy and contribute to the good of others.

The choices you make will have consequences. We encourage you to make choices that contribute to your own holiness and wholeness as a growing Christian person. The following illustrations are provided to highlight some specific aspects of our community standards:

• Social dancing is permitted on the Bethel campus and at off-campus Bethel events when sponsored by the Bethel Student Association Student Activities Board and approved by the Office of Student Life. No dances may be held in the residence halls. Pursuant to educational and developmental programs, certain aspects of folk and ethnic dance, aerobic exercise and movement, and the use of choreography in the theatre and musical productions may be considered appropriate. The complete policy is available in the Office of Student Life.
• Gambling is not permitted on- or off-campus. Examples of gambling include, but are not limited to, gambling money in a casino and playing games or cards for money (i.e. poker). Violations of this policy will result in consequences which may include a behavioral contract, probation, or suspension.
• The use of tobacco in any form is not permitted on- or off-campus. Examples of tobacco include, but are not limited to, cigarettes, clove or herbal cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and pipe tobacco. Violations of this policy will result in consequences which may include a behavioral contract, probation, or suspension.

• Students of the opposite sex are not to spend the night together in private spaces or live together. This policy applies both on and off campus. There is no way we can provide for you every possible scenario that could be defined as cohabitation. However, here are some guidelines:

  • Couples or groups should not be in compromising situations—in bed together even during daytime hours, while overnight camping, staying overnight in hotel rooms, or in coed living arrangements. 
  • Excessive violations of visitation hours may be considered as cohabitation. Students involved in cohabitation situations may be suspended for up to a week, and they must discontinue the violation in question.
• Sexual relationships outside of marriage are a violation of biblical standards, the Bethel Covenant, and community standards. Students involved in these behaviors will be placed on behavioral probation and may be suspended for up to seven days. Continued incidents may result in dismissal.
• If you are in possession of or are using alcohol, you will be subject to a suspension from campus for up to seven days. Such suspensions may occur on the first offense. 
• Hosting a party where alcohol and/or drugs are available is a serious offense. A suspension of up to 14 days may be the consequence. 
• Providing alcohol to a minor is illegal and will result in a suspension of up to 14 days, in addition to any legal consequences.
• Possession and/or use of illegal substances will result in a suspension of up to 14 days and, in some circumstances, may result in dismissal from the university, in addition to any legal consequences. Chemical assessment and/or treatment may be required. Sale of illegal drugs will result in dismissal from Bethel and will be reported to the local authorities.
• Repeat violations will merit increasingly serious consequences. Suspensions and dismissals are possible sanctions at any time for violations of community standards at Bethel and for first offenses if deemed appropriate.
• See more information regarding Bethel's non-disciplinary policies.