5.1 - Crown College Community and Care
5.1.1 - Conflict Resolution
As believers in Christ committed one to another, we encourage all students having difficulty with a fellow student to provide constructive feedback privately and directly to that person if you are comfortable doing so. When meeting with the person, we encourage you to take the following steps:
1. State the constructive purpose for your feedback - if you have no constructive purpose then do not meet.
2. Describe specifically what you have observed - what the behavior has created for you, others, and/or the College as a whole.
3. Describe your reactions - how it affects you, makes you feel.
4. Give the other person an opportunity to respond - this makes it a two-way conversation.
5. Offer specific suggestions - include what you have prepared ahead of time with anything gained from the other person’s response.
6. Summarize and express support - review what will happen from this day forth and help the person know you will help in any way possible.
If meeting with the individual is not comfortable for you or does not provide restoration and/or resolution, your next course of action would be to inform your RA, Area Coordinator/Resident Director or other trusted professional employee of the College to ask for assistance in mediating the conflict. We wholly trust and believe that by following these basic Biblical principles, God will provide restoration of the relationship, as well as personal and spiritual growth.
5.1.2 - Entertainment
Each student is expected to live according to the Crown College Community Covenant. Consequently, Crown students commit themselves to use discernment in abstaining from activities that are morally offensive or degrading. This includes movies, television shows, video games, internet usage, and any other form of entertainment, including recreational and social activities. Tangible evidence of maturing Christian convictions and discernment is exercising careful judgment based on Scriptural standards when making choices in leisure activities (1 Cor. 10:23, Phil. 4:8, Col. 3:1-17). We will hold each other accountable to these commitments (Galatians 6:1, Matthew 18).
Crown College reserves the right to prohibit movies of any or no rating if their content is contrary to the Crown College Community Covenant and the College’s Mission and policies. Crown College faculty or staff members may use their discretion in showing any movie with an R rating or below on campus for educational purposes. All community members are expected to abstain from NC-17 and X-rated movies and Adults Only 18+ games (on and off campus).
Crown College prohibits the public showing of movies in common areas without the proper license in accordance with copyright law.
5.1.3 - Dress Statement - Modesty Guidelines
“Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God - even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good, but the good of many.” 1 Corinthians 10:31-33
Using Scripture as our point of reference, we find definite principles for Christian living which apply to dress. The spirit of this standard of dress would incorporate the following Biblical principles: desire to glorify God in everything, responsibility to fellow Christians, consideration of others and sensitivity that we not offend in any way, and reflection of our personal standards as “new creatures in Christ.” When attending classes or college activities, relaxing, or exercising on the College campus, students are asked to respect their fellow community members by dressing modestly and appropriately at all times.
For class, Chapel, and in public buildings, always wear shoes. The classroom and offices are your places of work and business. Wear shirts in all public places, indoors and out. Avoid abbreviated shorts and tops. Please use discretion in choosing your attire. Clothing with profane messages or themes that are inconsistent with Crown’s Mission and Values should not be worn on campus.
Individual faculty members, administrators, and staff members have the prerogative to set classroom attire, as does a supervisor. Students are expected to adhere to any additional guidelines regarding attire specified by an instructor for his or her class or by a supervisor.
5.1.4 - Pornography
Pornography is pervasive in our society and is one of the more addictive and destructive forces impacting young men and women. Statistically, a high percentage of college students will have been exposed to pornography prior to their first year at college. Given the immoral, addictive, and destructive nature of pornography, students should refrain from using, possessing, distributing, or purchasing pornography, pornographic materials, or materials that objectify men or women in any way. This includes but is not limited to, internet sites, movies and television programs, video games, print materials (books, magazines, comic books, photographs), and posters. This includes the use of the College’s computing and networking resources in the viewing or communicating of inappropriate materials in any form.
We encourage students who struggle with addiction to pornography to seek support, guidance, wise counsel and accountability from pastors, counselors, mentors, and peers. Student Development Staff are prepared to help and support students who struggle with pornography.
5.1.5 - Human Sexuality and Gender Identity
As reflected in Crown College’s Statement of Faith, the Old and New Testament are a complete revelation of God’s will for the salvation of men and the divine and only rule of Christian faith and practice. Accordingly, Crown upholds that sexual intimacy is a gift of God to be expressed exclusively within marriage between one woman and one man. [Genesis 2: 20-25; Matthew 19: 1-6]. Engaging in sexual intimacy outside the covenant marriage relationship, such as premarital sex, adultery, or same-sex sexual intimacy is unacceptable for members of the Crown College Community. [Matthew 19: 1-12; Romans 1: 26-27; 1 Corinthians 6: 9-10;].
We uphold that creation of humanity in two distinct genders, male and female, was and is God’s original and continuing intent. [Genesis 1: 26-28; Matthew 19: 1-12; Ephesians 5: 1-5; Colossians 3: 5; 1 Thessalonians 4: 3] We do not uphold the adoption of a gender identity opposite of one’s biological gender at birth. Nor do we uphold attempting to change one’s biological birth gender by medical means. Because of our beliefs and guidance from God’s word, we require and expect each member of our community to embrace and live in alignment with his or her birth sex. This includes, but is not limited to, using facilities in accordance with one’s birth sex.
We pledge to offer kindness, concern and care to all students, staff and faculty in their desire to live consistently with Christian principles. All members of the Crown College community are expected to treat each other with Christ-like compassion. First and foremost, we will hold each other accountable and help each other grow in Christ, and despite personal struggles, discern how to walk righteously with Him.
This Crown College policy regarding human sexuality and gender identity is rooted in our faith and belief in God, in His inerrant Word, and is reflected in our century old religious identity and affiliation with the Christian and Missionary Alliance. Institutional decisions including but not limited to student admission, housing and retention and employee hiring and retention will be made based on adoption of and adherence to this policy in conduct and belief.
5.1.6 - Pregnancy Policy
Scripture urges believers to seek wise and godly counsel when faced with significant or difficult life choices. Therefore, should a Crown College student become pregnant while unmarried, she is encouraged to communicate with Student Development and/or the Counseling Center. The College wants to assist those involved in an unplanned pregnancy while at Crown to consider the options available to them within the Christian moral framework. These include marriage of the parents, single parenthood, or offering the child for adoption.
Student Development personnel stand ready to help those involved as they consider the meaning of their actions, deal with the consequences, and experience the forgiveness that comes from repentance. The College is committed to responding in a redemptive manner, seeking to balance compassion with accountability. Students can be expected to be treated with Christian love as they deal with their new circumstances.
Every effort will be made to ensure confidentiality, but the life and health of the mother and child and the spiritual well-being of the parents and the Crown College community are the primary concerns. Continuation of on-campus residency and/or enrollment as a student at Crown College will be considered as to what is best for all those involved.
5.1.7 - Coordinated Care Committee
At times students may experience special circumstances and personal areas of challenge and concern that require specific attention and support. These circumstances include danger to self and others, personal events (i.e., bereavement, witness to or victim of a crime, accident, health crisis, etc.), persistent behavioral patterns (i.e., eating disorders, self-injury, addiction, risky private and social involvements, etc.), and other activities such as matters of school discipline, academic issues, and inappropriate involvement by a student in other settings. In these cases, Student Development may form a Coordinated Care Committee to better serve and support the identified student.
The purpose of the Coordinated Care Committee is to ensure the student’s well-being and success in the Crown College community with support and encouragement through Crown College student services. A Coordinated Care Committee will be formed with the student’s knowledge and consent. In some circumstances, compliance with the Coordinated Care Committee may be required to remain a student in good standing at the College. The Coordinated Care Committee members will be representatives from Student Development and Counseling Center. Other faculty, staff and outside resources that are involved with the student (coaching staff, internship supervisor, employer, and academic advisor) may be asked to serve on the Coordinated Care Committee at the student’s request or the committee’s discretion. The Coordinated Care Committee may set goals for and monitor student progress; advocate for the student socially, academically, and spiritually; and recommend services and support available to the student from outside resources. The student will be informed by an appointed committee member of what is discussed in the Coordinated Care Committee meetings and will also be informed when the committee is disbanded because the student no longer needs support.
In an emergency, the College reserves the right to activate a Coordinated Care Committee without the consent of the student.
5.1.8 - Involuntary Medical Withdrawal
Crown College provides a range of support services to address the medical and mental health needs of students within the context of the campus community. On occasion, students may experience medical or psychological health conditions requiring a level of care that exceeds what the College has resources to provide. In such circumstances, some students may be advised to consider a voluntary withdrawal. In situations where a student is unable or unwilling to carry out substantial self-care obligations or presents a substantial risk of self-harm or harm to others, and the student declines to voluntarily withdraw, the decision whether to impose an involuntary withdrawal will be made by the Individualized Risk Assessment Team. The student may appeal this decision in writing to the Vice President of Student Development within 24 hours of being informed of the outcome.
In the uncommon circumstance that the College considers involuntary medical withdrawal, the Individualized Risk Assessment Team - which includes the Director of Disability Services, Director of Counseling Services, Dean of Students, Coordinator of Student Success, and an Area Coordinator - will convene. The Team will consider each situation on a case-by-case basis, examining multiple risk factors, the nature, duration and severity of the risk, the likelihood that potential harm will occur, and whether accommodations can sufficiently mitigate the risk. The Team may inquire into a student’s current condition, including the request of professional recommendations from attending health professionals.
A member of the Team will notify the student that the College is considering imposing an involuntary withdrawal and the basis for the consideration. The student will have the opportunity to appear before the committee personally or via a representative to provide relevant information. If the student fails to attend the meeting to which s/he has been notified, the Team will proceed toward a decision. In the rare case that a student is removed immediately due to emergency circumstances (as deemed by the College), the Team will still meet to discuss the situation.
5.2 - Student Conduct Policies
5.2.1 - Alcohol, Tobacco, Drugs
Because of the special community nature of the Crown College campus, and our commitment to the Crown College Community Covenant it is the policy that Crown be free of alcohol and illicit drugs. The unlawful use, possession or distribution of alcoholic beverages or illicit drugs by students of Crown is prohibited and violates this policy as well as the College’s standard of conduct. Crown College students who are enrolled will abstain from all possession or use of alcoholic beverages, cannabis (including all forms of marijuana), tobacco, and non-medicinal narcotic or hallucinogenic drugs. Being in the presence of alcohol on campus or the presence of the odor of marijuana on campus may result in disciplinary action and may be referred to law enforcement. All prohibited items, including paraphernalia will be confiscated and discarded.
These policies apply to students while they are under the jurisdiction of the College; that is, while they are enrolled in a College program or residing in College approved housing. They are also required to maintain this standard during the summer, between semesters, and when on break or vacation. Students violating this policy are subject to disciplinary actions up to, and including, dismissal from the College in accordance with College policies and procedures.
The Crown College Counseling and Career Center can provide support for students struggling with drug and alcohol abuse. Referrals may also be made to external organizations providing substance abuse programs as appropriate.
The Difference Between Marijuana and Cannabis
People often use the words “cannabis” and “marijuana” interchangeably, but they don’t mean exactly the same thing.
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The word “marijuana” refers to parts of or products from the plant Cannabis sativa that contain substantial amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the substance that’s primarily responsible for the effects of marijuana on a person’s mental state. Some cannabis plants contain very little THC. Under U.S. law, these plants are considered “industrial hemp” rather than marijuana.
5.2.2 - Hazing
The Crown community has a primary goal of helping one another grow into genuine Christlikeness. Members of the community have covenanted together to promote intentionally supportive, encouraging relationships that are helpful and edifying. Therefore, hazing is not permitted at Crown College.
Hazing is defined as “any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person (whether individually or in concert with other persons) against another person or persons regardless of the willingness of such other person or persons to participate, that (1) is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization (e.g., a club, athletic team, fraternity, or sorority); and (2) causes or creates a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the IHE or the organization, of physical or psychological injury (H.R.5646 - Stop Campus Hazing Act). Hazing can include (but is not limited to) any physical activity that can be deemed dangerous, requiring the consumption of unusual, non-edible items, nudity or degrading dress, “kidnappings,” or any act that may compromise the dignity or cause embarrassment or shame to the targeted student.
Hazing incidents will be investigated and disciplinary action will be taken against any student found to be in violation of this policy per the Disciplinary Procedures Policy. Outcomes may include sanctions for the individual students involved, the organization, or student leaders of the organization.
5.2.3 - Pranks
Pranks that endanger the safety of the Crown Community or have potential to cause damage to Crown property are prohibited. Students found to be responsible for a prank that causes any damage may be subject to disciplinary action, including restitution for any damage to Crown property.
5.2.4 - Living out Kingdom Diversity: Addressing Harm and Restoring Community
Because each individual is created in God’s image, a core value that flows from our Christ-centered mission is that we recognize the dignity and great worth of all people. Incidents and behavior inconsistent with this mission will not be tolerated, such as bias-related incidents and hate crimes. Bias-related incidents can be any physical, spoken, visual or written acts of abuse, harassment, intimidation, vulgarity, or remarks of a personally destructive nature toward another person because of actual or perceived defining characteristics. This can occur whether the act is intentional or unintentional, or is directed toward an individual or group, regarding race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, religion, creed, age, national origin, citizenship status, workers’ compensation status, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other status protected under applicable local, state, or federal law; or any other distinguishing characteristic protected by applicable non-discrimination law.
A hate crime occurs when a bias-related incident involves a criminal act being committed. These crimes may involve, but are not limited to, physical assault, damage to property, bullying, harassment, verbal abuse or insults, or offensive graffiti or letters. Students involved in such incidents or behavior will be subject to discipline according to Minnesota and/or federal law, as well as College policies.
5.2.5 - Noncompliance With Staff
It is our desire that students and staff can work together to help create a safe environment at Crown College. Students are expected to respectfully comply with written and verbal requests by staff members performing the duties of their role at Crown College. This includes reading and responding to communications from Crown College staff members in a timely manner, disclosing identification when asked (including for student’s guests), and being honest through care and conduct processes.
Requests may be made by staff members to address concerns that are not in alignment with the Community Covenant and Campus Student Handbook or are disrupting normal activity of college activities, including classes, athletic events, programs, or other events at Crown College. Students who do not comply with staff requests that are made in performing the duties of their role may face disciplinary action.
5.2.6 - Sexual Assault Policy
Sexual assault conflicts with Crown College’s community standards and is prohibited by law. Therefore, such behavior will not be tolerated, and all reported cases of sexual assault will be taken seriously and investigated promptly. For the more information on Title IX and the full Sexual Misconduct Policy, see the Crown College Title XI webpage.
5.3 - DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES
5.3.1 - Challenge of Discipline
As members of the body of Christ, and as those designated to uphold the community standards of the College, we seek to be people who equally value the Biblical call to truth and justice with the mandate to extend mercy and grace to all people. Justice calls us to hold those accountable who violate community standards and the law of the land. Justice also calls us to protect the innocent. Mercy calls us to see ourselves as fellow sinners in need of God’s grace who encourage the community to remember Christ’s example of offering hope rather than condemnation. Therefore, it is with these mandates held in tension that the College seeks to provide a disciplinary process that values truth and justice while offering hope to individuals who find they need to be restored to the community.
5.3.2 - Goal and Guidelines for Discipline
Community standards of behavior are essential in maintaining order and creating an environment that is conducive to the educational process and personal transformation. As a God-centered community, we are mandated to confront inappropriate behavior with the goal of correction and restoration. To that end, any violation of the law or behavioral standards supported by witnesses and/or evidence will be addressed by faculty/staff. Scripture is the guide for establishing standards of behavior, and Scripture must direct our response to individuals who violate these established standards. In the event of any disciplinary outcome that may exceed a warning, all involved students will have an opportunity to meet with a hearing officer who will hear all perspectives prior to deciding on any disciplinary outcome.
5.3.3 - Disciplinary Actions and Outcomes
While the faculty and staff at Crown College seek to foster growth in students, ideally this growth will also take place with peers holding each other accountable. In most cases, accountability will begin at the level closest to the infraction. Each infraction is handled contextually and may involve the Resident Assistant, Assistant Resident Director, Resident Director, Area Coordinator, Dean of Students, or other trusted members of the community as deemed necessary by the Dean of Students.
The following discipline terms represent the various categories of disciplinary sanctions. Implementation of a student disciplinary decision shall be delayed until final disposition of the case, except in extraordinary circumstances.
Disciplinary Warning - A statement of the regulation is made to the student(s) with an official warning concerning future behavior.
Disciplinary Accountability - Students may be placed on disciplinary accountability for a timeframe between one semester and one year. Students on disciplinary accountability will meet regularly with Student Development Staff for the purpose of ongoing care and support. Students on disciplinary accountability may face an extension of Disciplinary Accountability, Disciplinary Probation, or a Disciplinary Suspension if involved with any further infractions.
Disciplinary Probation - Students may be placed on disciplinary probation for a timeframe between one semester and one year. Students on disciplinary probation may be limited from participation in Student Leadership roles, extracurricular activities (athletics, missions trips, etc.), and will meet regularly with Student Development staff for the purpose of ongoing care and support. Students on Disciplinary Probation may face an extension of Disciplinary Probation, or a Disciplinary Suspension if involved with any further infractions.
Disciplinary Suspension - The student is terminated from the College and restricted from the College premises for the remainder of the semester. Suspensions may also be applied to future semesters. Students dismissed from the College for Student Life reasons, whether before or after the last day to drop classes, will receive grades of W, WP, or WF. (See the Crown College Catalog for more details). In the event a suspended student wants to return as a student, he or she must re-apply to the College.
Disciplinary Expulsion - The student is permanently terminated from the College and restricted from the College premises. Students dismissed from the College for Student Life reasons, whether before or after the last day to drop classes, will receive grades of W, WP, or WF. (See the Crown College Catalog for more details).
5.3.4 - Fines
Crown College reserves the right to fine a student for behavior detrimental to the living environment such as water fights, vandalism, excessive noise, stealing lounge furniture, leaving trash in the hallways, or other disrespectful actions. This policy includes not only residence halls, but other public and shared areas of the campus for commuting and residential students. Discipline problems will be dealt with through the normal Disciplinary Policy and Procedure. Fines may be incurred if the Office of Student Development and/or Residence Life feels it is necessary. Policies are intended to assist the community in smooth operations, to protect the rights of others, and to prevent dangerous or unhealthy situations. As such, students are expected to abide by the policies established in the Student Handbook, the Crown College Catalog, and the Housing Contract. It is hoped these policies will promote common courtesies necessary to live harmoniously in the community.
5.3.5 - Appeals Process
A student has the right to appeal a disciplinary decision made by Student Development staff. Appeals are to be made directly to the VP/SD by submitting a written letter of appeal before 4:30 pm within two days following the student being notified of the disciplinary decision the student is choosing to appeal.
Appeals may only be made on the following grounds:
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New information, not available during the disciplinary process, has become available.
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The disciplinary response taken by Student Development staff is disproportionate to the behavioral violation.
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Disciplinary procedures were not followed as outlined in the disciplinary policy.
Once the Vice President of Student Development receives a written appeal, they will take one of the following actions:
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Deny the appeal if it does not meet the grounds for an appeal.
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Hear the appeal. The Vice-President may then gather information from the student’s file, the staff member who made the initial decision, and by meeting with the student prior to issuing a decision.
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Make a decision based solely on the merits of the appeal as written.
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Refer the appeal to a hearing committee. The Appeals committee will consist of The Vice President of Student Development, one faculty member, one staff member, and one student. Additional members may be added by the Vice-President as deemed necessary.
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Refer the appeal to the Dean of Students. If the disciplinary decision was administered by the Dean of Students, this action will not be considered.
The hearing process will be closed to all other individuals. At the discretion of the Vice President of Student Development/hearing committee, other members of the Crown College campus community may be called on to offer relevant testimony.
The decision of the outcome will be made within two full working days of the appeal hearing and be considered final, whether by the Vice President of Student Development or by the hearing committee. The decision will be communicated to the student appellant and the Dean of Students.
The student appellant will not be eligible to represent the college in any activity while s/he is the subject of an appeal of a disciplinary decision involving suspension or expulsion. Pending final decision of the appeal, the student appellant may continue to attend classes and reside in on campus housing unless the Dean of Students determines that the student’s presence would be detrimental to the health, safety, or welfare of members of the Crown College campus community.
5.4 - Appeal, Grievances, and Complaints
Information about the Academic appeals process, Grievances, and Complaints can be found in the Catalog.
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