Philosophy of Student Development

As a Christian institution, California Baptist University has dual responsibilities to its constituency. As an academic institution, it seeks to promote high scholastic standards, stimulate mental alertness, impart a general knowledge of the natural world and of the history and institutions of human society, and to assist students in choosing and learning an area of specialization for their life's work.

As a Christian institution, the University seeks to promote and follow the spiritual principles set forth by Jesus Christ. In acknowledging these principles, the University places special emphasis on leading students in an active pursuit of the spiritual values of life and developing leaders for the Southern Baptist churches of California and beyond.

Students at CBU are individuals involved in academic pursuits and at the same time are members of a Christian community nurturing one another in spiritual growth. The University expects students to take seriously this two-fold responsibility.

The Student Services Division is committed to the intellectual, spiritual, social, emotional, and physical development of California Baptist University students so that they are assisted in becoming autonomous, competent, responsible, and interdependent individuals who use their intellects and skills with wisdom and integrity.

Freedom and Responsibility

California Baptist University students are entitled to the same freedom as any other citizen of our country. It is the Policy of the University to ensure these rights are consistent with the provisions of law, acceptable tastes, and purposes and goals of the institution. When matriculation in the University requires that conditions be placed upon Student freedoms, these conditions and their rationale are clearly delineated.

At California Baptist University, the concepts of freedom and personal responsibility are inextricably bound together. The University community, like any other, functions upon the principle that all members respect and protect the rights of their fellow citizens. Students are encouraged to develop these values which represent mature, self-disciplined people who appreciate the privilege of education and are willing to accept its responsibilities.

When people choose a college, they commit themselves to its philosophy of education, policies, and regulations. Students are to demonstrate proper respect of University personnel which includes, but is not limited to, compliance with directives of University officials in the performance of their duties.

Even though Students may not completely agree with all rules established by the University, it is nonetheless expected that they comply with the totality of policies and behavioral codes in a manner conducive to the highest moral standards and in keeping with the discipline of the academic community.

Generally, through appropriate procedures, institutional judicial measures shall be imposed for conduct which adversely affects the institution's pursuit of its educational objectives, which violates or shows a disregard for the rights of other members of the academic community, or which endangers property or persons on institution or institution- controlled property.

Responsibility for enforcement of Student conduct Policy lies with an Associate Vice President for Student Services, Director of Student Conduct, and other Student Services Staff. These University Officials define behavioral expectations and take appropriate action in support of University Policy.

Standard of Student Conduct

In order to achieve its mission, California Baptist University expects members of the campus community to accept responsibility for their personal conduct and to encourage others within the community to do the same. The Standard of Student Conduct is based on biblical values and is practical outworking of the Great Commandment mandate to love God “with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind,” and “to love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37-39 (ESV).

All students enrolled at California Baptist University are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the Standard of Student Conduct, regardless of age, classification, or the number of credit hours being taken. The Standard of Student Conduct is established for the purpose of outlining expected behavior of students in the University community. The Standard of Student Conduct shall be defined as any and all policy, procedure, and/or behavioral expectation contained within the Student Handbook and the University Catalog.

If the conduct of any member of the campus community is found to be detrimental to the academic, social, and spiritual development of others within the community, the University (through its various offices and personnel) provides guidance, direction, and if necessary, judicial action.

This Standard of Student Conduct shall apply to any and all lands owned or leased by the University, as well as to any location where a student is engaged in a University activity. Examples of such coverage include, but are not limited to, athletic teams and performing arts groups traveling to and participating in events off campus, student teaching and observation/participation, student government, recognized organizations and clubs engaging in a club event or activity, off-campus internships, international internships, international student teaching, academic extracurricular travel, faculty-led academic engagement and service-learning, clinicals/health fairs, student field practicums, student independent or directed studies, student research, community service, study abroad, International Service Projects.

Students should understand the commitment to the spirit of the University and realize that their enrollment is viewed as a willingness to abide by and accept the responsibilities of the environment.

These criteria are based on the historical tenets of the institution and Southern Baptist traditions.

It is the University’s intention to resolve violations of established Policy and the Standard of Student Conduct in a redemptive manner which maintains respect for the individual.

Philosophy of Discipline

The purpose of discipline at California Baptist University is to encourage an atmosphere of individual and community growth in the context of biblical grace (Titus 2:11-12). Personal growth and maturity are demonstrated most when each Member of the University community practices self-discipline to follow the Great Commandment of loving God and loving neighbor (Matthew 22:37-39) and practices care for others through loving and gentle confrontation so that inappropriate behavior can be corrected on a personal level (Galatians 6:1; Matthew 18:15).

Unfortunately, situations may arise which warrant a formalized judicial process. Judicial procedures are designed to provide a just and equitable process of educational discipline. While every effort is made to protect the rights of students, the University does not attempt to duplicate or to emulate court proceedings and should not be viewed as such. Student judicial procedures, student rights, and the appeal process are outlined in detail in the Student Handbook.