Student Standards of Conduct and Discipline

The King’s University is dedicated to training men and women who genuinely desire to live a Christ-honoring life. Being a student in good standing is the norm, that is, a student who is not under sanction such as Academic Warning, Academic Probation or disciplinary or academic integrity probation, suspension, or expulsion. Although an understanding of what is unacceptable behavior is necessary for diagnostic purposes (see Paul do the same thing in Galatians 5:19-21), ultimately, loving behavior cannot be produced by following a list of do’s and don’ts no matter how long or thoughtfully it is composed. Acceptable Christian behavior results from reliance on the Spirit of God to produce spiritual fruit in the believer (Galatians 5:22-23).

The King’s Standards of Conduct

Recognizing The King’s University as a community of believers, the school expects its students, faculty, and staff to exemplify biblical standards of conduct in all areas of their lives, both on and off campus, and in interpersonal and community relationships. The institution expects its members to demonstrate integrity in their personal lives and in their academic/professional work, and to show respect, concern, and proper behavior towards their colleagues and those in authority.

The King’s Standards of Conduct Statement is a central criterion of behavior for all that are a part of The King’s community. It represents a standard of Christ-like maturity based upon a biblical philosophy, reverence for God, esteem for humankind, and personal integrity. Recognizing that preparation for and involvement in the service of Christ requires personal commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ, the King’s expects all members of its community to seek spiritual growth and maturity in their Christ-like lives. The following are expected of community members:

  • Studying the Word of God. Regular and consistent personal study of the Word is essential for spiritual growth. 1 Pet. 2:2 encourages us to “long for the pure milk of the Word.” The Word has the power to reach the innermost parts of our being (Heb. 4:12) and to enable us to stand firm for Christ (Eph. 6:17).
  • Communion with the Father. Christ-like living is essentially a love relationship with the living God (James 4:8), birthed by and substantiated through the power of the Holy Spirit. To personally know the Father we must have communion with Him. Jesus Christ gave us the example to pray regularly and consistently, and the Scriptures encourage us to “pray continually” (1 Thess. 5:17) including prayer in the Spirit (1 Cor. 14).
  • Discipleship. God’s Word instructs believers to follow the example, “and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us” (Phil. 3.17). Discipleship is developing personal relationships for spiritual goals. Community members are encouraged to form personal friendships, structured accountability relationships, and/or small groups.
  • Church Attendance. Believers are instructed not to forsake “assembling together” as they submit themselves to the life and leadership of a local assembly (Heb. 10:25, 1 Cor. 16:13-16). It is expected that all members of The King’s community will establish a church home and regularly attend worship services.
  • Christian Ministry. The Father has called every believer to do the work of ministry (Eph. 4:16-18). The Word declares “We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works” (Eph. 2:10). It is anticipated that all members of the community will be involved in some expression of Christian service in Jesus’ name and that all are encouraged to exercise spiritual edification of gifts for the body.

Recognizing that preparation for and involvement in the service of Christ requires a lifestyle consistent with an effective Christ-like witness and one which exemplifies a life of integrity and Christian values, the following are expected of community members:

  • Maintain a Blameless Testimony. Scripture declares that God has created all persons in His image (Gen. 1:26-27) and that we are not to be conformed to this world (Romans 12:2), but are to be “holy in all” our conduct (1 Pet. 1:15-16). To maintain a blameless testimony as Christian leaders, students and employees are expected to totally abstain from participating in either fornication, adultery, or using pornography, illegal drugs or harmful substances, or the abuse of alcohol and profanity, obscenity, and dishonesty including plagiarism are equally unworthy and to be shunned.
  • Respect for Peers and Authority. The King’s expects every member of the community to demonstrate love, respect, and honor to all other members of the community, whether it is with one’s colleagues or with those in authority (Rom. 12:10, 1 John 4:21, 1 Pet. 2:17, Heb. 13:16-17).
  • Discrimination/Harassment. In valuing the rights of all individuals and their contributions (I Cor.10:24), we acknowledge all forms of racial and gender discrimination to be violation of God’s laws (Acts 10:34). The King’s is committed to providing a learning and working environment that is free of discrimination. In keeping with this commitment, unlawful harassment, including sexual harassment, is strictly prohibited.
  • Dating and Marriage. The King’s expects the highest standard of moral purity to be maintained by members of its community regarding both dating and marriage. God’s Word does not condone either pre- or extra-marital sexual activity (I Thess. 4).
  • Appearance and Dress. Recognizing that members of The King’s community are called to be leaders in the Church and in society, the school requires its members to follow the standard of modesty in dress and appearance. Scripture calls believers to be examples to those around them (1 Tim. 4:11-12) and to give no offense to others (I Cor. 10:32). Thus, members of The King’s community should never allow their appearance to be a stumbling block to another.

The King’s Standards of Conduct states the means for achieving the kind of lifestyle expected of trustees, administrators, faculty, and students. Traditionally, a code of conduct is used to enforce behavior by publishing a list of rules with consequences. The University has stated the King’s Standards of Conduct in a way that reflects the grace of God. It is included in official publications and is part of the Affirmation Statement that all members of the TKU community agree to live by with their signatures.

Representative Misconduct

Disciplinary regulations at TKU give students general notice of prohibited conduct but should be read broadly. They are not designed to define misconduct in exhaustive terms. Consequently, the following kinds of misconduct do not comprise an exhaustive list, but are representative of misconduct that violates the Code and supplies sufficient grounds for discipline. Misconduct not listed here, including conduct prohibited elsewhere in this TKU Catalog, may also result in discipline. Discipline includes but is not limited to removal, suspension, or expulsion.

  • Academic dishonesty, such as cheating, plagiarism, or knowingly furnishing false information to the University.
  • Forgery, alteration, or misuse of University documents, records, or identification.
  • Obstruction or disruption of instructional, counseling, administrative, or other authorized University activities.
  • Assault or battery, abuse, or any threat of force or violence or hazing directed toward any person on University owned property, or University sponsored or supervised functions, or conduct which threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person.
  • Theft of or willful damage to University property or theft of or willful damage to property of a member of the University community, such as visitors, students, or employees of the University on University property or at an authorized University activity.
  • Unauthorized entry onto or use of University facilities.
  • Violation of University rules or regulations including University policies concerning student organization, use of University facilities, or the time, place, and manner of student expression.
  • Willful failure to comply with directions of University officials, including faculty and staff action in the performance of their duties.
  • Use, possession, or distribution of alcoholic beverages, narcotics, or controlled substances on campus (except as expressly permitted by law) or presence on University property or at a University authorized event while under the influence thereof.
  • Disorderly, lewd, indecent, obscene or sexually immoral conduct, expression, or language on University owned or controlled property or at University sponsored or supervised functions.
  • Verbal abuse in any way that causes defamation or character assassination.
  • Possession or use of any item used to threaten bodily harm to any person on University property or at a University function.
  • Misrepresentation of oneself or an organization to be an agent of the University.
  • Conduct that is in violation of federal, state, or local laws or ordinances while on University premises or at University sponsored activities.
  • Abuse of computer facilities or use of computers for anything other than authorized course related work.
  • Failure to return school properties such as equipment, books, teaching materials, and any such things that had been loaned for the purpose of teaching or other use after receiving three notices of such failure to return such items.
  • Intentionally initiating or causing to be initiated any false report, warning, or threat of fire, explosion, or other emergency on University premises or at University-sponsored activities.
  • Intentionally or recklessly misusing or damaging fire safety or other safety equipment.
  • Violating the Drug-Free Campus Policy.
  • Violating the Sexual Harassment Policy.

Violations in any of the above ways with regard to one’s use of the internet, social media, and electronic communication.

Jurisdiction The TKU Code of Student Conduct applies to all students from the time they accept admission to TKU through the date of their graduation. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • New students at Orientation;
  • Persons not currently enrolled but who are still seeking a degree from TKU;
  • Any person enrolled in a course offered by TKU;
  • Any graduated student if TKU determines that his or her degree or receipt of credit may have involved misconduct while he or she was working toward the degree (degree revocation may be invoked).

Non-Academic Discipline

Attendance at TKU is a privilege, not a right. Consequently, enrollment at TKU does not guarantee continuance. TKU has established behavioral guidelines that are consistent with its overall purpose and philosophy as established by the Board of Trustees. Infractions of school policy, either on or off campus, may result in penalties and jeopardize your enrollment at TKU. All non-academic discipline is handled by the Campus Life Team in consultation with the Vice President for Student Development.

Penalties

Campus Life is responsible to adjudicate non-academic disciplinary cases within the University. When a student is found guilty of an infraction, the Vice President for Student Development will impose a penalty deemed appropriate to the offense and in the best interests of both the student and the campus community. The Vice President’s decision is final in cases resulting in an oral or written reprimand. Students may appeal other penalties.

Oral Reprimand: An oral reprimand is the least severe penalty that may be imposed for behavioral infractions. A record of an oral reprimand is placed in the student’s file and removed upon graduation or transfer if no further disciplinary action is taken.

Written Reprimand: A letter of reprimand is a final warning that any further behavioral problems will result in more severe penalty. A letter of reprimand will state the nature of the problem, the warning given, and a description of the next disciplinary step. A letter of reprimand becomes a permanent part of the student’s record.

Official Letter of Reprimand: In some cases, theVice President for Student Development may issue an official letter of reprimand. This disciplinary letter is an official warning that any further behavior problems may result in dismissal. The letter states the nature of the problem, previous disciplinary action, and a description of the next disciplinary step. A copy is kept in the student’s file.

  • Scholarship Forfeiture: Institutional scholarships may be canceled or reduced.
  • Suspension: The Vice President for Enrollment Management may suspend a student from access to the campus for a specified period, from attending classes for one to three days, or from attending the next semester.

Dismissal: Dismissal is the most severe discipline TKU will administer to a student. All dismissal decisions are reviewed by the President’s Executive Team. Dismissal will include one or more of the following penalties.

  • Total loss of academic credit for all courses taken during the semester current at the time the cause for dismissal occurred, regardless of when the offense occurred during the trimester.
  • Prohibition from campus for a minimum full semester to an indefinite amount of time, unless specific permission is granted by the Administration.
  • The imposition of prerequisites that must be met before readmission will be considered.
  • Loss of any institutional scholarship.
  • Possible loss of other financial aid.
  • If necessary, enforced departure from the campus within 24 hours.

Regardless of the time in the semester, a dismissal is a total loss of academic credit for that semester. Dismissed students will receive prorated refund of tuition. Students who are dismissed from the University must leave within 24 hours and may not return to the campus until authorized to do so by the Administration. The Administration will work with the student to ensure that they fully understand the implications of dismissal.

  • Students who have been dismissed for bad conduct may reapply after six months through normal admissions procedures, providing they have met prerequisites that may have been imposed at the time of dismissal.
  • Those who have been dismissed for academic reasons may apply for readmission after two semesters. However, readmission is still subject to administrative review.
  • The Administration has the right and responsibility to exercise the means of discipline deemed appropriate according to individual cases.

TKU will refund tuition to dismissed students according to the tuition refund policy current at the time of dismissal. TKU is not obligated to readmit a dismissed student. However, a dismissed student may apply for readmission by following normal admission procedures after two complete semesters have elapsed from the effective date of dismissal. Dismissed students must have complied with any prerequisites imposed at the time of dismissal to be considered for readmission.

Cases of dismissal are automatically reviewed by the President’s Executive Team at TKU. This task is not a part of the appeal process, but an internal process designed to ensure consistency in the application of policy and to determine if there are new lessons to learn from the cases.