Student Life

Community Expectations

Southern Wesleyan University is committed to community. We believe learning best takes place in the context of community. Our mission involves members of our community-students, faculty, administrators, and staff-working “together toward wholeness through the integration of faith, learning, and living.” We believe people become “whole” only as they interrelate to others. For this, we seek to foster community at multiple levels.

The Ideal

The gold standard for community as set forth in the New Testament is “love.” You cannot get around it. It is everywhere as you turn the pages of scripture. We believe God stamped His own image in people. They are deeply loved by God, and consequently, are of inestimable value. This value does not originate with the individual or relate to race, gender, age, personality, talent, beauty, or wealth. Rather, worth arises solely from God and is extended equally to all. We are called to a fellowship of love because God loves and esteems each member. Jesus said it well in John 13:34: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you…”

The kind of love that truly drives community willingly abandons self-interest for the sake of another. True community is not built by sticking to rules, but by heart attitudes characterized by love. Undoubtedly the ultimate example of this love was Jesus as seen in His death on our behalf (cf. Romans 5:8; John 15:13; and 1 John 4:9-10). Paul describes the centrality of love in community life in 1 Corinthians 13. There he lays out the ideal toward which all members of the university community should aspire. Each member would do well to reflect continuously on his descriptive statements in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a in seeking to be a positive part of the university.

Love is patient, love is kind, and is not jealous;
Love does not brag and is not arrogant,
Does not act unbecomingly;
It does not seek its own, is not provoked,
Does not take into account a wrong suffered,
Does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth;
Bears all things, believes all things,
Hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never fails. (NASB)

Respect

Members of the community act respectfully toward one another. They do not take actions with the intent to harm another nor treat another rudely. Nor do they use abusive, foul or profane language or gestures. They listen quietly when another is speaking and avoid personal attacks when debating ideas. Honesty in words and actions is also expected as a means of showing respect.

They do not threaten, harass or demean any member of the community. This includes harassment on the basis of sex, race, disability, nationality, age, or political persuasion. Activity or entertainment that promotes violence, exploitation, discrimination, or sexually immoral and degrading practices is to be avoided by community members. Everyone is to feel safe physically and psychologically at the university. Also, for this reason, weapons, and explosives of any kind, simulated or real, are not permitted at the university functions without prior authorization.

The use of language that diminishes or profanes the name of God or otherwise maligns Him is not permitted. The gratuitous denigration of other religious viewpoints is also inappropriate.

While there is room for disagreement in the community, such disagreements are handled in a mature fashion without attempts to tear down or embarrass the other party. At all times the dignity of the institution, its policies, and its representatives are to be upheld. Disruptive conduct that interferes with the normal activity of the university is not allowed.

Respect for one’s own person and God’s intended use of the body is also important. Individuals should dress inoffensively and professionally with sensitivity to standards of modesty.

The Wesleyan Church’s stance on gender and human sexuality is biblical, historical, theological, practical, and deeply convictional. The University believes that the only permissible sexual behavior is between a man and a woman in the context of a covenant marriage. Because sexual expression is not merely physical, but deeply involves the mind, spirit, and emotions, there is a need for sensitivity and caution at every level of intimacy. Thus, any male and female student in a romantic relationship is expected to conduct themselves with wisdom and reserve regarding intimacy. Any sexual intercourse or explicitly sexual behavior outside of marriage is prohibited.

In recognition of the holiness of the body and the injunction that it should only be under the control of the Holy Spirit (cf. Ephesians 5:18), members shall abstain at all times and places from the use of alcohol, illegal drugs, and tobacco products.

If a member of the community feels he or she or the larger community has been wronged by another, the first action taken is to go privately to the one perceived to be at fault and seek to make things right.  If this response does not bring about resolution, it is appropriate to bring an administrator into the conversation.

Property

The property of others will be respected within the university fellowship. Destruction, defacement or theft of the physical property of the university or personal property of individuals will not be tolerated.

Protection of property extends to intellectual property as well. Individuals will refrain from “stealing” the words, ideas, or creative work of another. Examples of this type of theft include, but are not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, or passing off another’s intellectual output as one’s own, and the inappropriate acquisition and use of copyrighted material without proper permission.

The university’s virtual property accessed through its network, including all social media outlets, are to be respected. University computers, servers, and their contents are university property and are not used to retrieve or distribute obscene material; send harassing or abusive messages; engage in illegal computing activities; engage in non-university business or activity; nor to download or copy music, movies, or software in an illegal or unethical manner.

A Final Word About Rights & Responsibilities

The goals of the community at Southern Wesleyan University are to:

1. Foster learning, scholarship, and research through the free exchange of ideas.
2. Provide encouragement and support to members of the community as they seek to grow toward wholeness amidst difficult and stressful life circumstances.
3. Hold members of the community to high standards of academic honesty, intellectual rigor, and realistic humility in the pursuit of truth.

By joining the community, members are agreeing to pursue these goals. They are also agreeing to work to maintain an environment within the community where certain rights are protected.

1. The right to free expression within the bounds of decency and order.
2. The right to be respected and treated with dignity.
3. The right to independent thought and reasoned dissent.
4. The right to feel safe and free from threat, force, or violence.
5. The right to personal, constructive change.

While the university’s officers of administration and instruction have the authority to give structure to the community, foster its ongoing health, and intervene if there are serious problems, the weight of responsibility for the health of the community rests with the community as a whole and with each individual member. To join the university community is to enter into a commitment to support that community and seek its goals.

The Student Handbook contains additional information and policies relevant to Campus Life.

Student Discipline

Discipline procedures are printed each year in the Southern Wesleyan Student Handbook. Students placed on social probation are not allowed to represent the university.

Representation of the university is a responsibility and a privilege; therefore, such representation is generally carried out only by students in good standing. Students on social probation should not be involved in the following:

• membership in the homecoming court
• holding office in university organizations
• having a continuing role in leading chapel
• ministry teams
• inter-varsity athletics, including travel with the team in a support role, and cheerleading (Students on probation may practice on campus.)
• *senior practicum, including directed teaching
• *traveling ensembles
• *major dramatic productions

*Exceptions: Students for whom participation in one of these activities is a degree requirement may be allowed to participate.

Private Withdrawal

In light of the basic principles of the university, any student whose conduct is considered detrimental to the best interests of the university, whose overall influence is negative to campus morale, whose attitude is persistently antagonistic toward others, whose academic performance is regularly delinquent, or whose stay in college seems to be of small personal benefit or inimical to others, may be informed privately that further stay at Southern Wesleyan is not desired. The student will be notified, given the opportunity to be heard, and allowed to withdraw privately or may be dismissed without formal charges.

Policy on Student Complaints

From time to time, students enrolled at SWU may desire to make a complaint with respect to the administration of University policy, procedures, promised benefits, or requirements by an agent or agents of the University. When such complaints have occurred and a student raises the issue and asks for some form of redress in writing (either electronic or hardcopy) from an employee of the University, the University will make efforts to investigate, and if warranted, to resolve the complaint within established procedures. Additionally, University employees will ensure that the following steps are taken. If the student complaint is received in print format the staff/faculty member receiving the complaint will forward a copy of the complaint to the VP for Student Life in order for the complaint and all responses related to it to be tracked, forwarded to appropriate administrators for resolving, and archived upon resolution. The institution is prepared to provide documentation related to complaints to regulators and accrediting bodies with a legitimate right to access those records.

Any student filing a complaint (excluding complaints concerning Sexual Misconduct) should first attempt to resolve the issue by consulting with the involved faculty or staff member. In the event no resolution is reached, or if this direct approach would place the student in an inappropriate situation, the student should bring or send the complaint, in writing, to an appropriate employee of the University with supervisory authority over the faculty or staff member in question (see guidance below). Complaints concerning Sexual Misconduct should be reported immediately to the Title IX Coordinator in accordance with the Title IX policy.

When a student complaint is received in writing by an employee of the University, he or she will forward the complaint to the appropriate supervisor responsible for the matter of concern and to the VP for Student Life who will monitor and track the complaint process. The employee receiving the complaint will work with their supervisor to investigate the matter and resolve it unless the complaint is reassigned to a more appropriate administrator by the VP for Student Life. All responses related to the complaint as well as a description of the resolution must be forwarded to the VP for Student Life by the employee or administrator responsible for addressing the complaint.

The administrator who is addressing the complaint is responsible for forwarding the complaint, all responses, and the resolution to the VP for Student Life. Administrators are assigned to investigate a complaint according to their respective area of responsibility.

• Academic Affairs: Academic Division Chairs, Academic Deans and the Provost’s Office are responsible for student complaints that relate to issues of academic policy or procedure, or any  perceived injustice or misrepresentation related to instruction or evaluation. These complaints might relate to such things as failure to follow the written syllabus, penalties related to academic dishonesty, faculty bias or behavior, transfer credit problems, advising issues, library matters, etc.
• Student Life Office: Responsible for student complaints that relate to issues concerning the counseling center, health services, career services, residence life, commuter concerns, security, spiritual life, student policy, or perceptions of threat of prejudice outside the classroom or from other students.
• Campus Safety Office: Responsible for student complaints that relate to issues concerning campus safety and motor vehicle & parking fines.
• Athletic Office: Responsible for student complaints that relate to issues concerning athletics.
• Business Office: Responsible for student complaints that relate to issues of human resources, buildings and grounds, dining service, financial aid, and business office functions and policies.
• Admissions Office: Responsible for student complaints related to enrollment.
• President’s Office: Responsible for student complaints that relate to the University in general and are not closely associated with any offices listed above.

Any student who is unsure where to direct a complaint is encouraged to speak with the VP for Student Life who can assist the student in determining the best person within the University to address the complaint.

As various offices and individuals are involved in addressing the student complaint, actions taken are to be documented and correspondence is to be kept. Once University activity related to the complaint has been concluded, all documentation will be sent to the administrator who is responsible for addressing the complaint. The administrator will then forward all documentation to the VP for Student Life for archival purposes. Record of complaints and their documentation will be kept for no less than five years. The University has no obligation to inform a student how his or her complaint was resolved, nor does a student have a right to appeal a resolution of which he or she is made aware.

Definitions

Student Complaint-An expressed concern that meets the following criteria:

1. Is from a student as defined below.
2. Is in writing either in electronic form or hard copy and is submitted to an appropriate faculty/staff/administrator as explained in the procedure section below.
3. Relates to a perception of injustice, inappropriate speech/conduct directed at a student, threat, or failure to act in accordance with a real or implied commitment on the part of the institution or its agents.
4. Is NOT a part of a defined adjudicatory process concerning grades, academic policy, student discipline, or Title IX related matter.
5. Is related to an area or issue under SWU’s control.

Student-An individual who is or has been enrolled in a SWU course or is applying for admission to the institution.

Students may submit a complaint to the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education (CHE) using this form: Complaint_Procedures_and_Form.pdf.

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

It is the practice of Southern Wesleyan University to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as well as with state and local requirements regarding students and applicants with disabilities. Under these laws, no qualified individual with a disability will be denied access to or participation in any services, programs, or activities of SWU.

Accessing Accommodations through Support Services

Students with a qualifying disability who wish to request accommodations at SWU will need to:

• Contact the Student Success Center manager to schedule an appointment for an intake meeting;
• Be prepared to provide current and appropriate formal documentation of your disability.

Formal documentation may be mailed, emailed, or hand-delivered to the Student Success Center manager before or at the time of the intake meeting. Contact information is provided below.  Accommodations do not begin until this process is completed; consequently, in order to start the semester with accommodations, this meeting should take place and the information should be provided to the Student Success Center manager prior to classes starting.

Student Success Center Manager
Southern Wesleyan University
PO Box 1020
SWU Box 1994
Central, SC 29630

learningcenter@swu.edu

Accommodations are determined based on the individual’s documentation and needs.  Accommodations may include but are not limited to:

• extended time on test-time and a half or double time depending on documentation;
• alternative/private testing location;
• copies of notes and/or PowerPoint presentations;
• ability to record lectures using a recorder of Smartpen;
• have a test read aloud;
• preferential seating.

Required Documentation

All documentation must be current in order to be acceptable. In order to be considered current, the documentation must fall within the following time frames:

• Within 3 years for learning disabilities and all other disabilities (This does not apply to physical or sensory disabilities of a permanent or unchanging nature.);
• Within 1 year for psychiatric disabilities.

Documentation should be typed on official letterhead, dated, and signed by a qualified and credentialed professional. The documentation provided on a prescription pad is not acceptable. The documentation should include the following:

• A diagnostic statement identifying the disability with its DSM-IV Diagnostic notation;
• A description of the diagnostic methods used along with copies of test results;
• A description of the student’s current functional limitations;
• A description of the expected progression of the disability, if relevant;
• A description of current and past accommodations, services and/or medications;
• Recommendations for accommodations, strategies and/or service.

Student disability and accommodations records are treated as confidential information under applicable federal and state laws as well as University policies.  Information is provided only to support individuals on a need-to-know basis.

Process for Obtaining Services

1. The student contacts the Student Success Center manager to schedule an intake meeting to discuss accommodations;
2. An intake meeting is completed in which documentation is reviewed and a determination is made regarding reasonable accommodations.  If the documentation is deemed incomplete, a request for additional information will be made;
3. The Student Success Center manager sends the appropriate instructor an email notification about the approved accommodations for the student.  A copy of this notification is sent to the student;
4. The instructor reviews the accommodations and confers with the student and the Student Success Center manager as needed;
5. After the accommodations have been approved, it is the student’s responsibility to introduce himself or herself to the instructor on the first day of class and to provide further information the student deems necessary;
6. The Student Success Center manager and the instructor will address any issues that arise with providing the requested accommodations;
7. The student must meet with the Student Success Center manager at the beginning of each semester to renew his/her request for accommodations.

Students who find services to be unsatisfactory or who wish to file a grievance should contact the Student Success Center Manager at 864-644-5082 or studentsuccess@swu.edu.