Covenant Policies

When students apply and have been invited to be members of the Providence community, the students become “co-owners” of the mission and are accountable to every other member of the community to contribute to a positive and learning-centered environment. This accountability is facilitated through the Covenant of Community Life that all students sign upon application to Providence as well as the community expectations outlined in our handbook and on our website. If those expectations are not met by a student, the student will be held accountable through the Student Life accountability process.

Depending on the issue and willingness of the students involved, either the Restorative Justice Process or the disciplinary Accountability Process will be implemented. Regardless of the process used, the goal is the safety of the students and the community, maintaining a process which respects all involved, and restoring the wholeness of the community and individuals. Whenever an incident occurs that results in the Accountability or Restorative Justice Process (including a warning), an incident report will be filled out by the responding Student Life staff member or student leader and sent to the VP of Student Life.

The Covenant of Community Life provides the Providence community with the principles that guide our life together. The policies below are outworkings of the Covenant principles, which help guide everyday life at Providence. This is not an exhaustive list of policies. Students are encouraged to learn the principles of the Covenant of Community Life and evaluate how they will be practically lived out in their own lives.

Abortion

Out of respect for God-given life, students should not support or participate in abortions or abortion-related activities.

Alcohol

For safety reasons and community well-being, alcoholic beverages are not allowed on the Providence campus or in any building owned and operated by Providence, including the residences and apartments. Alcohol is also prohibited at any formal or informal institutional event. Students who may legally consume alcoholic beverages off campus (18 years of age) are to do so responsibly. Involvement with alcohol on the Providence campus as well as drunkenness on or off campus will be addressed through the Student Life Accountability Process.

Cannabis

For safety reasons and community well-being, cannabis (marijuana) in all its various forms (including cannabis paraphernalia and the smell of cannabis) is not allowed on the Providence campus or in any building owned and operated by Providence, including the residences and apartments. Cannabis is also prohibited at any formal or informal institutional event. Students who may legally ingest cannabis off campus (19 years of age) are to do so responsibly. Involvement with cannabis on the Providence campus including the smell of cannabis on campus or irresponsible cannabis use off campus will be addressed through the Student Life Accountability Process. Exceptions may be made for medicinal use of cannabis through the Vice President of Student Life.

Cults

Providence prohibits the adherence to or participation in cult organizations and practices.

Guest Speakers

The appropriate administrator should be contacted regarding invitations to leaders or groups to speak, perform, or minister on campus, or in the promotion of seminars and other events in the name of the institution, so as to maintain the harmony and integrity of the institution and adherence to the Providence Covenant of Faith.

Illegal Drugs

Any involvement with illegal drugs may result in immediate eviction from Providence housing and possible expulsion as an academic student. The police may be asked to investigate the situation, which could result in charges being laid. Evidence of drug traces, drug paraphernalia, or the smell of prohibited substances on residence property, in residence rooms, or common areas will be assumed to be conclusive of use or possession.

Language Abuse

The use of slanderous, blasphemous or profane language and words or names that demean, intimidate or threaten are prohibited.

Marriage and Sexuality

Members of the Providence community shall respect and observe Biblical principles for marriage and sexual relationships as interpreted and understood by the Board. Informed by the evangelical tradition, the Board interprets and understands these Biblical principles to state that sexual intimacy takes place within the life-long covenant of marriage between one man and one woman. All sexual conduct outside of this interpretation is dealt with under the instruction and discipline of the covenant community.

Pornography

The use of pornography in any form is also prohibited as it can demean and objectify people.

Smoking and Tobacco

The Providence campus is smoke-free. The use of tobacco is prohibited on all Providence property and in all Providence buildings. Tobacco is also prohibited at any formal or informal institutional event. E-cigarettes are included in this smoke-free policy and as such are prohibited on Providence property, in Providence buildings, and at any formal or informal institutional event.

The Cabinet and Senate of Providence reserve the right to establish policies and procedures at any time that uphold the Covenant of Community Life and allow for the orderly and efficient academic and social administration of the institution.

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