Students enrolling in the university agree to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with our identity as a Christian educational institution. The Code of Community Standards extends to off-campus student conduct when that conduct is likely to have an adverse effect on students, the university, or the educational process.
Students who are accused of violating university policies or rules will be assured certain procedures are followed unless those rights are temporarily suspended for the immediate protection and safety of the university community. The Dean and/or Associate Dean of Students will seek information concerning the violation from witnesses, allow the student to be heard concerning the violation, and if a preponderance of evidence indicates a violation has occurred, determine the appropriate sanction. The Vice President for Student Affairs or his/her designee may also investigate and determine appropriate sanctions.
Students who are concerned about destructive or at risk behaviors from friends or fellow students should share their concerns with the Student Affairs Office.
Lubbock Christian University has enacted the following alcohol and drug policy to apply to all students of the LCU community, whether on or off-campus as a standard of living to be upheld at all times. In addition to these specific policies, it will be a violation of the Community Alcohol and Drug Policy if a student is in violation of a local, state or federal law concerning alcohol or drugs or controlled substances.
A student who voluntarily discloses information about an off-campus alcohol or drug use violation may potentially be eligible to remain a student at LCU. In any such case, the Dean of Students will view all academic records, student conduct files, and take into consideration the student’s conduct thorough investigation to determine if the student is performing and achieving academic, social, and character-driven goals in concert with the mission of the university. In such cases that the Dean of Students deems appropriate, minimum rehabilitative sanctions will include counseling, extended probationary sanctions, and community service, which may be imposed on an offending student in lieu of automatic dismissal. The student is responsible for all costs involved with counseling, drug testing, and any other rehabilitation services they may be required. A second offense will result in automatic dismissal without the right of appeal.
Alcohol abuse among college students, both traditional and non-traditional, is one of the most pressing issues facing institutions of higher education across the country. The above policies regarding alcohol use are not intended to place judgement, add moral weight, or otherwise condemn those who legally consume alcohol. Instead, LCU’s goal is to provide a framework which affords all students the best possible opportunities for success in their pursuit of higher education.
LCU strongly believes in community accountability and has resources such as medical services, student counseling, advice, and help in matters of life, including the potentially serious matters listed above. In some cases, student needs may exceed LCU’s capacity to aid or help, and in such cases, the campus community may refer the student to off-campus help that will better assist the student.
As a community, the university encourages students to assist other students who may be in need, on or off campus. The university recognizes disciplinary sanctions may serve as a barrier to students seeking medical/crisis assistance for themselves or others in alcohol and drug related emergencies. In these incidents, the primary concern is the well-being, health, and safety of all involved.
When a student seeks medical or crisis assistance for another student who is in violation of school policy, both parties may be exempt from disciplinary sanctions as they pertain to the safety of the individuals.
Community is at the heart of Lubbock Christian University. It is the responsibility of students, faculty, and staff to hold and respect the mission and values that are uniquely associated with LCU. As a part of a community where God is glorified and mutual respect and dignity of others is the norm, each person shares the responsibility to respect the values of the university community.
In cases where the values of the university and those represented by the lifestyle of individual students are not congruent, and disruption of community occurs, the university may remove the student from campus housing, activities, or the university at large.
Students, at times, may exhibit behavior that indicates they are a threat to themselves or others or a disruption to the university or housing community at large. Examples include, but are not limited to, pregnancy in residential housing, eating disorders or other lifestyle habits which cause other health risks, repeated remarks about seeming infatuation with death or suicide, self-mutilation, and an actual suicide attempt.
The university’s priority is to get help for an individual exhibiting such signs; therefore, certain actions or special regulations may be required if deemed to be in the best interest of the student’s personal health. Counseling or professional intervention may be needed to determine the nature and depth of a suspected problem. In some instances, a student’s behavior or circumstance may be of such extreme nature that it causes disruptions in the residence halls or in the community at large. In that event, and upon evaluation, the determination may be made by the Behavioral Intervention Team that the student would be best served by being removed or restricted from the university residential community, given a new room assignment, relocated to another residence hall, or restricted from the university at large until approved to return to campus and/or the original living arrangement. If a student does not accept the decision of the Behavioral Intervention Team voluntarily, disciplinary action may be taken.
University staff members are committed to attempting to utilize resources reasonably available to the student. However, if the needs of the student exceed the university’s resources, the student may be removed from the university so he or she can receive the necessary care.
"Do you know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies." - 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
As a Christ-centered, academic community of learners, outward appearances should reflect the pursuit of lives of purpose and service. As a part of that outward appearance, clothing and how it is worn can contribute to or distract from a student's spiritual, mental, and physical success on campus and beyond. The university's goal is to provide an environment where students are mentored in every facet of their lives, including preparing them to recognize the importance of dressing appropriately as they prepare for future endeavors.
Detailed guidelines on dress are difficult to craft and enforce, in part because styles and brands change so quickly and fluidly through time. However, there are some obvious violations that will be considered inappropriate and will be dealt with in a professional manner. The following list is intended to provide members of our community some clarity on what is and is not permitted to be worn on campus or at university-sponsored events. This list is not exhaustive, and appropriate university personnel are given discretion in providing further direction.
Individual departments may adopt additional standards for dress or appearance, particularly when students are representing the university in internship opportunities or university-affiliated field trips.
Students should be properly clothed before entering the hallway or any common area in residence halls.
Special care should be given to this matter on the first floor, where visitors or facilities personnel are more likely to be present at any time.
LCU considers fire safety extremely important, and students have an obligation to adhere to university regulations as well as city and state statutes.
Misuse of Fire Safety Equipment
Any individual who misuses or tampers with fire safety equipment (signs, extinguishers, exits, smoke detectors, pull stations) will be subject to disciplinary action and will be charged a fine of $250 plus the cost of repair or replacement of misused or damaged equipment, cleaning of the facility, and damage to other property.
Setting Fire
Any individual who intentionally, negligently, and/or recklessly sets a fire in or near a university building is subject to immediate dismissal from the university, may be charged a fine of $250 minimum, and will be charged for repairing any damage caused by the fire.
In addition to being subject to university penalties, any student who starts a fire, damages or tampers with evacuation alarms, or misuses fire safety equipment also may be subject to prosecution in criminal court by the proper federal, state, county, or city authorities, and/or the Lubbock Fire Department in accordance with the Lubbock Fire Code and all statutes, laws, rules, and regulations. Special events such as BBQ’s must be approved through the Student Affairs Office.
Please see the Residential Life guide on the LCU website for further information. The Residential Life Office is located on the second floor of the SUB and can be reached by calling 806.720.7507.
Students are advised “hazing” is a crime in the State of Texas. The university does not condone or allow hazing and will sanction students allowing, condoning, or participating in hazing or other dangerous acts. Students are responsible to know and comply with the law against hazing in its entirety. (This section has been directly copied from the Texas Law Handbook including Penal Code and Code of Criminal Procedure. Chapter 51 section 51.936 & Chapter 37, Sub chapter F. Hazing, sections 37.151 through 37.157.)
In this Sub chapter:
The term includes:
Whenever a dependent student is placed on probation, suspension, or is dismissed due to non-compliance with the code of community standards, parents of the dependent student may be notified by mail or phone. Furthermore, parents of any student under the age of 21 may be notified should their student be placed on probation for violating the LCU Alcohol and Drug policies. A copy of the sanctions may be sent with a letter of explanation. The university also reserves the right to contact parents when the administration believes that parental contact is in the best interest of the student and/or the university.
All materials of a pornographic nature including, but not specifically limited to, items, portrayals, and photographs found in magazines, videos, and the internet are considered immoral and not conducive to the mission of LCU. Use of pornography is prohibited. Students who struggle with addictions to pornography should seek confidential counseling from the Counseling Center.
Introductory Statement
LCU affirms that all members of our community are created in the image of God and therefore should be treated with dignity and respect. The university does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal or state law, including race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, or disability. LCU respects the inherent worth of each member of the community and does not tolerate any form of harassment. The university follows the profound truth that is found in the Golden Rule, "In everything do to others as you would have them do to you" (Matthew 7:12). Because of the university's commitment to honoring the dignity and respect of every individual, unlawful discrimination and harassment (and any related retaliation) is prohibited and will result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal or separation from the University. LCU affirms its commitment to protecting the right of each person to raise concerns about alleged discrimination free of fear of retaliation.
Therefore, because the university stands against harassing and violent behaviors, the university will take prompt, decisive action to: investigate allegations of violence, harassment, and stalking; initiate the disciplinary process if appropriate; issue appropriate sanctions against any student found responsible for acts of violence whether the behavior occurred on campus or off campus; take steps designed to prevent recurrence; and protect against retaliation.
Students are encouraged to report any incidents related to this policy and pursue the matter through the state's civil and/or criminal systems as well as through the university. A student who in good faith reports being the victim of, or a witness to an incident of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, or stalking may not be subject to disciplinary action for violation(s) of the Code of Community Standards occurring at or near the time of the incident.
Pursuant to Title IX, LCU does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs and activities. Reports of sexual misconduct may be made to the Title IX Coordinator, Yvonne Harwood at 806.720.7497, yvonne.harwood@lcu.edu, or any of the other campus resources listed in paragraph III of this policy.
Definitions
Sexual Assault in Texas is jurisdictionally defined in Section 22.011 of the Texas Penal Code.
Domestic violence in Texas is termed "Family Violence."
To determine whether a hostile environment exists for an individual or individuals, the University will consider a variety of factors related to the severity, persistence, or pervasiveness of the sex-based harassment, including:
1. The type, frequency, and duration of the conduct
2. The identity and relationships of the persons involved
3. The number of individuals involved
4. The locations of the conduct and the context in which it occurred
5. The degree to which the conduct affected an individual's education or employment
The more severe the sex-based harassment, the less need there is to show a repetitive series of incidents to create a hostile environment. A single instance of violence may be sufficient to create a hostile environment.
Reporting Harassment/ Violence/Stalking
The university encourages the reporting of all incidents involving sexual misconduct, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. If the university knows or reasonably should know about an incident of harassment or sexual violence that creates a hostile environment, the university will take immediate action to eliminate the harassment, prevent its recurrence, and address its effects. To be proactive, the university publishes a notice of nondiscrimination and has adopted and published grievance procedures. In cases involving potential criminal conduct, the Title IX Coordinator or designee will determine, consistent with state and local law, whether appropriate law enforcement or other authorities should be notified. Reports may be made in person or confidentially online through the LCU Title IX webpage and at the bottom of the LCU homepage.
Reporting Definitions
Complainant: An individual who reports or is the victim of a violation of this policy.
Respondent: An individual responding to a complaint of a violation of this policy.
Responsible Employees: Pursuant to Title IX, a "Responsible Employee" includes those University employees who have the authority to redress sexual misconduct, who have the duty to report incidents of sexual misconduct, or who a student could reasonably believe has this authority or duty.
Responsible Employees will receive the report, notify appropriate campus officials, and assist in providing guidance and resources if needed.
The University's Responsible Employees include, but are not limited to:
When an individual tells a Responsible Employee about an incident of sexual misconduct, that individual has the right to expect the University to take immediate and appropriate steps to investigate what happened and to resolve the matter promptly and equitably, and assist in reporting to law enforcement if the Complainant so chooses.
Confidential Employee: In their professional capacity, LCU Counseling Center and Medical Clinic staff are considered confidential reporting resources and are not required to report according to university policy. Information disclosed in the clinical setting will be considered confidential. However, Confidential Employees may encourage clients to report to local and/or campus authorities.
Note: faculty, staff and other employees who are otherwise involved in pastoral or ministry work, are licensed mental health workers or are licensed medical workers, but who are not working in that capacity for LCU, are not Confidential Employees.
If LCU officials determine that a serious incident may pose an on-going threat to members of the university community, a Timely Warning Notice will be issued to all students and employees. The intent of the Timely Warning is to prevent additional crimes and allow students and employees to take protective and precautionary measures.
Initial Response:
1. Safety: The first priority of a victim of sexual assault or domestic violence is to get to a place of safety.
Call 911 for medical or safety emergency.
2. Medical Assistance: Obtain necessary medical attention as soon as possible. Local emergency rooms have procedures to provide medical assistance and establish ongoing support.
- Covenant Medical Center
3615 19th Street
806.725.0000
- University Medical Center
602 Indiana Avenue
806.775.8200
3. Reporting: Lubbock Christian University strongly advocates that a victim of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking report the incident to one of the following law enforcement agencies.
- Lubbock Police Department
806.775.2865
- Lubbock County Sheriff's Department
806.767.1441
- Lubbock Christian University Public Safety
806.928.6803
Although Lubbock Christian University encourages timely law enforcement reporting, it is the victim's choice to make such a report or to decline involvement with law enforcement. LCU will assist Complainants in reporting to local law enforcement if desired.
As time passes, evidence may dissipate or become lost or unavailable, thereby making investigation, possible prosecution, disciplinary proceedings, or obtaining orders of protection related to the incident more difficult. If a victim chooses not to make a complaint regarding and incident, he or she nevertheless should consider speaking with LPD or other law enforcement agency to preserve evidence in the event that the victim changes his or her mind at a later date.
A Complainant may choose to report at any time, as long as the Complainant or the Respondent remain enrolled or employed by the university.
Certain forms of sexual misconduct, domestic violence (family violence), dating violence, and stalking may be a violation of the statutes of the State of Texas. Complainants, therefore, may have certain legal rights with regard to criminal and civil action.
Investigative Process
The Title IX Coordinator or designee will inform the Complainant of the LCU Title IX process before beginning an investigation. Title IX investigations should be completed within 60 days from the date of the original complaint. The Title IX investigation should not be significantly delayed by any law enforcement investigation.
If the complainant requests confidentiality or asks that the complaint not be pursued, the university will take all reasonable steps to investigate and respond to the complaint consistent with the request for confidentiality or the request not to pursue an investigation. If the complainant insists that his or her name or other identifiable information not be disclosed to the alleged respondent, the complainant would be informed that the University's ability to respond may be limited. The complainant will be advised Title IX may require the university to take specific actions based on their knowledge of sexual violence or assault. The complainant will also be reminded that Title IX prohibits retaliation and that university officials will not only take steps to prevent retaliation but also take strong responsive action if it occurs.
After all such advice if the complainant continues to ask that his or her name or other identifiable information not be revealed, the university will evaluate that request in the context of its responsibility to provide a safe and nondiscriminatory environment for all students. This includes considering such factors as the seriousness of the alleged harassment; the complainant's age, whether there have been other harassment complaints against the same individual, and the alleged offender's rights to receive information about the allegations if the information is maintained as an "educational record" under FERPA.
If the complainant is a student but the alleged respondent is not an LCU student or employee, the Dean/Assistant Dean of Students will provide the complainant support and guidance through the civil or criminal complaint process. University resources are available to complainants regardless of the status of the alleged respondent, including assistance in pursuing an internal complaint process where the alleged respondent is not a student but is employed by LCU.
All appeals will be reviewed by the Vice President for Student Affairs, the Title IX Officer (or his or her designee), and another administrator appointed by the Vice President for Student Affairs, and shall be based solely on the records provided from the investigation unless new evidence is grounds for the appeal. The decision of a majority of these individuals will be final.
Spiritual and intellectual development is dependent upon an environment in which a person is comfortable to easily focus. It is imperative that LCU foster a culture free from intimidation or harassment.
Any reports of harassment or intimidation in any form, directly or indirectly, either by threat or action, physical or emotional, in person or in writing, on campus or off campus, or through the use of technology will be investigated. If this conduct has led to or may potentially lead the victim(s) to reasonably fear for his/her, or others' safety, to suffer from emotional stress, or has unduly interfered with student life, the respondent may be subject to sanctions under the Code of Community Standards.
Furthermore, these actions may violate other university policies, civil and/or criminal law.
Consistent with scripture and the breadth of the Christian tradition, LCU affirms that human sexuality is a gift from the creator God, designed for human flourishing and that the purposes of this gift include (1) the uniting and strengthening of the marital bond in sacrificial love, and (2) the procreation of human life. These purposes are to be achieved exclusively within the context of marriage between husband and wife. Sexual intimacy outside of a marriage is inconsistent with the teaching of scripture. Therefore, as a matter of faith and moral witness, students, faculty, and staff are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with this statement and to respect this understanding of human sexuality.
Students should be aware of the many physical dangers associated with the use of tobacco and nicotine products. To maintain a healthy environment and to encourage healthy lifestyles for all students, staff, and faculty, use of all tobacco products (including smokeless tobacco and nicotine vapor products) is strictly prohibited on the LCU campus. The safety of all residents requires students and their guests respect this policy. Students should be aware they will be held responsible for the actions of any of their visitors or guests.
Purpose
Lubbock Christian University places a high priority on safety, seeking to create a safe and secure environment on its campus for students, faculty, staff, and guests.
General Policy
Consequently, pursuant to section 30.06 of the Texas Penal Code, no person may enter onto Lubbock Christian University property with a handgun (concealed or open carry) at any time. Property of Lubbock Christian University includes:
a) All land and buildings owned or leased by Lubbock Christian University;
b) Grounds where an activity or event sponsored by Lubbock Christian University is being conducted;
c) Passenger transportation vehicles owned by Lubbock Christian University.
In addition, carrying or possessing a weapon of any kind is prohibited on campus and at school-sponsored events. Any LCU student, faculty member, staff member, or contractor violating this policy is subject to disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion, dismissal, or termination of employment. While LCU has opted to prohibit the concealed carry of a handgun, the university reserves the right to grant approved employees, who hold a License to Carry, to do so as deemed appropriate and necessary.
This prohibition against weapons possession is in effect to the fullest extent allowed under Texas laws, including laws pertaining to weapons generally (Texas Penal Code 46.03) and to those with a license to carry (Texas Penal Code 46.035). When appropriate, anyone violating this policy may also be subject to prohibition from the campus and/or criminal prosecution.
Definitions
As used in this policy, the term "weapon" encompasses any object or substance designed to inflict a wound, incapacitate, or cause injury, and includes, but is not limited to, the following:
Note: Authorized campus officials may confiscate weapons and/or other items that do not violate the law, but constitute violations of LCU policies.
Violations of the Weapons Policy will not be tolerated and will be dealt with in accordance with the LCU Code of Community Standards, as well as criminal justice system.
Exceptions to the Policy
The only exceptions to this weapons prohibition are those authorized in writing by the Lubbock Christian University Police Department (LCUPD) Chief of Police and the exceptions below, which include exceptions mandated by law:
LCU expects all members of the campus community to help safeguard the community by reporting promptly to LCUPD any weapons discovered to be present on campus. Persons should report any concerns about violations of this policy to the Chief of Police, Vice President for Student Affairs, Dean of Students, or a supervisor. Any person concerned about an imminent threat of violence on university property or at a university-sponsored event should report the concern immediately to LCU Public Safety at 806.928.6803 or call 9-1-1.