Program Handbook (PDF) - Biola University

COOK SCHOOL OF INTERCULTURAL STUDIES
GRADUATE PROGRAM HANDBOOKS
SEXUALITY & RELATIONSHIPS POLICYGeneral Policy & Guidelines
SECTION 2.12
In keeping with Biola University‘s mission and its commitment to evangelical Christianity, all members of
the University community are expected to follow the teachings of Scripture. Therefore, Biola University
affirms that sexual relationships are designed by God to be expressed solely within a marriage between
husband and wife. This view of sexuality and marriage is rooted in the Genesis account of creation and is
maintained consistently throughout Scripture.
Sexual relations of any kind outside these confines of marriage are inconsistent with the teaching of
Scripture, as understood by Christian churches throughout history. Further, behavior promoting such
relations (i.e., nudity, lying in bed together clothed, cohabitation, etc.) is also considered unacceptable.
Therefore, as a matter of moral and faith witness, all members of the University are expected to avoid such
conduct themselves and to refrain from encouraging it in others.
Sexual misconduct, depending on the facts and circumstances of each case, will result in disciplinary
action. In all disciplinary matters, we will seek to be redemptive in the lives of the individuals involved.
Consequently, the University will offer counsel and assistance to support and strengthen the individual‘s
resolve to live consistently with Christian teaching on sexuality.
STUDENT RECORDS SECTION 2.13
Students are advised that the University maintains school and student records for no longer than a five-year
period beyond the student’s final term of enrollment, with the exception of the transcripts and the academic
record.
The Family Educational Rights And Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, As
Amended
This act and provisions of the California Education Code set out requirements designed to govern the
access to, and release of, educational records, to establish the right of students to inspect and review their
records, and to provide guidelines for the correction of inaccurate or misleading data through informal and
formal hearings. Students also have the right to file complaints with the FERPA Office (U.S. Dept. of
Education) concerning alleged failures by Biola to comply with provisions of FERPA. Biola University has
adopted policies and procedures concerning implementation of FERPA on campus. Copies of the policy are
available in the Registrar’s Office.
Release Of Student Directory Information Under FERPA
Students who choose the “privacy” option regarding their records need to approve any releases of
information about themselves, with the exception of certifying a student’s loan or deferment of a loan that
the student themselves initiated since that release is “in the best interest of the students and a benefit to the
student.” Even these forms would normally only be processed if the loan form was received in the mail
from the loan agency for enrollment verification or if the form was brought in by the student for processing.
Students who do not choose “privacy” can still only have limited information released. The only thing that
can be released concerning “non-privacy” students is “directory release information,” consisting of Photo;