ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Work is evaluated on the assumption that the work presented is the student’s own, unless designated otherwise. Anything less is unacceptable and is considered academically dishonest. Academic honesty is expected of all AU students. Violations may result in disciplinary actions, which are documented and maintained in a permanent file. Procedures vary according to circumstances. Actions that may be taken include a reprimand, a written warning, a failing grade for the work involved, suspension from the course, failure for the course, and suspension or expulsion from the academic program or the University it self.
Incidents of academic dishonesty include but are not limited to cheating, fabrication (making up information or sources), plagiarism, alterations or misuse of university documents and records, facilitating academic dishonesty by knowingly helping or attempting to help another student commit an act of academic dishonesty, and unauthorized collaboration, such as working together when doing so has been prohibited by the instructor. University policy requires that whenever faculty or staff observe an act of academic dishonesty, a Student Academic Conduct Incident report be completed and forwarded to the Dean of Students. Forms are stored in a confidential, secure file. When reports of academic dishonesty reach the dean’s office, they are checked for prior offenses. If this is the first offense, it is up to the instructor, in consultation with the Dean of Students, to determine if the incident should result in disciplinary action. Repeat offenders may necessitate further review and disciplinary action.
Code of Conduct
A key objective here at Asher University is the development of Christian character within the philosophy and framework of genuine Christ like conduct. As such, Asher University is a community of both developing scholars and growing Christians. The College expects students to take seriously their membership in the Asher University community. It should be viewed as a privilege that includes opportunities for academic, personal, and spiritual growth within a sound and balanced setting. Students, by their voluntary membership in that community, also accept certain responsibilities. Student lifestyle expectations arise both from Biblically-derived principles and specific community concerns. Scripture teaches that certain attitudes and actions should characterize our walk as Christians. We are responsible to pursue righteousness and practice justice and mercy towards all. Our aim should be to exhibit humility, honesty, a forgiving spirit, faith, hope, and love in our relationships. On the other hand, the Bible condemns as morally wrong attitudes such as greed, jealousy, pride, lust, bitterness, uncontrolled anger, hatred and prejudice based on race, sex or social status. Expressly forbidden activities include such things as drunkenness, theft, “sins of the tongue” (e.g. profanity, vulgarity, slander, and gossip), dishonesty in any form, occult practices, illegal activities, and sexual sins. Community concerns, although inferred from Scripture, are based more particularly on a desire to encourage an atmosphere appropriate to our purposes. Some individuals may disagree with one or more elements of these standards. Nonetheless, it is expected that all students who voluntarily join the Asher University community through formal enrollment will abide by these guidelines:
1. The attitudes and behaviors specifically prescribed or forbidden by Scripture as listed
above shall guide the faith and conduct of all members of the Asher University.
2. Individuals related to the Asher University community are expected to uphold the laws of the local
community, the State of California.
3. The College recognizes the danger to personal health that the use of tobacco and alcohol present. State law makes it illegal for individuals under age 21 to consume alcohol. No use of alcohol will be allowed on the University premises. Smoking is
prohibited on University property. A pattern of drunkenness is a condition which Asher University will not tolerate.
4. Members of the Asher University community are to refrain from engaging in any pattern of gambling (i.e., exchange of money or goods by betting or wagering). It is viewed as an unwise use of God-given resources with damaging implications for both personal and family life.
5. The use or possession of illegal drugs, which are not physician authorized, is forbidden. In the event of a drug related incident, immediate disciplinary action will be taken, including reporting to the local authorities. Any student who is in a room or vehicle where drug use is taking place is subject to immediate dismissal. In addition, the university reserves the right to require a test for drugs for probable cause.
6. Because of the value we place on the worth and dignity of individuals as created in the image of God, Asher University does not condone any form of sexual harassment, whether verbal, physical or both. Discrimination against others based on race, national origin, sex or handicap will not be tolerated.
7. Standards of dress and adornment should be dictated by modesty, decency, and appropriateness. Our personal goals should reflect the desire to dress so as not to draw another person into sin.
8. The pornography industry produces immoral products that are exploitive of people. Consequently, pornographic materials should be avoided (including via electronic media, i.e., the Internet or phone messages). The university reserves the right to begin a
disciplinary process if a personal problem in this area becomes a public issue.
9. Thoughtful choices, governed by discretion and restraint, should be made in selecting entertainment and recreation. Social activities that are of questionable spiritual value or that detract from one’s moral sensitivities should be avoided.
10. As a Christian academic community, academic dishonesty (including cheating, plagiarism, and misappropriating library materials) is regarded as a serious violation of community standards that will be handled according to established grievance
procedures.
11. It is to be understood that any unauthorized disclosure of restricted or classified information regarding the operations of Asher University and its administration, staff, faculty and students is prohibited and punishable by law. Such
information is the property of Asher University and is not to be removed from the premises. This information includes, but is not limited to, information data, zip drives, CD-ROM, tapes, recordings, e-mail, unauthorized written, typed or copied material
Students are required to sign the “Code of Conduct” as part of the application process. By this signing they affirm their agreement to abide by it for the duration of their enrollment with the College. The signed copy becomes part of the student’s permanent file.
Student Discipline
Students who violate these expectations and standards should expect consequences for their behavior. The principle of accountability is basic to providing a climate which encourages students to take responsibility for their own actions. Students can expect to be confronted, counseled, advised, and when warranted, disciplined. The discipline process is designed to help
students in their personal maturing and to restore them to good standing in the University community, where possible.
Types of Disciplinary Action
Formal practices in disciplinary cases may vary with the seriousness of the offense and the sanctions to be applied. The student’s cumulative record of conduct is taken into account. The range of possible sanctions includes:
• Restitution: repayment for damages, both direct and indirect costs.
• Reprimand: verbal warning with written notation in student’s file for a specified period of time.
• Probation: a period of time to review the student’s behavior and provide opportunity to
change with notation in student’s file for a specified time; college financial aid may be affected.
• Suspension: separation of the student from the university for a specified time with notation
in student’s file; formal re-application to the university may be required.
• Dismissal: permanent exclusion of the student from the university with notation on the
permanent transcript and possible barring from the university premises.
Due Process/Grievance Procedure
To provide fair and workable academic grievance procedure, students should be free to take reasonable exceptions to the data or views offered in any course of study and to reserve judgment about matters of opinion. However, students remain responsible for learning the content of the courses in which they are enrolled. When a student thinks his or her rights and freedoms as a student have been violated, or thinks that there has been a violation, misinterpretation, or inequitable application of any of the academic regulations of the college, he or she should follow these steps in a timely manner:
- Speak to the faculty member and follow-up in writing. If this interaction does not produce an appropriate solution,
- Discuss the matter with the faculty member’s academic department chair and follow-up in writing. If this interaction does not produce an appropriate solution.
- Appeal to the Chief Academic Officer in writing with all supporting documentation.
- The Dean or the constituted committee will review all documentation and make a finding which shall be binding on all parties. In all matters concerning academic inquiries, all parties involved should show respect, restraint, and responsibility in their effort to resolve academic grievances. Every effort should be made to expedite solutions to the situation. It is incumbent upon all decisions as promptly as possible. No party will be discriminated against in any way for having filed or responded to a good faith academic inquiry.
Drug and Alcohol Policy
Asher University (AU) is concerned for the well-being of all members of its academic community and for the equality of their relationship. One area of that concern involves the use of alcohol and other drugs. Asher University does not condone the use of alcohol or drugs, they are prohibited on campus and at any university events on or off-campus. We are a Christian university that promotes an atmosphere where abstinence from alcohol/drugs is accepted, respected, and supported. Asher University takes the position that chemical abuse is neither socially nor morally acceptable. It also recognizes the reality of chemical dependency and is aware of its presents in the academic community. We are obligated to help those who could be harmed or inconvenienced as the result of irresponsible behavior of others. As a part of encouraging responsible lifestyle, Asher University will strive to provide education about alcohol and other drug use, to encourage responsible choices, and to intervene in situations where it has knowledge of misuse and abuse of chemicals. Asher University will encourage and provide reasonable support for a member of the school who seeks treatment for chemical dependency. Asher University expresses the following objectives with regards to alcohol and other drugs:
1. To support and encourage those who choose to abstain from the use of alcohol and other drugs.
2. To undertake and educate students in regards to the effects of use, misuse, and abuse of alcohol and other drugs.
3. To formulate and maintain guidelines for appropriate response to use and misuse of alcohol and other drugs.
4. To expected individuals who use alcohol to make responsible choices and respect the rights, needs, and lifestyle of other students at Asher University.
5. To sensitize Collegiate Fellows, Peer Assistants, faculty, staff, and students to the implications of chemical use, and especially to the need of those who misuse or use alcohol or other drugs.
6. To provide direct assistance and/or referral for those with substance abuse problems.
This is for Student/Athletes
First Offence
1. Parent(s), guardian, and/or spouse notified in writing.
2. Suspension from the next eligible 10% of games or contests that are left in the season. This includes postseason contests and will carry over to next season if necessary. Now if it is an Student/Athlete, the Head Coach may permit the student athlete to participate in practice and team meetings during the suspension and only following the physician’s clearance.
3. Evaluation by Substance Abuse Counselor and/or team Physician
4. Student athletes will follow a treatment plan developed by our counselor.
5. Random testing as specified by our counselor.
6. Possible termination from team.
Second Offence
1. Parent (s), guardians, and/or spouse notified in writing.
2. Suspension from the next eligible 50% of games or contests that are left in the season. This includes postseason contests and will carry over to next season if necessary. Now if it is an Student/Athlete, the Head Coach may permit the student athlete to participate in practice and team meetings during the suspension and only following the physician’s clearance.
3. Must be evaluated and completed a treatment plan by a Substance Abuse Counselor and/or Team Physician as a condition to return to play.
4. Random testing as specified by our Counselor.
5. Possible termination from team
Third Offence
1. Cancellation of eligibility to participate in the athletic program.
2. Any athletic grant-in-aid will not be renewed.
3. Existing grant-in-aid may be cancelled in accordance with NAIA and conference
guidelines.
4. Parent (s), guardians, and/or spouse notified in writing by the Athletic Director.
Sexual Harassment Policy
Sexual harassment generally involves unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, other verbal, and physical conduct of a sexual nature that is made, either openly or implied, a condition of a person’s educational or employment status. Asher University has a zero-tolerance policy for sexual harassment and/or sexual assault. There shall be no soliciting of sexual activity of any sort in exchange for academic advancement or work promotion. There shall be no verbal or behavioral communication of a sexual nature which has a tendency to create a hostile or offensive atmosphere for learning or work. Any incident rising to the level of assault and or battery shall be referred at once to legal authorities. If a student thinks that harassment has taken place and wants to discuss it further, the first contact should be the Chief Academic Officer (Asher University office number: (1-888-812-7437). He or she will provide confidential counsel and offer information about avenues to resolve potential grievances. If warranted, an inquiry will be conducted promptly and confidentially. If allegations can be supported independently, appropriate discipline will be carried out, up to dismissal of the offending party (whether student or instructor or staff) from the College.