Specific Behavioral Policies

These behaviors are not permitted for LeTourneau University students. These standards apply for the entirety of the student experience from the point of enrollment to the point of withdrawal or graduation. Students who fail to comply with these behavioral standards may face disciplinary action as a part of our conduct process.

1. Sexually immoral or immodest conduct, or the promotion of sexual activity outside of marriage. These include activities such as (but not limited to): sexually graphic text messaging, chatting, or video conferencing; fornication; sexual promiscuity; and adultery – whether they are heterosexual or homosexual in nature. Cohabitation (sharing a room, apartment, or home) with a member of the opposite gender is included in this prohibition.
   Based on biblical standards, we believe that God has created the institution of marriage to be between one man and one woman, and only within this institution does God bless intimate sexual expression; all other intimate sexual expression outside of marriage is considered immoral behavior. Consistent with our desire to celebrate and model a Scriptural approach to sexuality, the University prohibits same-sex dating behaviors and public advocacy for the position that sex outside of a biblically-defined marriage is morally acceptable.
   Any student concerned about their experiences with sexual temptation, participation, or addiction – either heterosexual or homosexual in nature – may proactively seek assistance from the Office of Student Life or the LETU Center for Counseling without fear of disciplinary action (see “Personal Growth Initiative”).

2. The possession, manufacturing, use, sale, or distribution of tobacco, nicotine, alcoholic beverages, or illicit drugs. The prohibition against the use or possession of these items is a matter that the University takes seriously. Each has been widely recognized as a source of serious health and social problems. Their prohibition reflects LeTourneau University’s tradition in keeping with the teaching of Scripture that we are to view our bodies as the temple of the Holy Spirit and thus treat them accordingly. Abstinence from these items will foster discipline and self-control, and the University will be drawn closer together as a community if all of its members avoid their use.

3. The use, sale, or possession of literature, games, pictures, posters, paraphernalia, movies, music, or other media that (a) depict lewd, obscene, sexually suggestive, or sexually degrading or demeaning material as determined by the Student Life staff; or (b) portray or promote the use of alcohol, tobacco, nicotine, or illicit drugs, or © advocate Satanism, occultism, or witchcraft, or actions that would violate our Community Expectations. or any other spiritual philosophy that is blatantly inconsistent with Christian principles.

4. Gambling, as it distracts from the academic environment and Christian community, threatens financial security, displays or promotes greed and materialism, and/or undermines spiritual and mental health. Raffles to raise money for a recognized club or organization are acceptable if approved by Coordinator of Student Programs.

5. Theft attempted or actual, to property of the University or property of a member of the University community or other personal or public property (including copyright infringements and violations).

6. Dishonesty, including, but not limited to the following: (a) cheating, plagiarism, or other forms of academic dishonesty (See the LETU Academic Integrity Policy; (b) deliberately furnishing false information to any University official, faculty member or office; or © forgery, alteration, or misuse of any University document, record, or instrument of identification.

7. Profanity, obscenity, or vulgarity, whether spoken, written or visual, including language online.

8. Disorderly or destructive actions.

9. Abuse, harassment, bullying, or assault, including physical abuse, verbal abuse, written abuse (online or in print), threats, stalking, intimidation, humiliation, pestering, coercion, or other conduct that threatens or endangers the physical, psychological, or emotional health – or the belongings – of any person. Bullying typically includes, but is not limited to, aggressive behavior that seeks to control or harm others, often involving an imbalance of power (such as physical strength, access to embarrassing information, or status).

10. Unauthorized access to or entering of campus buildings, whether by possession, use, or duplication of authorized or unauthorized keys, or by use of any lock-evading instruments, or by breaking and entering.

11. Violation of the residence hall visitation policies.

12. Hazing, defined by Texas law as an act which endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, or which destroys or removes public or private property, for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a group or organization. The express or implied consent of the victim will not be a defense. Apathy or acquiescence by another student in the presence of hazing are not neutral acts; they are also violations of this rule.

13. Failure to comply with directions of University officials or law enforcement officers acting in performance of their duties, and/or failure to identify oneself to these persons when requested.

14. Violations of standards of character, conduct, and scholarship to the extent that the student’s attitude and actions are detrimental to the University and its students. Included in this category is assisting with or creating of space for others to violate the guidelines and policies articulated in the Student Handbook.

15. Any other activity that is in violation of the laws of the land (the local community, the state, and the federal government), except in those rare cases wherein obedience to the civil authorities would require behavior directly in conflict with the teaching of Scripture. A student charged with a misdemeanor or felony is required to notify the Dean of Students within five (5) business days of being charged.

16. Abuse of technology, including, but not limited to:

• Theft of equipment or service.
• Unauthorized entry into a file to use, read, or change the contents, or for any other purpose.
• Unauthorized transfer of a file.
• Unauthorized use of another individual’s identification, password, MAC address, etc.
• Use of computing facilities that interferes with the work of another student, faculty member or University Official.
• Use of computing facilities to send obscene or abusive messages.
• Use of computing facilities to interfere with normal operation of the LETU computing system.
• Use of computing facilities and resources in violation of copyright laws.

17. Abuse of the student conduct process, including but not limited to:

• Failure to obey the notice of a conduct meeting or University official to appear for a meeting or a hearing.
• Falsification, distortion, or misrepresentation of information within a conduct meeting.
• Initiation of a conduct meeting knowingly without cause.
• Attempt to discourage an individual’s proper participation in, or use of, the student conduct system.
• Failure to comply with the sanctions imposed by University officials.