GENERAL PHILOSOPHY

Individualism is paramount to an understanding of the general student life and conduct philosophy of Amberton University.  Each student is considered a unique individual, divinely created, and capable of becoming better each day.  Amberton University never combines students into general groups, nor does the University respond to petitions or group demonstrations that diminish individualism.  The University is committed to academic excellence rooted in personal integrity.

The philosophy of Amberton University is committed to the belief that talent without discipline is useless, and knowledge without character is perilous.  The University operates on an honor system, and honesty and integrity are essential characteristics of all who are associated with the institution.  Because the University’s reputation is ultimately determined by those who earn a degree, Amberton University insists upon evidence of personal integrity in addition to academic excellence.  The personal integrity of a student will be proven by the student’s ability to handle his/her academic, financial, personal affairs, and conduct in a straightforward manner consistent with the rules and regulations outlined in this catalog.

Amberton University strives to provide education in an atmosphere consistent with the ethical standards and principles set forth in the New Testament of the Bible.  The maintenance of high standards of personal behavior is essential to the preservation of the academic and moral atmosphere of the University.  Personal integrity and high moral standards are central to the educational process.  By enrolling at Amberton University, a student signifies his or her willingness and agreement to live in accordance with the standards set forth by Amberton University.

Attendance at Amberton University is a privilege, not a right.  If, in the judgment of the University, a student’s academic performance or personal conduct is substandard, the University retains the right to deny the student further enrollment.

• Loud discord, language designed to intimidate or bully, abusive or belligerent actions, or any continuing annoyance to others is unethical.
• Physical, verbal, or written abuse, or any type of harassment is unethical.
• Stealing, lying, cheating, cursing, verbalizing or writing vulgarities, or threatening in any manner is unethical.
• Failure to respect the personal rights, safety, and health of others is unethical.
• To be disruptive or disrupt the study of others or to disrupt any University activity is unethical.
• To damage or misuse the property belonging to others or to damage or misuse University equipment, property, or facilities is unethical.
• Failure to carry proper identification and provide such identification when requested by any University official is unethical.
• The possession, use, or distribution of any form of alcoholic beverage or illegal drugs while on the property of Amberton University is unethical.
• Failure to take care of University related business, including financial obligations, is unethical.
• Failing to refrain from smoking in any portion of the facility is unethical.
• Possessing any type of firearm or weapon while in the facility of Amberton University is unethical.
• The leaving of an unsupervised minor anywhere on Amberton University property is unethical.
• Dress that fails to appropriately support the adult, modest, professional atmosphere desired by the University’s faculty and administration is unethical.
• Soliciting and/or distributing (selling, surveying, petitioning, etc.) any materials or merchandise on University property without administrative authorization is unethical.
• Failure to comply with a directive from a University official is unethical.
• Using the University’s name or logo without written permission is unethical.
• The improper or non-academic use of Amberton’s equipment and/or technologies is unethical.

Violations of the ethical standards expected of students may result in disciplinary action.  Such action may take the form of a reprimand, probation, suspension, legal sanctions, and/or expulsion from the University.  Suspension and any discipline short of expulsion are not considered punishment but a part of the educational process.  A student may be suspended for an indefinite period of time, depending upon the offense.  Expulsion is permanent.

1. The Administration and Faculty of the University, by virtue of their positions, exercise initial jurisdiction whenever circumstances dictate disciplinary action.

2. The student may accept the initial judgment of the Administration or Faculty or may appeal, in writing, to the President.

3. Upon written appeal, the President of the University may render immediate judgment on issues not subject to expulsion or may appoint an Ethical Review Board to hear the appeal. All cases that could result in expulsion are presented to an Ethical Review Board. The following guidelines will be observed in an Ethical Review Board appeal:

a. Prior to the hearing of an appeal case, the accused student shall be informed in writing of the charges against him/her and he/she will be allowed up to three days of preparation prior to the convening of the Ethical Review Board.

b. During the meeting of the Ethical Review Board, the student and qualified witnesses will be permitted to testify and present applicable statements (all witnesses shall attest to a statement regarding the accuracy of the testimony to be given).  Reasonable cross-examination privileges are extended.  Hearings are closed to all except members of the Ethical Review Board, the student, administrative personnel, and witnesses approved by the Board.

c. The findings and recommendations of the Ethical Review Board shall be submitted to the President of the University.  The President may accept or reject the recommendations of the Ethical Review Board.  The decision of the President shall be final and will be provided to the student within forty-eight hours after the conclusion of the Ethical Review Board.

Should an applicant violate an ethical standard of the University, admission will be denied or withdrawn without recourse.