Discipline

Gordon College has chosen the more difficult approach to discipline, that of looking beneath the surface of each behavior and responding with a balance of mercy and justice. In doing so, the College seeks to reflect that dual nature of God's character - His mercy and His judgment - in disciplinary decisions. This means maintaining a balance between severity and kindness, harshness and tenderness, conservatism and generosity, striving for what is appropriate for each particular situation.

There is a relatively common set of responses to behavioral violations: e.g., warnings, probation or other sanctions follow misconduct associated with open-hall violations, dishonesty, theft, other compromises of personal integrity, violations of Gordon's life and conduct statement related to use of alcohol and tobacco, sexual misbehavior, hazing, disruptions to community life or threats to the health and safety of others. The College believes that when students choose to disregard community expectations, it has the obligation to suspend their community privileges for a time, including housing, class participation and co-curricular activities.

Gordon College encourages students to wrestle with values and personal ethics, and to "work out their faith" while living and studying here. Though honest discussion is healthy and welcome, students are still expected to adhere to the Gordon community's behavioral expectations.

The dean of students has administrative responsibility for all cases of student misconduct. Discipline cases may be handled by the Judicial Board comprised of students, staff and faculty members or a staff hearing. The College exercises its responsibility to suspend any student whose general conduct or influence is considered inconsistent with the best interests of the College community.