Nov 21, 2024  
2023-2024 Student Handbook 
    
2023-2024 Student Handbook

General Information and Policies



Information Technology

Computer/Technology Policies

As a community that affirms the leadership of Jesus Christ in a technological world, Spring Arbor University requires responsible use of technology resources by students, faculty, and staff. As such, the University’s behavioral guidelines also apply in the use of computing, video, and other technologies. Respect for personal dignity, privacy, and copyright is of utmost importance. Please refer to the office of information services for specific guidelines.

Personal wireless routers of any kind are prohibited on-campus, as they compromise the quality of SAU’s wireless signal.

If you experience difficulty accessing SAU’s wireless internet, contact the Information Services Helpdesk at 517-750-1234 for assistance.

Internet-Based Postings

The Spring Arbor University Office of Campus Safety in conjunction with the Office of Student Development and Success urge students to use caution when placing personal information on the Web. Social media sites and Apps are resources that allow students to post information about themselves and their friends. However, information of a personal nature makes these programs enticing for predators. Before posting information on the Internet, please be aware that the information becomes available to those outside the University community.

Students using Internet resources to post information are urged to take the following precautions:

  • Avoid posting residential address information.
  • Avoid posting phone numbers.
  • Be selective with the content of personal information that is posted. It must not be defamatory, libelous, slanderous, or obscene.

Also be aware that any content placed on the Internet by a member of the SAU community, which represents violations of one or more of the “Community Standards,” as identified in the Student Handbook, can be used in an accountability process. At a minimum, students will be asked to remove the offending item. Students are encouraged to report violations of these policies to information services or student development staff.

“There is no doubt in my mind that what has shaped me and my work more than any particular talent on my part has been living out a calling in the midst of a Christ centered community.”

-Andrew Peterson

Image Use Policy

Spring Arbor University’s marketing and communications office frequently takes photos and videos of students for use in advertisements and promotion of the university as needed. It is the responsibility of the student to notify the marketing and communications office to request that photos not be taken or used.

Student Activities and Recreation

Liability for Student Activities

Physical activity carries with it certain inherent risks that cannot be eliminated regardless of the care taken to avoid injuries. Spring Arbor University does not accept responsibility for injuries that occur in student activities including, but not limited to, those that occur in intramural athletics and club sports.

Skateboard, Bike, and Inline Skate Use on Campus

SAU students with a current SAU student ID are permitted to use this equipment on campus. Students are expected to respect campus property and refrain from using in buildings and from damaging campus structures.

Restricted Areas

Students found in areas such as secured buildings/areas, roofs, or in data closets or mechanical rooms/areas may be assessed a minimum $100 fine and/or other accountability consequences.

Track Complex Usage

Track facility is available for student use. Enter the track only through the designated entrance. Jumping the perimeter fence and/or crossing the infield is prohibited and subject to a minimum $25 fine.

Dance Policies and Guidelines

Planning

  • All on-campus dances must be approved by Student Development and Success (SDS). An application to host a dance is available through SDS in the lower level of the Kresge Student Life Center.
  • The Dean of Students and the Vice President for SDS will be responsible for final approval of Spring Arbor University (SAU) sponsored dances.
  • The sponsoring organization will be responsible for the conduct of all attendees.
  • The sponsoring organizations may be required to meet with one of the SDS representatives listed above within 48 hours prior and subsequent to the event for a follow-up evaluation.
  • Dances held on Friday and Saturday will end by 1 a.m. Normally, dances will not be held Monday through Thursday. When a dance is held outdoors, local noise ordinances must be followed.
  • Dances are open to current undergraduate traditional SAU campus students. Approval for non-SAU individuals are subject to SDS approval prior to the start of the event. A picture ID is required of all non-SAU guests for entrance into any event.

Behavioral Guidelines

All attendees must comply with the behavioral guidelines outlined in the SAU Student Handbook.

Location

Location of dances both on and off-campus must be approved by SDS.

Supervision

  • Depending on the anticipated size of the event, SDS will work with the student organizers to determine the appropriate number of faculty/staff advisors required to be in attendance. In addition, at least one member of the SDS staff will be in attendance to ensure the event is orderly and in compliance with all university and event guidelines.
  • Signatures of the faculty/staff and SDS staff member supervising the event must accompany the original application to host a dance.
  • If Campus Safety supervision is required by SDS, the sponsoring group/persons will be responsible for paying the normal Campus Safety Officer hourly wage as determined by the Director of Campus Safety.

Music

  • The playlist for all dances must be approved by SDS. SDS has a general approved playlist.
  • Students are welcome to nominate songs (include original lyrics) to be added to the approved playlist up to 48 hours prior to a scheduled dance.
  • All DJs must be approved by SDS. The event sponsors take sole responsibility for the compensation of any vendor services.
  • Live Bands must submit a playlist (along with song lyrics) 48 hours prior to the event if playing songs not on SAU Playlist.
  • As in all university events, the expectation for on and off-campus dances is that all activities not violate the letter or spirit of the SAU Community Standards as stated in the SAU Student Handbook.

“Every Christian community must realize that not only do the weak need the strong, but also the strong cannot exist without the weak. The elimination of the weak is the death of fellowship.”

-Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Solicitation Policy

Solicitation is not permitted in any form on Spring Arbor University’s campus. Requests for access to the SAU student body should be directed to Student Development and Success (517-750-6330 or [email protected]).

Tables Outside the DC - Promotion or Information

Regarding reserving promotion/information tables outside the Dining Commons (DC), Student Development and Success (SDS) has developed the following policy:

  • Anyone interested in a table needs to request reservation at [email protected] or 517-750-6416.
  • Vendors will not be allowed to set up a table - solicitation is not allowed on campus.
  • Permission for non-vendor groups or causes will be granted at the prerogative of SDS.
  • Recognized SAU groups (groups with a faculty or staff advisor and leadership contacts) will take precedence over non-SAU groups.
  • In a seven-day period, a group may reserve a table for up to three days. The same group can schedule a table for up to two weeks in a row.
  • There will be a maximum of two table set ups for any given meal period.

Protocol for Charitable Collection Drives

Groups or individuals must seek approval from a Student Development staff member who will consult these guidelines:

  • Collection time is limited to a maximum of 2 weeks.
  • Receptacle(s) should be sturdy and attractive and include information (poster) regarding the purpose of the collection and what person or group is responsible.
  • Groups responsible need to retrieve donated items frequently and ensure receptacles are kept from overflowing.
  • Receptacles must be placed in agreed upon locations that are not in the way, do not block exits (comply with fire exit codes), and are not aesthetically detrimental.
  • Collection boxes must be removed by the agreed upon end date (especially important when campus will be closed for breaks/holidays). Group responsible must handle delivery of the collected goods to their intended location.

Severe Weather Procedures

In case of a tornado warning, students are expected to take immediate action and go to the basement or lowest portion of any building. Being in a narrow passageway, such as a lower hallway is advised. Stay away from glassed-in areas. Students should not return to their rooms until the “all clear” signal is given.

TORNADO WATCH - means weather conditions are right for tornadoes to develop

TORNADO WARNING - means a tornado has actually been sighted or indicated on radar

Shelter Information

  • LOWELL HALL - Use basement
  • WHITE LIBRARY - Use the interior of the lower level
  • DIETZMAN HALL - Use the interior of the lower level
  • VILLAGE HOUSES - Use lower-level floor away from windows
  • GAINEY HALL - Use first floor hallways
  • ANDREWS HALL - Use first floor hallways
  • K-HOUSES - Use the basement or go into inner rooms without windows
  • WHITEMAN-GIBBS SCIENCE CENTER - Use the lower floor by the restroom area
  • STUDENT LIFE CENTER - Use the hallways by HHWS and toward the Coffman Center
  • SAYRE/DECAN HALL - Use the outside north stairs going to the storage room under SMC 142
  • OFFICE OF ADVANCEMENT - Use the boiler room in the basement
  • MCDONALD ATHLETIC CENTER (MAC) - Use the central portion of lower floor hallway
  • OGLE ART CENTER - Use inner hallway
  • SMITH MUSIC CENTER - Use inner hallway by the band room
  • POLING CENTER - Use lower-level hallway

Students who are physically unable of moving to the aforementioned areas should seek assistance or move to the center of the hallway in which they live, away from windows, etc. The township emergency siren will sound when there is a TORNADO WARNING. This signal sounds at noon of the first Saturday of each month as a test.

Personal and Community Safety

Restricted Areas

Students found in areas such as secured buildings/areas, roofs or campus owned buildings, or in mechanical rooms/areas may be assessed a $100 fine and/or other disciplinary consequences.

Firearms, Weapons and Fireworks

  • Firearms, bows and arrows, concealed knives with blades longer than three inches, realistic looking toy guns, B.B. guns, airsoft guns, paintball guns and other weapons of any type are not permitted to be carried, stored in campus housing or vehicles, or possessed by students on campus.
  • Homemade and commercial incendiary devices, such as fireworks and bottle bombs, are not permitted and are a serious threat to personal and campus safety.
  • The possession or use of such items on campus is not permitted. Violations will be subject to significant accountability action ranging from fines, community service, probation, suspension, or dismissal and/or civil action.

Fire Safety Equipment

Fire safety equipment (fire alarms, extinguishers, exit lights, sprinkler heads, and detectors) is located in strategic areas of the residence halls. Use this equipment only for emergencies. Tampering with fire equipment or triggering a false alarm violates local and state laws. Individuals who use fire extinguishers or trigger a fire alarm as a result of an irresponsible act or fail to evacuate campus housing in a timely manner during an alarm will be subject to a $300 fine, University accountability action, and possible civil action. Intentionally setting fires in the residence halls, the corresponding rooms, hallways, bathrooms, etc. is dangerous and illegal. University accountability action for such offenses may include suspension, dismissal, and/or civil action.

Amendments

This Handbook does not create a contract between the student and the University, and the University reserves the right to change, replace, or amend any of the provisions or policies contained herein, in its sole discretion. This online version will always be the most recent version.


For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Romans 12:3-13