OCC 2023-2024 COMMUNITY GUIDELINES INTRODUCTION In addition to the Ozark Student Covenant, OCC students are responsible to abide by the following OCC Community Guidelines, which help create the desired atmosphere for student growth and success. There are several reasons behind OCC’s standards, guidelines, and policies, including: ● Clear and obvious principles of Christian living that are Christlike, God-honoring, and effective in their Christian witness. ● Sensitivity to others in community life. Guidelines that bring order and harmony to our college environment exist for the good of the community and the purpose of our existence. ● Sensitivity to our supporting constituency. As a privately funded Christian college, a significant portion of the operation of the college is underwritten by individuals and churches that believe in OCC and its purpose of training men and women for Christian service. ● Requirements mandated by safety. ● Policies mandated by law. The policies of OCC are not necessarily to be equated with “what it means to be a Christian.” Our aim is to have policies that are practical, safe, and God-honoring. These policies are written with the purpose of the college and the good of the college community in mind. Students are expected to adhere to the established school standards and policies at all times on and off campus. The college reserves the right to change or modify existing policies or add new guidelines as needed. For questions regarding the information contained here, contact the Office of Community Standards at 417.626.1231.
ACADEMIC INFORMATION AND GUIDELINES Note: The OCC Academic Catalog is the official source of academic information and should be consulted for specific academic inquiries. ACADEMICS OFFICE Located in the north wing of the Casteel Administration Building, the Academics Office provides oversight of faculty and degree programs and assists students as they matriculate through their declared major. For questions relating to a particular class, degree program, or professor, contact the Academics Office at 417.626.1222. ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY Please see the OCC Catalog Academic Policies.
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WITHDRAWAL PROCEDURE If a student needs to withdraw from college for any reason, the first stop is the Registrar’s Office. The Registrar’s Office helps students understand and begin the withdrawal process. Improper withdrawal may affect your transcript as well as the refund on tuition, room, and Dining Hall charges. NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT Ozark Christian College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities. Within the context of its religious principles, heritage, and mission, Ozark Christian College does not discriminate on the basis of sex in employment, admissions, or educational programs. The college maintains educational and behavioral standards based upon Scripture.
GENERAL OCC COMMUNITY GUIDELINES BIBLICAL FOUNDATION We recognize that there is much we share in common as a community of believers. We also understand that we come from a variety of cultural backgrounds, persuasions, and perspectives that influence the way we think about inward beliefs and outward behaviors. As a community, OCC is founded on historical biblical principles that guide us in being the people of God so that we may do the work of God. Being the People of God… We love God . . . We live our lives to the glory of God, daily conforming ourselves to the image of Christ and recognizing the lordship of Christ in everything (1 Cor 10:31; Col 3:17). Our actions reflect our love and accountability to God (Matt 22:36-38; 2 Cor 5:10). We love others . . . Following Jesus’ example, love guides and determines our relationships with others (Matt 22:39-40; Jn 15:12-17). We live by a different standard . . . Christ calls us to be in the world, but not of the world. We don’t have to conform to attitudes that run counter to biblical guidance (Rom 12:1-2; Titus 2:11-14; Jn 2:15-17). We live for Christ . . . We cannot live the Christian life simply on the basis of our own moral character and strength. As we study and obey the Scriptures, allow the Holy Spirit to guide us, and pursue counsel from the people of God, he guides our path (Prov 15:22; 2 Tim 2:22). Doing the Work of God… We serve others . . . We serve our neighbors, responding and working to alleviate such pressing worldwide problems as poverty, hunger, human trafficking, disease, illiteracy and racism (Matt 7:12, James 1:27). We are accountable to others. . . Christ desires to restore us to himself and our community. We have a responsibility to each other, thus Christian freedom includes purposefully not doing some things to contribute to the good of the larger community in order to not cause others to stumble in their walk with the Lord (1 Cor 9:19-23, 10:23-11:1). We respect others . . . Certain actions are expressly prohibited in the Scriptures and are therefore unacceptable. Scripture also guides us to understand that other actions are matters of individual opinion and we should not condemn one another or ignore our conscience (Rom 14:1-23). We effectively use our resources . . . The community as a whole and members individually are
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responsible for intentionally using their abilities, strengths, assets, and opportunities to honor God (Rom 12:3-8). DRUGS, TOBACCO, ALCOHOL, and VAPING The purchase, possession, or use of alcohol, marijuana, CBD, cannabis-derived products, low-level hemp products, tobacco, e-cigarettes, JUUL, vaping devices, or illegal drugs is prohibited on and off campus. The inappropriate possession or use of over-the-counter drugs, prescription drugs, or propellants is prohibited on and off campus. OCC is a drug-free, alcohol-free, smoke-free, and vape-free campus. Students are to use discretion if attending restaurants, gatherings, or events where alcohol is served (Prov 31:4-5; Rom 14:21; 1 Cor 10:23-24). Students are not permitted to attend bars, clubs, or other venues where primarily alcohol is served. For the complete Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program, go to occ.edu/daapp. DRUG TESTING POLICY If reasonable cause exists, the college may require a student to participate in testing to determine the use or abuse of drugs. “Reasonable cause” is defined as behavior, conduct, or performance by a student which leads the college to conclude there is a likelihood the student is using or is under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol. Among the indicators which may be used in evaluating a student’s behavior, conduct, or performance include significant changes in class attendance, grades, physical appearance, academic motivation, emotional condition, or legal involvement. Reasonable cause also may be based on information received that a student is using illegal drugs or alcohol. All reasonable cause requests will be directed to the Vice President of Student Affairs. If it is determined that reasonable cause exists to require a student to submit to drug testing, the testing will be completed to protect the health and safety of the student or others, and/or to protect the integrity of the college. In such cases, no advance notice of the drug test should be given to the student. All students, including student-athletes/managers and other students representing the college, are subject to random screenings or targeted selections based upon reasonable cause. See also the OCC Student Covenant. A local laboratory will conduct the drug testing using hair, blood, urine, or any other industry-recognized analytical procedures to assure trustworthy and accurate test results. The screening will be administered in a confidential setting witnessed by a designated person of the same sex as the student being tested. The college will pay for the cost of drug testing. Students whose test results are positive will be subject to discipline according to the student conduct process. Failure to participate in a requested drug test will result in disciplinary action, up to and including immediate dismissal from the college. DRESS AND APPEARANCE Students are expected to dress and present themselves in a manner that reflects Christ’s call to holiness and humility (1 Pet 3:3-4; 1 Tim 2:9-10). To honor Christ and to respect others in the community, modesty and appropriateness should be considered at all times. The following are not intended to be exhaustive but represent a variety of guidelines related to dress and appearance. Administration, faculty, staff, residence directors, and resident assistants will give guidance to students concerning these guidelines. Regardless of intent, the following items may be perceived as immodest and inappropriate and are to be avoided: ● Revealing tops, skirts, shorts, or pants ● Visible undergarments ● Halter tops or bare midriffs Clothing that contains drug or alcohol references is not permitted. Additionally, clothing that uses vulgarity or contains sexual messages is not permitted. Shoes are required in public for hygiene and safety reasons. Individual professors or work supervisors may require a stricter standard of dress in
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their classrooms or work areas for educational and professional reasons. Earrings and nose studs/rings are permitted. Other body piercings are not to be displayed, nor is extreme gauging permitted. ENTERTAINMENT Students are not permitted to gamble at casinos or elsewhere. Regarding other choices of entertainment (i.e. internet, television, movies, music, video games, etc.), students should exercise careful judgment, guided by Christ’s call to holiness in thought and speech (Rom 12:2; Eph 5:3-4; Phil 4:8). Entertainment choices should be God-honoring and wholesome in nature for the good of the student and out of respect for the community. SEXUALITY AND RELATIONSHIPS: COMMITMENT TO PURITY OCC is committed to an approach to sexuality and moral purity that reflects biblical values according to the following affirmations: We believe that God’s design at creation for sexual desire and orientation is within the bounds of a marriage union between one man and one woman (Gen 1:26-28; Gen 2:22-25; Rom 1:26-27). We believe that premarital sex, extramarital sex, bisexual acts, same-sex marriage, and homosexual acts violate clear biblical teaching on sexual purity (Rom 1:26-27; 1 Cor 6:18-20; Gal 5:19-21; Eph 5:3; Col 3:5-6). We believe gender identity and roles are aspects of God’s creative design (Gen 1:26-28; 1 Cor 11:7-9; 1 Tim 2:12-14). Sexual intercourse and the intimate acts leading up to it are reserved exclusively for the context of a biblically defined marriage (Gen 2:21-23; Matt 19:4-6). Sexual activities outside of this context, including sexual intercourse, oral sex, and other intimate forms of touching are prohibited. Behavior that is inconsistent with these standards is prohibited even when consensual. Consistent with our desire to teach and model a biblical approach to sexuality, OCC prohibits same-sex dating behaviors and public advocacy for any sexual activity outside of a biblically defined marriage. We seek to help students who face all types of sexual temptation. We encourage single students to live chaste and celibate lives. We encourage married students to be faithful to God, their marriage, and to their spouse. Consistent with our commitment to God’s design for gender identity, the public advocacy for or the act of altering one’s birth-gender identity through medical transition or transgender expression is prohibited. This commitment to gender identity also applies to, but is not limited to, the use of bathrooms, locker rooms, student housing, and participating in gender-specific college groups, clubs, and organizations. OCC provides the following specific guidelines intended to help single students with their commitment to moral purity: ● Students in romantic relationships should avoid spending extended time in a private place or location where there is no accountability, such as off-campus apartments or bedrooms. ● Students are not to share the same bed. ● Students are not permitted to spend the night in an off-campus apartment, hotel room, bedroom, etc., with the opposite sex, regardless of the number of students involved. OCC provides the following specific guidelines intended to help married students with their commitment to moral purity: ● Married students are not permitted to engage in sexual activity with anyone other than their spouse.
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Married students are encouraged to celebrate God’s design of sexual intimacy by pursuing emotional and physical intimacy with their spouse. Married students are encouraged to maintain appropriate boundaries and invite accountability for protection against temptations to emotional or physical adultery.
OCC provides the following specific guidelines intended to help all students with their commitment to moral purity: ● Students are prohibited from accessing pornographic or obscene websites. ● Students are prohibited from posting or sharing sexually provocative material. ● All students are responsible for compliance with OCC’s Community Values prohibiting homosexual activity. Although a policy may refer to members of the opposite sex/gender, it does not imply that same-sex individuals engaged in sexual impropriety is allowed. All same-sex relationships must be platonic relationships. OCC seeks to provide biblically faithful counsel, support, and equipping for holiness on matters of purity and sexual brokenness. Resources for students include Student Affairs staff, faculty, and confidential counseling services through the Student Affairs Office. Violations of these guidelines may result in dismissal. HAZING AND INITIATION POLICY Hazing is defined as an act likely to cause physical or psychological harm or social ostracism to any person within the college community, when related to the admission, initiation, pledging, joining, or any other group-affiliation activity. Hazing is prohibited at Ozark Christian College and violators are subject to criminal prosecution in addition to college accountability. In Missouri hazing is a class A misdemeanor, unless the act creates a substantial risk to the life of the student or prospective member, in which case it is a class D felony. A person commits the offense of hazing if he or she knowingly participates in or causes a willful act, occurring on or off the campus of a public or private college or university, directed against a student or a prospective member of an organization operating under the sanction of a public or private college or university, that recklessly endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student or prospective member for the purpose of initiation or admission into or continued membership in any such organization to the extent that such person is knowingly placed at probable risk of the loss of life or probable bodily or psychological harm. Consent is not a defense to hazing. Acts of hazing include: (1) Any activity which recklessly endangers the physical health or safety of the student or prospective member, including but not limited to physical brutality, whipping, beating, branding, exposure to the elements, forced consumption of any food, liquor, drug or other substance, or forced smoking or chewing of tobacco products; (2) Any activity which recklessly endangers the mental health of the student or prospective member, including but not limited to sleep deprivation, physical confinement, or other extreme stress-inducing activity; or (3) Any activity that requires the student or prospective member to perform a duty or task which involves a violation of the criminal laws of this state or any political subdivision in this state. (RSMo §578.365), If you become aware of any activity that might be hazing, report it to the Vice President of Student Affairs immediately. STATEMENT OF RELIGIOUS BELIEFS ON HUMAN LIFE, GENDER, MARRIAGE, AND SEXUALITY Statement of Religious Beliefs
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The ultimate mission of Ozark Christian College is to glorify God and his Son Jesus Christ, which includes living in accordance with the truth revealed in his written Word. We believe this requires that the college set forth clear positions, based on our understanding of God’s Word, to govern the behavior of our students and employees in our living and learning environment. These positions are grounded in our long-standing institutional religious identity as part of the Protestant Evangelical theological tradition known as the Restoration Movement. We affirm that the Ozark Christian College statement of faith does not exhaust the extent of our beliefs. We affirm that the Bible itself—as the inspired and infallible Word of God that speaks with authority concerning truth, morality, and the proper conduct of mankind—is the sole and final source of all we believe (2 Tim 3:16). For purposes of the college’s religious belief, doctrine, practice, policy, and discipline, the Ozark Christian College Board of Trustees is the final interpretive authority on the meaning and application of the Bible. We believe that all employees represent the college and serve as ministers, teachers, mentors, and biblical role models to the Ozark Christian College students and community (Matt 5:16; Phil 2:14-16; 1 Thess 5:22).
Statement on the Sanctity of Human Life ● We believe that all human life is sacred and created by God in his image. Human life is of inestimable worth in all its dimensions, including pre-born babies, the aged, and those with special needs. ● We are called to defend, protect, and value all human life (Psalm 139). Statement of Religious Belief on Gender ● We believe that man and woman were created by God to be two distinct, complementary genders—male and female—possessing equal value, made to glorify him, and who together reflect the image of God. ● However, as a result of living in a fallen world, we understand that some people experience gender dysphoria (i.e., perceived gender identity that is different from their biological birth gender). ● We affirm that those who experience gender dysphoria are image-bearers of God, and we are called to extend to them our compassion and care. ● We believe that God’s design for all people is to live out their biological birth gender, and we are opposed to any efforts to alter one’s identity to conform with a perceived gender (e.g., cross-dressing, hormone therapy, gender reassignment surgery) (Gen 1:26-27; Matt 19:4). Statement of Religious Belief on Marriage and Sexuality ● We believe that God ordained marriage as a covenant relationship to bring him glory. ● We believe that the Bible teaches that the term “marriage” has only one meaning: the uniting of one man and one woman in a single, exclusive, permanent union as taught in Scripture (Gen 2:18-24). By “man” and “woman,” we believe the Bible is referring to each individual’s biological birth gender. ● We believe that God intends intimate sexual activity to occur only between a man and a woman who are married to each other (1 Cor 6:18; 7:2-5; Heb 13:4). ● We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of such a marriage, and therefore that any form of sexual immorality (including sexual activity outside of biblical marriage, homosexual practice, bestiality, incest, and use of pornography) is prohibited (Matt 15:18-20; 1 Cor 6:9-10; Gen 2:24; Ex 20:14, 17; Lev 18:22-23; Matt 19:4-6; Rom. 1:18-31; 1 Cor 6:15-20; 1 Tim 1:8-11; Jude 7).
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We desire Ozark Christian College to be an atmosphere of grace, trust, and freedom, and we encourage those who struggle with same-sex attraction, as well as those who struggle with other sexual temptations, to share this with trusted spiritual mentors for encouragement, counsel, and prayer (James 5:16). We believe that God’s standard for sexual activity outside of biblical marriage is celibacy. We believe that celibacy is a gift from God, possible through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, which allows the unmarried to live a life of sexual purity (1 Cor 7:7-9).
Conclusion Ozark Christian College will make institutional decisions consistent with these positions for employment, hiring, retention, student admissions, discipline, and all other matters. CAMPING/OVERNIGHT SITUATIONS Camping, spending the night with others at someone’s residence, including off-campus student housing, or other overnight situations is not permitted for individuals or groups of opposite gender. If an overnight circumstance involves a mixed gender situation, a sponsor or sponsors approved by Student Affairs must oversee the activity, and that/those sponsor(s) must be present for the duration of the event. Simply “hanging out” overnight with someone of the opposite gender is strictly prohibited. STUDENT ID CARDS A student ID card is issued for the duration of a student’s years at OCC. Among other uses, this card will be needed in the Dining Hall to obtain meals, for entrance to the residence hall and other campus buildings, to check materials out of the library, to record chapel attendance, and for admission to athletic events on campus. Allowing other students to use an ID card is prohibited and will result in disciplinary action for all individuals involved. Replacement ID cards are available in Student Financial Services Offices for a replacement fee of $25. FUNDRAISING No fundraising is allowed on the OCC campus without prior written permission of Student Affairs. Most OCC students and personnel support ministries or non-profit organizations that are dependent on donations. To prevent an atmosphere of constant fundraising, OCC strictly limits fundraising on campus. In lieu of individual or group fundraising, OCC collects offerings during chapel services each week to raise funds for various ministries and missionaries. Students may submit the names of ministries and missionaries to be considered for future chapel offerings by contacting the Intercultural Studies Department, located in the Missions Building.
CAMPUS SAFETY GUIDELINES FIREARMS/WEAPONS Due to safety and legal concerns, firearms, tazers, martial arts equipment, archery equipment, paintballguns, Airsoft®-type guns and hunting equipment of any kind are not permitted on campus. Knives with blades longer than three inches are not permitted. Any such items must be stored off campus. Storage arrangements should be made prior to coming on the campus. This applies to all weapons (e.g., knives, bows and arrows, etc.). FIREWORKS
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Possession of fireworks and/or use of fireworks are not permitted anywhere on campus. PROPERTY INFORMATION OCC campus property lines are to be observed. With students’ safety in mind and respecting the rights of others, private property and wooded areas beyond OCC boundaries are “off-limits” to students. Please do not be alone in isolated areas, especially at night. The wooded boundaries and creek area are to be vacated 30 minutes before dark. Turkey Creek on the north side of the property will flood and overflow its banks occasionally. When this occurs, no one is to enter the creek or overflow water. BICYCLES Bicycles may be used on roadways only. No bicycles are allowed on sidewalks. No “off-road” riding is permitted on campus. Bicycle racks are provided for student use at various locations on campus. Guidelines for storage of bicycles at specific residence halls will be determined by each hall’s RD. SKATEBOARDING AND ROLLERBLADING For safety, skateboarding, longboarding, rollerblading, etc. is not permitted on campus property. WALKING AND JOGGING For safety, students should walk or jog in groups. Students should also wear reflective or easily seen clothing and be respectful of vehicles and roadways. Every reasonable precaution should be taken to ensure safety.
VEHICLE-RELATED GUIDELINES Use of any vehicle on campus is a privilege. The privilege may be forfeited by anyone who demonstrates irresponsibility in this area. You will need to be aware of the following policies, which are in place to ensure safety and to best accommodate the needs of all who travel our campus: 1. All vehicles must be registered and must have a parking permit sticker. Failure to display a sticker on your vehicle will result in a $25 fine. Parking stickers are available in the Student Affairs Office. 2. The parking permit sticker must be affixed to the vehicle and must be easily visible. Stickers for automobiles are to be affixed to the inside of the front windshield, preferably the lower righthand corner (passenger’s side). 3. Painted curbs and some signs indicate designated parking spaces and areas. Campus designations include: Faculty/Staff Red Handicapped Blue Loading/Unloading Yellow Open Parking White In addition, the parking spaces directly in front of Mabee Hall are for residents of Mabee Hall only. Anyone driving to the Dining Hall may use the available designated spaces on the Dining Hall side of the road or in the parking lot west of the Dining Hall. 4. On-campus students are not allowed to drive to class. Special health or injury-related circumstances may be approved and a special permit issued by Student Affairs. 5. Relatives of personnel are not allowed to park in red areas. 6. All traffic signs, speed zones, and parking regulations are to be honored. Violations will result in citations and fines of a minimum of $25 per incident. To pay a fine, report to the
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Student Financial Services Office. Failure to report within one week of violation date may result in revocation of your vehicle privileges on campus. 7. All vehicles, 4-wheelers, motorcycles, motorbikes, and motor scooters are to remain on the pavement only. Helmets are required. No “off-road” riding is permitted on campus. No vehicle shall be operated or parked on a sidewalk. 8. Inoperable vehicles must be repaired or removed from campus. After a reasonable amount of time and due notice concerning such a situation, the vehicle will be towed from campus and stored at the owner’s expense. 9. Vehicles are not to be left on campus through the summer months. Such vehicles will be towed from campus and stored at the owner’s expense. 10.Please remember that visitor parking is to be left open for visitors and is not to be used by students. 11. For safety, students may be ticketed for unsafe vehicle usage. This includes but is not limited to standing in open beds of vehicles, riding on the outside of vehicles, or pulling items such as sleds, scooters, bicycles, etc.
EMERGENCY SAFETY INFO Emergency procedures containing instructions regarding how to respond in the event of an emergency are located throughout all campus buildings. Students should take advance note of the guidelines in the buildings they frequent. Here are the emergency guidelines regarding how to respond in the event of an active threat, fire, or tornado taken from the Emergency Procedures Guide mentioned above. ACTIVE THREAT When an active threat is in your vicinity: RUN • Have an escape route and plan in mind • Leave your belongings behind • Keep your hands visible HIDE • Hide in an area out of the shooter’s view • Block entry to your hiding place and lock the doors • Silence your cell phone FIGHT • As a last resort and only when your life is in imminent danger • Attempt to incapacitate the shooter • Act with physical aggression and throw items at the active shooter How to respond when law enforcement arrives: • Remain calm and follow instructions • Put down any items in your hands (i.e., bags, jackets) • Raise hands and spread fingers • Keep hands visible at all times • Avoid quick movements toward officers such as holding onto them for safety • Avoid pointing, screaming, or yelling • Do not stop to ask officers for help or direction when evacuating Information you should provide to law enforcement or 911 operator: • Location of the active shooter
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• Number of shooters • Physical description of shooters • Number and type of weapons held by shooters • Number of potential victims at the location FIRE Any individual that discovers a fire must activate manual pull alarms which are located throughout the buildings. Activating one pull alarm will sound all alarms within the building. After activation of the fire alarms, the individual must then notify the appropriate authorities as to the location of the fire by dialing 911. The Physical Plant Director must be notified as well at 417.483.8702. Upon hearing alarms, all occupants of the building must proceed to approved evacuation exits as instructed on the emergency exit maps located inside the building. OCC personnel may check the building to see that all occupants have evacuated the building. After the above steps have been accomplished, personnel may attempt to extinguish the fire, if safe to do so, with portable extinguishers located throughout the buildings. The Physical Plant Director will notify the President’s Office about the emergency. No one is to reenter the building until the Physical Plant Director or fire department gives the all-clear. TORNADO/SEVERE WEATHER The National Weather Service constantly monitors weather conditions to identify areas that could be threatened by serious weather conditions such as tornadoes, ice storms, and flooding. The most likely severe weather condition to affect OCC is that involving a tornado or possible tornado. In the event that a tornado is likely or imminent, the National Weather Service will issue a tornado watch or tornado warning. Students and employees are encouraged to sign up to receive “Severe Weather Alerts” issued from the National Weather Service by downloading the (local radio station’s) KZRG App for the iPhone or Android smartphone. In addition, all campus buildings are equipped with weather radios to alert staff in case of severe weather conditions. TORNADO WATCHES • The National Weather Service issues a tornado watch when weather conditions are such that a tornado could develop in a particular area. • Check televised, radio, or online weather reports when sky conditions are threatening. • Be prepared to proceed to a posted shelter area. TORNADO WARNINGS • A tornado warning indicates that a tornado has been sighted in the area. Joplin’s emergency sirens and National Weather Service alerts will be activated. • Proceed to a posted shelter area and notify others you meet to do the same. • Assist those with disabilities to a shelter area. • Do not use elevators. • If possible in the shelter area sit facing a wall and lean forward with hands over the head. • In the event someone is injured, call 911 immediately to request emergency medical assistance. Render first aid if possible and try to keep the injured person stable until help arrives. • Remain in the designated shelter area until the all-clear is given by Student Affairs, RDs, or other building managers.
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