Student Life

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The student undergraduate enrollment of approximately 1,050 is distributed between men and women in a ratio of 46 percent to 54 percent. During the past five years students have come from almost all the states and 55 foreign countries. Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York have the largest representation. Fifty percent are resident students; 17 percent, married students; 22.3 percent, minority students; and 2.15 percent, international students.

Philadelphia Biblical University is a community of students, faculty, and staff who, in accomplishing the mission of the University, join together for academic enrichment, personal development, spiritual growth, and preparation for Christian ministry. Relationships and responsibilities in this community are built upon (1) the teachings and principles of the inerrant and authoritative Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17), (2) the personal accountability of each member to a loving and sovereign God (1 Peter 1:17), and (3) the inner resources and enabling of the Holy Spirit to guide and minister to each other in all relationships (John 16:13-14).

Members of the University community should seek first and foremost to achieve the goal stated in 1 Corinthians 10:31, namely, “whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” All activities and relationships should seek to accomplish this ultimate objective. In relationships with one another, members are to be guided by the following scriptural admonitions:

LOVE: “This is the message which you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.” (1 John 3:11)

EDIFICATION: “Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to his edification.” (Romans 15:1-2)

BEARING ONE ANOTHER’S BURDEN: “Bear one another’s burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)

SPEAKING THE TRUTH IN LOVE: “But speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the head, even, Christ.” (Ephesians 4:15)

RESPONSIBILITY TO OTHER BELIEVERS: “But take care lest this liberty of yours somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.” (1 Corinthians 8:9)

RESTORATION AND RESTITUTION: “Brethren, if a man is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to yourself, lest you too be tempted.” (Galatians 6:1)

The following standards and expectations apply to all University employees and all students while enrolled at the University:

1. Scripture specifically prohibits stealing, sexual immorality, lying, cheating, gossiping, hate speech against one another, profane language, occult practices, and attitudes such as pride, lust, bitterness, jealousy and an unforgiving spirit. These prohibitions are clearly understood to be biblical commands that are binding upon every Christian believer.
    
2. Any kind of demeaning gesture, threat of violence, or physical attack directed toward another person will not be tolerated. Vandalism and stealing of property, services, or goods are also unacceptable.
    
3. Because of the biblical teaching concerning the dignity and worth of every person, harassment or discrimination against others on the basis of race, national origin, sex, or handicap is not acceptable. University employees and students whose speech or action violates laws or University regulations or policies will be subject to discipline and/or dismissal.
    
4. The use of tobacco, alcoholic beverages, hallucinogenic drugs, and substances (including marijuana) or narcotics not authorized by a physician presents a great danger to the physical and psychological well-being of the user. Therefore, University employees and students should refrain from the possession, use, or distribution of these and similar elements on or away from campus. Night clubs, bars, and similar places are to be avoided.
    
5. University employees and students should be sensitive regarding the testimony of their personal lives in representing the Lord Jesus Christ, His Church, and the University. They should be highly selective in their choices of entertainment, and recreation including television, videos, motion pictures, theater, sports, reading materials, and music. Biblical standards, especially those in reference to immorality, worldly values, violence, profanity, sexuality, and nudity, should serve as guidelines in making personal discretionary decisions in these areas. R-rated movies, however, are not permitted on campus or at University-sponsored activities.
   
   The University understands that there are varying attitudes among Christians regarding some of these issues and desires not to be offensive to the conscience of any believer. Therefore, although students are free to make discretionary decisions in these areas, they should be sensitive and submissive to the standards of their family and local church.
    
6. Pornographic materials are destructive and immoral and are not to be viewed, possessed, or distributed on or away from campus. E-mail and internet sites which are sexually explicit should be avoided. They should not be copied or transmitted to other people.
    
7. Because a significant number of evangelical Christians view social dancing as a morally questionable activity, social dancing is not permitted on campus or at University-sponsored activities. Choreography in drama and musical productions is permitted.
    
8. Gambling is viewed as an unwise use of God-given resources and therefore is not acceptable in any form on or away from campus. University employees and students should not attend places where gambling is the source of business or entertainment.
    
9. University employees and students are subject to the responsibility of academic integrity which demands honesty and giving credit to the proper sources.
   
   
10. The Lord’s Day (Sunday) is set apart primarily for worship, fellowship, ministry, and rest for God’s people. Therefore, the scheduling of University programs, services, and athletic events that are not designed to promote worship, fellowship, or ministry on Sundays is not encouraged.

Standards of dress and personal grooming are stipulated in the various Student Handbooks and are in force during the academic semesters.

Prospective students should assess their willingness to abide by all of these standards during their student days. Students who are not comfortable in such a community setting cannot enjoy the maximum benefits of a PBU education. When understood and applied as intended, University standards foster character building, spiritual maturity and professional growth.

In addition to excellent community medical resources, including hospitals and doctors’ offices, the University has a student healthcare facility on the Langhorne campus. The Health Center has regular hours Monday through Friday. Emergency healthe situations during off hours should be handled by calling 911, security, and the respective Resident Assistant.

The objectives of the Alumni Association are to advance the interests of the University, to cooperate in its work, and to foster Christian fellowship among alumni.

Strong emphasis is placed on Homecoming, an annual fall event on the Langhorne Campus that provides a special opportunity for former students to return to the University. Throughout the year, alumni are notified of PBU activities of particular interest to them and of regional alumni get-togethers.

An alumni directory published periodically lists all graduates and former students alphabetically, geographically, and by class.

Alumni Discount Policy

Undergraduate Classes or Continuing Education

Depending on availability of space baccalaureate or continuing education graduates of the University may audit without cost one course each semester at the same level of their prior studies (i.e., baccalaureate graduates may audit bachelor’s level courses; graduates of the continuing education program may audit continuing education courses). The audit cannot be registered until after the scheduled registration day, and the policy applies only to regularly rostered courses not already closed (e.g., not courses such as an independent study or student teaching). A $6 per credit service fee will be charged. Alumni who have graduated more than a semester prior to auditing a course must reapply for admission and pay the application fee.

See also the Bachelor’s Degree Program, Advance Degree Completion Program, and Certificate Programs for specific student life information.