Student Life

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The student undergraduate enrollment of approximately 1,100 is distributed between men and women in a ratio of 47 percent to 53 percent. Fifty-eight percent are resident students; 13 percent, married students; 18 percent, minority students; and 1 percent, international students. During the past five years students have come from almost all the states and approximately 35 foreign countries. Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York have the largest representation.

PBU is an academic community of Christian students, faculty, and staff. As such, and in keeping with the mission and vision of the University, members of the PBU community are to exhibit biblical wisdom and Christian maturity regarding their personal conduct and behavior toward others. They should be sensitive regarding the testimony of their personal lives in representing the Lord Jesus Christ, His Church, and the University. Members of the University community should live according to 1 Corinthians 10:31: “Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

Christian community involves covenantal responsibility and mutual obligation to one another as members of one body living together before a righteous and holy God. Therefore, members of the University community are to be guided by biblical admonitions to demonstrate Christian love and concern for others, honesty, fairness, justice, kindness, forgiveness, mutual edification, self-control, deference, respect, and social responsibility toward one another and all people.

Because Christian community exists in social and cultural context, members must be careful to demonstrate civility and respect for those with whom they disagree, while exercising wisdom in evaluating the ideas and activities of others. Christians living in harmony share a deep concern for the Body of Christ, defer to one another, reason together, and express genuine Christian love, as outlined in Romans chapter fourteen.

Additional specific standards of conduct for students, faculty, staff, administration, and trustees as well as other institutional and governmental policies can be found in the respective handbooks for each group.

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 health situations during off hours should be handled by calling 911, security, and the respective resident personnel.

In order to assist the Health Center and be in compliance with health regulations, all students are required to complete a health form which documents medical history and immunization records. Students are to report any changes in health information or newly prescribed medications to the nurse for inclusion in his/her health record. Students who have not completed the health form will not be permitted to attend classes or live in the residence halls.

The Office of Alumni Relations exists to foster a sense of community among the University’s alumni family by providing effective channels for communication, fellowship, and growth. These ministries are designed to create an enthusiastic mutual relationship with other alumni and the University.

Crimson Celebration is PBU’s annual weekend for the entire University family designed to provide a special opportunity for reunions and celebrations among alumni of all ages. Up-to-date information regarding activities, regional get-togethers, and news of interest is available through the PBU Today magazine, periodic mailings, and My PBU. My PBU is the online community for alumni at www.my.pbu.edu. My PBU is dedicated to providing resources and encouragement for spiritual maturity, effective ministry, and professional growth.

PBU graduates have distinguished themselves in churches, missions, schools, businesses, politics, communities, homes, and families for over 90 years. The Office of Alumni Relations considers it an honor to proudly represent approximately 15,000 alumni who have made an impact for Christ around the globe.

Alumni Discount Policy (Undergraduate and Continuing Education Graduates)

Depending on availability of space, baccalaureate or continuing education graduates of the University may audit, free of tuition, one course each semester at the same level of their prior studies (i.e., baccalaureate graduates may audit bachelor’s level courses; continuing education graduates 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. This alumni benefit is a scholarship offered to all alumni and participants must apply through the financial aid office in order to have the tuition benefit credited to their account.

This information is specific to the bachelor’s degree programs. To obtain additional Student Life information which is common to all undergraduate programs, see above.

The following standards apply to University students while enrolled in the traditional undergraduate programs at PBU. These standards are established on the bases of state and federal laws, biblical teaching, and University policy and tradition. The administration is responsible to, and reserves the right to, exercise judgment in interpreting and enforcing these standards and all matters related to them based upon the totality of the circumstances.
1. University students are subject to the responsibility of academic integrity which demands honesty and giving credit to the proper sources.
2. Hazing is classified as a crime by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; the University will not allow this type of activity. Hazing is defined as any type of initiation process which includes actions that may potentially cause bodily harm, physical exhaustion, personal embarrassment, loss of dignity, emotional trauma, or mental duress.
3. Harassment or discrimination against others on the basis of race, national origin, age, sex, or handicap is not tolerated. Intimidation and violence through words or action are prohibited. This includes , but is not limited to, threats, verbal attacks, vandalism, stalking, acts of hatred and physical attack.
4. Students are to be highly selective in their choices of entertainment, and recreation, including television, videos, motion pictures, theater, dancing, sports, reading materials, music, video games, web postings, and file downloads. Biblical standards and discernment, especially in reference to worldly values, profanity, violence, immorality, sexuality, and nudity, should serve as guidelines in making personal decisions in these areas. Pornographic materials, including electronic media, sexually explicit internet sites and email, are not to be viewed, possessed, distributed, or transmitted on or away from campus.
5. PBU affirms the biblical teachings that a sexual relationship is intended only within a heterosexual marriage of husband and wife. Students are to abstain from any type of sexual activity or immoral relationship outside of the marriage of a man and a woman.
6. Tobacco, alcohol, illegal drugs, including illegally obtained prescription drugs and similar elements, and gambling, are prohibited on the PBU campus. All state and federal laws concerning these are to be strictly observed. In addition, students will not possess, use, or distribute tobacco, alcohol, illegal drugs, including illegally obtained prescription drugs and similar elements, or gamble, on or away from campus. Attendance at clubs, bars, casinos, and similar places is prohibited.

The University Ministry Center is the home to many of the intentional spiritual formation pieces of the University. The Center integrates a variety of distinct avenues of spiritual growth to the student body with the intent of providing ministry that parallels the student’s academic education. These avenues of spiritual formation include the oversight and programming of chapel, student ministries, short-term missions projects, and other volunteer ministry opportunities. The University Chaplain provides leadership and direction for each of these areas.

Chapel

Chapel exists to provide a central expression of worship and identity as an academic community of believers with a deep commitment to Christ. The University student body joins together every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 10:00 a.m. for chapel services. Attendance at chapel is required for all students enrolled for nine or more credits hours.

Student Ministries

To achieve the mission of the University, all traditional baccalaureate students are required to participate in a Student Ministries program designed to integrate the students’ classroom experience with church-related and professional ministry experience. Its primary purposes are to provide opportunities for students to integrate, enhance, utilize, and apply what they are learning in their course work, and, in the process, to develop their leadership skills and a heart and passion for ministry. In an effort to achieve maximum personal, spiritual, and ministry formation, all baccalaureate students are expected to fulfill a program of Student Ministry experiences during the course of their study at PBU that will enable them:

• To confidently share the Word of God with believers and unbelievers.
• To participate in outreach ministries to the community
• To cultivate a deep passion for a lifetime of ministry service
• To serve in the ministry of a local church
• To gain expertise and achieve biblical integration in the area of their professional specialization.
• To use their specific giftedness to further the Kingdom of God and have opportunity to share their faith with others.
• To develop creative on campus and community ministry opportunities that meet the changing dynamics of the culture around them.

While some student ministries may not include all of these experiences, the objective is to accomplish as many as possible each semester and all in their course of study at PBU.

Requirements:

1. All students are required to register for a ministry experience each semester that they are enrolled for seven credits or more through the University Ministry Center.
2. Student Ministry experiences during the Fall and Spring semesters require involvement of 3-5 hours per week for a minimum of 12 weeks per semester.
3. All students involved in a student ministry must read and sign a KidSafe form. KidSafe is a ministry program that designed to ensure that all students understand and implement an appropriate ministry protocol while working in ministry with people under the age of 18. This is required of all students regardless of their ministry assignment and needs only to be filled out once during their time at PBU.
4. For a minimum of two semesters, a student’s ministry experience must involve a teaching and sharing ministry with people of various age levels and spiritual needs in a local church setting. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in these ministries in their first two years at PBU.
5. Students who complete satisfactorily INT 100 The Student’s Life and Calling will receive Student Ministry credit for the semester.
6. Students who transfer into the University will receive an exemption for their first semester at Philadelphia Biblical University but will be required to attend one of the Student Ministry preparation sessions held throughout the semester of exemption. Transfer students will then be required to fulfill a Student Ministry experience for the remaining semesters at PBU, including a minimum of one semester in the local church.
7. Students may only use two semesters of on-campus ministry in the fulfillment of their Student Ministry experience. The remaining semesters of ministry must be off campus.
8. Upperclass ministries may include student internships, field placement, student teaching assignments, and other community services prescribed by a student’s professional program and supervised by the program faculty in cooperation with the University Ministry Center.

Participation in a Local Church

Philadelphia Biblical University is committed to the local church. Involvement in a local church is an integral element of the University’s academic vision. Service in the local church is where on-campus instruction is integrated with real life ministry. Involvement in a local church is central to accomplishing the mission of the University.

The local church is a body of professing believers organized to do the work of God. It is the local manifestation of the universal church of which Christ is the Head and Builder. To be involved with a local church is to be involved in God’s work on earth. The local church is the ideal place for personal spiritual growth and equipping for ministry. Ephesians 4:11-16 outlines a biblical philosophy of ministry which includes leaders who equip others for “the work of service” and “the building up of the body of Christ.” Every person in this body has a unique and vital role which contributes to the growth and health of the whole body. How God works through the diversity and uniqueness of the body parts is developed in 1 Corinthians 12. In a local church each member has an opportunity to exercise his/her “divine design” (personality, spiritual and natural gifts, passions, etc.) to help that local body grow. This involvement also results in personal spiritual growth as individual members minister to each other. The gathering of believers for the purpose of stimulation and encouragement is a command of God.

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:23-25 (NASB)

Therefore, PBU is committed to the importance of the local church as God’s provision for personal and spiritual formation. Students are expected to attend a local church worship service each week.

Every effort is made to provide help for students. Students are offered opportunity to secure guidance concerning their personal, spiritual, and academic lives. Resident assistants offer counseling in the dormitories for resident students. The professional departments provide the added help of academic or vocational counseling. The Oasis Counseling Center offers individual counseling, as well as support groups, for students who feel they would like to talk with someone about personal issues. Oasis counselors are prepared to help students work through a wide range of issues including anxiety, depression, body image, eating disorders, relationship counseling, pre-marital counseling, family conflict, adjustments to college, and other issues.

Commuters make up a significant percentage of the student body. A concentrated effort is made to include these students in the activities and programs of the University. A Commuter Council is elected by commuters to represent their interests within the University structure. Commuters have access to the student lounge in the Smith Administration Building. This lounge has tables, sofas, chairs, vending machines, microwave ovens, and e-mail capabilities.

Resident life at PBU is a dynamic part of the University experience. Resident dormitories provide a learning laboratory where that which is learned academically and understood biblically can be applied to practical, real life circumstances. Resident directors lead teams of student leaders in bringing safety, care, mentoring relationships, and social events to the residential community.

The Resident Life team at PBU seeks to provide, within each residential facility, a living and learning environment in which residents feel safe to mature spiritually, academically, culturally, and personally.

At the University, students enjoy friendships that become lifelong. To complement class and club activities, the University Social Committee plans monthly social functions for the entire University family. Activities include concerts, films, roller skating, class functions, a Spring Formal, Crimson Craze, coffee houses, and dorm events.

The University has an intercollegiate athletic program for both men and women. PBU is affiliated with the National Collegiate Athletic Association as an active member of Division III and with the National Christian College Athletic Association as a Division II member.

Sports for men include soccer, basketball, tennis, baseball, golf, cross country, and volleyball. Women’s sports include field hockey, soccer, basketball, softball, tennis, volleyball, cross country, and cheerleading.

An extensive intramural program provides opportunity for students to experience athletic competition in a recreational environment and profit from physical exercise. Intramural sports include a wide variety of individual and team sports for men and women.

Recreational facilities include a fitness center with varied exercise equipment as well as a gymnasium and field space. Four tennis courts are available for play as weather permits.

As an important part of the ministry and outreach of the University, PBU music groups present sacred concerts on campus and in the Greater Philadelphia area. The Chorale takes an annual concert tour. Other musical groups include Chamber Singers, Hosanna, Joy, Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic Band, Community Chorus, Chapel Worship Team, Brass Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Laudate, Chamber Music, and Handbell Choir. A description of each group appears in the course description section.

Most academic programs have a student fellowship or organization which meets several times a semester. These groups stimulate interaction among students and encourage relationships with professionals in the same field.

Extracurricular activities broaden the student’s base of education and deepen the level of personal experience. The development of abilities in extracurricular experiences is of prime importance to the student preparing for Christian ministry. The following student organizations provide opportunities for leadership growth.

Brothers and Sisters in Christ (BASIC)/Mu Kappa

This group is designed to provide a support group for international students and “missionary kids.” Activities include social events, special programs, and community outreach.

Class Organizations

Each year classes elect officers who lead them in their social, devotional, and service activities. In the freshman year, a faculty advisor is selected to guide the class through its University experience.

Commuter Council

The Commuter Council represents the unique interests and needs of commuting students, including assisting entering commuters to get involved in University life.

Cultural Awareness Association

This group provides opportunities for ethnically diverse students to make the University aware of the unique contributions of various cultures. This is accomplished through social programming, discussion sessions, and chapel presentations.

Milestone

The University yearbook staff prepares a record of the events and spirit of the year, and at the same time learns basic publication techniques.

The Scroll

As the official student newspaper, The Scroll offers students the challenge to utilize and develop journalistic skills in publishing news that is of interest to the student body.

Student Missionary Fellowship

This organization acquaints students with the various areas of missions outreach and sustains a prayer ministry for missionaries. Funds are raised for the purpose of sending students on summer missions assignments and contributing to other missions projects.

Student Senate

The Student Senate is composed of elected representatives from each class and major extracurricular organizations. It serves as the student representative body and liaison between students and the administration and faculty. Student Senate provides guidance for and oversight of all student activities and organizations on campus. Senate works closely with the director of student programs to build a collective master event calendar.

Student Theological Society

This organization exists to foster spiritual growth and intellectual development by encouraging the discussion of theological concepts among students.

University Social Committee

Composed of representatives from each class and various student interest groups, this committee is responsible for University student social functions. It is an official component of the Student Senate.

This information is specific to the Degree Completion Program. To obtain student life information which is common to all undergraduate programs, see above.

Communication

Advance News (e-news), published regularly, is the official news and notes of the degree completion program. Persons having announcements, testimonies, or information of interest to the Degree Completion community may submit them to the Degree Completion Office for possible inclusion. All submissions for publication are subject to editing and the Degree Completion Office also reserves the right to limit the number of items published per event. Official announcements, group news, and additions and/or changes to Degree Completion policy will appear in Advance News.

Faculty Counseling/Advising Services

All students receive academic advisement to assist in their academic, professional, and personal decision-making through the Degree Completion staff.

Standards of Conduct

The following standards apply to all University students while enrolled in the Degree Completion program at PBU. These standards are established on the bases of state and federal laws, biblical teaching, and University policy and tradition. The administration is responsible to, and reserves the right to, exercise judgment in interpreting and enforcing these standards and all matters related to them based upon the totality of the circumstances.
1. University students are subject to the responsibility of academic integrity which demands honesty and giving credit to the proper sources.
2. Hazing is classified as a crime by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; the University will not allow this type of activity. Hazing is defined as any type of initiation process which includes actions that may potentially cause bodily harm, physical exhaustion, personal embarrassment, loss of dignity, emotional trauma, or mental duress.
3. Harassment or discrimination against others on the basis of race, national origin, age, sex, or handicap is not tolerated. Intimidation and violence through words or action are prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, threats, verbal attacks, vandalism, stalking, acts of hatred, and physical attack.
4. Students are to be highly selective in their choices of entertainment. Biblical standards and discernment should serve as guidelines in making personal decisions. Pornographic materials, including electronic media and sexually explicit internet sites and email, are not to be viewed, possessed, distributed, or transmitted on or away from campus.
5. PBU affirms the biblical teachings that a sexual relationship is intended only within a heterosexual marriage of husband and wife. Students are to abstain from any type of sexual activity or immoral relationship outside of the marriage of a man and a woman.
6. Tobacco, alcohol, illegal drugs, including illegally obtained prescription drugs, and gambling are prohibited on the PBU campus. All state and federal laws concerning these are to be strictly observed.

This information is specific to the Wisconsin Wilderness Program. To obtain student life information which is common to all undergraduate programs, see above.

Students benefit from the positive, family-like atmosphere of WWC. The limited enrollment ensures that students receive more personal attention and grow in interpersonal skills. Experienced and caring staff members live on campus and provide students with guidance and direction. Visiting professors stay on campus for the week and are readily available for interaction in and out of the classroom.

There are many opportunities in nearby communities for students to participate in service projects and church ministry. Many social activities such as coffee houses, talent shows, movie and game nights, concerts, and banquets, are planned throughout the year.

Contributing to the uniqueness of WWC is its recreational location. WWC utilizes other facilities, locations, and outfitters in the North Woods to provide a full array of recreational opportunities. Campus-organized programs include canoe trips, mountain biking day trips, ropes courses, hiking trips, waterskiing, indoor rock climbing, cross-country skiing, broomball, ice skating, downhill skiing, and snowboarding. Other area recreational opportunities abound. These include fishing, backpacking, kayaking, horseback riding, camping, and snowmobiling.

This information is specific to the Institute of Jewish Studies program. To obtain student life information which is common to all undergraduate programs, see above.

Conduct

Since IJS students are considered PBU students, they are under the authority of the Office of Student Life in areas of conduct, dress, and residence hall life. They are expected to comply with PBU’s standards for bachelor’s degree students.

Due to the intensive nature of the program, prospective students should come prepared to give their full attention to the program. Fifteen to 20 hours of outside work weekly is the maximum allowed for full-time students (those taking three courses per module). Any exception to this regulation should be discussed with the director prior to acceptance as a student. Students who need to work more than 20 hours per week should extend their academic program over two years.

Chapel

Every Friday IJS meets for its own “family” chapel. The purpose of this chapel is to stimulate growth, encourage deeper fellowship among the IJS family, and worship the Lord together. The IJS chapel program is varied, with speakers from outside and inside the University and opportunities for testimony and group prayer. The emphasis is on informality and spontaneity as well as careful presentation of the Word and its application to godly living. On Mondays and Wednesdays, IJS students attend the regular undergraduate chapel service.

Student Ministry

To implement learning, every student must be involved in some form of student ministry. Friends of Israel staff members are available to guide students in evangelistic outreaches on college campuses, in monthly fellowships, hospital visitation, Bible studies, or unique opportunities for ministry with Jewish people.

This information is specific to the Biblical Foundations program. To obtain student life information which is common to all undergraduate programs, see above.

Conduct

Since Biblical Foundations students are considered PBU students, they are under the authority of the Office of Student Life in areas of conduct, dress, and dormitory life. They are expected to comply with PBU’s standards for bachelor’s degree students.

Chapel

Every Friday Biblical Foundations students meet with IJS students for their “family” chapel. The purpose of this chapel is to stimulate growth, encourage deeper fellowship among the program family, and worship the Lord together. The chapel program is varied, with speakers from outside and inside the University and opportunities for testimony and group prayer. The emphasis is on informality and spontaneity as well as careful presentation of the Word and its application to godly living. On Mondays and Wednesdays, Biblical Foundations students attend the regular undergraduate chapel service.

Student Ministry

To implement learning, every student must be involved in some form of student ministry. Students must sign up for a ministry opportunity through the University Ministry Center.