Student Life

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The undergraduate student enrollment of approximately 1,100 is distributed between men and women in a ratio of 45 percent to 55 percent. Sixty-three percent are resident students; 11 percent, married students; 18 percent, minority students; and 2 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 are handled by calling 911, security, and the respective resident team member.

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 their health records. 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 95 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). 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 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.

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

Undergraduate students are required to participate in Student Ministries. This program is designed to integrate class experiences with church-related professional experience. The 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. Participation in Student Ministries will enable a student to:

• Gain expertise and promote biblical integration in the area of their professional specialization at PBU.
• Cultivate a deep passion for a lifetime of ministry service.
• Share the Word of God with believers and have a confidence in the Gospel.
• Serve in the ministry of a local church.
• Participate in outreach ministries to the community.
• Develop creative ministry opportunities on campus and in the community that meet the changing dynamics of the culture around them.

While some ministries may not include all of these experiences, the objective is to accomplish as many as possible during the course of study at PBU. Finding the ministry that fits a student’s giftedness and passions is a critical priority of the University Ministry Center. Believing that the student’s academic learning is enhanced through ministry, the Center staff want to ensure that the ministry in which a student serves expands the student’s mind and challenges the student’s heart. With that in mind, a number of ministry resources have been created that will assist students in locating the ministry location God has for them. The Center offers individual counseling, ministry preparedness assessment, ministry information, and ministry connections with specific contact information.

Participation Requirements

1. Full-time undergraduate students must satisfactorily register and complete six (6) ministry experiences and receive a satisfactory evaluation from a ministry mentor in order to graduate from PBU. 
2. Transfer and part-time students who do not have six (6) full-time semesters (minimum of 12 credits) will have the number of required ministry experiences reduced.
3. A minimum of two (2) ministry experiences must be completed in a local church setting.
4. Students may be involved in ministry experiences during the fall, spring, or summer term.
5. Only two (2) of the six (6) ministry experiences may be completed during a summer term.
6. Ministry experiences during the fall and spring semesters require the involvement of three (3) to five (5) hours per week for a minimum of twelve (12) weeks. 
7. Ministry experiences during the summer term require a minimum of fifty (50) hours or a minimum of a weeklong mission trip or camp experience.
8. A maximum of two (2) ministry experiences may be registered and completed during any given term.
9. A Ministry Covenant Form and a Mentor Evaluation Form must be submitted by the due date for each ministry experience in order to receive a satisfactory grade.
10. All students involved in a ministry experience must read and sign a KidSafe Form. KidSafe is a ministry program that ensures all students understand and implement a ministry protocol when working with people under the age of 18. This form is required of all students regardless of their ministry experience and need only be filled out once during their time at PBU.

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 and 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.

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 support and encouragement 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 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, premarital counseling, family conflict, adjustments to college, and other issues. These services are offered at no additional cost to the student.

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 where residents are encouraged 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 social functions for the entire University family. Activities include concerts, movie nights, the annual fall luau, lil sibs weekend, 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, baseball, golf, cross country, and volleyball. Women’s sports include soccer, basketball, softball, tennis, volleyball, and cross country.

An intramural program provides opportunity for students to experience athletic competition in a recreational environment and profit from physical exercise. There are a wide variety of individual and team intramural sports for men and women, including flag football, indoor soccer, basketball, Ping Pong, and ultimate Frisbee.

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, Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, 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 at PBU are designed to broaden the student’s education and enrich his/her personal experience. Students preparing for vocational opportunities need skills in human relations, communications, leadership, and task accomplishment. Such abilities are often developed through co-curricular activities.

Benefits include fellowship with others, opportunities to accept responsibility and learn varioius skills, the satisfaction of achievement, and hours of enjoyment.

Student Publications

Milestone

The University yearbook strives to accurately represent the people, places, and events of PBU. Committed student staff handle the writing, photography, and graphic design.

The Scroll

PBU’s student newspaper reports on campus and community-relevant news, ideas, and opinions. Creative student staff use their journalistic writing, photography, and design skills to meet the deadlines of newspaper publication.

Organizations

B.A.S.I.C./Mu Kappa

These groups provide opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds to contribute to the University community. Activities include chapel presentations, community outreach, and special programs.

Commuter Council

The Commuter Council represents the unique interests and needs of commuting students. It also assists entering commuters in getting 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.

Student Missionary Fellowship

This fellowship acquaints students with the various areas of missions outreach and sustains a prayer ministry for missionaries. Funds are raised to send students on summer missions assignments and to contribute 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 Theological Society

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

Students in Free Enterprise

The mission of PBU-SIFE is to glorify God by educating and empowering others to create economic opportunity through free enterprise. Founded by students in the School of Business and Leadership, the PBU chapter is one of 1,800 on university campuses around the world. The organization develops community service and ministry projects using business models to aid others, and at the end of the year, submits their projects for judging in a national competition. In recent years, the team has been selected as a Regional Champion and advanced to become one of the top twenty SIFE teams in the U.S. Members of PBU-SIFE are from all academic majors at the University.

University Social Committee

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

Clubs

Alpha Chi Epsilon (Teacher Education Club)

The Education Club exists to support members by providing social opportunities, program information, and professional opportunities in order to help them grow and develop into reflective and highly skilled men and women of academic excellence and Christian character for the teaching profession.

Ascend

Ascend provides students with outdoor recreational opportunities that promote personal growth, fellowship, adventure, and reverence for God’s creation. Activities include skiing, camping, caving, surfing, hiking, white water rafting, rock climbing, and mountain biking trips.

ASLAN (Asian Students Loving All Nations)

Open to all Asian students, this club exists to provide a confident and comfortable community for Asian students. Events include tutoring, fellowship, eating home-cooked ethnic meals, and Bible study.

CEAO (Creative Expression Art Outreach)

This organization uses art, not as an isolated discipline, but as an integral part of life, faith, learning, education, and outreach. These students reach out to the local and global community using art as a means of communicating the gospel of Christ and celebrating the creative expression that we have been given by God.

Chi Beta Sigma (Social Work Club)

This organization endeavors to provide opportunities for fellowship, unity, and spiritual growth for students. It also seeks to enhance a professional perspective on social work and to provide educational opportunities for the membership.

Class Councils

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.

CMENC (Music Educators Association)

This organization is open to all music education majors for the purpose of enhancing professional development and commitment through membership in the national association called MENC.

FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes)

This huddle of student-athletes exists to build comradery among PBU athletes, encourage excellence in training and competition, and challenge athletes to develop a lifestyle that proclaims their faith. FCA strives to impact athletes for Christ in local schools.

Health and Physical Education Club

This club provides Health and Physical Education majors a chance to enhance professional identity and community. It also provides opportunities for student interaction with professionals outside of PBU. Student leadership and service/ministry opportunities are afforded both to the PBU community and the community at large through the programs offered.

Music Majors Cabinet

The music major officers represent the needs of music students to the Student Senate and seek to build a strong community among music majors that provides peer encouragement and enrichment through special events and projects.

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

Communication

E-News, is the official news and notes of the degree completion program. Distributed through PBU student e-mail accounts, it provides official announcements, group news, and additions and/or changes to Degree Completion policy.

Faculty Counseling/Advising Services

Degree Completion staff provide students with academic advisement to assist in their academic, professional, and personal decision-making.

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 Bible and Israel program. To obtain student life information which is common to all undergraduate programs, see above.

Conduct

Bible and Israel students are expected to follow the same standards of conduct as students in the bachelor’s degree programs.

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 Bible and Israel students meet for their own “family” chapel. The purpose of this chapel is to stimulate growth, encourage deeper fellowship among the Bible and Israel family, and worship the Lord together. The Bible and Israel 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, Bible and Israel students attend the regular undergraduate chapel service.

Student Ministry

To implement learning, every student must be involved in some form of student ministry.  Ministry representatives 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.