Student Life

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The graduate student body at PBU is rich in diversity. In terms of church denomination, over twenty different denominations are represented. “Baptist” and “Non-Denominational” are the most frequently reported denominations. Students range in age from their twenties to their sixties, with the average age in the late thirties. In terms of gender, females represent 57% and males 43% of the student body. Geographically, the majority of students come from the tri-state area of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware - although many nationalities are represented among our international graduate students. Our students come from a wide range of ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Most students are employed and work in an occupation related to their graduate program. Our students have obtained their undergraduate degrees from a wide range of colleges and universities. However, we are pleased to report that over 25% of our graduate students have obtained their undergraduate degrees from PBU.

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. Failure to abide by them will result in disciplinary action or dismissal:

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. In addition, students should take into consideration personal responsibilities in the areas of academics, employment and finances in making decisions concerning entertainment.
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.

Students who are interested in obtaining personal or career counseling or participating in a support group should contact the Director of Student Care. The Director of Student Care can be reached at 215-702-4224.

Graduate students are required to submit a completed health form for admission into the graduate programs. During the academic semester the privileges of student health services are available to all students who have submitted a completed health form. The University nurse may be contacted during posted office hours for ordinary needs. The University nurse can be reached at 215-702-4334.

Many activities on campus are open to Graduate students and their families. These include concerts by the PBU Symphonic Band and Symphony Orchestra, concerts by popular contemporary Christian artists and various sports events throughout the year. The Mason Activity Center (MAC) also houses the Eagle’s Nest Grill and Café, Furman Dining Commons, PBU bookstore, gymnasium, and fitness center, all of which are available for student use. The Education building has a student lounge with vending machines and E-mail computer stations.

PBU has an active Alumni Office and Alumni Association offering a wide range of events, services, and opportunities to support PBU. The PBU Alumni Association exists to unite all alumni of PBU as a community for effective communication with each other and the University, to arrange alumni reunions, to encourage the formation of alumni chapters worldwide, to foster and perpetuate enthusiasm for the University and fellow alumni, and to promote alumni commitment to the University through prayer, recruitment, and financial support. For more information, visit the alumni website at www.pbu.edu/alumni.