2017-2018 CIU Student Handbook
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God created mankind with the need for relationships, both same and opposite
gender relationships. Everyone can benefit as they relate with those of the
same and opposite sex. It is essential to know and be known, to love and be
loved, to serve and be served, to help mold and be molded by other people,
both male and female. This is especially true as brothers and sisters in
the family of God. Appropriate boundaries are necessary in order for these
relationships to be of the greatest benefit.
Marriage is to be between one man and one woman. This relationship is in the
form of a commitment to a lifetime covenant between husband and wife. This
covenant is sacred, requiring fidelity in every area of the relationship. Anything
less than this falls short of the biblical standard. Those who are married
should align themselves with this high calling, thus honoring one’s spouse and
not defrauding others. Those who are single should maintain purity and not
defraud others.
In keeping with the design of God and the commands of Scripture concerning
sexual purity, students are required to maintain irreproachable behavior in
sexual matters and to avoid situations that would unduly tempt them to
compromise moral standards (Ex. 20:14; Mt. 5:27-32; 1 Cor. 6:9-20; Eph. 5:3; 1
Thes. 4:3-8; 1 Tim. 2:9-10; 5:1-2; 2 Tim. 2:22; Heb. 13:4). Couples should avoid
being alone together in any place of residence or private area. Any sexual
misconduct, including, but not limited to, adultery, homosexuality (including
any same-sex physical expression of romantic affection), any form of
premarital sex, indecent exposure, sexual harassment, use of sexually explicit
materials for sexual gratification, and sexual abuse of children, is forbidden.
Expressions of Affection:
Hugs are to be appropriate as between brothers and
sisters. Individuals involved in casual dating are to refrain from all expressions
of physical affection on and off campus except for brief hugs.
Couples who have committed to date each other with a focus on the
possibility of engagement and marriage should be prudent and intentional
in establishing boundaries in regard to physical expressions of romantic
affection. These couples are to refrain from all expressions of physical
affection on and off campus except for hugs as noted above, holding hands,
and a brief kiss. In addition, we strongly encourage such couples to establish
accountability relationships with mature believers.
Engaged couples are also to be prudent in setting appropriate boundaries
to maintain purity and a godly example. Here again, we strongly encourage
the establishment of accountability relationships with mature believers.
Expressions of affection on and off campus are to be limited to appropriate
hugs, holding hands, and brief kisses.
Out of sensitivity to our unmarried students and campus atmosphere,
married students should be exemplary models of appropriate public physical
expressions of romantic affection.
Classroom Behavior:
Students are expected to conduct themselves
professionally in the classroom. Disrespectful actions toward other
classmates or the professor may result in a student being excused from the
classroom and/or academic penalty.