2019-2020 Traditional Undergraduate Student Handbook

Contents
Catalog Links

Dress and Decorum

Recognizing that individuals have the freedom to dress in a manner that expresses their individual taste and personality, we acknowledge that our dress and decorum is to reflect the educational institution of which we have chosen to be a part. LBC is a Christian academic community that is preparing individuals to think and live a biblical worldview and to proclaim Christ by serving him in the Church and society. To aid students in this mission, we ask students to submit to the college’s expectations in the area of dress and decorum that are conducive to an academic setting.

These expectations are centered upon two criteria: modesty and professionalism. Modesty reflects that a person’s manner of dress displays moral decency, carefulness in not drawing focus to one’s body for undue attention or sexual attraction, and sensitivity to others in a diverse Christian community. Professionalism as a student should reflect a level of seriousness, sensitivity, and purpose that displays a student’s willingness to adhere to standards established for a particular setting, activity, or community.

Modesty and professionalism are not manufactured by an arbitrary list. These attitudes are cultivated in the heart and manifested as lives are lived reflecting the character of Christ. As a Christian community, we should be willing to be accountable and, when necessary, challenged by those in this community through a loving conversation. Should this accountability in regard to dress and decorum fail to adjust an area deemed not in keeping with the college’s guidelines, then the specific area will be addressed through the college’s normal disciplinary processes.

  • Clothing selection should be for a Christian educational community. Students attending classes, chapel, or other formal academic activities should dress with modesty and professionalism. These academic activities are not places of leisure but places of learning. The student’s dress should reflect appropriate modesty that does not distract from a learning environment. All members of the college community are expected to hold one another to these guidelines.
  • Clothing in the classroom and chapel should be neat, clean, and not tattered.

    Shorts are not permitted for class or chapel.

  • Footwear must be worn at all times.
  • Clothing including shorts, skirts, and dresses, should not be excessively short or revealing. Midriff and undergarments should not be visible, and shirts should not be low cut and should have a modest strap. Leggings, jeggings, or tights must be worn with a modest covering such as a long shirt, sweatshirt, sweater, skirt, or dress. Pajama pants should only be worn within the residence halls.
  • Other than in dorms, shirts should be worn everywhere on campus, including the athletic center.
  • Clothing such as muscle shirts and other workout attire should be confined to such use. Students should wear loose-fitting shorts/shirts when wearing spandex.
  • Clothing should not market products or activities that counter biblical standards or the college’s guidelines.
  • Personal grooming, hairstyles, and fashion should avoid extremes. Clothing should be gender appropriate. Styles that are extreme to be attention-getting are not to be considered the norm for a college preparing students for professional careers.
  • Clothing for college-sponsored social events should reflect modesty even though not an academic activity.
  • Students may be limited in the wearing of visible body piercings while officially representing the college (academic-related ministry, athletics, choir, etc..). Facial jewelry (other than earrings or nose piercing) is prohibited.
  • Clothing may be evaluated by a faculty or staff member at their discretion concerning the appropriateness of a student’s dress and decorum on campus. An occasion could arise where a student may be asked to leave a class or campus area until appropriate dress standards are met.
  • Students may be required by a faculty or staff member to abide by additional dress and decorum standards to participate in specific events or employment associated with the college. Professional development of students may require additional dress guidelines for classes that are consistent with the course objectives.