Dress and Decorum
Our culture of professionalism and modesty honors God and one another. This policy strives to respect students’ individuality while expecting that we all follow the College’s expectations of modesty and professionalism conducive to a Christ-centered academic setting. In this context, professionalism reflects a person’s willingness to follow the established standards of a dress and conduct in an appropriate manner. Modesty reflects a person’s manner of dress that does not draw focus to his/her body for improper attention or sexual attraction. Willing compliance with this policy should not be a burden. Rather, it reflects respect for God-appointed authority and the shared joy of living and studying among our community of believers.
Guiding Principles:
- Personal grooming and fashion should be Christ-honoring and appropriate for a Christian educational community.
- Clothing and accessories should not promote products or activities that are counter to biblical standards or the College’s guidelines.
- Clothing should be gender appropriate.
- Clothing should not be excessively tight, short, or revealing. Midriffs and undergarments should not be visible, and shirts should not be low cut.
- Leggings, jeggings, or tights must be worn with a modest covering such as a long shirt, sweatshirt, sweater, skirt, or dress.
- Appropriate footwear should be worn while in classrooms, chapel, dining areas. Closed toe shoes should be worn in the gym and fitness center.
- Outside of residence hall sections, shirts should be worn everywhere on campus, including the athletic center.
Curricular and Co-curricular Activities:
- Clothing for classes, chapel and other formal academic activities should be appropriate for a Christian educational community and conducive to the learning environment.
- Clothing may be evaluated by a faculty or staff member. At their discretion, a student may be asked to leave a class or campus area until appropriate dress standards are met.
- Certain classes or teams may require additional dress guidelines for events.
- Students may be limited in the wearing of visible body piercings while officially representing the College (academic-related ministry, athletics, choir, etc.).
Non-Academic and Leisure:
- Clothing such as cut-offs and muscle shirts should only be worn in fitness areas. Loose-fitting shorts/shirts must be worn over spandex.
- Clothing for College-sponsored social events should reflect modesty.
Any continued disregard to the guidelines outlined above will be addressed through the College’s normal disciplinary processes.
Back to Community Standards.