Rules
- Students are expected to conduct themselves as Christians at all times during their tenure at the school.
- Students may not use tobacco, alcohol, or illegal drugs. Prescription drugs are permitted only in accordance with physician orders.
- There should be no borrowing or lending of money between students.
- Significant purchases, such as cars, property, or other large purchases should be approved in writing by (1) the student’s sponsors, (2) the school’s Director, and (3) the Hillview elders prior to the purchase.
- Cell phones may not be used during class hours, and should be left outside the classroom.
- Laptop computers may be used during class hours, but only for the purpose of taking notes.
- School office computers, files, etc. are off limits to all students.
- Students are not permitted to work during their tenure at the school.
- First year students will not be required to fill Sunday preaching appointments during the first two quarters of the first school year.
- No women are permitted to visit the campus without prior approval of the school’s Director or Associate Director.
Violation of the above rules will result in student discipline up to and including expulsion from school. Certain aspects of above rules may be fully or partially waived, but only with written permission from the Hillview elders.
Laptop & Internet Use
- Computers provided to students by the West Virginia School of Preaching are school property until graduation. Upon graduating, students are free to keep their school-issued computers.
- Computers are to be used for the purpose of taking notes and conducting research on Bible-related topics. If a student is found to be using his computer & internet access for other purposes, the following consequences may be imposed:
- First violation: Verbal warning
- Second violation: Internet access will be blocked for the remainder of the year.
- Third violation: School-issued computers will be repossessed by the school. Student-owned computers must remain off of school premises.
- Computers & internet access are not to be used to download pirated material of any sort.
Student’s Agreement
All students, by virtue of their attendance at West Virginia School of Preaching, express agreement with these school policies.
Violations of the Student Rules of Conduct will be addressed according to the following procedure:
- When it is determined a student may have violated the Student Rules of Conduct, the Director will meet privately with the student to discuss the situation in detail.
- The Director will then inform the Hillview elders either verbally or in writing.
- A meeting will be convened to include the student, the Director, any Hillview elders able to attend, and any faculty member aware of alleged violation. The student’s alleged violation of the Student Rules of Conduct, as well as the student’s performance, will be thoroughly discussed.
- Following the meeting, the Hillview elders will render a decision with regard to any disciplinary action concerning the student.
- Though there may be exceptions as explained below, student discipline will generally include the following steps:
- First Violation – verbal counseling
- Second Violation – written conduct agreement
- Third Violation – expulsion from school
It is understood that violations of the Student Rules of Conduct can and do vary widely in severity and frequency. Additionally, the student’s attitude and prior performance must be considered when determining disciplinary action. Therefore, the Hillview elders reserve the right to vary from the above procedure, at their sole discretion, as circumstances warrant.
- For attending classes, dress pants, dress shirt and tie are expected. No pull over shirts are acceptable. Jeans and other such trousers are forbidden.
- Shoes are to be kept shined. No tennis shoes are permitted.
- All students are requested to dress fully — coat and tie — for regular services during gospel meetings, Lord’s days, mid-week services, and at other times when regular services are held. Students are also requested to dress with coat and tie when speaking in chapel. Coat and tie must also be worn by students when visiting and preaching at other congregations.
- Long hair, and long, thick and shaggy sideburns are not permitted. Sideburns are not to extend below the lobe of the ear. Mustaches and beards are discouraged, though permitted subject to the following: They must not extend beyond the corners of mouth, and they must be kept thin and neatly trimmed at all times. Sideburns, mustaches and beards are subject to the judgment of the faculty and the administration.
- No earrings are permitted on male students.
- Personal hygiene and cleanliness must be maintained at all times.
The librarian will assist students in locating and checking out books. Students will follow library procedure for checking out and returning books. Books which are only being used in the building need not be checked out, but must be returned to the library when students are finished using them. Books may be checked out for one week and may be renewed unless there is a waiting list for the book(s).
Except in cases of a special research, books will not be checked out for extended periods to keep the books accessible for the use of all students. Faculty members may place certain books on reserve, which means they can be checked out only in accordance with their instructions (for example, they may limit use of books to one hour per student). Periodicals and audiotapes are available. Please indicate “Periodical” or “Tape” when signing out these materials.
Students are advised to make good use of their time, not only in class, but in periods of study following classes.
Documentation Procedures
Students will need to learn proper documentation of works cited in their assigned papers. At present, the school uses the MLA (Modern Language Association) Handbook, 9th Edition.
Attention should also be given to individual teachers’ instructions.
Academic integrity is of the utmost concern at WVSOP. We are Christians, and must do all work with honesty. Honor must be shown in test-taking and assignments. Cheating will not be tolerated. Cheating and plagiarism are most serious offenses; they are theft of someone else’s work. While the elsewhere outlined disciplinary procedures come into play, each of these could result in the immediate dismissal of the offending student from the program.
The librarian will assist students in locating and checking out books. Students will follow library procedure for checking out and returning books. Books which are only being used in the building need not be checked out, but must be returned to the library when students are finished using them. Books may be checked out for one week and may be renewed unless there is a waiting list for the book(s).
Except in cases of a special research, books will not be checked out for extended periods to keep the books accessible for the use of all students. Faculty members may place certain books on reserve, which means they can be checked out only in accordance with their instructions (for example, they may limit use of books to one hour per student). Periodicals and audiotapes are available. Please indicate “Periodical” or “Tape” when signing out these materials.
Students are advised to make good use of their time, not only in class, but in periods of study following classes.
Documentation Procedures
Students will need to learn proper documentation of works cited in their assigned papers. At present, the school uses the MLA (Modern Language Association) Handbook, 9th Edition.
Attention should also be given to individual teachers’ instructions.
Academic integrity is of the utmost concern at WVSOP. We are Christians, and must do all work with honesty. Honor must be shown in test-taking and assignments. Cheating will not be tolerated. Cheating and plagiarism are most serious offenses; they are theft of someone else’s work. While the elsewhere outlined disciplinary procedures come into play, each of these could result in the immediate dismissal of the offending student from the program.
- 3 days of TARDY = 1 day absence
- 3 Absences = Disciplinary action
- Attendance for Lectureship is Mandatory for ALL lectures