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General Workplace Standards

Revised and Approved by Board of Trustees, August 2015

The University emphasizes a fundamental biblical theological position in regard to its doctrine. Because of the central importance the University places on its doctrinal positions, all full-time and part-time faculty and staff are required to sign, initially at hire and annually thereafter, their agreement with and their willingness to abide by the Doctrinal Statement as a condition of employment.

Because the University places importance on active local church involvement, it requires all full-time and part-time faculty and staff, as a condition of initial employment and as an expectation for continued employment, to belong to a local church whose doctrinal statement is in substantial agreement with the Doctrinal Statement of Cedarville University.

We believe that Scripture clearly delineates guiding principles that govern life and living (2 Timothy 3:16-17); but it is also understood that many of the general employment standards of the University reflect institutional preferences for the establishment and maintenance of a safe, efficient, and harmonious work for the honor of God.

Any conduct which the University, in its sole and absolute discretion, feels is contrary to its purposes, goals, and/or mission, and which may reflect adversely on the institution, and of its employees, and/or any of its students is subject for review and possible disciplinary measure up to and including discharge from employment.

All disciplinary action involving faculty personnel will be handled in accordance with provisions within the faculty contracts and the faculty handbook which call for the utilization of a fair process and opportunity for appeal.

For all non-contract personnel the following partial listing of General Work Place Standards does not alter the employment-at-will relationship between the employee and the University.

Violations of these General Work Place Standards may lead to discipline or in some cases immediate discharge:

  • As a community of born-again believers, we believe that pleasing and glorifying God in all that we do and say is an expression of our gratitude to God’s grace and love in our lives. (1 Corinthians 10:31; 2 Corinthians 5:9) We believe it is important to be people of integrity who are truthful in speech and honest in conduct. Therefore, all should seek to serve Christ in an atmosphere free from personal attitudes of distrust, dishonesty, selfishness, damaging criticism, disrespect, favoritism, unethical conduct, and irreverence.  (Psalm 15; Matthew 5:33-37; Proverbs 15:4; Romans 13:9-10; Colossians 3:8-9; James 2:1-13; Galatians 3:26-29; Romans 13:1-2; I Timothy. 2:8)
  • The University affirms its belief that our interpersonal relationships are to reflect the biblical principle that all people are made in God’s image and are equal in value. We believe it is important to express our love for others through acts of kindness as well as wholesome and uplifting speech.  (I Peter 5:5; Ephesians 5:21; Philippians 2:3-11; Romans 14:1-23; I Thessalonians 4:9; Colossians. 3:12-13). 
  • Therefore, it is the expectation that all forms of harassment (which includes racial/ethnic, sexual- and gender-based harassment) are prohibited. In addition, we believe threatening, intimidating, coercing, using abusive or vulgar language, violence or violent threats, or interfering with the performance of other employees are neither God-honoring nor acceptable behaviors within or outside the work place.
  • Because of our commitment to moral purity in thought and action (2 Corinthians 7:1; 1 John 3:3), all acts of sexual immorality are viewed as unacceptable behavior (I Corinthians 6: 18-20; 1 Thessalonians. 4:3-8).
  • Because of our commitment to moral purity in thought and action (2 Corinthians 7:1; 1 John 3:3; Matthew 5:27-28), the accessing, possession, and distribution of or downloading of pornography is prohibited.
  • We believe that God has given the gift of intimacy to marriage. (Hebrews 13:4) Therefore, we believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of marriage. We believe that the only legitimate marriage is the joining of one man and one woman. (Genesis 2:24; Romans 7:2; I Corinthians 7:10; Ephesians 5:22-23)  Based on our commitment to moral purity and the gift of intimacy in marriage we believe that all acts of sexual immorality are sinful perversions of God’s gift of sex; i.e., homosexuality, lesbianism, incest, fornication, adultery. (Romans 1:21-27; I Corinthians 6:9; Genesis 2:24; Ephesians 5:31) Consistent with our commitment to God’s design for gender identity, the public advocacy for or act of altering one’s original gender identity through medical transition or transgender expression is prohibited. Therefore, engaging in, living a lifestyle characterized by, or promoting a lifestyle that is in contradiction to this biblical position is prohibited.
  • It is understood that entertainment, much of which is in opposition to a biblical worldview, plays a huge role in our culture today. The University believes that our choices in entertainment both reflect and shape our character. The University encourages careful consideration about choices made in this area in terms of content and in terms of stewardship of time and money. (1 Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 1:18; Colossians 3:17) The University prohibits the viewing and use of any unwholesome media material.
  • Because we value virtues like sobriety, self-control, and stewardship of our bodies (1 Corinthians 6:20), and because we recognize the harmful effects of substances like alcohol, tobacco, and inappropriately used drugs or medication, Cedarville University prohibits the consumption of alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and narcotic drugs not used for medical purposes.  Possession of these items is also prohibited, except for certain alcoholic beverages normally used in cooking.
  • We recognize that appropriate styles of dance can be a valuable part of art, worship, celebration, and exercise. Expressions of dance when performed in an appropriate manner that honors God and promotes holiness are permitted. For example, the University permits this type of dancing as an appropriate expression of celebration, worship, exercise, choreography, and art. Unfortunately, many contemporary forms of dancing are closely associated with things that undermine godliness. Contemporary dance is often sexually provocative, occurs in unhealthy environments, or accompanies lyrics that do not reflect our commitment to a pure and godly lifestyle. The University prohibits participation in this type of contemporary dance.
  • We desire to be good stewards of all God’s gifts, including our talents, time, and resources; therefore the University prohibits any participation in gambling.