Watson “enlightens” on handbook changes
Sydney Taylor, Staff Writer
Photo courtesy of unpslash.com
The most talked about thing coming back into the new semester are the changes to the student handbook. Dont get over zealous. The 62 pages of rules and regulations are, for the most part, untouched. Billy Watson, the Director for Student Life, explains that all of the school policies come from scripture, safety and traditions. There has been scripture added into the handbook to support some of the rules.
The first change to the handbook that students will most appreciate is the dress code. Girls still cannot have the spaghetti strap tops and guys no cut off shirts, but tank tops are now allowed without having to be measured the width with your ID. The next big change is dancing. Student Life has been working on this policy for a while now, and were still working out the details to this new policy, says Watson. The dances were only agreed on by the board of trustees and the president if only Student Life stays in charge of the dances and introduces it slowly.
Another change to the handbook is the disciplinary steps taken for those who break rules. There are different methods to come by rather than just sending students home for breaking these rules. You can be fined for certain offenses, and you can be taken out of good standing. When you are taken out of good standing, you are not able to participate in any extracurricular activities. Even though these new options are available, if the offense is malicious enough and clearly not a mistake, then students can be sent home. Watson clears this up by saying, Dont flaunt the policies and I can work with you.
When asked if there will be more changes to come in the future Watson says, Not sure, we review the policies every year. The next thing we are looking at is the visitation policy. Were not saying it will be changed but we will definitely be looking into how we can do it and do it the right way. So if there are any changes to be made it will be visitation if we can figure out hours and schedules that works for everyone.
