Big changes to the student handbook
Jazmyne Boozer, Assistant Editor
North Greenville is stepping into a new era with the introduction of the new student handbook. From a time of law to a transition of grace the student handbook has never aligned more with Christian values.
It all started with Tony Beam, vice president of student affairs. Under “The Enlightener” (NGU’s old student handbook), there was not and could not be any grace, he said. The old handbook was the law of the land and did not allow Beam a way to interpret that law. Any student found in any form of violation of the major offences had no choice but to be suspended immediately. Seeing this issue, Beam worked tirelessly on the student handbook to change it to better fit the students.
“It [the Enlightener] had become sort of a hodgepodge of rules…I felt like it had made a poor environment of who we are,” Beam stated.
The ultimate goal of the new student handbook is to create a community of grace. The issue with the old handbook was that it gave absolutely zero room to interpret the students’ behavior on a case-by-case basis.
“We need to look at every situation based on the merits of what happened and make a decision about discipline that is redemptive…,” Beam stated regarding disciplinary actions within a grace community.
So, what exactly has changed in the handbook besides dance? In regards to rules…nothing has changed. The major policies are still all intact and the morals that this school was built on have not changed. It was important to Beam that the new student handbook was still built on biblical morals, yet not so harsh that students and the student life faculty clashed.
The changes that occur in the student handbook have to do more with the wording and structure of the rules. Not only this, but all major policies now have scriptural backing as to why that particular rule is in place. This is so students who attend North Greenville, who may not have a long-rooted faith in Christ may know and understand why the rules are in place. They also help aide the rules by carrying biblical truth along with the enforcement of them.
Furthermore, Billy Watson, assistant vice president of student life, now has more options for students who may have found themselves in violation of a major NGU prohibition. The new handbook allows for each student to be judged on a case-by-case basis. The handbook has also implemented an appeal system for all major policy offenders and even minor policy mess-ups.
“We are still a drug free, alcohol free, tobacco free campus. It is just a [new] way that Mr. Watson can process discipline…he has more availability of grace and more options to students,” Atari Jarrett director of student conduct stated when asked what has changed regarding the new student handbook.
The true beauty of this handbook is this grace aspect. Does that mean we should abuse it? Absolutely not. NGU hopes that this new handbook will be a mirror of the kingdom of God. Just like Jesus gives us grace in our true failures; He would not want us to go sin on purpose then repent later.
The new handbook works in this same manner. It is directed more to rehabilitate and aide those who find themselves in bad situations and who are repentant of their ways. Although there are still consequences to actions such as being put on the ‘not in good standing’ list, hefty fines, and yes even suspension; the fact of the matter is that students can be given a second chance now.
So, what does the future look like for NGU under this new handbook?
“We are still going to enforce the rules…[It] will just be on a case-by-case basis,” Beam stated.
For those students who are currently in need of a counselor to voice their concerns or who may be struggling with any sin, they are encouraged to see one of the two confidential counselors of NGU. Steve Bielby, director of counseling, and Sara Black, personal counselor, are here on campus to help those who may be struggling physically, emotionally, or spiritually. Students are also welcome to come to student life and talk with Jared Thomas or Atari Jarrett.
