The GMU Code of Conduct is the basic criterion of behavior that represents a standard of Christ-like character for all who are a part of the university community. Recognizing that involvement in the service of Christ requires personal commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ, GMU expects the members of its community to develop a consistent program leading to spiritual growth and maturity.
Such a program should include:
- Disciplined Bible study. A consistent personal study of the Bible is essential for spiritual growth (1 Pet. 2:2, Heb. 4:12).
- Persistent prayer. By personal example, Jesus taught us the necessity of praying regularly and consistently, and the Bible exhorts us to “pray continually” (I Thess. 5:17).
- Discipleship. All members of the GMU community should be involved in intentional discipleship. This includes forming personal friendships, structured accountability relationships, and/or small group fellowships (Phil. 3:17).
- Church Attendance. All members of the GMU community should establish a church home and regularly attend worship services (Heb. 10:25, 1Cor. 16:13-16).
- Christian Ministry. All members of the GMU community should be involved in some expression of Christian service and the exercise spiritual gifts for the edification of the body (Eph. 4).
- Participate in Spiritual Enrichment Activities. In order to graduate, all students of the GMU should participate in at least four spiritual programs selected from the following: reading through the Bible, prayer in mountains, group prayer, spiritual retreats, training programs for missions, etc.
GMU expects all members of its community to demonstrate a lifestyle consistent with an effective Christ-like witness and one which exemplifies a life of integrity and Christian values. Thus GMU expects the following from its community:
- Members of the GMU community must abstain from such activities as sexual immorality, use of illegal drugs or harmful substances, the abuse of alcoholic beverages, smoking, profanity, obscenity, and dishonesty, including plagiarism (1Pet. 1:15-16, Rom. 12:1-2).
- Respect peers and those in authority. There should be mutual love, honor, and respect among the GMU community (Rom. 12:10, 1Jn. 4:21, 1Pet. 2:17, Heb. 13:16-17).
- Refrain from discrimination and harassment. All forms of racial and gender discrimination are violations of God’s laws. GMU prohibits all forms of unlawful harassment (Acts 10:34).
- Practice biblical standards in dating and marriage. GMU expects members of its community to observe biblical standards pertaining to moral purity. God’s Word does not condone either pre- or extra- marital sexual activity (1Thess. 4)
- Maintain appropriate appearance and dress. GMU requires its members to follow standards of modesty in dress and appearance. The GMU community should never allow their appearance to be a stumbling block to others (1Tim. 4:11-12, 1Cor. 10:32).
- Classroom Etiquette. The professor reserves the right to expel a student (who disturb the class or intend to obstruct a professor’s teaching) from the class.
- Academic Integrity. All GMU students should be honest and faithful in all academic activities including test taking and submitting all academic papers. All students should not be involved in any kind of plagiarism. GMU considers plagiarism as an academic crime. Plagiarism includes the following: copying another person’s writings; quoting without reference attribution; copying other’s ideas and materials and etc. GMU reserves the right to discipline a student who is involved in plagiarism by performing the following: warnings; suspension; dismissal and etc. (1 Cor. 5:1-8).
Student conduct is under the supervision of the Dean of Student Affairs. GMU reserves the right to dismiss, after due process, a student whose conduct is considered unsatisfactory. Demonstration of appropriate qualities of Christian character is a graduation requirement.