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Philosophy

Lynchburg College expects that every member of the campus community will share in its historic commitment to academic honesty, personal integrity, and behavioral maturity. As an educational institution, the College is concerned with both the formal, in-class education of its students and their growth into mature men and women who conduct themselves as responsible citizens.

The uniqueness of the academic community requires particular sensitivity to both the individual rights of students and the rights of the College community. Rules and regulations are imperative as a basis for the orderly conduct of College activities and for maintaining an environment conducive to study, recreation, and personal growth. Regulations are intended to create sound living and learning conditions for all members of the campus community.

The College’s standards of student conduct address three major areas of integrity. The Honor Code includes both academic integrity and personal integrity. The Student Conduct Code addresses respect for the rights of both the College and the people within the community. These standards of conduct are intended to encourage honesty in academic achievement as well as personal growth and development. The College is committed to an academic environment consistent with these standards, promulgating the following desired values and attitudes:

  1. Personal integrity rooted in respect for truth and love of learning;
  2. The capacity to make discriminating judgments among competing opinions;
  3. The courage to express one’s convictions and to recognize the rights of others to hold and express differing views;
  4. Self-esteem rooted in the quest for achievement of one’s potential;
  5. A sense of discipline and pride in one’s work and respect for the achievements of others;
  6. A commitment to academic freedom as a safeguard essential to the purpose of the College and to the welfare of those who work within it;
  7. A sense of duty to self, family, and the larger community;
  8. Respect for the rights of all persons;
  9. A sense of and commitment to justice, rectitude, and fair play;
  10. Civility, including congenial relations between men and women;
  11. Understanding, sympathy, concern, and compassion for others;
  12. An understanding of and appreciation for other cultures and traditions;
  13. The courage to oppose the use of substances that impair one’s judgment or one’s health; and
  14. Respect for one’s property and the property of others, including public property.

In accepting admission to Lynchburg College, a student agrees to learn and abide by all College policies and procedures. Upon participation in an activity to begin one’s first semester at Lynchburg College (e.g., check-in, Welcome Week, January orientation, or class attendance), an admitted applicant is considered a student. From this point of matriculation through degree completion (or withdrawal from the College), any report of alleged misconduct may be addressed as a violation of the Lynchburg College Honor and Student Conduct Codes, even if the student was temporarily not taking class at the time of the incident (e.g., during leaves of absence or holiday and summer breaks).  The Honor and Student Conduct Codes apply to students' behavior on campus, within the city of Lynchburg, in the surrounding counties of Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford, and Campbell, and anywhere when participating in a College program/event or acting in the capacity of a Lynchburg College student.

In addition to controlling their own behavior, students are expected to do their utmost to help maintain a high level of conduct among fellow students. College policies are set forth in writing to give students general notice of prohibited conduct; they are not designed to define misconduct in exhaustive terms and should be read broadly.

When a violation of College policy is believed to have occurred, the alleged infraction is reviewed by appropriate College officials or members of the student judiciary. If a student is found responsible for violating the Honor and Student Conduct Codes, educational sanctions intended to facilitate the positive growth and development of those involved are issued.