Bob Jones University: A Look Inside the Student Handbook

Bob Jones University (BJU) in Greenville, South Carolina, stands as a prominent institution known for its conservative, evangelical religious and cultural values. With a history stretching back to 1927, the university has maintained a distinct identity shaped by its fundamentalist Christian roots. This article delves into the Bob Jones University student handbook, examining its contents and the implications for student life and the broader culture.

Historical Context: The Foundation of Bob Jones University

To understand the significance of the student handbook, it's crucial to understand the university's historical context. During the Fundamentalist-Modernist controversy of the 1920s, Christian evangelist Bob Jones Sr. became concerned about the perceived secularization of higher education. Driven by a desire to create a college grounded in his religious beliefs, Jones founded Bob Jones College in 1927 in Lynn Haven, Florida. The institution later moved to Cleveland, Tennessee, in 1933 and finally to Greenville, South Carolina, in 1947, eventually becoming Bob Jones University.

The Student Handbook: Shaping Student Life

The Bob Jones University student handbook serves as a comprehensive guide for students, outlining the institution's expectations, rules, and regulations. It governs various aspects of student life, from academics and dress code to social interactions and technology use. The handbook aims to create an environment that aligns with the university's religious and moral principles.

Academic Expectations

Bob Jones Academy (BJA), which is the pre-college program of Bob Jones University, operates a traditional educational program using teacher-centered instruction. Classes include Bible, English, history, math, phonics-based reading, science, and other traditionally taught classes. The mission states that BJA exists to assist like-minded parents in the raising of their children to seek and serve the Lord. This handbook is an important tool in this partnership. BJA’s administration reserves the right to final interpretation of policy. During the check-in process for each student (K3-grade 12), a parent will indicate that he or she understands and will support the policies found in this Parent-Student Handbook and in the BJU/BJA position statements and agrees with and will abide by the BJA/BJU statement on Marriage and Human Sexuality. BJA desires to help students reach their full academic potential. Teachers strive to challenge students through the curricula and learning activities. In light of this, teachers, parents, and administrators work together to meet students where they are and help them grow appropriately. BJA desires to help students reach their full academic potential.

Dress and Appearance

One of the most discussed aspects of the Bob Jones University student handbook is its dress code, which reflects the university's emphasis on modesty and professionalism. The dress and grooming of both men and women should always be modest, neat, and clean, consistent with the dignity adherent to representing The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and any of its institutions of higher education. Guidelines often specify acceptable hemlines, necklines, and types of clothing.

Here are some specific examples from the handbook:

Women must wear a neckline that is no lower than four fingers’ width below the collarbone.
Women need to dress appropriately after hours, too, which includes “Denim skirts or dresses”.
Tattoos are forbidden.
Only two matching ear piercings are acceptable.
Men are forbidden from wearing Abercrombie & Fitch clothing, including that manufactured for subsidiary Hollister, even if it otherwise complies.
Men working out are only allowed to wear sleeveless athletic shirts if they are exercising inside.
Hair color must be absolutely natural with no modification.
Hair length must be between off the collar and ears.
Fauxhawks are forbidden.
Sideburns cannot be lower than the opening of the ear.
Students must shave their faces every morning if they are under 25 years old.

Social Conduct

The student handbook also addresses social conduct, aiming to foster a community that aligns with the university's moral values. Male and female students cannot be alone in a classroom, rehearsal studio, or other room. Male students must obtain the dean’s approval to date a female day student or non-student. Students cannot attend sporting events or paid events (presumably concerts or plays) on Sunday. Students may not eat in a restaurant that has a tavern or bar-like reputation, atmosphere, or that does not section off the dining room from a live entertainment area. Students must close the blinds to their dorms when night falls. Residence hall students must turn off the lights and be in bed by midnight. Students who get married at 20 years old or younger are not permitted to continue their education.

Technology Use

In the digital age, the student handbook also includes guidelines for technology use, reflecting the university's concerns about potentially harmful content. The Internet on campus is filtered and censored, but if a site gets past the filter that is not approved by the authorities, you are to immediately report it. Campus Internet activity is monitored and tracked. You may not visit celebrity home pages on the Internet, or any site that contains secular music lyrics, or any joke/humor site. Students with smart phones or tablets are not to use unfiltered Internet. Students must watch out for “Scatological realism - pertaining to excretory functions” in media.

Entertainment Restrictions

The handbook outlines restrictions on entertainment choices, reflecting the university's desire to protect students from influences deemed inappropriate. Any music which, in whole or in part, derives from the following broadly defined genres or their sub-genres: Rock, Pop, Country, Jazz, Electronic/ Techno, Rap/Hip Hop or the fusion of any of these genres is banned even if it is Christian. Students may only view “G” rated movies in private. Students may not play video games rated above E10 (games meant for 10 year olds and older) or a game that contains graphic blood, gore, sensual or demonic themes, violent first-person shooting, suggestive dress, bad language, or rock music. Gambling - which is defined as “risking the material provisions of God on chance - is prohibited.

Disciplinary System

A demerit system is used that includes docking points for “sacrilegious behavior” and “misuse of media”. Student computers, mp3 players, cellphones, et cetera are subject to inspection. The school can speak to the student’s parents at any time about anything involving the student. Students may not join outside gyms for their fitness needs. Grounds for immediate dismissal include stealing, immorality (including sex between unmarried students), possession of hard-core pornography, use of alcohol or drugs, and participating in a public demonstration for a cause the university opposes.

Read also: The Rise of Jack Jones

Evolution and Change

While Bob Jones University has historically been known for its strict policies, the institution has undergone some changes in recent years. The university has modified its stance on racial issues, interracial dating, and certain aspects of its dress code. These changes reflect a desire to adapt to evolving cultural norms while maintaining its core values.

BJU Press

BJU Press originated from the need for textbooks for the burgeoning Christian school and homeschool movements. It, along with A Beka Books, are the dominant companies in the Christian school/homeschool textbook industry. BJU Press also offers distance learning courses online, via DVD and hard drive.

BJU Museum & Gallery

In 2008, the BJU Museum & Gallery opened a satellite location, the Museum & Gallery at Heritage Green near downtown Greenville, which featured rotating exhibitions from the main museum and interactive children's activities. In February 2017, the Museum & Gallery closed both locations permanently.

Read also: Cost of Attendance at BJU

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