Student Character
The formation of Christ-like character is a lifelong work-in-progress. As a student at HCC, while you grow in your development you are expected to display character that reflects the College’s biblically based beliefs, tenets of faith, and related policies. As a part of this campus family, you can discover the joy of walking together in ways that please the Lord of our lives.
Student Character Expectations
1. Each student is expected to act in a manner that reflects Heartland Christian College’s doctrinal beliefs as reflected in the Bible, the Tenets of Faith of Heartland Christian College, its Bylaws, as well as related policies reflecting the College’s religious nature and to develop personal character traits that show maturity. Further, as a community of Christians, students should encourage and support others to live in a manner that pleases God. The following characteristics are representative of Scriptural standards that should be emulated.
Love for God’s Word—There is no greater source for direction and encouragement than the Bible. Heartland Christian College places God’s Word in the highest regard, and every student is urged to spend personal time in it regularly. (Josh. 1:8; Ps. 19:10; Ps. 119:97, 119:127, 119:165; Col. 3:16)
Respect for God, other people, and property—God deserves reverence and respect, and our lifestyle and worship should reflect the honor we owe Him. We are also commanded to show respect to those God has given to be in authority. Further, each person should be mindful about how he treats other people and their property. (1 Pet. 2:17, Prov. 9:10, Eccl. 12:13, Rom. 13:7, Phil. 2:3, Rom. 12:16–18, Eph. 6:5–9)
Kindness and consideration for others—Christians are to actively seek opportunities to show kindness to others. Common courtesy and politeness are qualities to be developed. Heartland Christian College is known as a friendly campus because its students promote these traits. Good sportsmanship is also expected in all athletic endeavors. (Eph. 4:32, Matt. 7:12, Luke 6:31, Phil. 2:4, 1 Thess. 5:15)
Compassion and Christian love—God’s great love for us is reflected when we act with genuine care and concern for others. The Bible teaches that this is the hallmark of a true disciple. (Eph. 5:2, Luke 10:25–37, Jude 22, 1 John 4:7–8, John 13:34–35)
Honesty and integrity—It is necessary that each student deal truthfully with others and maintain a reputation for choosing to do what is right. Without these traits, it is not possible to properly interact with other people or with God. (Ps. 25:21, Ps. 15:1–2, Prov. 12:22, 2 Cor. 8:21, Phil. 4:8, Prov. 11:3, Rom. 12:17–21, 2 Cor. 4:2, Matt. 5:37)
Discipline and self-control—Christians are to exercise control over their emotions and desires so that behavior is appropriate and right. This is accomplished as the Holy Spirit is allowed to guide every decision and direct each action. (Gal 5:16–26, Rom. 6:12–13, 1 Cor 9:24–27)
Modesty and purity—Christian men and women are expected to maintain the highest moral standards as a reflection of God’s holiness and as a protection against the effects of sin. While much of today’s culture has abandoned these precepts, the biblical principles for behavior and dress are essential. (Ps. 51:9–10, 1 Tim. 2:9, 1 Cor. 6:19–20, 1 Pet. 3:3–4, Ps. 24:3–5, 1 Tim. 4:12)
Diligence—The ability to work hard is important for professional life and is a characteristic that the Bible encourages. Being available and willing to work with intelligent effort is necessary to further gospel endeavors and contribute as a citizen. (Prov. 13:4, Deut. 6:17, Prov. 22:29, Col. 3:23)
Responsibility—The Bible teaches that each person must give account for his actions; taking personal responsibility for one’s life is the beginning of real stewardship. Making it your duty to be reliable, so that others can depend upon you, is a mark of true maturity. (2 Cor.5:10, 1 Cor. 4:2–4, Gal. 6:4–5)
Thankfulness—Beyond a polite gesture of gratitude, thankfulness displays a spirit of contentment along with the realization that God is the ultimate source of all good things and that He often uses people as the instruments of His blessing. (1 Thess. 5:18; Eph. 5:20; Col. 2:7; Ps. 92:1, 118:29)
Etiquette and manners—Mature and educated individuals know how to speak and act in an expected way according to what is appropriate for the setting. College life provides opportunities to learn and practice these skills. (1 Cor. 15:33, Col. 4:5–6, 1 Cor. 14:40)
2. Each student accepts the responsibility to actively uphold Heartland Christian College’s doctrinal beliefs as reflected in the Bible, the Tenets of Faith of Heartland Christian College, and related policies and to refrain from any action that would be detrimental to spiritual growth, the safety or well-being of others, or that would impair the ability of others to follow these standards. (1 Pet. 2:11, Rom. 14:13) For this reason, students who participate in illegal or prohibited activities or who build a reputation for involvement in these activities will be subject to disciplinary action (RES-014), behavioral probation (ACD-011), or release from HCC (ACD-033).
The following activities are prohibited by students of Heartland Christian College, whether on-campus or off-campus:
A. Use, possession, or association with tobacco, nicotine, herbal or e-cigarettes and vaporizers, legal or illegal mind-altering substances, illegal drugs, alcohol or any metabolites thereof, and prescription or non-prescription drugs not taken in accordance with label directions or a prescription given to the student. As a protection against harmful effects and the controlling nature of these substances, Scripture teaches us to avoid them. In addition, state and federal law prohibits the unlawful sale, use, or possession of drugs and alcohol. (Prov. 23:31; Rom. 12:1; Prov. 20:1; 1 Cor. 6:19–20)
B. Pornography or sexual immorality—The Bible indicates that all sexual activity outside of marriage between a man and a woman is sin. Therefore, the following is considered to be sexually immoral: fornication, adultery, homosexual behavior, or any other sexual perversion. Also, any involvement in pornography or sexual communications, including verbal, written, or electronic, are prohibited. (1 Cor. 6:9–10, 18–20, Matt. 5:28, Heb. 13:4, Rom. 1:26–27, Ps. 119:37, 1 John 2:16)
C. Profanity or obscenity—Inappropriate language must be avoided whether it be written, electronic, or verbal. (Eph. 4:29, Col. 3:8, James 5:12)
D. Harassment, abuse, and discrimination— The safety and well-being of students is of utmost importance. Heartland Christian College does not tolerate hazing, physical or verbal abuse, coercion, stalking, intimidation, harassment (verbal or sexual), discrimination, or any other behavior that places the health and safety of other students in jeopardy. Students must avoid the use of divisive or inflammatory comments, symbols, or actions of any kind, even in jest. (Col. 3:8; 4:6; Eph. 4:29–32)
E. Gambling (including the lottery)—Christians are called to be good stewards of that which God has given. Gambling is rooted in greed and materialism and against the principles found in the Word of God. Therefore, students should not participate in any form of gambling. Visiting casinos can cause one’s testimony to be tarnished. (Prov. 13:11; Prov. 28:22)
F. Stealing—The Bible clearly teaches that stealing is wrong. Taking or using what does not belong to you without the owner’s consent is considered stealing. (Rom. 13: 8–10)
G. Witchcraft, séances, astrology, or any other satanic practices—Anything associated with these activities is in direct contradiction to biblical principles. (Gal. 5:19–21)
3. Applicants who are accepted into Heartland Christian College read and sign Form 1 “Student Character Agreement” prior to enrollment. This form is stored in individual student files.