Roanoke Bible College models its student life philosophy after the life of Jesus Christ (Luke 2:52). Just as Christ grew in wisdom, in stature, and in favor with God and men, the Student Life staff strives to create and maintain a living and learning environment to enhance students’ spiritual, physical, emotional, social, and intellectual development. Administrators, faculty, staff, and student leaders join with the Student Life department as a team to provide numerous activities, programs, and events to encourage students in their life’s development.
Campus Life
Every family or community has guidelines that members are expected to live by, guidelines that help maintain a safe and orderly environment. The Roanoke Bible College Student Handbook sets forth the principles and rules for our community. Some of the guidelines are based directly on Biblical teaching; others, on Scriptural principles. Some are simply preferences for our college community. We acknowledge that it is difficult to judge motives that produce behavior; however, the college administration accepts the responsibility to establish standards of conduct to enhance the quality of student life and to insure that the college will not be embarrassed or compromised in its mission as a Christian institution of higher learning. The Student Handbook also contains policies on issues that impact student life, such as student records, crime prevention, discrimination, athletics, and safety. The Student Handbook is distributed each summer to students planning to enroll in the fall. A copy may also be obtained by contacting the Student Life Office.
Students at Roanoke Bible College are expected to behave in a manner consistent with their Christian testimony, giving full respect to the Biblical principles as expressed in the Student Handbook. Any student who fails to do so forfeits his or her right to remain at the College.
Each full-time student or student in a degree program is required to pledge that he or she will refrain from the use of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs, as well as abide by all rules in the Student Handbook. The College reserves the right to discipline and dismiss any student for unsatisfactory conduct as defined by the Student Handbook.
Campus security. Through the years, Roanoke Bible College has been blessed with a safe and secure campus. The administration is committed to protecting that environment. Students at Roanoke reside in modern residence halls protected by fire alarm systems and locked entry doors. Students and parents desiring more information may request the “Crime Prevention” brochure from the Student Life Office.
Class associations. Every student is encouraged to participate in the meetings and activities of his or her class. Class officers lead each class and, with the guidance of college staff members who serve as sponsors, numerous projects and activities are planned that build class and school unity and raise funds for a senior gift to the school.
Student Life Committee. The Student Life Committee is composed of four representatives from each class and a president and vice president who are elected by the student body. The committee plans numerous activities that enhance college life and suggests improvements related to college life.
Social life. Roanoke students have access to a well-rounded social life through functions sponsored by the College, class organizations, residence halls, and nearby churches. A coffeehouse near campus is a popular gathering place. A movie theater, a bowling alley, restaurants, and shopping are available in Elizabeth City. Numerous shopping malls and other attractions are located in the South Hampton Roads area, an hour’s drive away.
Christian Development
Spiritual life. At Roanoke, students have the opportunity not only to train their minds but also to nurture their spiritual lives in order to become competent and dedicated servants of God.
Devotions in each residence hall provide opportunities to deepen relationships with fellow students and with God. Weekly discipleship groups provide prayer, fellowship, and Bible study in small groups. Resident students gather in student-led worship events on a regular basis.
Instructors begin each class with prayer. Faculty, staff, and students gather in a prayer circle for students going on short-term mission internships and for choral groups as they depart on tours.
Each fall, a Mission Awareness Rally brings a guest missionary speaker to campus. The College Alumni Association sponsors a Gospel Rally and Homecoming in the spring. On-campus events for youth provide additional opportunities for worship and spiritual growth. These occasions can richly bless each student’s life.
Above all, the Bible is the primary textbook at Roanoke Bible College. Students are continually reminded that they are preparing to be devoted Christian servants.
Chapel.Roanoke students, faculty, and staff gather on weekday mornings for chapel services. The College believes that participation in chapel is a vital part of the educational experience at Roanoke. Chapel provides each student with the opportunity to develop and demonstrate some of the educational outcomes expected of the College’s graduates. Thus, students conduct most chapel programs, serving as speakers, song leaders, instrumentalists, singers, and prayer leaders. At other times, a faculty member or a missionary, alumnus, or other guest speaks in chapel. Daily chapel attendance is required of all students unless the Dean of Students grants them an exemption. All seniors and juniors in degree programs are required to plan a chapel service. Two units of leadership participation are required for the baccalaureate degree, two for an associate. See the Student Handbook for more information.
Church attendance. Roanoke Bible College believes it is imperative that each student be involved in a local congregation. Thus, students, faculty, and staff are required to attend Sunday morning worship and one other service at the congregation where they worship each week. Attendance at other services during the week are recommended and strongly encouraged.
Dismissal. Roanoke Bible College reserves the right to require the withdrawal of, or refuse re-admission to, any student at any time it deems necessary to safeguard its ideals of scholarship and Christian character and to secure compliance with its standards. Dishonesty in any phase of college work, failure to give truthful testimony to a college official, disregard for the safety and rights of others, and any behavior which reflects discredit upon Christ and the College are serious offenses which may lead to dismissal. A notation of suspension will be entered by the registrar on the student’s permanent record.
Honor Code. If students knowingly, or inadvertently, violate any RBC rule or regulation published in the Student Handbook, they are on their honor to report themselves to a Resident Assistant, a Residence Hall Director, or the Dean of Students. If violations by other students are known, students are expected to report those violations to a Residence Hall Director or the Dean of Students. The College believes that Christians share the responsibility of assisting fellow Christians in personal spiritual growth. Any honor code the College has is intended as a redemptive device and should not be interpreted to mean that the College encourages “tattling” for its own sake. All violations of the honor code are viewed with the utmost seriousness.
Service-learning. Roanoke Bible College believes that each student should be involved in Christian service. A program of curriculum-based service-learning called LENS (Learning Enhanced by Nonclassroom Service) provides hands-on experience through the completion of certain courses required in each student’s program of study.
Student progress. Roanoke believes that a Bible college education should help the student develop in all areas of his or her life. In order to graduate from Roanoke Bible College, a student must not only meet academic requirements but also demonstrate Christian character and conduct. The Student Progress Committee exists to encourage healthy progress in Christian character, spiritual vitality, social behavior, and involvement in Christian service. Each semester, the Committee collects data from faculty, staff, resident assistants, and class presidents to assess each student’s progress in the above areas. The Committee then commends exemplary progress or seeks to encourage improvement where progress is needed (see the Student Handbook for more information).
Student Activities
Recreation. Roanoke’s riverfront campus is equipped with a gymnasium, Student Center, athletic fields, tennis courts, and picnic areas. Students can be involved in such recreational and intramural sports activities as basketball, volleyball, softball, tennis, golf, boating, and flag football. The Student Center offers ping-pong, pool, pinball, foosball, and air hockey tables. Weightlifting and exercise equipment are available in the residence halls. A public par-three golf course is located less than a mile from campus. Students can also join the YMCA or local health club and have use of a swimming pool, racquetball courts, sauna, and weight and exercise equipment. Surfers, swimmers, and fishermen can enjoy the beaches of Nags Head, North Carolina, and Virginia Beach, Virginia, which are within an hour’s drive of the campus.
Athletics. The College is a member of the Shenandoah and Chesapeake Athletic Conference and fields teams in basketball (men’s and women’s), volleyball (women), and soccer. Team members must be in good academic standing as stated in the Academic Policies section of the catalog.
Commencement activities. Each May, Roanoke students, faculty, and staff enjoy a series of events designed to celebrate the end of the academic year and honor those who are graduating. To express respect and support to those graduating, on-campus students and all off-campus students who live in or near Elizabeth City are expected to attend the Commencement Concert, College Picnic, Baccalaureate, and Commencement.
Choral tours. The College sponsors choral groups. One such group is The Master’s Twelve, a select ensemble, which tours in the spring relating the story of the resurrection of Christ.
Drama club. Two original musicals are presented each school year. Each production involves acting, singing, lighting, sound, props, and costuming. Cast members are selected through auditions.
Recruitment teams. The Admissions Department fields College recruitment teams: Doxology and Commissioned, who travel during the summer, and New Creation, who travels during the school year. Each team, typically composed of four or five students, represents the College through drama, music, and preaching in churches, camps, and conventions. Membership is by audition. Contact the Admissions Department for more information.
Student Services
Automobiles and parking. Students are permitted to have cars on campus. Resident students will find ample parking near the residence halls on East Campus. Certain parking areas are reserved for visitors, staff, commuting students, and married-housing residents (see the Student Handbook for more information).
Counseling. Students having problems with studies, finances, Christian service, personal life, or any other issue, are encouraged to seek counsel from Residence Hall Directors, teachers, class advisors, academic advisors, or the professionally trained College counselor. Each student is assigned to a faculty advisor to help the student adjust to college life and plan his or her academic career.
Student Health. The College does not provide medical, hospital, or surgical services, nor does the College assume responsibility for injuries incurred by students when taking part in sports, class, or student activities. Professional medical services are available at the Albemarle Hospital, less than two miles from campus. Walk-in, non-emergency medical centers and numerous physicians’ offices are located nearby. The College certifies and promotes a drug-free workplace. Smoking, alcohol, and drugs are prohibited.
Student housing. Since learning how to live with others is an important part of the Christian life, single, full-time students under age 23 are required to reside in College residence halls, unless living with parents or other approved relatives. Each dorm resident must be enrolled in at least 12 hours of courses. Roanoke provides two modern riverfront residence halls, one for men and one for women. A Residence Hall Director, who lives in the building, supervises each residence hall. A student resident assistant resides on each hall of the building.
Each residence hall room is equipped with built-in beds, closets, bookshelves, desks, mirrors, individual heat and air conditioning controls, and a sink. A telephone is provided, with voice mail for each resident. Students who own computers and have the proper network card may access the campus computer network and the Internet. Students should contact the Student Life office for more information.
Students in full agreement with the policies and spirit of Roanoke may be permitted to reside in the College residence halls while enrolled at the local community college or state university. Each student in such dual enrollment must take at least six semester hours at Roanoke during his or her first semester and at least one course each semester thereafter.
Computer lab. A computer lab with Internet access is located on the second floor of Heritage Hall. This computer lab, together with the computing center in the library (see below), ensures that all students have ready access to computers on campus. Each student is given a personal e-mail account and access to the campus computer network.
Learning Center. The Learning Center helps students develop the academic skills they need in order to succeed in college. Students may receive help in study techniques, time management, test-taking strategies, English composition, completing projects and assignments, and basic computer knowledge. Located in the Watson-Griffith Library, the Learning Center is supervised by a faculty member and is staffed by upperclassmen. Students are encouraged to use the Learning Center and are welcome by appointment or as walk-ins.
Library. Watson-Griffith Library, with its beautiful riverfront views and modern architecture, provides a welcome place for research and study. The three-story facility houses the College’s book collection, periodicals, computer resources, audiovisuals, and video and compact disc collections. Internet access and a computing center are provided in the library. The computerized card catalog is available on the campus computer network and the World Wide Web.
Grievances
The College encourages students to communicate grievances by speaking to the proper personnel as listed in the Student Handbook. A complainant may, however, choose to write a letter. The letter must specify the nature of the grievance and must be dated and signed.
If a student believes that his grievance has not been properly addressed, he may appeal to the vice president of the administrative division involved in the grievance. If the grievance involves a vice president, the student should consult another vice president or the president. A final appeal, if necessary, may be made to the president, whose decision will be final. If the grievance involves the president, the student should consult one of the four vice presidents.
