University Regulations
Upon entering ORU, students assume an obligation to obey all rules and regulations of the University, agree to preserve faithfully all property provided by the University for their education and agree to discharge their duties as students with diligence, fidelity and honor. Failure to comply with directives given by staff personnel while in the performance of their duties is forbidden. Students who willingly disobey such directives will be subject to disciplinary action.
Disclosure of Personal Information
All communication between the student and administrative personnel will be held in the strictest confidence. No information will be revealed to anyone outside of the University community without written authorization by the student. Faculty and staff shall have access to information when access is essential to performance of employee duties. Federal law permits educational institutions to disclose financial information to the parents of financially dependent children. ORU assumes that the status of all undergraduate students is independent. Under certain circumstances however, state laws may revoke the confidentiality privilege. Generally, this will occur if the student is deemed a danger to self or to others. In such cases, appropriate medical, law enforcement and/or other concerned parties will be notified. Additionally, confidentiality is revoked if an administrator is required to testify by court order.
Organizational Funds
The Vice President for Student Life acts as auditor and controller for all authorized student organizations, including clubs. The Vice President for Student Life also holds copies of all contracts made by clubs and organizations.
All organizational funds must be deposited with Oral Roberts University into an Activity Account. No outside checking or savings accounts are allowed. Disbursements of funds are requested on a Check Requisition or Purchase Requisition, with the signature of the faculty advisor and the treasurer. Accounts must be reconciled by the organization’s treasurer each semester and returned to the Vice President for Student Life for permanent record.
The University reserves the right to require an audit or accounting from any campus organization to which it may from time to time allocate or contribute funds. This includes organizations receiving and disbursing money, such as the ORU Missions Fund, Student Association, Perihelion, The Oracle, and any other organization using University facilities to secure funds, raise money or disburse money to organizations on or off campus.
All organizations must follow procedures for handling student funds as recommended by the Vice President for Student Life and the ORU Vice President for Finance. If an organization receives money from the University, it is required to follow audit and accounting procedures established by the University. For additional information concerning financial procedures, please contact the Vice President for Student Life.
Purchasing
No student may purchase goods or services in the name of the University without a purchase requisition approved by the Vice President for Student Life, Provost and the ORU Vice President for Finance and a purchase order issued by the Purchasing Department.
Dress Code
Students are expected to demonstrate by their dress and appearance a mature Christian attitude and the ability to discern propriety. A student’s sense of fashion should be guided by good grooming and a sense of modesty, and mature discretion should be exercised in the selection of a wardrobe. Dress code is a standard of excellence that represents an important part of ORU lifestyle.
In determining what should be worn, one should consider the following:
Modesty Appropriateness to the activity Sensitivity and consideration of others
Regular Dress Code Standards
The regular dress code standards should be observed in all classes and chapel services. They should also be observed by anyone entering the LRC/GC until 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The dress code for the cafeteria is casual. The dress code for the LRC/GC after 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday as well as on weekends is casual, though shorts are not acceptable.
Men
Men may wear collared or knit shirts or turtlenecks. Sweatshirts and sweaters may also be worn. Men may wear slacks, corduroys, khakis or neat jeans while in dress code. Fatigues, tattered or torn jeans and jogging pants are not acceptable. Shorts are not permitted in class. Dress or casual shoes, including athletic shoes and flip flops are appropriate. Makeup (fingernail polish, eye shadow, lipstick, etc.) is not acceptable for male students. Any questionable attire may be called to the attention of the wearer and referred to the Dean of Student Development. Matters in question are reviewed by the Dean of Student Development or Associate Dean of Student Development.
Men’s Casual Attire
Casual attire may be worn in the cafeteria and the LRC/GC (except for regularly scheduled classes and laboratories) after 4:00 p.m. and all day Saturday and Sunday and all day in the Armand Hammer Alumni-Student Center. Shorts are permitted only in the cafeteria. Shirts must be worn in the Aerobics Center and at all University activities (unless prior University apprval exists). This attire is also suitable for the first-floor lounges of the residence halls, recreation lounges in the residence halls and the Hamill Student Center. Pajamas are not to be worn down to the first floor lobby areas or in the Quad Towers Lobby Area (“Fishbowl”). Tank shirts must never be worn in the cafeteria, LRC/GC or Christ’s Chapel. Sunbathing may be done in the designated areas only, which are the hill to the north of Quad Towers and near Gabrielle Hall. T-shirts must be worn to and from the sunbathing areas. Bathing suits are not acceptable attire for sunbathing.
Women
In addition to skirts and dresses, women may wear slacks, corduroys, khakis, gauchos, Capri pants or neat jeans at all times for class, chapel services and the library (Monday to Friday before 4:00 p.m. in the library). The length of all pants should be mid-calf or lower. Shorts are not permitted in class. Skirt and dress lengths must not exceed 4 inches above the middle of the knee, including the slit in the dress or skirt. Knit shirts, blouses or nonathletic shirts must be modest and in good tasted, not revealing or sheer, with no cleavage showing. All straps, whether on a dress or shirt, must be at least one inch wide. Spaghetti straps, strapless and off the shoulder dresses are permitted with formal gowns to be worn at formal dress occasions. Formal gowns must be modest and in good taste (with no cleavage showing, the back no lower than the normal bra strap line (mid-back) and no shorter 4 inches above the knee including any slits up the leg). Dress or casual shoes including athletic shoes and flip flops are appropriate.
Winters in Tulsa are marked by cold and windy days with snow and general dampness. Women are advised to bring a warm winter coat, boots for cold and wet weather, gloves and scarves.
Any questionable attire may be called to the attention of the wearer and referred to the Dean of Student Development or her staff for approval. Matters in question are reviewed by the Dean of Student Development or Associate Dean of Student Development
Women’s Casual Attire
Casual attire may be worn in the cafeteria and LRC/GC (except for regularly scheduled classes and laboratories) after 4:00 p.m. and all day Saturday and Sunday and all day in the Armand Hammer Alumni-Student Center. Shorts are permitted only in the cafeteria and the Armand Hammer Alumni-Student Center. T-shirts are permitted with no cleavage showing. This attire is also acceptable for the first-floor lounges of the residence halls, recreation lounges in the residential halls and Hamill Student Center. Sunbathing may be done in the designated areas only, which are the grassy areas between Ellis Melvin Roberts (EMR) and Michael Cardone Halls, the area near Gabrielle Hall and the hill just north of Quad Towers. Shorts and t-shirts are acceptable for sunbathing. Bathing suits, sports bras, body suits, etc., are not acceptable.
Chapel and Church Attendance
During fall and spring semesters, chapel services are held every Wednesday and Friday at 10:55 a.m. No classes are in session during that period. All resident and full-time commuter students are required to attend both weekly chapel services. Part-time commuter students taking seven or more hours are required to attend chapel services once a week. Part-time students required to attend chapel have the option of attending Wednesday or Friday. Students are expected to be in their seats by 10:50 a.m. The doors to the chapel will be closed just prior to the start of the service. Students leaving early must present their Student ID card to the appropriate staff person. Commuters and part-time students required to attend chapel must have their student ID and swipe in the appropriate card reader to be counted present. Students must swipe in between 10:45 a.m. and no later than 11:05 a.m. to be counted present. Students swiping in before or after these designated times will be counted absent.
Chapel absences resulting from an emergency or illness must have an excuse submitted within 48 hours to the appropriate office on official letterhead or documentation. Residence hall residents must submit excuses to their respective Residence Hall Director; commuters and part-time students required to attend chapel submit excuses to the Student Development Office and graduate students to the dean of their graduate school. Seating assignments are made for all students required to attend chapel by block assignments at the beginning of each semester. Residential students receive their assignment through their Residential Advisor, graduate students receive their assignment through their respective school and commuters and part-time students required to attend chapel receive their assignment from the Student Development Office. It is the responsibility of all students required to attend chapel to contact Student Development if they are unsure of their seating assignment. In chapel, reading materials other than the Bible is not acceptable behavior. No studying, sleeping, food or beverages are allowed during chapel services. Inappropriate use of laptops, PDAs and cell phones is not permitted. Three unexcused absences result in automatic cancellation of a student’s enrollment at the University. Graduate students who are allowed to reenroll must obtain an approved petition to do so from the dean of their school; undergraduate residential students must obtain the approved petition from the Dean of Student Development; commuter students and part-time students required to attend chapel must obtain the approved petition from the Student Development Office. These students present the approval to reenroll to the Student Accounts Office and pay a $50 reinstatement fee. No appeal will be accepted if it is submitted after the next semester of enrollment (e.g., an appeal for the fall semester will not be accepted after the spring semester ends).
All students are encouraged to attend the church of their choice. ORU allows students the responsibility for their own church attendance and involvement. The University deems church involvement as fundamental and will encourage faithful church attendance by the entire University community. From time to time, at the discretion of the University administration, special seminars or spiritual revival services may be held. These meetings are required of students. Attendance will be taken and absences will be treated as chapel absences.
Procedure for Implementing Policy Change Requests Oral Roberts University seeks to exist as a Christian university community. Communication in which there is Christian respect for individuals and groups that comprise this community is the basic ingredient of developing this relationship. For this reason, the University seeks to establish and identify rightful avenues of expression and, at the same time, define clearly those forms of communication and expression that are unacceptable.
The Oral Roberts University community is made up of a multitude of interpersonal relationships. This involves students, faculty and administration, as well as others who do not participate directly in the campus life of the University. It is the Christian’s responsibility in areas of personal grievances, as distinguished from policy or principle, to discuss his or her grievances with another in private.
A broader problem, however, exists in the area of those policies that are necessary to govern the operation of the University as a whole. While it is true that such policies must be reasonably stable, it is also true that they should be subject to change when their usefulness is questionable or improvement can be found. It is possible to initiate the process of change from any segment of the total University community. Those segments of the University that are affected by a policy should have some voice in establishing it.
Provisions have been made on the Oral Roberts University campus for orderly, representative and effective student and faculty expression regarding institutional policies. Students are encouraged to use the University channels of communication.
The administration and faculty of the University work in the areas of policy-making through various committees, councils and offices that are described in the Faculty Handbook The Student Association is the agency through which students may initiate suggestions or proposals to be brought before the various established bodies or individuals who make and administer policy. In addition, students are members of faculty and administrative committees and student groups such as clubs provide opportunities for student expression. Informal discussion between students and members of the faculty and administration is fruitful and valuable in the formation and administration of policy. Students having questions in any area can go to their Resident Advisor who will be able to answer their questions or know how to find out the answers through the University administrative structure. In addition to the Resident Advisor, other student leaders on each wing are available to answer questions. In the area of intramurals, students should work through their wing athletic chairperson who will work with the Director of Student Experience and the Vice President for Student Life. Concerning spiritual matters, students should work through the Wing Chaplains, the Head Chaplains and the Dean of Spiritual Formation. If an academic problem arises, students should contact their professors or academic advisors. The Academic Peer Advisor on each wing can also be of help. If the academic problem still has not been resolved, students have access to the appropriate department chairs, deans or the Provost. In the area of social activities, students should contact their wing activity chairperson who will work with the Director of Student Experience and the Vice President for Student Life. Students should address any concerns about student government to the Student Association representative on their wing who will work with the Student Association officers and the Director of Student Experience. Graduate students should work with the dean of their respective schools.
These means for expression of opinion are effective only if continuing efforts are made by students, faculty and administration.
Certain forms of expression of views are not considered appropriate for a Christian University community. Therefore, any form of expression that disrupts University activities is forbidden. Students and members of the faculty and staff who engage in such activities are subject to suspension from the University.
The following are considered disruptive conditions to which crisis management procedures should apply: (a) the presence of an immediate threat of damage or destruction to property of the educational institution, or violence or the threat of violence in the educational community; (b) an interference with the educational mission of the institution; (c) an unlawful trespass or occupation of University facilities; (d) the immediate threat of harm or damage to the educational institution or community through the disruption of its educational mission; (e) an attempt by a person or persons to substitute force for rational persuasion with the approved procedures for policy change stated above.
Petition for Policy Exception
Students should pick up a form titled Petition for Policy Exception in various locations based on the purpose of the request:
Academically-based exception—Registrar’s office Campus living exception—Student Development Student account—the Student Accounts office Financial aid-related issues—Financial Aid
After proper approvals, the form is returned to that office for processing. The student will be notified when final action has been taken, normally within two weeks for academic or financial issues and four days for campus living matters. Certain petitions may generate a minimum $20 processing fee.
Registration
Prior to each registration period, a schedule of courses to be offered for that semester is provided for students. They, with the approval of their academic advisors, plan their programs in accordance with the degree plan sheets for their declared majors or graduate school programs. It is the student’s responsibility to follow the degree plan sheet. Any unauthorized deviation could jeopardize the student’s timely degree completion/graduation. Student enrollment must be completed according to the academic calendar.
To enroll for a particular semester or summer term, students must complete a series of registration steps online on Vision, ORU’s Enrollment and Registration system. The steps are available 60 days prior to the start of the semester. To locate the Registration Steps, sign on to the Secure Area of Vision (vision.oru.edu); then select Registration Steps in the Student Services & Financial Aid section. All Registration Steps must be complete by the first day of the semester; otherwise, a late registration fee of $175 is assessed. Once all the steps are finished, print the Registration Worksheet showing the completed registration for your records.
No registration is final until the Honor Code has been formally accepted and signed in chapel.
No contract arises from enrollment; the University reserves the right to alter its rules and regulations at any time. The University also reserves the right to withdraw any course for which enrollment is considered insufficient.
Eagle Card
Eagle Cards are the property of Oral Roberts University. The cardholder is responsible for purchasing a replacement card for any Eagle Card that is defaced or damaged due to, but not limited to, destruction of ID photo, application of stickers or other markings in place of the photo or damaged magnetic strip. The Eagle Card may only be used by the named and photographed card-holder. Cards used by any other person will be confiscated. Students will provide Department of Public Safety & Security with their student ID upon request. Further disciplinary action may be taken at the discretion of the University.
Graduate Student Rules & Regulations
All graduate students will abide by the same rules and regulations as undergraduate students. This Student Handbook applies to all Oral Roberts University students.
Payment of Accounts and Refunds
All students are expected to make satisfactory arrangements for prompt payment of accounts. Students on the payment plan who fail to pay an account by the due date will receive a late charge on past due accounts and may seriously jeopardize their enrollment at the University. Continued failure to pay the account results in probation or suspension. Student may not reenroll, receive a diploma or obtain a transcript until the account is paid in full, which may include collection expenses to cover administrative expenses involved in record holding and/or collection procedures until the account is cleared. It is the students’ responsibility to pay telephone bills, charge accounts at local businesses and other debts promptly. Failure to pay bills can result in disciplinary action.
(ALL PAYMENTS MADE TO A STUDENT ACCOUNT IN PAPER CHECK FORM WILL BE CONVERTED TO AN ELECTRONIC AUTOMATED CLEARINGHOUSE (ACH) TRANSACTION. FOR RECONCILIATION PURPOSES, THESE CHECKS WILL NOW APPEAR ON A MONTHLY BANK STATEMENT AS AN ELECTRONIC DEBIT.)
DROPS
If a student drops or withdraws from any class or withdraws from the University and initiates the appropriate form at the Student Development office, refund of tuition for which the student is eligible will be made according to the following schedule:
100%—prior to first day of classes 90%—first and second weeks of class 50%—third and fourth weeks 25%—fifth through eighth weeks
Any student withdrawing from ORU within 30 days from the last day of classes will not receive any prorated refund for University housing charges.
The tuition refund is calculated from the approval date for dropping or withdrawing from courses by the Registrar. These payment percentages apply to students who have paid a per-credit-hour rate for a class; undergraduate students paying the flat rate for full-time class loads will receive refunds only if they have been taking (and paying additional tuition for) over 18.5 credit hours or if the hours dropped take the student from full-time to part-time status. Withdrawing or dropping to less than full-time enrollment may affect students’ financial aid, resulting in the loss of loans, grant funds and/or institutional aid. The federal government requires all students to pass 75% of attempted hours to maintain eligibility for financial aid; students should visit the Financial Aid office before dropping any classes.
WITHDRAWLS
Students who are withdrawing from the University are to go to the Student Development office to initiate the appropriate forms for withdrawing. The withdrawal date is the date a student comes in to the Student Development office and states his or her intent to withdraw. Students may also provide official notification of withdrawal to the institution by sending a letter to Student Development stating his or her intent to withdraw. In this case, the withdrawal date is the date the institution receives the letter.
ORU recognizes the importance of assisting current students who are in the Armed Forces as their status of reserve duty is changed to active duty. Students should submit a copy of their activation papers to Student Development for review. The paperwork will be accepted by mail, fax or in person. Students are subject to the University’s Military Withdrawal Policy.
Students withdrawing during the first two weeks of school will have their courses dropped without recording. Students withdrawing after the second week of school will be required to obtain the appropriate grade(s) of “WP” or “WF” and the signatures of the instructor and academic advisor on the Recorded Course Withdrawal form. If withdrawal takes place after the eighth week of school, students must complete the Recorded Course Withdrawal form but may receive only recorded grades of “WF.” Students who withdraw will forfeit some or all institutional financial aid that has been calculated according to the tuition payment schedule in the University catalog. Students missing any documents from their financial aid files forfeit eligibility for any financial aid for which they have applied. Students are responsible for any outstanding charges that are on their accounts or fees that have been charged but not yet applied to their accounts. Students may have immediate payback responsibilities for certain governmental loans. Students withdrawing from Oral Roberts University within 30 days of the end of the semester will not receive any prorated refunds for any University charges. Nonattendance of classes DOES NOT constitute an official withdrawal from the University.
Photographs/Video
Enrollment at ORU constitutes my grant of an irrevocable and exclusive world-wide license, consent and authorization to use my name, voice, likeness, or other attributes of my persona in connection with events, activities, and other occurrences relating to ORU or its affiliates (Events) regardless of location of the Event including any audio, visual, digital, broadcast, website, social media, internet, simulcast, webcast, streaming, recording, presentation, performance, photograph, illustration, animation, advertising, and derivative in any form of media (Works). I waive any right to inspect or approve the Works and irrevocably and exclusively assign and transfer to ORU, in perpetuity, any and all claims and rights in and to the Work. The Honor Code and University Regulations serve as the general criteria of taste and style in selecting photographs for publication.
Signs & Posters
Signs and notes may be posted only on designated bulletin boards. The Student Experience Director, prior to posting, must approve notices and announcements for posting on various bulletin boards on campus. No signs are to be posted on any exterior surface of a building. Posting of signs in the LRC/GC requires additional approval from the proper department. As a general rule, outside organizations are not permitted to advertise via bulletin boards, the posting of signs or otherwise distribute literature on campus. A limited amount of paid advertising is available to outside organizations via the Oracle, the campus newspaper.
Upon entering ORU, students assume an obligation to obey all rules and regulations of the University, agree to preserve faithfully all property provided by the University for their education and agree to discharge their duties as students with diligence, fidelity and honor. Failure to comply with directives given by staff personnel while in the performance of their duties is forbidden. Students who willingly disobey such directives will be subject to disciplinary action.
Disclosure of Personal Information
All communication between the student and administrative personnel will be held in the strictest confidence. No information will be revealed to anyone outside of the University community without written authorization by the student. Faculty and staff shall have access to information when access is essential to performance of employee duties. Federal law permits educational institutions to disclose financial information to the parents of financially dependent children. ORU assumes that the status of all undergraduate students is independent. Under certain circumstances however, state laws may revoke the confidentiality privilege. Generally, this will occur if the student is deemed a danger to self or to others. In such cases, appropriate medical, law enforcement and/or other concerned parties will be notified. Additionally, confidentiality is revoked if an administrator is required to testify by court order.
Organizational Funds
The Vice President for Student Life acts as auditor and controller for all authorized student organizations, including clubs. The Vice President for Student Life also holds copies of all contracts made by clubs and organizations.
All organizational funds must be deposited with Oral Roberts University into an Activity Account. No outside checking or savings accounts are allowed. Disbursements of funds are requested on a Check Requisition or Purchase Requisition, with the signature of the faculty advisor and the treasurer. Accounts must be reconciled by the organization’s treasurer each semester and returned to the Vice President for Student Life for permanent record.
The University reserves the right to require an audit or accounting from any campus organization to which it may from time to time allocate or contribute funds. This includes organizations receiving and disbursing money, such as the ORU Missions Fund, Student Association, Perihelion, The Oracle, and any other organization using University facilities to secure funds, raise money or disburse money to organizations on or off campus.
All organizations must follow procedures for handling student funds as recommended by the Vice President for Student Life and the ORU Vice President for Finance. If an organization receives money from the University, it is required to follow audit and accounting procedures established by the University. For additional information concerning financial procedures, please contact the Vice President for Student Life.
Purchasing
No student may purchase goods or services in the name of the University without a purchase requisition approved by the Vice President for Student Life, Provost and the ORU Vice President for Finance and a purchase order issued by the Purchasing Department.
Dress Code
Students are expected to demonstrate by their dress and appearance a mature Christian attitude and the ability to discern propriety. A student’s sense of fashion should be guided by good grooming and a sense of modesty, and mature discretion should be exercised in the selection of a wardrobe. Dress code is a standard of excellence that represents an important part of ORU lifestyle.
In determining what should be worn, one should consider the following:
Modesty Appropriateness to the activity Sensitivity and consideration of others
Regular Dress Code Standards
The regular dress code standards should be observed in all classes and chapel services. They should also be observed by anyone entering the LRC/GC until 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The dress code for the cafeteria is casual. The dress code for the LRC/GC after 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday as well as on weekends is casual, though shorts are not acceptable.
Men
Men may wear collared or knit shirts or turtlenecks. Sweatshirts and sweaters may also be worn. Men may wear slacks, corduroys, khakis or neat jeans while in dress code. Fatigues, tattered or torn jeans and jogging pants are not acceptable. Shorts are not permitted in class. Dress or casual shoes, including athletic shoes and flip flops are appropriate. Makeup (fingernail polish, eye shadow, lipstick, etc.) is not acceptable for male students. Any questionable attire may be called to the attention of the wearer and referred to the Dean of Student Development. Matters in question are reviewed by the Dean of Student Development or Associate Dean of Student Development.
Men’s Casual Attire
Casual attire may be worn in the cafeteria and the LRC/GC (except for regularly scheduled classes and laboratories) after 4:00 p.m. and all day Saturday and Sunday and all day in the Armand Hammer Alumni-Student Center. Shorts are permitted only in the cafeteria. Shirts must be worn in the Aerobics Center and at all University activities (unless prior University apprval exists). This attire is also suitable for the first-floor lounges of the residence halls, recreation lounges in the residence halls and the Hamill Student Center. Pajamas are not to be worn down to the first floor lobby areas or in the Quad Towers Lobby Area (“Fishbowl”). Tank shirts must never be worn in the cafeteria, LRC/GC or Christ’s Chapel. Sunbathing may be done in the designated areas only, which are the hill to the north of Quad Towers and near Gabrielle Hall. T-shirts must be worn to and from the sunbathing areas. Bathing suits are not acceptable attire for sunbathing.
Women
In addition to skirts and dresses, women may wear slacks, corduroys, khakis, gauchos, Capri pants or neat jeans at all times for class, chapel services and the library (Monday to Friday before 4:00 p.m. in the library). The length of all pants should be mid-calf or lower. Shorts are not permitted in class. Skirt and dress lengths must not exceed 4 inches above the middle of the knee, including the slit in the dress or skirt. Knit shirts, blouses or nonathletic shirts must be modest and in good tasted, not revealing or sheer, with no cleavage showing. All straps, whether on a dress or shirt, must be at least one inch wide. Spaghetti straps, strapless and off the shoulder dresses are permitted with formal gowns to be worn at formal dress occasions. Formal gowns must be modest and in good taste (with no cleavage showing, the back no lower than the normal bra strap line (mid-back) and no shorter 4 inches above the knee including any slits up the leg). Dress or casual shoes including athletic shoes and flip flops are appropriate.
Winters in Tulsa are marked by cold and windy days with snow and general dampness. Women are advised to bring a warm winter coat, boots for cold and wet weather, gloves and scarves.
Any questionable attire may be called to the attention of the wearer and referred to the Dean of Student Development or her staff for approval. Matters in question are reviewed by the Dean of Student Development or Associate Dean of Student Development
Women’s Casual Attire
Casual attire may be worn in the cafeteria and LRC/GC (except for regularly scheduled classes and laboratories) after 4:00 p.m. and all day Saturday and Sunday and all day in the Armand Hammer Alumni-Student Center. Shorts are permitted only in the cafeteria and the Armand Hammer Alumni-Student Center. T-shirts are permitted with no cleavage showing. This attire is also acceptable for the first-floor lounges of the residence halls, recreation lounges in the residential halls and Hamill Student Center. Sunbathing may be done in the designated areas only, which are the grassy areas between Ellis Melvin Roberts (EMR) and Michael Cardone Halls, the area near Gabrielle Hall and the hill just north of Quad Towers. Shorts and t-shirts are acceptable for sunbathing. Bathing suits, sports bras, body suits, etc., are not acceptable.
Chapel and Church Attendance
During fall and spring semesters, chapel services are held every Wednesday and Friday at 10:55 a.m. No classes are in session during that period. All resident and full-time commuter students are required to attend both weekly chapel services. Part-time commuter students taking seven or more hours are required to attend chapel services once a week. Part-time students required to attend chapel have the option of attending Wednesday or Friday. Students are expected to be in their seats by 10:50 a.m. The doors to the chapel will be closed just prior to the start of the service. Students leaving early must present their Student ID card to the appropriate staff person. Commuters and part-time students required to attend chapel must have their student ID and swipe in the appropriate card reader to be counted present. Students must swipe in between 10:45 a.m. and no later than 11:05 a.m. to be counted present. Students swiping in before or after these designated times will be counted absent.
Chapel absences resulting from an emergency or illness must have an excuse submitted within 48 hours to the appropriate office on official letterhead or documentation. Residence hall residents must submit excuses to their respective Residence Hall Director; commuters and part-time students required to attend chapel submit excuses to the Student Development Office and graduate students to the dean of their graduate school. Seating assignments are made for all students required to attend chapel by block assignments at the beginning of each semester. Residential students receive their assignment through their Residential Advisor, graduate students receive their assignment through their respective school and commuters and part-time students required to attend chapel receive their assignment from the Student Development Office. It is the responsibility of all students required to attend chapel to contact Student Development if they are unsure of their seating assignment. In chapel, reading materials other than the Bible is not acceptable behavior. No studying, sleeping, food or beverages are allowed during chapel services. Inappropriate use of laptops, PDAs and cell phones is not permitted. Three unexcused absences result in automatic cancellation of a student’s enrollment at the University. Graduate students who are allowed to reenroll must obtain an approved petition to do so from the dean of their school; undergraduate residential students must obtain the approved petition from the Dean of Student Development; commuter students and part-time students required to attend chapel must obtain the approved petition from the Student Development Office. These students present the approval to reenroll to the Student Accounts Office and pay a $50 reinstatement fee. No appeal will be accepted if it is submitted after the next semester of enrollment (e.g., an appeal for the fall semester will not be accepted after the spring semester ends).
All students are encouraged to attend the church of their choice. ORU allows students the responsibility for their own church attendance and involvement. The University deems church involvement as fundamental and will encourage faithful church attendance by the entire University community. From time to time, at the discretion of the University administration, special seminars or spiritual revival services may be held. These meetings are required of students. Attendance will be taken and absences will be treated as chapel absences.
Procedure for Implementing Policy Change Requests Oral Roberts University seeks to exist as a Christian university community. Communication in which there is Christian respect for individuals and groups that comprise this community is the basic ingredient of developing this relationship. For this reason, the University seeks to establish and identify rightful avenues of expression and, at the same time, define clearly those forms of communication and expression that are unacceptable.
The Oral Roberts University community is made up of a multitude of interpersonal relationships. This involves students, faculty and administration, as well as others who do not participate directly in the campus life of the University. It is the Christian’s responsibility in areas of personal grievances, as distinguished from policy or principle, to discuss his or her grievances with another in private.
A broader problem, however, exists in the area of those policies that are necessary to govern the operation of the University as a whole. While it is true that such policies must be reasonably stable, it is also true that they should be subject to change when their usefulness is questionable or improvement can be found. It is possible to initiate the process of change from any segment of the total University community. Those segments of the University that are affected by a policy should have some voice in establishing it.
Provisions have been made on the Oral Roberts University campus for orderly, representative and effective student and faculty expression regarding institutional policies. Students are encouraged to use the University channels of communication.
The administration and faculty of the University work in the areas of policy-making through various committees, councils and offices that are described in the Faculty Handbook The Student Association is the agency through which students may initiate suggestions or proposals to be brought before the various established bodies or individuals who make and administer policy. In addition, students are members of faculty and administrative committees and student groups such as clubs provide opportunities for student expression. Informal discussion between students and members of the faculty and administration is fruitful and valuable in the formation and administration of policy. Students having questions in any area can go to their Resident Advisor who will be able to answer their questions or know how to find out the answers through the University administrative structure. In addition to the Resident Advisor, other student leaders on each wing are available to answer questions. In the area of intramurals, students should work through their wing athletic chairperson who will work with the Director of Student Experience and the Vice President for Student Life. Concerning spiritual matters, students should work through the Wing Chaplains, the Head Chaplains and the Dean of Spiritual Formation. If an academic problem arises, students should contact their professors or academic advisors. The Academic Peer Advisor on each wing can also be of help. If the academic problem still has not been resolved, students have access to the appropriate department chairs, deans or the Provost. In the area of social activities, students should contact their wing activity chairperson who will work with the Director of Student Experience and the Vice President for Student Life. Students should address any concerns about student government to the Student Association representative on their wing who will work with the Student Association officers and the Director of Student Experience. Graduate students should work with the dean of their respective schools.
These means for expression of opinion are effective only if continuing efforts are made by students, faculty and administration.
Certain forms of expression of views are not considered appropriate for a Christian University community. Therefore, any form of expression that disrupts University activities is forbidden. Students and members of the faculty and staff who engage in such activities are subject to suspension from the University.
The following are considered disruptive conditions to which crisis management procedures should apply: (a) the presence of an immediate threat of damage or destruction to property of the educational institution, or violence or the threat of violence in the educational community; (b) an interference with the educational mission of the institution; (c) an unlawful trespass or occupation of University facilities; (d) the immediate threat of harm or damage to the educational institution or community through the disruption of its educational mission; (e) an attempt by a person or persons to substitute force for rational persuasion with the approved procedures for policy change stated above.
Petition for Policy Exception
Students should pick up a form titled Petition for Policy Exception in various locations based on the purpose of the request:
Academically-based exception—Registrar’s office Campus living exception—Student Development Student account—the Student Accounts office Financial aid-related issues—Financial Aid
After proper approvals, the form is returned to that office for processing. The student will be notified when final action has been taken, normally within two weeks for academic or financial issues and four days for campus living matters. Certain petitions may generate a minimum $20 processing fee.
Registration
Prior to each registration period, a schedule of courses to be offered for that semester is provided for students. They, with the approval of their academic advisors, plan their programs in accordance with the degree plan sheets for their declared majors or graduate school programs. It is the student’s responsibility to follow the degree plan sheet. Any unauthorized deviation could jeopardize the student’s timely degree completion/graduation. Student enrollment must be completed according to the academic calendar.
To enroll for a particular semester or summer term, students must complete a series of registration steps online on Vision, ORU’s Enrollment and Registration system. The steps are available 60 days prior to the start of the semester. To locate the Registration Steps, sign on to the Secure Area of Vision (vision.oru.edu); then select Registration Steps in the Student Services & Financial Aid section. All Registration Steps must be complete by the first day of the semester; otherwise, a late registration fee of $175 is assessed. Once all the steps are finished, print the Registration Worksheet showing the completed registration for your records.
No registration is final until the Honor Code has been formally accepted and signed in chapel.
No contract arises from enrollment; the University reserves the right to alter its rules and regulations at any time. The University also reserves the right to withdraw any course for which enrollment is considered insufficient.
Eagle Card
Eagle Cards are the property of Oral Roberts University. The cardholder is responsible for purchasing a replacement card for any Eagle Card that is defaced or damaged due to, but not limited to, destruction of ID photo, application of stickers or other markings in place of the photo or damaged magnetic strip. The Eagle Card may only be used by the named and photographed card-holder. Cards used by any other person will be confiscated. Students will provide Department of Public Safety & Security with their student ID upon request. Further disciplinary action may be taken at the discretion of the University.
Graduate Student Rules & Regulations
All graduate students will abide by the same rules and regulations as undergraduate students. This Student Handbook applies to all Oral Roberts University students.
Payment of Accounts and Refunds
All students are expected to make satisfactory arrangements for prompt payment of accounts. Students on the payment plan who fail to pay an account by the due date will receive a late charge on past due accounts and may seriously jeopardize their enrollment at the University. Continued failure to pay the account results in probation or suspension. Student may not reenroll, receive a diploma or obtain a transcript until the account is paid in full, which may include collection expenses to cover administrative expenses involved in record holding and/or collection procedures until the account is cleared. It is the students’ responsibility to pay telephone bills, charge accounts at local businesses and other debts promptly. Failure to pay bills can result in disciplinary action.
(ALL PAYMENTS MADE TO A STUDENT ACCOUNT IN PAPER CHECK FORM WILL BE CONVERTED TO AN ELECTRONIC AUTOMATED CLEARINGHOUSE (ACH) TRANSACTION. FOR RECONCILIATION PURPOSES, THESE CHECKS WILL NOW APPEAR ON A MONTHLY BANK STATEMENT AS AN ELECTRONIC DEBIT.)
DROPS
If a student drops or withdraws from any class or withdraws from the University and initiates the appropriate form at the Student Development office, refund of tuition for which the student is eligible will be made according to the following schedule:
100%—prior to first day of classes 90%—first and second weeks of class 50%—third and fourth weeks 25%—fifth through eighth weeks
Any student withdrawing from ORU within 30 days from the last day of classes will not receive any prorated refund for University housing charges.
The tuition refund is calculated from the approval date for dropping or withdrawing from courses by the Registrar. These payment percentages apply to students who have paid a per-credit-hour rate for a class; undergraduate students paying the flat rate for full-time class loads will receive refunds only if they have been taking (and paying additional tuition for) over 18.5 credit hours or if the hours dropped take the student from full-time to part-time status. Withdrawing or dropping to less than full-time enrollment may affect students’ financial aid, resulting in the loss of loans, grant funds and/or institutional aid. The federal government requires all students to pass 75% of attempted hours to maintain eligibility for financial aid; students should visit the Financial Aid office before dropping any classes.
WITHDRAWLS
Students who are withdrawing from the University are to go to the Student Development office to initiate the appropriate forms for withdrawing. The withdrawal date is the date a student comes in to the Student Development office and states his or her intent to withdraw. Students may also provide official notification of withdrawal to the institution by sending a letter to Student Development stating his or her intent to withdraw. In this case, the withdrawal date is the date the institution receives the letter.
ORU recognizes the importance of assisting current students who are in the Armed Forces as their status of reserve duty is changed to active duty. Students should submit a copy of their activation papers to Student Development for review. The paperwork will be accepted by mail, fax or in person. Students are subject to the University’s Military Withdrawal Policy.
Students withdrawing during the first two weeks of school will have their courses dropped without recording. Students withdrawing after the second week of school will be required to obtain the appropriate grade(s) of “WP” or “WF” and the signatures of the instructor and academic advisor on the Recorded Course Withdrawal form. If withdrawal takes place after the eighth week of school, students must complete the Recorded Course Withdrawal form but may receive only recorded grades of “WF.” Students who withdraw will forfeit some or all institutional financial aid that has been calculated according to the tuition payment schedule in the University catalog. Students missing any documents from their financial aid files forfeit eligibility for any financial aid for which they have applied. Students are responsible for any outstanding charges that are on their accounts or fees that have been charged but not yet applied to their accounts. Students may have immediate payback responsibilities for certain governmental loans. Students withdrawing from Oral Roberts University within 30 days of the end of the semester will not receive any prorated refunds for any University charges. Nonattendance of classes DOES NOT constitute an official withdrawal from the University.
Photographs/Video
Enrollment at ORU constitutes my grant of an irrevocable and exclusive world-wide license, consent and authorization to use my name, voice, likeness, or other attributes of my persona in connection with events, activities, and other occurrences relating to ORU or its affiliates (Events) regardless of location of the Event including any audio, visual, digital, broadcast, website, social media, internet, simulcast, webcast, streaming, recording, presentation, performance, photograph, illustration, animation, advertising, and derivative in any form of media (Works). I waive any right to inspect or approve the Works and irrevocably and exclusively assign and transfer to ORU, in perpetuity, any and all claims and rights in and to the Work. The Honor Code and University Regulations serve as the general criteria of taste and style in selecting photographs for publication.
Signs & Posters
Signs and notes may be posted only on designated bulletin boards. The Student Experience Director, prior to posting, must approve notices and announcements for posting on various bulletin boards on campus. No signs are to be posted on any exterior surface of a building. Posting of signs in the LRC/GC requires additional approval from the proper department. As a general rule, outside organizations are not permitted to advertise via bulletin boards, the posting of signs or otherwise distribute literature on campus. A limited amount of paid advertising is available to outside organizations via the Oracle, the campus newspaper.