STUDENT LIFE AND SERVICES

The Office of Student affairs is responsible for providing student support services. The Director of Student affairs serves as the primary coordinator of student-related issues. The office is open to students seeking counseling on all non-academic concerns.

DRUG-FREE CAMPUS POLICY

IUTS ensures its learning environment be free of unlawful or banned substances. Specifically, all members of IUTS community, which includes administration, faculty, staff, students and guests, must abstain from the consumption or use of alcohol, narcotics, and/or misuse of prescription drugs while on the IUTS campus and on any field trips or projects sponsored by the school. Violation of this policy could lead to suspension, expulsion, termination, and in the context of criminal activity, referral to law enforcement agencies.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY

IUTS does not tolerate sexual harassment and seeks freedom from all forms of harassment for students, faculty, staff and applicants who seek to join IUTS. Any person violating IUTS policy on sexual harassment is subject to disciplinary action such as reprimand, suspension, or termination of employment or enrollment. The type of disciplinary action imposed will depend on the severity of the offense. 

Harassment based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, physical conduct or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation or age includes behavior that is expressly prohibited by this policy which is in accordance with applicable state and federal law, and will not be tolerated.

STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT

Each student is expected to observe all institutional policies established for both Academic and non-Academic matters while enrolled at International University & Theological Seminary’s educational programs. This includes the student’s attitudes, actions, appearance and attire. IUTS administration has the authority to take appropriate administrative disciplinary measures if the student code of conduct is not adhered to. It is the policy of IUTS to prohibit smoking as well as prohibit unlawful possession of or use of controlled substances and alcoholic beverages. Firearms possession anywhere on campus is strictly prohibited. Students are expected to maintain a professional appearance and demonstrate a cooperative and respectful attitude towards all they come into contact with. Students should strive to develop their ethical and moral character, high level of professional competence, a sense of composure, and, above all, compassion.

Students may be dismissed from IUTS for behavior disruptive to its educational mission, such as, but not limited to, those stated below:

• Forgery, alteration or misuse of institutional documents, records or identification, or knowingly furnishing false information to IUTS;
• Misrepresentation of oneself or of an organization to be an agent of IUTS;
• Obstruction or disruption on or off campus property, of educational or administrative process, or other campus function;
• Physical abuse, on or off campus property, of the person or property of any member of the campus community, or members of his/her family or the threat of such physical abuse;
• Theft of or non-accidental damage to the IUTS property or property in the possession of or owned by a member of IUTS;
• Unauthorized entry into, unauthorized use or misuse of the IUTS property;
• Sale or possession of dangerous drugs, restricted dangerous drugs or narcotics, as those terms are used in California statutes, except when lawfully prescribed pursuant to medical or dental care, or when lawfully permitted for the purpose of research, instruction or analysis;
• Lewd, indecent, or obscene behavior on the IUTS property;
• Abusive behavior directed toward a member of IUTS community;
• Violation of any order of the IUTS President, notice of which has been given prior to such violation and during the Academic term in which the violation occurs, either by publication or by posting on an official bulletin board designed for this purpose, and which order is not inconsistent with any of the other provisions of this section;
• Soliciting or assisting another to do any act that would subject a strident to dismissal, suspension, or probation pursuant to this section;
• Cheating, bribery or plagiarism in connection with an Academic program.

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

Instructors or proctors are authorized to take examination papers from the student and dismiss the student from the room with an automatic “F” grade for that test at any evidence of improper communication, including the use of books or notes in examinations. Such offenses customarily result in a grade of “F” for that course and the student(s) being placed on academic probation, and may lead to the student eventually being expelled. When reported by the proctor or instructor, cheating offenses will be handled by each Department Chair or Director of Student affairs. Faculty and staff are required to report all instances of cheating to the Academic Dean’s office.

Academic dishonesty includes providing or receiving answers from other students during an examination, plagiarizing the works of others, using informational aids such as “crib sheets” or other types of notes during an examination (if not allowed), or anything else that might reasonably be construed as cheating. Students who are found to be academically dishonest will are subject to suspension for one semester, and will be placed on Academic probation.

STUDENT GRIEVANCES

IUTS desires to resolve fairly and promptly any student complaints or grievances which may arise. Regarding grade grievance, students should not appeal a grade simply because they are unhappy with the evaluation. Appeals should be based on the reasonable assumption that an error has occurred. At first, students with grade grievance seek resolution by appealing to the instructor involved. If there is no resolution after having dealt with the instructor, the student may take the matter to the program director. If a resolution is still unreached, a formal written appeal may be made to the Academic Dean. The Academic Dean will mediate with all parties involved and resolve the situation. 

When academic or nonacademic complaint/grievance arises, a student should always try to work out the problem by first discussing it with those closest to the issue. If the problem is unable to be resolved at the interpersonal level, a student may file a complaint with the Academic Dean’s office. At the discretion of the dean, a committee may be formed in order to address the complaint/grievance. If the problem still has not been resolved and the grieving party wishes to pursue the matter, it then becomes a Presidential responsibility. If the problem still has not been resolved, and the grieving party still wishes to pursue the matter, the IUTS Board of Directors will meet with the plaintiff, defendant, and President, and reach a decision. This decision shall be considered to be the final word on the matter.

SECURITY AND RETENTION OF STUDENT RECORDS

A detailed system of records is maintained by IUTS for each student. Each student’s file shall contain application documents (including student’s name, address, e-mail address, and telephone number, social security number, major field of study, previous institutions attended, program start date), admissions credentials, records of attendance, enrollment status, grades earned, satisfactory Academic progress records, copy of government or state issued I.D., emergency contact form, enrollment agreement, courses taken, test scores, grades, transcripts, earned degrees, awards, advising records, written communication with the student, disciplinary actions taken, financial statements, tuition history, and receipts.

Student records and files are stored in fire proof cabinets for the safekeeping of student records including records of graduation and degrees granted. Each student’s Academic and financial records are all stored and maintained in one collective student physical file. Electronic financial files are kept on a private financial intranet system on a server and electronic Academic files are kept on an Internet Cloud.

IUTS’s policy is to maintain the confidentiality of student Academic records. No one outside of the institution shall have access to, nor will IUTS disclose, any information from a student’s Academic records without the written consent of the student except: IUTS personnel, officials of other institutions in which the student seeks to enroll, persons or organizations providing student financial aid, accrediting agencies, in compliance with a judicial order, and in an emergency in order to protect the health or safety of a student or other persons. The student’s Academic file is the sole property of IUTS. IUTS will not release copies of documents of course work from other institutions attended. All student records are held a minimum of five years and transcript will be maintained indefinitely.

The name, physical address, e-mail address, and telephone number of the custodian of records are as follows: Jong Cho, 3055 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 985, Los Angeles, CA 90010, Phone (213) 761-7985.

SPIRITUALITY FORMATION AND TRAINING (CHAPEL SERVICES)

Those who prepare to serve God and the Christian community effectively should have hands-on experience in Christian ministry and service. This spirituality enhancement is a necessary component of developing Christian maturity and ministry ability. All students are required to participate chapel service at least once a month (usually first Wednesday evening during semester otherwise will be announced when change). In this regard, especially all students in the M. Div. program must complete four (4) units credit in fieldwork/student ministry during their study for graduation. A major goal of this practical training is to help students discover their gifts, talents, abilities and calling from God. This service also allows students to validate or invalidate the concepts they are forming in classrooms.

COUNSELING

The Director of Student affairs help students overcome difficulty in their study and life at IUTS. IUTS’s counseling services include the following:

– Admission Counseling: The Director of Admission provides counseling on admission-related ma tters. The Admissions Office staff also counsels prospective students in securing the needed documents to complete the admission process. – Counseling on course selection and other Academic needs: the Academic Dean, Registrar, and faculty members provide counseling. – Counseling on student personal issues: the director of Student affairs provide counseling.

HOUSING

IUTS does not have dormitory facilities under its control. Apartments are available around IUTS and in the Los Angeles downtown. Students are encouraged to contact the owners or managers of apartments directly for rental arrangements. Rent ranges from approximately $900 to $1500 per month. IUTS will assist but is not responsible for finding housing for students.

TRANSPORTATION

Public bus transportation is available with stops located close to the campus.

PLACEMENT SERVICES

Although IUTS does not operate a formal placement office, information concerning employment opportunities and referral services is available in the office of the Director of Student Affairs. Current job openings and career opportunities are posted on both bulletin boards and the school website. IUTS makes every effort to assist the student by keeping these postings current.

STUDENT ACTIVITIES AND ORGANIZATIONS

Student activities and organizations are an important means for students to develop personally and professionally outside of the classroom. IUTS sponsored activities and organizations introduce students to the campus environment and allow students to engage in dialogue and leadership development outside of course-specific discussions. Student activities and organizations are provided to all enrolled students. They are required to be structured as inclusive of all members of the IUTS student community and may not restrict membership or establish membership criteria that discriminate on the basis of race, religion, age, national origin, gender, sexual orientation or handicap. No organizations with restrictive membership clauses will be recognized by IUTS. The student activities program strengthens student socialization, leadership and collaborative skills and offers encouragement to those who are making a transition to the IUTS life. IUTS sponsored activities introduce students to many of the diverse social and cultural events.