All employees of Southern Adventist University are “God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works.” Therefore, all employees are expected to willingly and conscientiously uphold the high moral and Christian standards that the church represents and live in harmony with the doctrines of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Employees of Southern Adventist University represent the church, as well as the university; consequently, their appearances, words, and actions require care and judgment. By the grace of God, their lives are a reflection of the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal. 5:22-23).
Special attention is to be given at all times to neatness, cleanliness, modesty, and courteous behavior. Webster defines modesty as “being free from coarseness, indelicacy, and indecency; a regard for propriety in dress, speech, and conduct.” Because we realize that God expects His commandment-keeping people to be distinct from the world, Southern Adventist University affirms statements made by Ellen G. White concerning simplicity and appropriateness of dress: “Our appearance in every respect should be characterized by neatness, modesty, and purity” (Counsels for the Church, p. 10).
In accordance with the teachings on Christian behavior espoused by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, we uphold conservative Christian values in dress and appearance. We believe that adherence to these values creates a positive workplace environment.
We expect employees to make a commitment to Southern’s community standards by respecting and adhering to Seventh-day Adventist standards and conduct, which includes expectations for sexual integrity, both on and off campus and in their interactions online and in social media (refer to the Freedom of Expression policy).
Pornography is defined as “printed or visual material containing the explicit description or display of sexual organs or activity, intended to stimulate erotic rather than aesthetic or emotional feelings” (Oxford Dictionary). Pornography of any kind, whether virtual or physical in nature, is harmful and destructive to healthy relationships and spiritual growth. In addition, the possession of pornography is a violation of the community standards of Southern, which are founded on the teachings of the Bible and the Seventh-day Adventist church. Because of its destructive nature, any accessing, creating, viewing, or distributing of pornography is unacceptable, either on or off campus and may result in disciplinary action. Any violation of Tennessee or Federal laws with respect to child pornography will be reported to the proper authorities and may result in sanctions by Southern.
Southern recognizes that those who experience a pregnancy outside of marriage need support, and Southern will work to uphold the biblical principles of compassion, integrity, and confidentiality for all involved. The sexual activity outside of marriage will be considered separately from the pregnancy. Southern also operates in harmony with applicable state and federal laws as they relate to pregnancy, including FMLA, Title IX, and Title VII.
Southern cares about relationships and how students and employees nurture those relationships while maintaining a respectful campus environment. Students and employees are expected to conduct themselves with discretion and in a manner that is consistent with Christian values. Respecting others is important to Southern. PDA that may appear sexually suggestive is not condoned on Southern’s campus. This includes, but is not limited to, intimate touching, fondling, prolonged kissing, or any other conduct that is out of harmony with this policy.
Employees are expected to abide by and support the Seventh-day Adventist Church teaching on gender and sexuality. As such, it would not be appropriate for employees to seek to transition from their biological sex, and they will be expected to support the church’s teachings on gender identity. If transition steps are taken, employment or continued employment will be addressed.
In harmony with our institutional commitments to fostering a Christian environment, as well as Title IX requirements, employees are encouraged to respect all persons and required to avoid discrimination, bullying, and harassment. Discussion of the Adventist Church’s position is not considered harassment. Guidelines relating to transgender persons are available online, or from Human Resources or Student Development.
The mental and spiritual health of our employees is important to Southern. Counseling and other resources may be available through the employee’s health insurance.
Student Employment
Student employees of Southern Adventist University are expected to support and uphold employee guidelines and codes of conduct. If a student is dismissed from the university for violating these guidelines and codes, they will lose their employment.