FAQs About the Community Covenant
These questions and responses are provided to clarify the meaning of the Community Covenant. By providing this information we want to encourage Wheaton students to the high calling of Christ in Christian community.
When does my covenant commitment to the members of the Wheaton College community begin and end?
A student’s commitment to his/her fellow community members begins when classes are in session and/or when participating in any College program on or off-campus; it ends after the student has completed all final coursework and/or program requirements (including all Commencement exercises for graduating students) and has moved out of campus housing or left the program site.
How do I relate to the Community Covenant over Thanksgiving, Christmas, Spring, and Summer breaks?
When students voluntarily enroll at Wheaton College, they also dedicate themselves to the full intention of living with integrity under the Community Covenant’s provisions as well as the policy expectations within the Student Handbook.
Students remain enrolled during Thanksgiving and Spring breaks, which means that their commitment to the Wheaton College community continues during those windows. If students are not enrolled or participating in any College-related program on or off-campus over Christmas or Summer breaks, they are encouraged but not required to continue pursuing the vision for holy and healthy living described in the Community Covenant.
Is consuming wine while taking Holy Communion a violation of the Community Covenant?
No, students are encouraged to take Holy Communion as an act of worship, according to the practices of each local church.
Can I drink a glass of wine if I am eating a meal at home with my parents?
In short, “no.” We hope students’ parents will applaud the integrity displayed in a mature commitment to the Wheaton College community. Students live out that commitment wherever they go, including at home with their parents.
Must I abide by the Community Covenant if I do not necessarily agree with all of its content?
Yes, enrolling as a student at Wheaton College and signing the Covenant indicates a desire to live according to its good vision. Disagreement with certain portions of the Community Covenant provides no grounds for failing to keep one’s word. If an individual experiences fundamental disagreement with Wheaton’s Community Covenant, that disagreement should be addressed with a Dean in Student Development or the Athletics Director before the individual signs it.
If the disagreement cannot be resolved, the individual may wish to enroll at another institution that more closely matches his/her convictions.
When do I renew my commitment to the members of the Wheaton College Community regarding my intent to follow the Community Covenant?
Students re-affirm their commitment to the Wheaton College community when they apply for housing during the spring housing selection process.
Why does Wheaton’s Community Covenant seem to focus so heavily on the issues of alcohol and dancing? What about issues such as greed, pride, or gossip?
The Community Covenant—which seeks to cultivate a biblically-balanced Christian lifestyle—is structured around affirming biblical standards, displaying a distinctive Christian life, avoiding what Scripture condemns, exercising responsible Christian freedom.,” and adopting institutional standards. The majority of its content encourages every member of our voluntary Christ-centered community to cultivate a Christ-centered heart that seeks to love God and people.
The section centered on affirming biblical standards and avoiding what Scripture condemns addresses sins against others and/or against God (such as greed, gossip, and pride) primarily as heart issues that also have implications for Christian community. By God’s kindness we grow in these areas through the Holy Spirit and at times through the gentle correction of other followers of Jesus, leading to repentance and change.
To foster the spiritual vitality most conducive to Wheaton’s learning and living community, the College has adopted institutional standards that embody self-control, avoid harmful practices, and respect the convictions of other Christians. Therefore, Wheaton’s prohibition against alcohol, tobacco consumption, and illicit drugs are boundaries that can help prevent distractions to fostering a Christ-centered living, learning, and working environment. The fact that we correct violations of our voluntary agreement not to engage in such distractions may influence the perception that the College focuses more on these areas, when in fact the Community Covenant makes a clear distinction between core principles of biblical ethics and the prudential rules we have as a campus.
The Community Covenant mentions illegal drugs; does marijuana fall into that category since it is a legal drug in Illinois as of January 2020?
Yes, although possession and use of marijuana is no longer a crime according to the State of Illinois, the possession and use of marijuana remains illegal under federal law. Consistent with federal law, including the Controlled Substances Act and the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act, the use and/or possession of marijuana (smoked or edible) continues to be prohibited for all Wheaton students on or off-campus. Furthermore, the use of marijuana under medical marijuana laws is not permitted.
Why does the Community Covenant refer to behaviors that are not found in Scripture?
Wheaton College desires to cultivate a campus atmosphere that reflects a devotion to Christ and celebrates the richness and breadth that exists within the body of Christ. Given the heritage and historical contexts of lifestyle issues within the evangelical church, the College has established behavioral guidelines that will, in the leadership’s judgement, foster a Christ-honoring environment for learning, living and working. While there may be differing perspectives on lifestyle issues, it is essential that we have clarity on what is expected for every member of the College community.
What should I do if I am aware that another student has fallen short in upholding his/her commitment to the Wheaton College community?
The Community Covenant says, “On occasion, we may need to confess our broken promises, turn away from our sins, and seek restoration. We may also need to take formal or informal steps to confront one another with the loving goal of living together in faithfulness to God’s Word and our own word. When such accountability is pursued with a gracious spirit, it leads to repentance, opens the door to forgiveness, and fosters reconciliation for the people involved and our community as a whole.”
Students are encouraged to follow Christ’s principles (Matthew 18:15–20) when engaging another student with concerns. This means lovingly and honestly approaching another person with one’s concerns, individually at first, then with one or two fellow believers if the concerns persist. If these conversations do not yield satisfactory outcomes or if students are reluctant to initiate these conversations, then consultation with the Dean of Student Wellness, the Dean of Residence Life, the Dean for Student Engagement or a Residence Life staff member is recommended. When addressing the concerns, the emphasis should be on a redemptive, restorative process that encourages the growth of the individual while respecting our commitment to one another in the Community Covenant.
What will happen if I confess to violating my commitment to the Community Covenant or other College policies?
Students are encouraged to self-report or confess their misconduct to a Dean in Student Development or to the Athletics Director to seek help, find support, and receive forgiveness. The College celebrates these confessional steps and encourages students to walk in freedom, not in fear. When a student self-reports to violating a Student Handbook policy or the vision for holy living described in the Community Covenant, the College will respond with care and support resources as well as with a reduced consequence when appropriate to honor the repentant heart.