Computer Policy

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Library Policy

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Campus Safety

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Access

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Title IX

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Social & Behavioral

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Computer Usage Policy

Internet-connected computer workstations loaded with Microsoft Office are available for student use in the designated quiet study area. When using the quite study area on campus, patrons are welcome to use the computers, study or work with classmates while keeping noise to a minimum. Administrative staff reserves the right to dismiss visitors if their behavior impeded this intent.

In addition, while on campus, students have access to the internet from their personal devices by connection to the University’s HotSpot. However, students are required to refrain from checking email, voicemail, or text messages while in class meetings, and should not accept phone calls except where a true emergency exists. When a phone call must be taken, the student is to remove themselves from the classroom prior to beginning the conversation in order to avoid being a distraction to the Instructor or to other students.

All students whether attending classes on campus or online, must sign the Internet, Email and Computer Use Policy and abide by it whether using university equipment or their own electronic devices.

• No student may use the school’s computers or Internet access for any purpose that conflicts with the moral and ethical views of Horizon University or that conflict with the stated Social and Behavioral Standards Policy.
• Students may not access their personal email from University equipment in the Library or elsewhere, and printing is restricted to school-related work. No files are to be stored on shared Library computers or any other University equipment.
• Students making use of the shared computers in the Library or other University devices are solely responsible for saving and protecting their own work to a personally-owned storage device; Horizon University accepts no responsibility for lost or deleted work.
• Students may not modify, disconnect, relocate or otherwise impact the on-going function of any computer or system, or any hardware, printer, peripheral or other accessory, including the installation/download of any software, driver, or plug-in at any time for any purpose. Any unauthorized use, tampering, or activity that results in loss of functionality or damage to University property will be characterized as theft/destruction and appropriate action will be taken.

Online Library Use Policy

Access to Horizon University’s Online Library, TWENEL, is restricted to Horizon University Authorized Users only.  Horizon University Authorized Users (patrons) include students currently attending Horizon University and any Horizon University instructor or staff member.

Horizon University patrons may not post or share passwords to the TWENEL Databases on any publicly indexed websites or with any other individuals outside of current Horizon University students, faculty and staff.  Remote access to the Databases is permitted to patrons accessing from remote locations for personal, non-commercial, academic, research use.  However, remote access to the Databases from non-subscribing institutions is not allowed.

The databases made available through TWENEL are the subject of copyright protection and the original copyright owner (VES or its licensors) retains the ownership of the Database(s) and all portions thereof.  VES does not transfer any ownership and the Licensee and Sites may not reproduce, distribute, display, modify, transfer or transmit, in any form or by any means, any database or any portion thereof without the prior written consent of VES except as specifically authorized in this Agreement.

Horizon University and its Authorized Users agree to abide by the Copyright Act of 1976 as well as any contractual restrictions, copyright restrictions or other restrictions provided by publishers and specified in the Databases. Authorized Users shall not use the Database as a component of or the basis of any other publication prepared for sale and will neither duplicate nor alter the Databases or any of the content therein in any manner or use same for sale or distribution.

Authorized Users may create printout of materials retrieved through the Databases via on-line printing, off-line printing, facsimile or electronic mail.  All reproduction and distribution of such printouts, and all downloading and electronic storage of materials retrieved through the TWENEL resources shall be for internal, research, or personal use.  Downloading all or parts of the Databases in a systematic or regular manner so as to create a collection of materials comprising all or part of the Databases is strictly prohibited whether or not such collection is in electronic or print form.  Note that publishers may impose their own conditions of use applicable only to their content.  Such conditions of use shall be displayed on the computer screen displays associated with such content.

Horizon University and its Authorized Users have the non-exclusive right to access all TWENEL resources and files except the following databases:  EBSCO Religion and Philosophy Collection; ProQuest Journal Collection; and the Judaica Digital Collections (also known as the “Judaic Scholar Digital Reference Library”).  Additional secure logins exclusively for VES use are required to access these Databases.  No attempt may be made to register by students or faculty through TWENEL system or as part of the Horizon University agreement with Veritas Evangelical Seminary.

Library Services

Searching

Each database within the Online Library, TWENEL, provides an online search function. Use the search function to locate relevant resources for your research needs.

Databases Available

The Research Resources page provides access to multiple online databases through the Online Library, TWENEL and various subject category lists including Church History, Critical Thinking and Apologetics, and World Religions.

Library Orientation Services

All new students receive a Library orientation as part of their New Student Orientation delivered within four weeks prior to the start of their first term at Horizon University.  The Library orientation includes a demonstration of the Horizon University Online Library (TWENEL) and the Online Learning Resources, including online research and writing support.  All enrolled students, faculty and staff also receive information on how to contact support when using TWENEL for reference questions, bibliographic assistance and research problems. In addition, instructors for each course provide guidance in using the Online Library and Learning Resources to access recommended documents, books, journal articles and other media sources.

Campus Safety

The following information has been prepared to make you aware of the programs that exist to protect your safety and well-being in compliance with state and federal legislation, including the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989 and the federal Student Right-to-Know and Clery Act.

Horizon University is committed to maintaining a safe, productive, and comfortable environment for students, faculty, and staff. The following information has been provided to make you aware of the programs that exist to protect the safety and well-being of our students and personnel in compliance with state and federal legislation, including the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989 and the federal Student Right-to-Know and Clery Act.

Our Social and Behavioral Standards Policy was established to create a safe learning and working environment for students, faculty, and staff.

Horizon University maintains an open campus environment under the oversight of Horizon Christian Fellowship, Indianapolis. Students may contact Student Services regarding any campus safety or security concerns or issues.

Campus Safety Contacts

Horizon University also works in conjunction with the City of Lawrence Police Department, as well as the Lawrence Fire Department to provide a safe and prepared campus community.

City of Lawrence Police Department

  • Emergency: 911
  • Non-emergency: 317-545-7575

In an Emergency/To Report a Crime

In emergency situations, always activate the local emergency response system by dialing 911.
Then, call the Campus Safety Contact at 317-823-2349 ext. 102

For non-emergency police assistance, or to report a crime, the City of Lawrence Police Department 24 hour phone service is 317-545-7575.

Students and staff are urged to report any crime, property vandalism or suspicious activity witnessed on or around campus. The timely reporting of incidents, even if perceived as minor, will help protect the entire community from predators who may take note of our response, or lack thereof.

Personal Safety Awareness

The primary, and most effective, security system at Horizon is the community itself. Each member of the community – students, faculty, staff, administration, and guests – must assume the primary responsibility for his or her own personal safety and the security of personal belongings.

Simple, common-sense precautions are the most effective step in avoiding safety and security risks. For example, keep valuables out of view in cars that are locked. Additionally, students and staff may feel more comfortable walking to and from parking areas and between buildings in groups. Women, particularly should avoid remaining isolated on campus, or alone with an unfamiliar male.

Students and staff should report any safety hazard, as well as suspicious-looking individuals or any unusual incidents in and around the buildings and campus grounds to one of the designated Campus Safety Contact at 800-553-4674 ext. 2.

Crime Statistics Reporting

Each fall, institutions of higher learning are required to report annual crime and fire statistics for the university campus in compliance with the Jean Cleary Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (the “Clery Act”).  Campus crime statistics are reported based on the incidents occurring on campus property and immediately adjacent to the campus property.  If you have questions about the report, contact the Dean of Administration.

Download the latest Campus Safety and Security report (PDF)

Alcohol-Free and Drug-Free Campus

The standards of conduct for Horizon University, as outlined in the Social and Behavioral Standards Policy, clearly prohibit the use of drugs and alcohol both on-campus or at any Horizon sponsored event. In addition, federal and state laws prohibit the possession, use, and sale of alcoholic beverages by or to individuals under 21 years of age, and possession, use, or distribution of illegal drugs by individuals of any age.

It is a violation of the University’s policy for a student to drink, possess, or be impaired by drinking, alcoholic beverages, or to possess, use, or be under the influence of, illegal drugs, on campus or at any event sponsored by the University or by a University-approved student organization. If the University determines that a student has violated this policy, the University may disclose the violation to a student’s parent or legal guardian if the student is under 21 years of age at the time of the notification.

Violation of this policy may result in any sanction deemed appropriate by the University, including, but not limited to, required participation in a drug or alcohol treatment or rehabilitation program, suspension or expulsion. Horizon University may also refer law violators for prosecution under local, state, and federal law.

Horizon University students are additionally expected to maintain a lifestyle reflective of a Christian college, both on and off campus. Appropriate referral to counseling and health agencies will be made for individuals as needed. On-campus support and help are available through the Dean of Students, as are additional information and educational opportunities.

Drug and Alcohol Prevention Resources

Contact the Dean of Students for additional information and resources on the following:

  • health risks associated with the use and abuse of drugs and alcohol
  • applicable sanctions under local, state, and federal laws
  • available treatment, counseling, and rehabilitation programs for drug and alcohol abusers

Racial Harassment, Sexual Harassment, and Sexual Assault

Horizon is committed to providing a Christ-centered community free of discrimination, intimidation and violence. Horizon’s racial harassment and sexual harassment/assault policies as well as policies concerning violence, threats of violence, and inappropriate language are clearly outlined in the Social and Behavioral Standards Policy and Title IX sections published on this website.

Vaccination Policy

Under federal regulations, Universities must disclose to students any vaccination policies. At this time, Horizon University has no vaccination policy other than to urge students to protect themselves and others from infectious diseases through vaccination and other precautions. Students are also urged to remain away from campus if they are experiencing any potentially contagious illness or virus, including a cold or flu, to help other students and staff remain healthy.

If Horizon becomes aware that a student is carrying a contagious disease that may endanger the health of others, such as tuberculosis or another potentially severe illness, the student may be asked to remain away from campus until the time that a doctor is able to establish that contagion is no longer a risk.

Reports to Law Enforcement

In the interest of the safety and integrity of the Horizon University community, Horizon University reserves the right to refer any violation of policy to appropriate law enforcement including but not limited to harassment, assault, alcohol/drugs, theft/destruction, violence, and/or any unauthorized use of university premises, property or equipment.

Emergency Response Procedures

Colleges and Universities are required to publish an Emergency Response and Evacuation Procedure, which is as follows:

The entire Horizon campus utilizes the same evacuation plans and procedures. The Horizon school and church administration team will assess any threats to the Horizon community, and immediately implement the appropriate response, which may include warning bells, megaphone announcements, individual classroom notification, phone call or email to instructors and parties of interest depending on the threat as well as the appropriate civil and/or administrative authorities.

At the time of notification, students, instructors and other Horizon ministries on campus are to follow Horizon Emergency Plan protocol in responding to and evacuating from threats to safety and security. For this reason, all students, staff and visitors are urged to be aware of the standard responses to such threats.

Emergency response drills are performed and tested on the campus annually.

Accessibility Services

Accessibility / Students with Disabilities Policy

The Administration and Faculty will make every effort to accommodate the specialized learning and participation needs of students with disabilities.  If you require accommodations for specialized needs, contact your Academic Advisor or the Dean of Administration.

The campus is accessible to the disabled with access to all campus facilities used by the university that do not require ascending steps, accessible bathroom facilities, and handicapped parking.  To ensure the safety and accessibility for all students, areas designated for access by individuals with disabilities must not be blocked for any reason at any time.

All students, instructors, and staff must treat students with disabilities in a godly manner demonstrating brotherly love, dignity and respect.

Students with disabilities must report perceived impropriety and/or express concerns to University Staff or Faculty (according to the nature of the issue) in a timely manner allowing the University to investigate and take appropriate action, if any.

Title IX

Title IX Coordinator/Contacts

The Horizon University Title IX Coordinator and alternate contacts are responsible for implementing and monitoring Title IX compliance on behalf of Horizon University.  This includes training, education, communications and administration of the grievance policy and procedures.

The following Title IX contacts, made by Presidential appointment, have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:


Title IX Coordinator:
Alternate Contacts:
Director of On-Campus Programs
Paul Lange
Plange@horizonuniversity.edu
317-823-2349 ext. 105		 For students – Dean of Students
Tracy Gray
tgray@horizonuniversity.edu

For Faculty and Staff – HR Director
Debbie Marshall
dmarshall@horizonuniversity.edu

Grievance Policy

Where a complaint is made relating to any student, instructor, or staff member, the complainant is encouraged to follow the instruction of Matthew chapter 18 before engaging in the formal complaint process.  First go to the person and humbly express the issue, and only engage the reporting process where satisfactory outcome cannot be found among the parties involved.

Where a formal complaint is made, the details of the complaint must be recorded – including parties involved and description of the situation. If appropriate, an investigation will be undertaken and the results of the investigation will be recorded in student records.

Reporting a Grievance

For situations warranting a formal complaint of grievance, individuals should complete a Grievance Form available on the Forms page of the Horizon University website.

Completed Grievance forms may be submitted to the Title IX Coordinator or a designated Title IX alternate contact listed above.

Complainant students are welcome to make an appointment with leadership to inquire about the status of the issue at any time, and if the resolution is not acceptable, a written proposal for an alternate resolution may be made. Submitted proposals are presented to an administrative council for review and consideration, and the decision of the Administrative Counsel will be final.

If the offense is serious and the University has exhausted its action without a satisfactory outcome, the student may contact Horizon University’s accrediting agency (ABHE) or the Indiana Commission on Higher Education (CHE) using the contact information provided here. (Online students residing outside the state of Indiana should contact Indiana CHE.)

ABHE
5850 T.G. Lee Blvd., Suite 130,
Orlando, FL 32822
(407) 207-0808

Indiana Commission for Higher Education (CHE)
101 West Ohio Street, Suite 300
Indianapolis, IN 46204-4206
Phone: (317) 464-4400
Student Complaint Process

Racial Harassment, Sexual Harassment, and Sexual Assault

Horizon is committed to providing a Christ-centered community free of discrimination, intimidation and violence. Horizon’s racial harassment and sexual harassment/assault policies as well as policies concerning violence, threats of violence, and inappropriate language are clearly outlined in the Horizon University Student Handbook, or can be obtained in print from the Administrative Dean.

Students engaged in criminal harassment as well as behaviors described as or perceived as breaking Horizon University clearly defined policies are subject to sanctions deemed appropriate by Horizon University, as well as the reporting of the crime. Additional guidelines from the Department of Education that clearly define racial harassment, sexual harassment, sexual violence, and date rape are available through the Administrative Dean.

Reporting Discrimination, Harassment or Sexual Misconduct to the University

Individuals witnessing or experiencing incidents of discrimination, harassment or sexual misconduct are encouraged to report the incident to the appropriate personnel.

Students and staff are urged to quickly report harassment or assault whether by a Horizon employee, another student, or a third party. In the event of such an incident, students should, if possible, first notify their instructors who will report to administration. Students may also contact any of the following with whom the student feels most comfortable:

  • Campus Safety Officer: 317-823-2349 ext. 102
  • Director of On-Campus Programs: 317-823-2349 ext. 105
  • Dean of Students: 317-823-2349 ext. 103

Incidents occurring on campus, or relating to Horizon University students, staff or sponsored event involving stalking, intimidation, sexual assault or date rape, sexual harassment and racial harassment are taken with the utmost regard for the victim’s mental and physical well-being. Students should not hesitate to inform members of Horizon staff and administration of any level of assault, and seek the appropriate response and support.

In handling these incidents, Horizon places emphasis on care for the victim through offering available counseling services and information, notification of proper authorities, and optional changes in academic, ministry and work situations following the alleged assault.

Even if the incident is not related to the Horizon Campus, counselors and staff want to offer any spiritual, emotional and practical support that they can. Please contact the Dean of Students or the Administrative Dean offices.

Sexual Assault Policy

If you, as the victim, believe a sexual assault act has been committed, report the assault immediately to the nearest fellow faculty or staff member, who is to in turn notify the school’s President or Dean of Administration and the police.  We desire to do everything possible to protect victim’s safety, reputation and emotional wellbeing.  Therefore, a sympathetic, same-sex companion will be made available to be with a victim of such a crisis.

Any observer of a sexual assault crime should notify the school’s President or dean of administration immediately, rather than take the initiative to contact the police.  It is critical that the rights of victims are protected so that they accurately report the crime to authorities.

The police will be called to review the crime, take a description of the attacker, etc. and ensure that the victim and his or her escort are transported to a medical facility.  Confidentiality is required in order to protect all parties involved with the assault.  In order to protect the rights of both victim and alleged perpetrators, neither the names of victims nor alleged perpetrators will be released to the public without prior permission.  Any inquiries from newspapers, employees, parents, or other students will be immediately forwarded to the school’s President or Dean of Administration to avoid misrepresentation of the facts and breach of confidentiality.

Efforts will be made by the school staff or faculty member to help the victim deal with work-related difficulties resulting from the crime. Should a student, faculty member, or staff member be accused of the crime, appropriate disciplinary action will not occur until a formal investigation is completed.  The victim will be informed of any disciplinary action that is taken or progress of appeals in connection with the sexual assault.

Prevention is the best tool for elimination of sexual assault.  All staff, faculty, and students should take all steps necessary to prevent sexual assault from occurring such as escorting females to parking areas, expressing strong disapproval, using self-defense techniques, and increasing awareness of what sexual assault means.

Non-Harassment Policy

A student who believes that disciplinary procedures are unwarranted or unfair has the right to due process.  The sequence of steps starts with a meeting with the student dean to make sure the student understands the offence and to evaluate the student’s attitude.  At that meeting, the student dean will provide the student a written statement concerning the suspect behavior.  If the student does not evidence a change of behavior, the process will go forward through probation, suspension and expulsion.  At the point that the latter three steps begin, a student may notify the student dean that he or she wants to appeal his or her case to a committee of disinterested faculty and students (i.e. members of the student government unless they are somehow involved).  A final appeal can be made to the administrative council.  In regard to discipline and due process, the student has the following rights:

  • The student has a right to know the charges against him or her and to receive them in writing.
  • The student has a right to have a hearing consisting of a committee of disinterested faculty (two) and students (preferably two members of the student government) and the student dean.  This committee will make a recommendation to the administrative council, which will make the final decision.  The final decision will be signed by the President and a copy will be given to the student.
  • The student also has a right to confront his or her accusers (e.g. explain his or her side of the story, cross-examine witnesses, bring his or her own witnesses)
  • A student may be represented or assisted (e.g. a character witness’s testimony) by anyone he or she chooses
  • The student has a right to the minutes of the proceedings and a written copy of the decision.
  • The student may appeal this decision by requesting another hearing before the administrative council.  The final decision will be signed by the President and a copy will be given to the student.

Discrimination, Harassment and Sexual Assault Resources:

Registered Sex Offender Information

The Federal Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act (section 1601 of Public Law 106-386) is a law that provides for the tracking of convicted, registered sex offenders enrolled as students at institutions of higher education, or working or volunteering on campus. The law requires institutions of higher education to issue a statement advising the campus community where law enforcement agency information provided by a State concerning registered sex offenders may be obtained. It also requires sex offenders already required to register in a State to provide notice, to the appropriate state agency, as required under State law, of each institution of higher education in that State at which the person is employed, carries on a vocation, or is a student.

Information on Registered Sex Offenders in Indianapolis area is available on the City-Data.com website.

Horizon employees undergo a background check prior to hiring. If at any time Horizon becomes aware of any information concerning registered sexual offenders on campus, this information will be made available to the students.

Social and Behavioral Standards Policy

Horizon University has specific requirements for student behavior, including that students obey local, state, and federal laws at all times, whether on campus or not. In addition, the University has standards for attendance, attire, financial responsibility, and other behaviors that must be met for continued enrollment. Violation of any part of the letter or spirit of this policy, as determined by University leadership, will result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion. No individual instructor may grant permissions that override any aspect of this policy.

Information on these policies are detailed in the Horizon University Student Handbook.