Student Handbook

PREAMBLE

Atlas University exists not merely to educate minds but to form souls. Every student admitted into this covenantal community becomes part of an enduring fellowship dedicated to truth, holiness, and service. The policies and expectations outlined in this handbook are not arbitrary regulations but expressions of the Covenant of Learning—the moral and spiritual constitution of Atlas University.

To study at Atlas is to enter a sacred trust: to glorify God through every act of intellect, creativity, and discipline. This handbook therefore binds all members—students, faculty, and staff—into a community governed by reverence, integrity, and love.

I. IDENTITY AND MISSION

Atlas University is a Christian covenantal university committed to Glorificatio Dei per Omnes Disciplinas—The Glorification of God through All Disciplines.

Our mission is to form servant-scholars who unite wisdom and worship, embody moral courage, and serve as reformers in every field of human endeavor. Students are expected to conduct themselves as ambassadors of that mission—pursuing holiness, humility, and excellence in thought, word, and deed.

II. THE COVENANT OF LEARNING

Upon enrollment, every student enters into a formal covenantal pledge before God and the University community, known as the Covenant of Learning.

The Covenant of Learning

“I, being called to the pursuit of divine wisdom, do hereby covenant before Yahweh and the community of Atlas University to live and study in truth, purity, and reverence.
I will honor the Word of God as the source of all knowledge, respect my instructors as stewards of wisdom, and treat my peers as image-bearers of the same divine mind.
I will not defile knowledge by deceit, nor cheapen learning by laziness.
In all things—study, service, speech, and conduct—I will seek the Glorificatio Dei per Omnes Disciplinas, the Glorification of God through All Disciplines.”

This covenant remains in force for the duration of enrollment and continues as a moral obligation upon all alumni.

III. GENERAL CONDUCT EXPECTATIONS

All students of Atlas University are expected to live in accordance with the highest standards of integrity, humility, and holiness. The following principles govern community life:

  1. Reverence: Conduct yourself at all times in a manner that honors Yahweh, upholds the dignity of others, and preserves the sanctity of learning.

  2. Integrity: Be truthful in all matters—academic, financial, relational, and spiritual.

  3. Discipline: Demonstrate excellence in work habits, punctuality, and personal presentation.

  4. Respect: Treat faculty, peers, and staff with courtesy and deference. Disagreement is permitted; disrespect is not.

  5. Purity: Abstain from sexual immorality, substance abuse, and any behavior that corrupts the mind or body.

  6. Stewardship: Maintain and protect University property and resources.

  7. Accountability: Accept correction with humility and exercise discernment when confronting wrongdoing.

IV. ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

Atlas University considers academic integrity a sacred duty. Violations of academic honesty are offenses not only against the institution but against truth itself.

1. Academic Dishonesty Defined

  • Plagiarism: Presenting another’s ideas, words, or creative work as one’s own.

  • Cheating: Using unauthorized materials, collaboration, or assistance during examinations or assignments.

  • Fabrication: Falsifying data, research, or citations.

  • Facilitation: Aiding another in academic dishonesty.

2. Disciplinary Response

First offense: Written warning and mandatory ethics seminar.
Second offense: Course failure and academic probation.
Third offense: Dismissal from the University, with eligibility for readmission only by petition to the Board of Trustees.

3. Intellectual Stewardship

Atlas views scholarship as sacred labor. The act of writing, discovery, and research is a form of worship; therefore, all intellectual work must be performed with honesty, humility, and excellence.

V. COMMUNITY LIFE AND DISCIPLINE

1. Community Expectations

Students represent Atlas University on and off campus. Behavior that damages the reputation or witness of the University—including online conduct—is subject to review by the Dean of Students and Spiritual Life.

2. Alcohol, Drugs, and Controlled Substances

Use, possession, or distribution of illegal drugs or abuse of alcohol is prohibited. Prescription medications must be used only as prescribed.

3. Sexual Conduct

Atlas University affirms sexuality as a divine gift expressed within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman. Any conduct outside that standard—including pornography, cohabitation, or sexual harassment—is subject to discipline.

4. Dress and Demeanor

Students are expected to dress in a manner that reflects self-respect, modesty, and professionalism. Classroom attire should be appropriate to the dignity of academic and worship settings.

5. Speech and Communication

Speech must reflect truth and charity. Vulgarity, slander, gossip, or blasphemy are incompatible with the covenantal culture of Atlas University.

VI. DISCIPLINARY STRUCTURE

1. Purpose of Discipline

Discipline at Atlas University is restorative, not punitive. Its goal is the reconciliation of the student to the truth and to the community.

2. Levels of Authority

  • Instructor-Level Correction: Faculty may address classroom or academic issues directly with the student.

  • Dean of Students: Oversees behavioral violations and mediation.

  • University Disciplinary Council: Reviews major offenses or repeated misconduct.

  • Board of Trustees: Final appellate authority for expulsion or permanent disciplinary record.

3. Due Process

Students are entitled to written notice of alleged violations, opportunity to respond, and appeal rights. Hearings are confidential.

4. Sanctions

Possible sanctions include written warning, probation, suspension, expulsion, or loss of scholarship. In all cases, repentance and reconciliation are encouraged as the highest outcomes.

VII. STUDENT GOVERNANCE AND LEADERSHIP

Atlas University affirms student leadership as a form of stewardship.
The Student Covenant Council, chaired by elected representatives, advises the administration on matters of student welfare, service projects, and spiritual initiatives.
Leadership positions require exemplary conduct and active participation in community life.

VIII. SPIRITUAL LIFE

1. Worship and Formation

All students are encouraged to participate in weekly chapel gatherings, prayer circles, and service projects. Worship is integrated into every course as reflection and thanksgiving for learning.

2. Mentorship

Each student is paired with a faculty mentor—a Scholar–Practitioner–Elder—responsible for academic guidance, spiritual growth, and personal accountability.

3. Spiritual Counseling

The Office of Spiritual Life provides pastoral counseling, prayer, and deliverance ministry when requested, recognizing that true education includes the renewal of soul and mind.

IX. CAMPUS SAFETY AND WELLNESS

The University maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward harassment, violence, and discrimination. Every student has the right to a safe, respectful environment.

1. Reporting and Response

All incidents of misconduct, harassment, or safety concerns should be reported to the Office of Student Life or the Campus Safety Officer. Reports will be investigated promptly and confidentially.

2. Health and Counseling

Students have access to wellness programs emphasizing holistic health — body, mind, and spirit. Partnerships with medical and counseling professionals ensure high standards of care consistent with biblical ethics.

X. FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Students are required to remain current in tuition payments and financial obligations. Delinquency beyond one term results in suspension of enrollment privileges until cleared with the Office of Finance.

Tuition Overview (2025–2026):

  • Annual Tuition: $10,000

  • Half-Term Tuition: $2,500

  • Faculty Revenue Share: 50% of tuition revenue

  • Payment Deadlines: Prior to the first day of each half-term

Scholarships and grants are available to qualifying students demonstrating financial need and covenantal faithfulness.

XI. STUDENT RIGHTS AND APPEALS

Students have the right to:

  1. A fair and transparent academic evaluation.

  2. Freedom of inquiry within the bounds of truth and reverence.

  3. Confidentiality of personal and academic records.

  4. Petition for redress through proper administrative channels.

Appeals shall follow the hierarchy of: Instructor → Dean → Provost → President → Board of Trustees.

XII. COMMUNITY SERVICE REQUIREMENT

All students are required to complete a minimum of 40 hours of community or ministry service per academic year. This service is an extension of the University’s mission to unite faith and labor.

XIII. TECHNOLOGY, MEDIA, AND DIGITAL CONDUCT

The digital realm is an extension of covenantal responsibility. Students must:

  • Use technology ethically and lawfully.

  • Refrain from sharing false, defamatory, or immoral content.

  • Protect University intellectual property and data.

  • Recognize that all digital expression reflects the character of Atlas University.

XIV. GRADUATION HONOR CODE

Before receiving a degree, each graduating student shall sign the Atlas Honor Oath, declaring:

“Having been formed in wisdom and worship, I pledge to live as a bearer of truth. I will serve not for prestige but for purpose; not for gain but for glory — the Glorificatio Dei per Omnes Disciplinas.”

XV. DISCIPLINARY RECORD AND RESTORATION

Records of disciplinary action are maintained in confidentiality by the Office of Student Life. Restoration after suspension requires evidence of repentance, recommendation from faculty mentors, and approval by the Dean.

XVI. APPENDICES

Appendix A: Student Grievance Form
Appendix B: Code of Conduct Affirmation Form
Appendix C: Covenant of Learning Signature Page
Appendix D: Honor Oath for Graduation
Appendix E: Service Record Log