Student Handbook

STSM requires that each student become familiar with and to abide by the requirements set forth in the STSM Student Handbook.

PERSONAL CONDUCT

In this day of disappearing moral absolutes, it is imperative that all Christians be reminded that the Bible, as the revelation of God’s truth, must determine not only our doctrinal beliefs, but also our lifestyle. In an ever-changing world, the Christian has an unchanging standard, the Word of God. STSM standards of conduct are based on the teachings and principles of Scripture, seeking to develop personal holiness and discipline exemplified in a lifestyle glorifying God.

STATEMENT ON MARRIAGE, GENDER, AND SEXUALITY

South Texas School of Ministry believes that God wonderfully and immutably creates each person as male or female. These two distinct, complementary genders together reflect the image and nature of God. (Genesis 1:26-27.) Rejection of one’s biological sex is a rejection of the image of God within that person.
We also believe that the term “marriage” has only one meaning: the uniting of one man and one woman in a single, exclusive union, as delineated in Scripture. (Genesis 2:18-25.)
We believe that God intends sexual intimacy to occur only between a man and a woman who are married to each other. (1 Corinthians 6:18; 7:2-5; Hebrews 13:4.) We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman. Therefore, any form of sexual immorality, including adultery, fornication, homosexual behavior, bisexual conduct, bestiality, incest, and the use of printed, videoed, or virtual pornography is unacceptable.

At the same time, we believe that God offers redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake their sin, seeking His mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ. (Acts 3:19-21; Romans 10:9-10; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11.) Any sexual misconduct/harassment will be treated as a serious offense, which may result in dismissal.

STUDENT DISCIPLINE

The Dean of Students will implement policies and procedures, behavioral fines, probations, and dismissals. The Student Conduct Committee consists of the following: STSM Overseer and Dean of Students.

  • Discipline Procedures – Every student should be familiar with the Student Handbook, which outlines personal accountability. The deans provide spiritual counsel to the students, which help them maintain a spiritual relationship with God and to be in good standing with STSM.
  • Probation/Dismissal – Each respective dean’s office is responsible for probations and/or dismissals and are approved by the Overseers. There are two kinds of probation:
    • Disciplinary probation is a status where more serious offenses have occurred. Students on disciplinary probation may not participate in public platform ministry, music ministry, outreaches, student council, student ministry leadership, or any extracurricular activity.
    • Dismissal status is when the respective deans deem the student to be unable to continue his/her studies, for spiritual, moral, psychological, or other reasons.

ACCOUNTABILITY

The Deans’ Departments endeavor to help students abide by the institute’s objectives and standards in word and deed. Students are expected to hold one another accountable and to confess serious moral failures and violation of standards to the Dean of Students.

CLASSROOM ATTIRE

Appropriate men’s attire includes slacks, nice jeans (holes at knee or below and worn at the waist or above), dress shirts, sports shirts, sweaters, nice sweatshirts or t-shirts with acceptable/appropriate logos are permissible.
Appropriate women’s attire includes nice jeans (holes at knee or below), dresses or skirts (hemline at knee or below). Tops (no spaghetti straps or crop tops) and bottoms cannot be tight or form fitting. Undergarments should be fully covered.

ATTENDANCE

Classroom attendance is a necessary factor in the learning process and vital to student discipline; therefore, absences should be kept to a minimum. The academic policy stipulates that a student whose absences exceed more than three total class times will result in the student receiving a grade of “F” for their course. Students are held responsible for all academic work required or performed during their absence, regardless of the reasons for those absences. Students should reach out to STSM Staff if they are going to be absent. At the Dean’s discretion, he may assign makeup work when the student reaches the maximum absences.