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2015-2016 Student Handbook 45 Christian Civility, Human Dignity, and Mutual Respect Denver Seminary believes treating one another with mutual respect and care lies at the heart of Christian community and is committed to providing and maintaining a learning and working environment for all students, staff and faculty members characterized by the Biblical concept of koinonia. Koinonia refers to the quality or character of one's association, communion, or fellowship with others in which truth and wisdom are valued. Equally important is a sense of Christian civility. Examples of behaviors that may constitute a violation include, but are not limited to, abusive comments or behavior, bullying, coercive and controlling behavior, demeaning or degrading comments, humiliation, intimidation, verbal, physical or sexual harassment, stalking, and threats. Students may consult the Dean of Students to discuss their specific situation or may choose to resolve the matter through the informal or formal grievance processes described below. Remediation Process – Fitness for Ministry & Professional Disposition In all matters of student development and/or correction, Denver Seminary faculty and staff seek to be redemptive and restorative. As such, if concerns arise pertaining to a student's Fitness for Ministry and/or Professional Disposition, the Seminary may require the student to enter the remediation process. Remediation is designed to be formational and educational, as the student is guided through action steps whereby areas of concern are addressed strategically and purposefully. Members of the faculty and staff, as well as mentors, board members, and other individuals within the Seminary community with evaluative responsibilities who are concerned about or have reason to question a student's fitness for ministry and/or professional disposition may at any time submit a Student Remediation Referral Form to the Dean of Students. The referring party will provide an explanation of the incident or reason for their concern on the form. The Dean of Students will then review the referral and make a determination as to whether or not further action is necessary, or if the matter is more appropriate for the Provost/Academic Dean. If the matter necessitates remediation, the Dean of Students will forward the referral form to the Student Remediation Committee (SRC) for a remedial plan to be implemented. The Dean of Students may also determine that no action is required, that further dialogue with the student or referring party is necessary, or that the matter should be escalated directly to the Student Conduct Committee (SCC) for disciplinary review or to the Title IX Committee if the matter is related to sexual discrimination or sexual misconduct. *For information about how the seminary defines Fitness for Ministry and Professional Disposition, see pages 16-17 of this publication. Student Remediation Committee (SRC) Comprised of members from the faculty and staff, the SRC meets once per month during the fall and spring sessions, and as-needed during the summer and intersession terms. One designee from the SRC will be appointed as the "Review Chair" for each referral and will function as the liaison between the SRC and the student for the duration of their remediation process. Once the SRC receives a referral, they will review it at their next scheduled meeting. When referrals are forwarded to the SRC, the Dean of Students will notify the student in question that the matter has been escalated to remediation and that a member of the SRC will be contacting him/her with more information.