Guidelines

2021 – 2022

This booklet is a guide for community living at Fairwood, and is carefully designed for the well-being of the entire community. While you may not entirely agree with the guidelines outlined herein, you are choosing to abide by them while you attend Fairwood Bible Institute. Enrollment is not a right, but a privilege.

“Let all things be done decently and in order.”—1 Cor. 14:40

A Vision for Discipleship

1. CONNECT — We encourage all students to develop meaningful relationships with their peers, their mentors, and the larger community. Above all, we desire that students make a deep, life-changing connection with God Himself. We desire that students will see more of God’s heart, for the more we see Him, the more we are changed into His image. (II Corinthians 3:18).
2. GROW — We encourage all students to develop a passionate hunger for the Word of God that not only infuses regular classes, but also motivates individual Bible study and application. We are seeking to impart both the desire for Bible study, as well as the tools to effectively mine the treasures of God’s Word.
3. SERVE — We encourage all students to serve one another as well as the larger Body of Christ with the gifts and talents that God has provided each one. We will create time and opportunity for each student to experience the joy of giving in both practical and spiritual ways in accordance with God’s design for his church (I Corinthians 12).

Student Opportunities

As a student at Fairwood Bible Institute, I will seek to:

Find Jesus Real and deepen my relationship with Him by

Studying God’s Word, and developing a private devotional life.
Attending and engaging in meetings and classes.
Glorifying Jesus in my thoughts, actions, and relationships.

Experience Growth & Healing through God’s unconditional love by

Working with my mentor in honesty and openness.

Learn to Love and Follow Jesus as His Disciple as I

Seek to live the Bible and align my life with it.
Honor spiritual authority by cooperating with the Fairwood staff, or those they delegate.
Show love to others by living by the Golden Rule, and
Live in harmony with the Fairwood Community (students and staff) by conduct that promotes Christian unity and encourages others in their walk with God.

I agree with these goals.

Signed _____________________________

Part I. Academic Life

Students are expected to complete all academic work to the best of their ability, so that they are transformed by the renewing of their minds in God’s Word.

Study Times

Study times are designated for Monday and Thursday evenings from 7:00-9:00, and Saturday evenings from 7:00-7:55. In order to keep Bible Study a priority, quiet will be observed during these designated study times. Acceptable study time activities are limited to class assignments, Bible study, appropriate reading, or watching a video from the Fairwood library. Group study or other quiet activities may be approved by teachers or duty staff.

Make-up Work

Every effort should be made to avoid absences from the program. However, should a planned absence be deemed necessary by both student and staff, equal time make-up is required for any such absence. (This does not include sickness, emergencies or urgent needs). “Equal time make-up” means that time missed from meetings, classes, and afternoon work must be made up with an equal amount of academic and practical work during free time.

Extended Absences

If more than 25% of classes in any course is missed for sickness, emergencies or urgent needs, the complete course may need to be made up through an alternate method, determined by the teacher. Three days for college visits or military interviews is allowed, with only academic make-up assigned by the teacher.

Certificates

Certificates will be awarded only when all courses and equal time make-up requirements are complete. A minimum average of 70 for the year is required to demonstrate academic proficiency. A three year average of 70 or higher is required to earn a diploma at graduation.

Part II. Community Life

Students are expected to live with the best interests of others in mind, to fulfill the commandment to “love thy neighbor.”

Mentors

Students are free to go to any staff member for counsel at any time. In addition, a primary staff mentor will be assigned who will meet with students regularly to confer and pray together over their Christian walk. The mentor may give individualized guidelines to assist the student to develop the necessary disciplines to prosper in spiritual growth, or experience healing.

Life of Faith

Fairwood operates on a faith basis. Both staff and students pray regularly for the supply of daily needs to keep the school running. As special needs come up, “prayer battles” may be launched and all are expected to take part in prayer. Voluntary financial contributions may be made as the Lord leads each individual heart.

Electronic Devices

Students may not bring cell phones or electronic devices to meetings, meals,  and classes except by permission.  During work time, cell phone use is limited to quick or work-related issues. Earbuds are not used when driving, using power tools, or if the work supervisor requests. 

Dress

Shirts for both genders should have sleeves. Women are expected to wear knee length dresses or skirts, although long loose-fitting shorts may be worn for sports or outdoor work.

Men are expected to wear dress pants or black jeans to Sunday services and convention services. Blue jeans may be worn to 9:00 chapel services and classes. Men’s shorts are not appropriate for meetings, classes, and meals but may be worn for sports, work, or free time.

All students are expected to dress in a modest and courteous manner, as we seek to live in harmony together.

Co-ed Activities

All co-ed activities require staff supervision or approval. While enrolled at Fairwood, students will not pursue exclusive or romantic relationships unless given special permission. Conversations between men and women will be conducted in public. Men and women will not socialize outdoors after sundown or have physical contact. Co-ed socializing during afternoon work time is not permitted, unless students are engaged in a co-ed work project.

Recreational Areas

Available on a first come, first served basis, the gym, press room, and youth room may be used during free time, provided that there are no members of the opposite gender using it. The gym is not used on the Sabbath except by permission.

Off Campus Recreation

For communication and safety, students will use the sign out sheet when leaving the campus for walks or bike-rides. Carrying mace or a cell phone is recommended for female students walking alone or after dark.

Interaction with Children

Students will not be alone with any Fairwood child unless receiving prior parental permission.

Pets

Students are not allowed to have pets.

Equipment Use

Students may not use the tractors, the truck, or large equipment without appropriate training and staff permission. Broken equipment should be reported to the staff as soon as reasonably possible.

Sickness

If a student is sick, the duty couple should be notified as soon as possible, and the duty couple will inform other staff as necessary.

Visitors’ Policy

Because of the changing pandemic situation, students should not invite visitors to the school.

Part III: Dorm Life

Students are expected to live in harmony with their peers, giving honor and respect to all, and seeking to develop meaningful relationships.

Devotional Time

From 8:30 to 8:55 each weekday morning, time will be set aside for personal devotions. Students will be in their rooms and spend the time in prayer, Bible reading, or devotional journaling. Cell phone use during this time is prohibited. On Friday mornings, room cleaning must be finished by 8:30 to maintain a quiet atmosphere for devotions.

Prohibited Activities

Fairwood is an alcohol, drug, and tobacco-free campus. Accordingly, the use of alcoholic beverages, recreational drugs, or tobacco products in any form is prohibited. Vaping devices, hookahs, and electronic cigarettes are likewise prohibited.

Curfews

Men will be out of the Main House by 9:00 p.m. Men and women will be in their respective dorms by 10:30 p.m. except 11:30 PM on Friday nights.

Music & Movies

All music, even that which is listened to privately on earbuds and headphones, and other media (e.g. books, websites, and electronic games) must be consistent with the character of Jesus and the principles of God’s Word. Music played which is audible to others needs to be approved by the Dean of Students. Except for Fairwood library videos, movies and TV shows need to be approved by duty staff prior to viewing.

Video Games

There will be no on-line gaming in the downstairs of the Main House, except on the office computer if other students do not need it for e-mail or research purposes. All video games, including phone games, must be approved by a staff supervisor prior to use, and a list of approved games will be posted in the dorms. Video games must be turned off by 10:30 p.m. each night except 11:30 on Friday night.

The Internet

All websites accessed should conform to the character of Jesus and the principles outlined in God’s Word. Thus, pornography accessed on the internet or in any other form is strictly prohibited as it violates God’s principle for sexuality expressed solely in the covenant of marriage. Movies, TV shows, sports or other streamed media may be accessed online during free time by permission of the duty staff. Internet access (data or wireless) whether on phones or computers, will only be permitted in public areas (lounges, kitchen, hang-out areas, etc.) unless permission is granted by a mentor. Wi-fi signals are turned off at night.

Laundry

Students may use the laundry equipment whenever machines are available, except on the Sabbath. All laundry in the Main House must be completed by 9:00 p.m.

Room Use

Students will keep their rooms in an orderly manner and will be prepared for weekly or spot inspections by a staff member. Rooms must pass inspection before students leave for breaks. Furniture is assigned by rooms, and should not be moved out of or into rooms without checking with the Dorm Supervisors. Rooms must be put back to original condition before students leave for the summer.

Rooms will be cleaned out at the end of the school year. All personal items stored at Fairwood must be removed by the completion of Bible School, or items will be discarded.

Fire Safety

To comply with the requirements of the Dublin fire chief, students are not allowed to have candles, incense, lighters or Christmas lights in the buildings whether lit or not. No open flames are allowed in or around buildings. Electric blankets are not permitted, and fans should not be left running unattended. Fire safety devices are never to be tampered with. In the event of a fire alarm sounding, all students should exit the building and assemble on the lawn below the grapevine.

Part IV: Work

Students are expected to work diligently, “doing all for the glory of God.”

Work Study

Since Fairwood Bible Institute does not charge tuition, we maintain a work-study program, and all students will cooperate in the work assignments they are given. Part of the work-study program includes an obligation to help with the work at Fairwood for three weeks each year during the summer when school is not in session. This applies only to the summers after the first two years of study, and does not apply to Gap Year students. The work obligation must be completed before the beginning of a student’s third year to fulfill graduation requirements. A $500.00 donation may be substituted for each week of work owed.

Work Meetings for Students

Work meetings are held as announced.
Students will be on time and come dressed for work.

Campus Care

Damage done through negligence will be fixed and paid for. Repair work must be carried out during free time, and the job must be completed within 30 days.

Part V: Travel & Food

Student Vehicles

Students may have vehicles, but need to check with a staff member before operating their car, motorcycle, or other vehicle at Fairwood or to drive off campus. Student vehicles should be parked in the upper lot.

Free Weekends

are scheduled throughout the year. The campus is closed to students at these times, except by special permission. Students who need to return more than three hours early from free weekends (or vacations) must receive prior permission by the staff.

Transportation

Trips to the dentist or doctor will be provided, as well as travel to make necessary connections at airports, bus and train stations. Students will pay for gas. A $30 surcharge applies to any trips between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Meals

Breakfast attendance on weekdays is required, unless prior permission has been granted. Attendance at other meals is not required. However, if a student misses a meal, the student is responsible to find out about any announcements and to carry out responsibilities for meal clean-up. Food is available only at mealtimes. Between meals, students may help themselves to bread and peanut butter, but should not help themselves to food in the cooler or refrigerator. On weekends, breakfasts will be pick-up style. Men may use the kitchen for personal cooking only after checking with staff.

Part VI: Finances

Students are expected to faithfully discharge their financial obligations in an honorable manner.

Fees and Deposits

A yearly Room and Board fee for all students will be due at orientation in September, with scholarships available upon request. The fee for members is $1,500 if paying by the year, $825 if paying by the semester, and $225 if paying by the month.

The fee for non-members is $3,250 if paying by the year, $1,725 if paying by the semester, and $456.25 if paying by the month.

The fee for Gap Year students is $6,500 if paying by the year, $3,350 if paying by the semester, or $862.50 if paying by the month. These figures cover all summer work requirements as well as the trip to Israel in the spring.

All students must commit to one of the three payment options by the end of orientation week. Students must have paid the entirety of all fees before a certificate of completion will be granted at graduation.

All students will pay a non-refundable Activity and Special Equipment fee ($75), a Health and Safety Fee ($50), and an Internet fee ($50), due at orientation. At the same time they will also make a Book Deposit ($75) and a General Deposit ($50) for room and tool damages or miscellaneous expenses. This deposit will be used as needed through the year; the balance will be refunded after graduation or written notification of withdrawal, upon confirmation that all bills are paid, dorm rooms are cleaned, and summer work is completed. To cover additional electric usage, non-essential appliances such as personal refrigerators, toasters, and coffee makers have yearly fees of $40 per appliance.

Part VII: Other Items

Withdrawal Policy

If a student chooses to terminate his attendance at Fairwood Bible Institute, whether during the school year or during the summer, a letter of withdrawal should be submitted to the Director of Admissions stating when and why. Failure to submit such a letter before the start of the next school year will mean that the student forfeits all deposits. Students who withdraw early during the year may receive the unpaid balance of the room and board fee on a pro-rated basis.

Staff Notices and Discipline

If there appears to be a clear, purposeful breaking of Scripture or an excessive amount of staff concerns, the staff member will talk with the student. If that does not effect a change, they will bring the matter to Dan Murray and Bob Adams, who comprise the school administration. If that does not resolve the issue, it will be taken to the full staff and if needed, parents will be notified. If this does not effect a change, the student will be suspended or expelled. Expelled students will forfeit all previously paid fees and deposits.