School Policies

The following guidelines for all students attending Newlife International School of Midwifery will aid in facilitating a more pleasant experience. Each student's ability to maintain a good attitude amidst academic study and living in a 'dorm-style' setting promotes an overall healthy environment that benefits everyone.

Our policies are practical, facilitate healthy inter-personal relationships and are God honoring. They are written with the integrity of the school and the overall good of each student in mind. They also help bring order and harmony to our school environment exist for the good of the group and for the purpose of the school that compliments our mission and goals. Also, as a mission organization functioning in the Philippines our desire is to honor the Filipino people to the very best of our ability in Christian service and in our conduct as individuals.

Although additional policies are defined during our on-site 'Student Orientation' there are some initial policies we've included herein such as clear and obvious principles of Christian living that are God honoring and effective in bearing witness to biblical morality and behavior.

Students are expected to adhere to the following established school standards and policies. Please be assured that these policies are not intended to impede or obstruct the student's personal freedom or identity.

Drugs, Tobacco, Alcohol

The purchase, possession and/or use of illegal drugs, tobacco or the abuse of prescription drugs is strictly prohibited. Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in the student dorm, clinic and all public places. We do make an exception regarding alcohol (by this we mean an occasional beer) for married couples who live in their own apartment or house where we feel that a mandated policy prohibiting such in the privacy of their own residence is an infringement of their rights. We simply believe that we have no right to tell adults what they can and can't do in the privacy of their own home. Newlife's policy on the issue of alcohol is provided in greater detail during orientation after students arrive at the school. As a matter of policy, however, we do not condone the use of hard liquor even in the homes of our married families, and any use of such is not compatible with our organization. (Note: This policy falls in line with the published policy of the Christian shared-healthcare ministry organization we endorse as a health insurance option.)

Entertainment

We ask each student to exercise careful judgment in the choice of reading material, places of entertainment (night clubs, bars), movies (horror, demonic, intense sexual content), television viewing and music. We also expect students to use discretionary judgment regarding the Internet.

Clothing Expectations - Modesty is our standard for dress

The Filipino culture primarily sets the standard of dress code for our students. Each student should understand that our policies concerning clothing have been developed in order to honor the Philippine culture since it is modest in clothing styles. We are not overly restrictive concerning styles of clothing. However, we do ask each student to use discretion involving how they dress.

Inappropriate public attire includes midriffs, spaghetti straps, low necklines, tight fitting clothes, tube tops, short shorts. Additional unacceptable clothing include; “ragged, ripped, grunge, rap, overly baggy, gang, punk and dark” styles or themes.
Tank tops are appropriate as long as the term 'appropriate' is agreed upon by the student and school staff.
Shorts need to be modest and approximately mid-thigh in length. Due to the tropical climate of the Philippines, most of the staff and missionary team wear shorts and t-shirts. It is important to bring a few informal dresses or outfits to be worn to various functions such as birthday parties, church services, dinners, etc.. And invariably, many students are invited by their patients to various special events such as baptisms, weddings, etc. which are more formal so students should consider bringing at least one moderately formal dress.
Modest Capri pants are acceptable and popular.
Bathing suits should be modest in appearance. Bikinis are rarely seen in this culture and therefore we ask students not to wear them at swimming pools or the beach. A one-piece bathing suit is the safest bet.

Note: This list is not intended to be all-inclusive.

Corrective Action

We reserve the right to bring corrective measures into certain situations. Any student not meeting the guidelines set forth by Newlife International School of Midwifery may be subject to corrective action.

When an individual begins to put their selfish interests ahead of others or demonstrates an ongoing behavior and/or attitude that negatively affects people we reserve the right to take action that may involve the dismissal of the student. When such action is required, every effort will be made to respond in a redemptive way to all concerned. Our commitment is to resolve every conflict and provide ample opportunity to reconcile each problem.

Inappropriate and unacceptable behavior includes but is not limited to:

Inappropriate Conduct reflecting disregard for the Honor Code of Newlife School.
Disrespectful conduct toward others.
Rebellious nature and/or disregard of School Policies.
Abusive or threatening language or conduct toward school personnel or other students.
Lying, cheating, plagiarism or theft.
Misdemeanor or felony offenses.
Poor or inadequate communication styles.
Purchase, possession or use of illegal drugs, alcohol, or tobacco.
Sexually inappropriate affection, promiscuity or immorality.
Unauthorized use of medical equipment, materials, books, or property of the school/clinic, etc.
Destruction of school/clinic property or vandalism.
Manipulating or controlling others in a manner that fosters a relational environment of co-dependency.
Married student's husbands presenting frustrations or challenges to the leadership or team inclusive of issues detailed herein or in addition to stated policies.

If a corrective situation arises, a student may be subject to certain actions as deemed appropriate by the school director. This may include an Informal Corrective Agreement, Voluntary Dismissal, Suspension or School Initiated Dismissal.

Special Circumstances

Occasionally a student is unable to function academically and/or socially in the school environment. If so, responsible action may be taken by the school administrator that would vary according to the situation that may lead to asking the student to leave the school. Examples of such would include:

Extreme learning disability.
Inability to conform to school policies.
Rebellious nature and/or disregard of School Policies
Personal problems or behaviors that threaten the emotional, spiritual or physical well being of the student or others.
Presentation of personal beliefs that are not compatible with the overall values, mission and purpose of the school.