CBI Code of Conduct - Cumberland Baptist Institute

Cumberland Baptist Institute is owned and operated by the West Somerset Baptist Church and the Parkers Mill Road Baptist Church, both of Somerset, Kentucky. We are grateful for the generous support of churches and individuals within the Cumberland River Association of Baptist Churches and the American Baptist Association.

Institutional Objectives

Upon graduation, students are expected to:

Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of the Bible and apply its principles to their lives.
Articulate and uphold sound biblical doctrine, consistent with the Institute’s doctrinal statement.
Cultivate a personal relationship with Jesus Christ through consistent devotional habits and prayer.
Exhibit a passion for the lost and a commitment to worldwide missionary service.
Apply sound scholarship, demonstrating skilled research and independent study habits.
Show evidence of spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical maturity, leading to effective Christian service.
Serve competently in various Christian ministry roles.
Develop lifelong habits of continued study and spiritual growth.

Additionally, all graduating students must be in full agreement with the Doctrinal Statement of Cumberland Baptist Institute. We believe that effective leadership requires a foundation in general education, a focused Bible major, and training in specialized Christian ministries. Every student at Cumberland Baptist Institute majors in Bible.

Dress Code

Students are expected to dress modestly and in a way that reflects their ambassadorship for the Lord Jesus Christ and Cumberland Baptist Institute.

Ministerial Students: Required to wear slacks, a dress shirt, and a tie.
Male Students (non-ministerial): Slacks and collared shirts (polo shirts are acceptable). Shorts and cut-offs are not permitted.
Female Students: Dresses, skirts, and slacks are acceptable attire.

For all students, the only acceptable body piercing is a lady’s earring. All other piercings, including nose rings, eyebrow rings, lip rings, or earrings on males, are strictly prohibited. The administration reserves the right to deem any attire or accessory unacceptable. We expect all students to be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit and to let modesty and godliness be the foundation of their appearance.

Institutional Objectives

Upon graduation, students are expected to:

Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of the Bible and apply its principles to their lives.
Articulate and uphold sound biblical doctrine, consistent with the Institute’s doctrinal statement.
Cultivate a personal relationship with Jesus Christ through consistent devotional habits and prayer.
Exhibit a passion for the lost and a commitment to worldwide missionary service.
Apply sound scholarship, demonstrating skilled research and independent study habits.
Show evidence of spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical maturity, leading to effective Christian service.
Serve competently in various Christian ministry roles.
Develop lifelong habits of continued study and spiritual growth.

Dress Code

Students are expected to dress modestly and in a way that reflects their ambassadorship for the Lord Jesus Christ and Cumberland Baptist Institute.

Ministerial Students: Required to wear slacks, a dress shirt, and a tie.
Male Students (non-ministerial): Slacks and collared shirts (polo shirts are acceptable). Shorts and cut-offs are not permitted.
Female Students: Dresses, skirts, and slacks are acceptable attire.

Examinations & Grading System

Instructors determine the timing and format of examinations, which may include written tests or quizzes. Assigned work is due on the date specified by the instructor. Assignments submitted late will lose five points per class period. Final exams are administered to every class at the close of each semester and may not be taken early without prior permission from the instructor and administration.

Our grading system is as follows:

A: 95–100 (Excellent; 4.0+ GPA)
B: 85–94 (Good; 3.0+ GPA)
C: 75–84 (Average; 2.0+ GPA)
D: 70–74 (Below Average; 1.5+ GPA)
F: 0–69 (Failure)

All final grades are a composite of class attendance, examinations, assignments, attitude, and classroom participation. Any student with a GPA below 2.0 should consult with their instructor or the Dean.

Thesis Requirements

All bachelor and master theses must be on a biblical subject. The subject must be submitted to the Dean for approval by October 1st of the graduating year and completed by April 1st. Theses must adhere to the formatting standards taught in the curriculum. Theses will be approved by the West Somerset Baptist Church and the Parkers Mill Road Baptist Church, with final approval from the Administrator and Dean.

Bachelor Thesis: Minimum of 15,000 words and must reference at least eight different sources.
Master Thesis: Minimum of 25,000 words and must reference at least twelve different sources.

Progress reports must be made to the Dean periodically. Students are not permitted to duplicate subjects previously used in another thesis program.

Student Records & Transcripts

Student records are the permanent property of the school and are kept confidential. Transcripts are available upon written request to the registrar. The first copy is provided free of charge, with subsequent copies costing $2.00 each. A student may only view their transcript in the presence of an authorized staff member. Grade cards are distributed at the end of each semester.

Attendance

Faithful attendance is a key component of a student’s success. Class periods are one hour and twenty minutes long, with each subject requiring one class period per week.

Perfect Attendance: Students with perfect attendance will receive four additional points on their final grade.
One Absence: Not penalized.
More than One Absence: A point will be deducted from the final grade for each day missed.
Five Absences: Results in a one-letter grade reduction for the course.
Seven Absences: Results in a failing grade for the course.

It is the student’s responsibility to contact their instructor to make up any missed work.

Withdrawal & Probation

Withdrawal: Students who need to withdraw from a class must complete an official withdrawal form. Failure to do so will result in a failing grade on the student’s transcript. Students may not drop a course simply because they find it too difficult.

Probation:

Academic: Any student who fails to maintain a 2.0 GPA will be placed on academic probation for one semester to raise their average.
Disciplinary: Conduct unbecoming to Christian character may lead to dismissal from the school.

School Colors

The school colors hold significant meaning:

Crimson: Represents the shed blood of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.
White: Represents the cleansing of souls through the Savior’s sacrifice.
Gold: Represents the royalty and kingship of Jesus Christ.

Church & Student Relationship

As a co-sponsored ministry of West Somerset Baptist Church and Parkers Mill Road Baptist Church, Cumberland Baptist Institute is responsible to these churches. Students are expected to represent the Institute well at all times and take part in the services of a local, scriptural church.

Code of Conduct

Be courteous to others.
Respect all school and church property.
Keep food and drinks confined to the kitchen area.
Do not rearrange furniture without permission from the faculty.
Address all teachers with respect as “Brother [Last Name].”
The use of tobacco in any form is prohibited on all church or school property.
Gossip is strictly forbidden.
Attendance at Bible conferences is considered part of the coursework, and absences will lower a student’s grade.
Maintain a Christian example at all times, as you represent the Institute both on and off campus.
Be proud of your calling and of Cumberland Baptist Institute.

Scholarships & Awards

Scholarships: New scholarships will be added as they become available from donors.

Awards: The Ewell Hargis Memorial Award is presented annually to the “Most Outstanding Student.” This award honors former instructor Brother Ewell Hargis and recognizes a student who exemplifies the attributes he demonstrated in his ministry. The recipient is chosen by a vote of the faculty.

Dean’s List: A student is eligible for the Dean’s List if they maintain a GPA of 3.5 or above for the semester, are carrying at least 12 semester hours, have no grade below 2.0, and are current with all financial obligations to the Institute.