Social Guidelines

Montana Wilderness School of the Bible is well aware that the observance of regulations does not necessarily indicate that one is living a life of full commitment to Christ. However, the willingness to adhere to these regulations exhibits a maturity and spiritual concern for everyone and is generally characteristic of those diligently seeking to do God’s will.

A. Dress:

It is our desire that each student assume personal responsibility for their dress and grooming as an expression of Christian maturity. Each person must recognize that their personal dress is a public statement about themselves. As representatives of Christ and of MWSB cleanliness, attractiveness, and modesty are expected of all students.

1. Men: Casual attire is appropriate for the normal functions of the school. For example, in the classroom court jeans and a T-shirt or sweatshirt are fine. For church, a dress shirt or sweater with dress jeans or pants are needed. Dress clothes are required for graduation and other occasions as appropriate. Sweat pants and shorts are not allowed in the classroom or in chapel services. Modest swimsuits are allowed only at the pool or the river. Hair should be kept clean and trimmed. No pony tails or offensive hair styles will be allowed (staff will make this determination to prevent hinderance of our Outreach Ministries). Moustaches or beards should be neat and trimmed. No earrings or piercings are allowed. No hats allowed in the classroom, during chapel services and during mealtimes in the dining hall.

2. Women: Casual attire is appropriate for the normal functions of the school. Please save your sweat pants and modest shorts (3/4 length) for leisure time. Dress pants, dresses or skirts are required for Sunday morning services and for banquets, graduation, and other special occasions. Hems or slits should be no higher than the top of your knee. Swimsuits are to be worn only in the pool area and are to be conservative in style. A cover up should be worn to and from the pool. No piercings other than earrings are allowed.

B. Entertainment:

We believe that the Scriptures establish principles which should guide and govern the conduct of every Christian. Because of our desires to develop in the student personal holiness and discipline in a lifestyle glorifying to God, students will be asked to refrain from the following activities: viewing of movies that contain material contrary to the teaching of scripture, smoking, chewing tobacco, gambling, consumption of alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs and going to bars for food or entertainment. Violation of these rules will result in student expulsion from MWSB.

C. Music:

The subjective area of determining acceptable music while attending a Bible School has become more and more difficult to define. It has become a field representing a wide range of styles, lyrics, taste, and emotion. At MWSB we will be encouraging lifestyles which reflect godliness and putting forth a sincere effort in getting to know the mind of God. Because of music’s powerful impact on our emotions and mindset, we strongly believe that you should come into this year with a desire to let Christian music be the entity that fills your mind and your heart. Through out the year we will be discussing the positive and negative influences that music has on our lives. All music brought to this campus is subject to review by the staff as to its suitability within the context of the learning going on here at MWSB. (Additionally, see item C under Student Housing.)

D. Dating:

Dating relationships can be a very special part of college life. We urge each student to prayerfully consider all of their friendships and be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s direction in this area. When the staff sees a relationship developing, they will take the initiative in setting aside times where those students and staff can talk about relationships. Public displays of affection and will not be tolerated. This type of conduct is not tolerated either on campus or off.

E. Social Areas:

There are various lounge areas on campus for regular student activities. These include the chapel, dining hall, and staff houses. There are no lounges located in the dorms. The dormitories are not coed except for special events which will be listed on the monthly calendar.

F. Social Hours:

MWSB sets a regular curfew for the well being of the entire student body. College is an excellent time to develop good habits. Sufficient sleep is necessary for sound academic and spiritual life and for pleasant interpersonal relationships. Therefore the following curfews have been established:

Sunday-Thursday: 11:00 p.m.
Friday: 1:00 a.m.
Saturday: 12:00 a.m.
Any exceptions to these times must be cleared with staff in advance.

G. Library:

The library is located in the chapel. The books may be used in the library or checked out.

H. Overnight Guests:

All guests requesting to stay in the dorms must be registered in advance with the staff and each guest is limited to three nights unless special permission is given. Housing charges should be paid in advance to the Director of Food Services. The cost is $20.00 which includes 3 meals and one night’s stay.

I. Departures:

Students leaving campus for any reason must sign out on the board located in the Dining Hall. This includes hiking, fishing, shopping, etc.

J. Discipline:

The goal of discipline at MWSB is the development of maturity in the individual student. If correction becomes necessary the student will be given ample time to make any necessary changes. If the problem persists the student may be asked to withdraw. Discipline may result from either specific actions from a negative attitude which influences the lives of others. Parents will be notified as needed in areas of disciplinary concern. This allows them to be involved in encouraging the student as well as making the parent aware that a problem exists. Examples of where discipline will be used: curfew, unnotified departures, church attendance, music, theft, improper conduct with the opposite sex, use of alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs, etc.

K. Meals:

Students have paid for meals for the semester they are attending and are entitled to three meals per day while on campus. Dietary needs or personal preferences that go beyond what is provided at mealtime will be the responsibility of the student. If a student is not going to make it to a meal they should make every attempt to let the Food Service Director know as soon as possible before the scheduled meal. (A sign-out board is in the dining hall.)

Students who are going on a weekend backpack trip which leaves directly from the school property are permitted to obtain a limited amount of food from the kitchen with the knowledge and permission of the Food Service Director. The students should attempt to let the Food Service Director know in advance and the items give to them will be of a nature so that their basic food supply will be provided in place of regular weekend dining hall meals. These basic food items will be provided at no cost. Any food desired above what the Food Service Director determines is the basic requirement will be subject to cost. Students going on a weekend trip other than backpacking are not entitled to food from the kitchen.