Statement of Values

Since its establishment in 1877, Bryn Athyn College has been a private, religious liberal arts college affiliated with the General Church of the New Jerusalem (also called the New Church). The religious principles of the New Church, which are based on the Old and New Testaments of the Bible and the theological writings of Emanuel Swedenborg, enrich the College's academic programs and campus life, helping to create a collegiate atmosphere that maintains a spiritual focus while embracing variety and individuality.

The goal of Bryn Athyn College is to provide a collegiate education that enhances the civil, moral, and spiritual life of its students, preparing them to become reflective individuals and useful citizens. This includes helping students gain the skills and practice the values that enable them to make choices that matter--choices that lead to meaningful, useful lives.

The College's student conduct policies are guided by the ideals and principles of the New Church, with a particular emphasis on honoring marriage and acting honestly, respectfully, and charitably. Specific student conduct policies can be found in the Student Handbook. Some specific expectations include:

Acting appropriately and respectfully with members of the opposite sex.
Not living with a member of the opposite sex or engaging in physical intimacy outside of marriage.
Dressing modestly at all times.
Maintaining a campus free of alcohol and drugs.
Upholding academic honesty and integrity.

The purpose is to build a framework that upholds the spirit of the institution by respecting and encouraging both the responsibilities and freedom of its students. Ultimately, it is the College's hope that students embrace these values for themselves and freely choose to follow these policies, not out of fear of punishment, but because that is how they wish to live their lives.