GFU Conduct Over the Years: A History of the Lifestyle Agreement

Reported by Audrey Grice

Photographed by Allison Martinet

Upon arriving at George Fox University (GFU), incoming students sign a Lifestyle Agreement committing to Christian living standards. Currently, this includes abstaining from alcohol, drugs, tobacco, discrimination, and sexual immorality, among other behaviors. However, as societal norms have evolved, so has the Lifestyle Agreement.

One of the earliest surviving GFU student handbooks, dated 1952-53, outlines the student requirements of that era. While some rules remain recognizable today, such as the prohibition of tobacco, gambling, and alcohol both on and off campus, others reflect a much stricter campus culture.

In 1952, students were required to avoid social dancing, sign out of their dormitories when leaving after dinner, attend church regularly, and use assigned seating in mandatory chapel services. The college also upheld several traditions, including a senior "sneak day" during the spring semester and a rule that only seniors could pick flowers or foliage from campus plants.

One significant rule that has evolved is the curfew. Initially, GFU maintained strict curfew hours. According to the 1970-71 student handbook, male freshmen had to return to their dorms by midnight every night except Fridays, when curfew was extended to 1 a.m. Women, however, had an earlier curfew of 11 p.m., with a one-hour extension on Fridays. These curfew rules applied to all women on campus, regardless of class standing.

In the 1980s, the curfew was adjusted to 2 a.m. for freshmen and became a recommendation for upperclassmen. By 1990, curfews were abolished altogether.

Another major shift involved dancing. Though social dancing of any kind was prohibited in 1952, by 1990, choreographed performances and square dancing at student events were allowed. This policy remained until 1996 when dancing became permitted as part of campus-sanctioned activities. By 2003, GFU began hosting multiple themed dances each year, though the university continued to discourage club dancing or other non-sanctioned activities.

While the university has relaxed specific regulations, the core values of the Lifestyle Agreement remain constant, emphasizing a commitment to moral behavior. GFU’s approach aligns with many other Christian universities. For example, Biola University, Whitworth University, and Wheaton University also prohibit alcohol, tobacco, and drug use for enrolled students.

However, some institutions take a more flexible stance. Corban University in Salem, Ore., allows students over 21 to use alcohol and tobacco off campus in moderation, as does Seattle Pacific University.

Since its founding as Pacific College in 1891, GFU has experienced significant cultural shifts, and the Lifestyle Agreement has adapted accordingly. While foundational guidelines against substance use, sexual misconduct, gambling, and discrimination remain steadfast, other rules have been relaxed to reflect changing times.