Code of Conduct

Students at DRBU are joining a community dedicated to ideals of personal and social integrity. We take the investigation of an ethical life as a matter of our commitment to studies and self-cultivation. It expresses our sincerity in examining our own lives and our earnestness in undertaking thoughtful and responsible investigation into life’s deepest questions.

Thus, as the basis of all regulations for students, DRBU places its trust in students’ commitment to embody the values of honesty, respect for others, and personal responsibility. A student’s primary responsibility with regard to these regulations is to honestly reflect upon one’s own sense of values, how those values relate to one’s community, and how best to conduct oneself in order to realize those values in the world.

Code of Conduct

The goal of the Code of Conduct is to nurture this development in DRBU students by providing support for their active learning process. The formal structure of the Code of Conduct is put in place to define and communicate guidelines that support our community of study and self-cultivation. Earnest engagement with these guidelines supports students’ education concerning the human condition in general and, in particular, the development of their own personal character.

In Buddhist thought, shila, or virtuous conduct, is built upon underlying ideals of respect, humility, and kindness. This serves as the foundation for a kind of mental integrity and focus upon which wisdom and compassion are cultivated. Just as in the classroom, where students’ minds engage with the philosophical and social ideals contained in profound texts, outside the classroom students’ lives are engaged in a process of realizing these ideals in their daily lives. The Code of Conduct provides guidelines by which students can work with their own habits and ideals in a process leading to greater self-knowledge. Within this self-examination, students develop their own natural appreciation of a more compassionate and harmonious way of living.

Safe Learning Environment

We support each other’s learning inside and outside the classroom by being considerate and respectful. We refrain from threatening, violent, or aggressive actions, gestures, and speech.

Compassion

Out of respect for all forms of life, we observe a vegetarian diet and do not intentionally kill or harm living beings. We also do not bring non-vegetarian foods to campus or have weapons on campus.

Clarity and Wisdom

To maintain an environment conducive to mental clarity and wisdom, we do not use alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, or illegal drugs. We also do not bring these items to campus, nor do we come to campus in an intoxicated state.

Study and Self-Cultivation

To foster a culture of study and self-cultivation, we refrain from visiting the residence halls of the opposite gender. We do not engage in public displays of affection or bring inappropriate music, images, or media to campus. In addition, we abstain from promiscuous behavior and sexual activity on campus.

Dignified Atmosphere of Learning

In keeping with a dignified atmosphere of learning, we dress modestly and appropriately and refrain from wearing suggestive or revealing attire on campus.

Clarity and Focus

To minimize distraction, internet access is limited to the University buildings and residential common rooms. Digital devices are permitted in the classroom only at the discretion of the instructor.

Trust

To maintain an environment of trust, we recognize what is and is not ours. We refrain from stealing, i.e., taking the property of others, the community, or the university.

Skillful and Harmless Speech

To not create suffering for ourselves and others through unskillful speech, we refrain from using profanity, abusive speech, deceptive speech, and divisive speech.