Grace University
[3] Founded in 1943, Grace was originally intended as an interdenominational Bible institute where Christian men and women might further their theological training.
Originally called Grace Bible Institute, the school opened in the fall of 1943 with a grand total of 23 students and six professors.
The current campus includes that lot (the hall, by then known as Old Main, was torn down in the 1990s because of decay and safety concerns) as well as the surrounding city blocks.
[10] Popular programs included business, intercultural studies, communication, pastoral ministries, psychology, music, and teacher education.
Facilities included a state-of-the-art library, a new gym (which hosted the NCCAA Division II Volleyball National Championships in 2007 and 2008), a newly remodeled teacher education wing, and WiFi across campus.
As a member of the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA), Grace offered sports including basketball, volleyball, and soccer.
The women's soccer team was last coached by Rich Locke, who played at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.
Similar to other private religious schools in the state, Grace University's code of conduct provided students guidelines about morally acceptable behavior:[14] no kissing, no prolonged hugs and no premarital sex.
"[15] The Resident Assistants and Deans were charged with upholding the school's code of conduct and holding the students accountable to the university's standards.
Ronald Kroll, who heads the accreditation commission for the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE) in Orlando, said it shouldn't be surprising that schools like Grace University have strict rules on a wide range of issues: sex, alcohol, drugs, tobacco, pornography, and gambling.
"[14] During its operation, Grace University received federal Title IV funding under the Higher Education Act of 1965.
[15] This prohibited it from discriminating against individuals protected by the Civil Rights Act of 1964, including racial, ethnic, national and religious minorities, and women.
[15] Danielle Powell, who was in a prohibited same-sex relationship at the time, was expelled during her last semester at Grace when the university found she had violated the terms of the school's probationary yearlong restoration program.
[16] All students, prior to admission, were required to sign a document affirming their willingness to abide by the university's community standards, which included a prohibition of same-sex romantic relationships.
The top five states represented by the student body at the time were Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, California and Colorado.
[18] Grace University also offered an online and on campus accelerated adult degree completion program for those who were not able to attend traditional undergraduate courses.
