Student Community Expectations
Summary
Section titled “Summary”Students at YWAM Sendai do not participate only in a school program. They also enter a shared Christian community. Community expectations exist to protect the health of that shared life and to help students grow in maturity, responsibility, and love for others.
This page explains the general expectations for student conduct, participation, and community life.
Student community expectations should be read together with the wider Community Standards and Commitments, which apply across staff, students, teams, and visitors. This page focuses on how those shared commitments are expressed in student life.
This page focuses on shared life and conduct. For learning-related expectations, see Academic Standards.
Who is this page for?
Section titled “Who is this page for?”This page is for students enrolled in YWAM Sendai schools such as DTS or DBS.
What are community expectations?
Section titled “What are community expectations?”Community expectations are the shared standards that guide how students live, relate, communicate, and participate while at YWAM Sendai.
These expectations help support:
- healthy relationships
- mutual respect
- spiritual formation
- practical responsibility
- a safe and sustainable community environment
What is expected of students in community life?
Section titled “What is expected of students in community life?”Students are expected to:
- participate faithfully in the rhythms of the school and community
- treat others with respect, honesty, and care
- contribute to shared responsibilities
- communicate clearly and responsibly
- honor leadership and agreed expectations
- live in a way that supports the health of the wider community
- remain teachable and open to correction
Are students expected to participate in community rhythms?
Section titled “Are students expected to participate in community rhythms?”Yes. Students are expected to participate in the shared rhythms that shape school and community life.
This may include:
- worship and prayer
- meals
- practical duties
- church participation
- mentoring or discipleship settings
- school-related community activities
Students should not treat the school as a private or independent experience detached from the life of others.
Are work duties part of community life?
Section titled “Are work duties part of community life?”Yes. Students are expected to participate in practical work duties as part of shared community life.
These duties may include areas such as:
- cleaning
- kitchen responsibilities
- maintenance
- other shared practical tasks
Work duties are part of contributing responsibly to the life of the community.
What is expected in shared living spaces?
Section titled “What is expected in shared living spaces?”Students are expected to care for shared spaces responsibly.
This includes:
- cleanliness
- respect for property
- consideration for noise and rest
- cooperation in shared duties
- basic courtesy toward housemates and guests
Shared living requires maturity and consideration, not only personal preference.
Are there expectations around rest, quiet, and technology?
Section titled “Are there expectations around rest, quiet, and technology?”Yes. Students are expected to use time, technology, and personal freedom in ways that support health, attentiveness, and community life.
This includes:
- observing the digital curfew at 21:00
- respecting quiet hours from 22:00 to 07:00
- avoiding patterns of technology use that interfere with rest, attentiveness, or community participation
These practices exist to support healthy rhythms for the whole community.
What is expected in communication and relationships?
Section titled “What is expected in communication and relationships?”Students are expected to communicate truthfully, respectfully, and responsibly.
This includes:
- addressing concerns honestly
- avoiding unnecessary conflict escalation
- speaking with kindness and self-control
- respecting cultural differences
- seeking help when needed rather than withdrawing or creating confusion
Students are also expected to relate to others in ways that reflect Christian integrity, appropriate boundaries, and the wider standards of the YWAM Sendai community.
During the school, students are expected not to pursue new romantic relationships. This expectation exists to help students remain focused on the purpose of the school, their relationship with God, and the health of the wider community.
Are there expectations around smoking, vaping, and alcohol?
Section titled “Are there expectations around smoking, vaping, and alcohol?”Yes. Students are expected to avoid habits and behaviors that undermine the health of the individual or the community.
During the school:
- smoking is not permitted
- vaping is not permitted
- drunkenness with alcohol is not permitted
Serious concerns in these areas may lead to formal disciplinary response.
Are there expectations around harmful behavior?
Section titled “Are there expectations around harmful behavior?”Yes. Students are expected to avoid behavior that harms themselves, others, or the integrity of the community.
This includes behavior involving:
- dishonesty
- harassment
- sexual misconduct
- aggression or intimidation
- repeated disregard for community expectations
- other conduct that damages trust, safety, or shared life
Serious concerns may lead to formal disciplinary response.
What if a student struggles with community expectations?
Section titled “What if a student struggles with community expectations?”YWAM Sendai recognizes that students are still growing. When a student struggles, the first response is usually conversation, clarification, support, and an opportunity to respond well.
However, repeated, serious, or resistant patterns may lead to formal accountability or discipline.