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 Return to: Student Handbook
Students attending Andrews University soon learn that our Seventh-day Adventist faith and values set us apart. Our distinctive Christian perspective, guided by our understanding of Scripture, informs our faith as well as our practice.
Relationship with God
We understand God is present and desires to have a relationship with His creation. Students are encouraged to grow in their relationship with God by communing with Him in daily prayer, meditating on His word, singing His praises and gathering together for worship.
Salvation through Jesus Christ
We believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Savior of all who place their faith in Him. In His life we are offered a holy example, in His death the forgiveness of sin and in His resurrection the hope of a new beginning. In times of temptation, trial and failure students are directed to the grace of Christ as a source of strength, healing and restoration.
The Sabbath: A Day of Rest and Worship
The Bible describes the seventh day as the one day God set aside for focused fellowship with His people. The seventh-day Sabbath (from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset) is a special part of the relationship between God and His creation. To foster this focused fellowship with God, non-essential business operations and activities at Andrews are closed. Students are encouraged to welcome and delight in the Sabbath as a day of special rest, worship and communion with God, ministry to others, and celebration of God’s creative and redemptive acts.
Sabbath Observance
As a distinctly Seventh-day Adventist Christian institution, Andrews University promotes the observance of the seventh-day Sabbath, Friday evening at sundown to Saturday evening at sundown. As God rested and made the Sabbath a holy day, the Sabbath is observed as a memorial of creation to the Creator. We withdraw from work and play that can be created during the regular six days of the week. The Sabbath is a time to be in communion with the Creator, away from the activities, music and reading that are not focused on worshiping the Lord. Andrews University requests that all on our campus—faculty, staff, students and visitors—respect the sacred observance of this day. Our community includes diverse perspectives on Sabbath observance.
However, no personal or unregistered group activity should detract from the sacred Sabbath observance for others in the community. This means all our communal spaces, including residence hall lounges and other common areas in our facilities, are reserved for the observance of Sabbath, including worship, meditation and God-centered fellowship. Any faculty, staff or student staff member may request that activities that detract from Sabbath observance cease or be modified to accommodate the right for any member of our community to observe Sabbath freely and without malice. One of the “Andrews Advantages” is for students to study and rest in a Sabbath-affirming environment.
Present and Future Hope in Jesus Christ
Seventh-day Adventists look forward to the imminent second coming of Christ. Until then we are God’s stewards, entrusted by Him to use our time, gifts, abilities, resources and opportunities to serve Him and our fellowmen.
Wholesome Lifestyle
Seventh-day Adventists are encouraged to engage in whatever fosters the optimum development of the body, mind and spirit. This includes a healthful diet along with adequate exercise and rest.
Life Purpose
Every human being, created in the image of God, is endowed with a God-given purpose for their life. At the core of an educational journey at Andrews University is our desire to help each student discover their life’s calling.
Concern for Others
As Christians, we are called to follow after Christ. In response to witnessing His grace and mercy in our own lives, we are compelled to likewise give ourselves in loving service, locally and globally.
Learn More
To learn more about the fundamental beliefs of Seventh-day Adventists go to adventist.org/beliefs. To read official statements issued by the Seventh-day Adventist Church on important contemporary issues go to adventist.org/information/ official-statements.
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