Prohibition on alcohol and drugs: The use of alcohol and other drugs, for other than medicinal purposes, is strictly prohibited.
Isolation policy: No student shall leave Deep Springs during the regular academic term except for official trust business, Student Body trips, field trips for an academic course, medical emergency, or (in some references) religious observance. Students also generally need prior Student Body permission to invite guests to the valley.
Every student works approximately 20 hours per week in manual labor positions assigned by the elected student Labor Commissioner. This is not "in exchange" for the education but a core pillar of the program, fostering responsibility and community service.Common positions (which rotate, often every 1–2 months) include:
Cooking, baking, or dishwashing (BH)
Ranch work (cowboy, dairy, farm/irrigation, butcher)
Garden, general labor, mechanic’s assistant, orderly, etc.
Students participate heavily in running the college: admitting new students, reviewing performance, hiring some faculty/staff input, curriculum planning via committees, and handling disciplinary matters.
Key standing committees (student-chaired, with student majority) include Applications, Curriculum, Communications, Review/Reinvitations (which addresses problematic behavior through mediation before potential removal), and others.
Additional expectations include selfless service to the community, strenuous effort, and contributing to discussions on the college's mission.
Sexual harassment/misconduct policies exist and are taken seriously (as in most colleges), with specific prohibitions on staff-student relationships.
Broader conduct emphasizes integrity, respect, and the overall mission of preparing for lives of service.