A community of scholarship, teaching, learning and service
The spirit of respect and hospitality at Goshen College reflects
our character as a Mennonite-Anabaptist liberal arts community
of scholarship, teaching, learning and service. We believe
that the expression of hospitality is best understood in the
life and character of Jesus Christ, who welcomed the Gentile
and the Jew, women and men, the poor and the wealthy, the
slave and the free, the sick and the healthy.
A community founded on love and justice
The Mennonite Church promotes a community founded on love
and justice in which all persons possess inherent dignity
as children of God. Our search for truth and our understanding
of complex modern challenges is informed and transformed by
the life and teachings of Jesus and the tradition of Anabaptist
Christians to be accountable to each other in the context
of the church.
Rights
and responsibilities: individual commitments within community
life
Invitation to Christian community
Goshen College is committed to encouraging students in intellectual,
social, moral and spiritual growth. Students are invited to
engage in a dynamic and life-giving community here and to
mature as individuals through respectful relationships in
the classroom, the local community, in the broader Christian
church and among other cultures. All are expected to demonstrate
sensitivity and concern for others’ convictions, perspectives
and struggles.
Within the context of a Christ-centered community, we seek
to become:
• passionate learners;
• global citizens;
• servant leaders; and
• compassionate peacemakers.
Expectations
Members of the Goshen College community are expected to demonstrate
individual responsibility in showing consideration for the
beliefs and feelings of others; abiding by federal, state
and local laws; and demonstrating exemplary conduct. When
a student's behavior has direct implications for others and/or
the well-being of the campus community, there is cause for
community involvement, regardless of where the situation occurs
(e.g. home or abroad.).
Academic honesty
As an academic community that expects integrity, we seek for
truth and knowledge by requiring intellectual and personal
honesty in learning, teaching, research and service. As an
academic community of integrity, we uphold personal accountability
and take action against wrongdoing. Examples of academic dishonesty
include, but are not all inclusive of, the following: plagiarism,
cheating on assignments or exams, falsification of data, sabotaging
the work of another and aiding in academic dishonesty of another.
Alcohol and illegal drug use
Goshen College considers the use of alcoholic beverages and
illegal drugs detrimental to individual and community health.
The use of alcohol is illegal for minors, and alcohol and
illegal drugs also may create dependencies, invite an unhealthy
escapism, waste money and abuse health and take lives, as
well as generate behavior offensive to other people. Goshen
College does not consider it possible to have a wholesome
campus community if alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs
are used. Abstinence may be an effective witness against these
practices, which are so widely and indiscriminately condoned
in our culture. For these reasons, Goshen College recommends
non-use as the most appropriate lifestyle choice. Alcoholic
beverages and illegal drugs are prohibited from the campus
and all college-related functions. Students will be held responsible
for any alcohol, drugs or drug paraphernalia found in their
presence.
Firearms-fireworks
The possession or use of firearms or fireworks is prohibited
on campus.
Fire and safety equipment
Tampering with any fire and safety equipment on campus is
unacceptable.
Fraud and theft
Students are expected to respect the identity and property
of others. Examples of fraud or theft include, but are not
all inclusive of, the following: dishonesty on timecards,
theft of and other misuse of personal or college property.
Racism
Goshen College creates a social and academic environment where
students develop awareness of issues of race, sensitivity
to minority populations and intercultural understanding. The
campus reflects God's world: multicultural, multiracial and
multiethnic. We believe that racist attitudes and actions
do not example the love of Christ, and violate the inclusive
intention of the mission of Goshen College.
Racism is a set of attitudes or beliefs that hold particular
racial or ethnic groups superior to others, often resulting
in justification of discriminatory treatment or other racist
acts. Racism denies the humanity of others and denies the
truth that all human beings are made in the image and likeness
of God.
As an institution of the Mennonite Church, Goshen College
believes that racism is contrary to Christian theology and
is inconsistent with the life and teachings of Christ. Therefore,
we will resist the pervasive racism of our society by identifying
and confronting its evidence.
Sexuality
We believe that sexuality is an integral part of our personalities,
reflecting who we are as individuals. To care for another
person includes honoring and respecting that person as a sexual
being. Sexuality cannot be separated from the other dimensions
of our lives.
Sexual discrimination, coercion, exploitation and abuse are
detrimental to both relationships and to individual self-esteem;
these are also destructive behaviors that violate the caring
nature of our community. Goshen College is firmly opposed
to sexual discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual exploitation
and sexual abuse. We believe the clear intent of New Testament
Scripture is to place sexual intercourse within the covenant
of marriage.
The goal of confrontation in these matters, as in all others,
will be for well-being, reconciliation, correction, forgiveness
and redemption. Our counseling and health-service personnel
are available to students wishing to discuss issues regarding
sexuality or sexual behavior. These conversations will be
held in strict confidence.
Tobacco use
The use of tobacco imposes a serious and unnecessary burden
upon the health of the user and community. It also constitutes
a fire hazard in some cases. Use of tobacco in any form is
prohibited on campus or at any off-campus official college
activity and strongly discouraged elsewhere.
Threats of violence
The threat of violence against another individual, whether
verbal or physical, is unacceptable.
Vandalism
Any vandalism on campus will be considered offensive behavior.
Responsibility for restitution of damages will be expected.
Serious intent
While it is difficult to determine a framework of community
standards that completely matches the ideals of each individual,
clear expression of commonly held expectations is vital to
productive, positive life and work together in a diverse campus
setting. Every Goshen College student is expected to show
serious intent to live according to these standards.
Disciplinary process
Values inform our work
As in community of higher education, Goshen College seeks to center its campus life on the Core Values. Christ-centered, passionate learners, servant leaders, compassionate peacemakers, and global citizens are what we seek to become and emulate in our relationships with each other (goshen.edu/aboutgc/values.php). Similarly, values and principles inform program, policy and relationships within Student Life.
Five Ethical Principles in Student Life
Student development theory reflects the typical developmental tasks commonly engaged by young adults during the point in their lives when most students decide to pursue higher education. Most are making decisions and investing in relationships that will impact them for years to come. Student development theory provides a framework for empowering students in these life tasks.
The five ethical principles that inform our work as student life professionals are 1) Autonomy, 2) Prevent Harm, 3) Do Good 4) Justice 5) Fidelity. In the goal of autonomy, we recognize the need for students to become increasingly independent. With a more salient view of Self, students develop an increased sense of confidence and self-direction. Students must answer the question, “What does it mean to become independent and responsible? Secondly, within this increased sense of autonomy, we must prevent harm. Safety policies (e.g. Community Standards) are designed to prevent harm to individuals and groups; safety plans (e.g. fire drills) are in place to respond to harmful situations should they occur. However, avoiding harm is not an end in itself; we want to provide the opportunity to do good. Student Life promotes positive modeling, direction and leadership opportunities. Student groups, clubs, and events provide opportunities for students to contribute to a life-giving campus life. Interacting within a campus context, we treat each other with equity. Student Life professionals value justice; recognizing that individuals are different, we retain objectivity in our perception of each other. We also understand that trust is critical for developing relationships. Fidelity is reflected in our commitment to confidentiality, professionalism and knowledge of our abilities and limitations. To be most meaningful, trust and confidentiality is embraced by both faculty and students when engaging sensitive issues.
Judicial process for violation of Standards
The judicial process is a positive, dynamic means of assisting individuals in achieving their goals by developing a greater sense of Christian responsibility and maturity. In short, the goals are personal growth, resolution of the problems and reconciliation where alienation has occurred. If an individual does not change behavior, then separation from the community may result. The process is designed to assist individuals in monitoring their own behaviors, rather than relying on external rules and regulations.
What should happen when individuals violate a Standard? Violations against Community Standards are indicators of offenses against people, relationships and the community. A witness to the violation should confront the violator or violators and together work out a resolution in keeping with the standards. If the violators refuse to work out an agreement, then the person in charge such as RA, RL, RD, associate dean of students, or dean of students will be brought into the discussion. One of these persons will process the allegation with the violator to determine the facts and present them before the appropriate judicial body (Resident Director or Residence Hall Council or Campus Judicial Board.)
The RA and RL play an important role in confronting, listening to and supporting the accused person. RAs & RLs serve to repair the relationship and integrate the victim, offender and the community as much as possible. The Residence Hall Council involves more students in hall governance, provides a broader base of counsel, and enlists additional support for the RA and RL in difficult matters of discipline.
The vice president of student life has overall responsibility and authority for the campus judicial system, appointing the associate dean of students and resident directors to chair judicial processes. However, in cases of academic dishonesty the vice president for academic affairs oversees the judicial process.
Violations
It is hoped that students will self-manage and resolve conflicts on an individual level. Student Life professionals are available to empower students to deal cooperatively and constructively with conflicts, disputes and offenses.
For those incidences that are not resolved individually, or there is a lack of responsibility for the violation, the situation moves to a more formal process. The following categories provide a framework of understanding in response to the violations of the Community Standards. Factors such as safety, impact on others, and personal responsibility within community, influence the category and in turn the judicial body that hears the case. The categories assist in defining and clarifying the risks as well as possible consequences for certain behaviors. The framework grew out of a process informed by focus group discussions and data from Student Satisfaction Inventory. Use of the categories below will be initiated for the 2006-2007 academic year with the opportunity for review and adjustment at the end of the year.
Residence Hall Council (RHC)
The Residence Hall Council (RHC) is a judicial body made up of residence halls students and administrators. It represents an introductory level of the judicial process at GC. RHC meets with on-campus students who have violated a GC community standard, to understand the facts and circumstances, deciding upon an appropriate response to the student. Repeat offenses or off-campus offenses are handled by the Judicial Board.
Judicial Board
The Judicial Board has five members: the associate dean of students; two faculty members; and two students chosen by the Student Senate Executive Committee. The VP for Student Life will appoint other faculty members, administrators or students to constitute the Judicial Board when one or more of the members of the regularly constituted Board cannot meet if action by this Board is necessary. The Judicial Board takes any necessary action that is appropriate in the discipline of a student involved in the disciplinary process.
Category 1 - Student(s) meet with a Resident Director.
- Violation of Quiet Hours
- Violation of Open House hours
- Fire hazards (candles, lighters, tampering with equipment)
- Smoking in residence halls (first offense)
- Academic Dishonesty (first offense heard by associate academic dean’s office)
Possible responses to Category 1 violations:
- Fines ($25-$100),
- written reprimand,
- Community service (up to 10 hours)
Category 2 - Student(s) meet with Residence Hall Council.
- Possession of illegal drugs
- Possession or use of alcohol on campus
- Returning to campus while intoxicated
- Disorderly conduct while under the influence
- Unintentional vandalism (e.g. unauthorized roof access, etc.)
- Disruptive behavior (e.g. streaking, fireworks, Standards violations in presence of campus guests, etc.)
- Fraud or theft
- Racism, Harassment, Discrimination
- Any repeated category 1 violation
Possible responses to category 2 violations:
- Written reprimand
- Group discussion with members of housing unit.
- Fines ($50--$250)
- Community service (5-25 hours)
- Restitution
- Referral for addictions evaluation. Cost of evaluation and follow-through is the responsibility of the accused.
- Research project related to chemical use/abuse.
- If alcohol is involved, parents are notified if student
is less than 21 years of age according to the Parental
Notification Policy.
- Disciplinary probation (withdrawal from participation of co-curricula’s and leadership positions for next semester.
Category 3 – Campus Judicial Board
- Repeated behaviors from Category 1 or 2; violations that occur off-campus
- Providing alcohol to minors
- Arrest by the police
- Firearms, weapons
- Intoxication with other violations
- Racism, Expressions of Hate
- Slander or harassment
- Vandalism, intentional; misuse of college property
- Threat of fire
- ITS code violations
- Academic dishonesty (overseen by Academic Affairs)
- Sexual assault, rape, forcible fondling, etc. (referred to Judicial Board for sexual assault)
Possible actions taken by the Campus Judicial Board:
- Fines ($50-$250)
- Disciplinary probation (withdrawing from leadership and co-curricular positions for remainder of current and up to next 2 consecutive semesters.)
- Restitution
- Parental involvement
- Faculty adviser involvement
- Community service (50 hours)
- Referral for addictions evaluation. Cost of evaluation and follow-through is the responsibility of the violator.
- Others elements depending on the needs of the individual, such as counseling or special projects.
- Suspension
- Dismissal
Unsatisfactory resolution
If students refuse to carry out the recommendations or if the violations continue, the Judicial Board will be involved. The steps leading to the Judicial Board can take place in 24 hours or four years, depending on the outcome of the discussion and personal growth of the accused.
The response from the Judicial Board is final, subject only to appeal to the VP for Student Life. An appeal must be made in writing within 72 hours of the time the decision is communicated to the student. If a student wishes to appeal a decision from the Vice President of student life, refer to the Appeal & Grievance Process. Pamphlets are available in the Student Life office (AD14).
Campus Judicial Board for Sexual Assault
If a student chooses to pursue disciplinary action against another student for sexual assault, the victim may request a full investigation. The vice president for student life will determine the appropriateness of the judicial hearing. If a hearing is not held, the complaint will be resolved through other channels.
If there is a hearing, the complaint is referred to the Campus Judicial Board for Sexual Assault. The Board is comprised of five faculty members: the two faculty from the Judicial Board, the VP for student life, the associate dean of students and one additional faculty member. Due to the intensity, time and sensitivity of the allegations, the board will receive specific training on sexual assault hearings to ensure the best outcomes.
For more information about GC's
Commitment to Community
Standards, contact Bill Born, vice president for student
life. Ph: (574) 535-7543 or e-mail:
billjb@goshen.edu.
Campus
community overview
