Making Peace with Learning: Learning that Makes Peace

Fall Retreat - 2009

Place: Goshen College

Campus Goal: To bring all Goshen College employees together to celebrate the beginning of a new academic year around the theme of "Integrative Learning."

Dates: Wednesday through Friday, August 19th-21st

Time: The Retreat begins with rolls and coffee served at 8:30am on Wednesday, we stay together on Wednesday, meet in groups on Thursday, and come back together on Friday.

Location: Wednesday and Friday in the College Church Fellowship Hall, Thursday we will work in groups and locations as defined by Vice-Presidents and Department Directors.

Our Theme This Year Centers on Integrative Learning: Student Learning Happens Across Campus 

The education of Goshen College students occurs both inside and outside of the classroom, through social interactions, co-curricular activities, support services conversations and work experiences across all areas of the college. While we all have varying roles and responsibilities for educating students, we are also learning ourselves. In a world of rapid technological, cultural, economic, political and global shifts, how do we interact with our co-workers who may have different perspectives from our own on issues that matter a great deal to us? What can we do, as Goshen College employees, to provide a model for our students on how to effectively communicate with one another regarding complex issues and situations that arise in daily campus life and in our 21st century world? From our different perspectives and experiences, we are united in our work in creating a community of faith and learning at Goshen College . Our interaction together, our own integrated learning, is key to living the core values of the institution: Christ-centered; Passionate Learners; Compassionate Peacemakers, Global Citizens and Servant Leaders.

Tentative Schedule:

Wednesday, August 19

In preparation for this day’s activities, please read these three online articles: 

1. Greater Expectations Report from the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) – please read the Executive Overview Section (4 pages) by clicking on “Enter the Report” and then clicking to "Executive Overview" - available at http://greaterexpectations.org/


2. "College Learning in the New Global Century: A Report from the Liberal Education and America's Promise (LEAP) project" also from AAC&U (Please read the "Executive Highlights" section - pages 1-7) available at http://www.aacu.org/leap/documents/GlobalCentury_final.pdf


3. "High Impact Practices" - this is a web site and list of the 10 things colleges and universities are doing across the country.  These campus practices have the greatest impact on fostering high achievement in students.  The list is available at http://www.aacu.org/leap/hip.cfm

• At 8:30 a.m., all current employees will gather for coffee and rolls, join together in worship, be welcomed and hear thoughts from President Brenneman and explore communication around complex issues.


• Lunch will be served by the new food service vendor -- AVI Fresh


• The afternoon (1:00 - 4:00 p.m.) will focus on integrative learning across campus

Thursday, August 20

• Departmental work as defined by Vice-Presidents and Departmental Directors  (more information and readings will be coming)

Friday, August 21

• From 10: 00 - 12:00 noon all current employees we will come back to our discussions from Wednesday regarding communication around complex issues and integrative learning.  We will be joined by retired faculty.

• At 12 noon we will enjoy the Fall 2009 opening luncheon

It is expected that all full-time employees will attend these events so that we can share in a common experience at the beginning of the 2009-2010 academic year.  Part-time and adjunct instructors are also welcome to attend.  More information will be coming soon regarding location and programming details. Offices will be closed so that all employees can attend during their designated meeting times.

If you have other questions, contact Nancy Miller at 7503 or email her at We hope to see you there,

The Fall Retreat Committee
Beth Martin Birky
Megan Bonham
Bill Born
Dave Janzen
Frank Johnson
Ross Peterson-Veatch
Carolyn Schrock-Shenk
Anita Stalter