Student Life

Visit the student life department Web site at www.goshen.edu/studentlife.

Commitment to community standards

A spirit of hospitality

Goshen College is dedicated to fostering a spirit of hospitality on our campus, including all students, faculty and staff and college guests, as part of maintaining a healthy living and learning community. We welcome all students as God’s creation regardless of color, gender, religion, ethnicity or nationality, sexual orientation and social or economic class. In order for a diverse community to thrive, we must recognize our differences and seek understanding and integrity in our relationships. Students and faculty at Goshen College are expected to support an environment of mutual respect and accountability, to care for the personal dignity of others and to have integrity in their conduct and communication.

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. 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.

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. For policy details, see "Academic integrity" in the Academic Policies section of the catalog.

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 exemplify 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 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. Information regarding the disciplinary process is located at www.goshen.edu/aboutgc/community.php and is published in the student handbook distributed each fall.

Housing

The residence halls are an integral part of campus life and contribute in many ways to the education students receive. Students live and work in groups in residence halls and get to know people of various backgrounds. All full time students enrolled at GC must live in campus housing unless they meet any of these requirements:

• Have 112 or more credit hours posted on their transcript
• Turn 23 years of age during a given semester
• Live with parents or an immediate family member

New students' living arrangements are completed during the admission process. Near the end of spring semester, continuing students select residence options from the following list for the next year. See the residence life website for an explanation of the selection process.

• Residence halls –All full-time single students are welcome to live in one of three traditional residence halls. Kratz, Miller and Yoder Halls each house both men and women on separate floors. Additional housing options are available for students who have graduated from high school at least two years prior to the first day of classes, or who are 20 years old or older.
• Small group housing– Students at least 20 years old or who graduated from high school at least two years prior to the first day of classes can live in small group housing.This program offers an opportunity to deepen friendships in a largely self-governing environment. Small groups are responsible for cleaning their own facilities. Students apply as a group during the spring semester for space the following year.
• Junior/Senior floors – Kulp Hall provides housing for juniors and seniors. This facility is designed to offer increased independence with the convenience of on-campus locations. Eligible students possess junior or senior classification (as defined by accumulated credit hours) or are a minimum of 20 years old by the first day of fall semester. Students interested in these accommodations will make their selections in accordance with the residence life lottery system for room selection.
• Kulp/Coffman Suites – Students at least 20 years old or who graduated from high school at least two years prior to the first day of classes are eligible to live in the suites in Kulp and Coffman halls. Students live in self-selected groups and select the suite through the residence life room selection process. Groups are required to meet the capacity of the suite. The contact person will report to the KU/CO Resident director. There are nine suites.
• Student Apartments – Apartments are available for students who are 20 years old by the start of the fall semester or who graduated from high school at least two years prior to the first day of classes. Students must be enrolled a minimum of nine credit hours. Each apartment is configured with a kitchen, living area, 1-2 baths and 2-4 bedrooms. The fourth floor features a loft area for additional lounge space. Apartments offer increased independence and flexibility within the proximity of campus. Students live in self-selected groups and select the apartment through the residence life room selection process.

Campus ministries

Goshen College encourages growth in faith through worship, Christian community and service. The Campus Ministries office offers both support for students’ faith journeys and challenges to new discoveries in spiritual life. While Goshen is a Christian college rooted in the Mennonite Church USA, we welcome seekers and people of all faiths to attend campus spiritual life activities.

Worship opportunities include chapel services every week, a variety of worship groups that meet throughout the week, and Sunday morning involvement in local congregations. Worship groups meeting during the week include Voices-n-Harmony Gospel Choir, Taizé worship and student-led contemporary worship. Christian community sustains students through friendships and in small groups organized by campus ministries that meet for prayer, Bible study, accountability and sharing. Residence hall floors also plan spiritual life programming.

Service projects of many kinds allow students to reach beyond themselves and the campus to show concern for needs of the world. Types of service include the Big Brother/Big Sister program, tutoring, Habitat for Humanity, working with the elderly, housing rehab and collecting supplies to be sent for world relief. During breaks, groups of students travel to service locations. Celebrate Service Day, held annually in September, encourages service in the local community.

Facilities that support spiritual development include:

• Labyrinth – an outdoor space for contemplative prayer, located between East Hall and the Music Center.
• The Quiet Place– rooms for individual reflection and small group meetings in the basement of Coffman Hall.
• Witmer Woods and College Cabin– an 18-acre arboretum of plants native to Indiana located across Main street from the campus. The College Cabin, adjacent to Witmer Woods, is available to students for meetings and recreational activities. A Meditation Garden is located near the College Cabin along the Elkhart River. It is a place for quiet reflection and contemplation.
• Brunk Cabin – a retreat facility in southern Michigan which can house student groups accompanied by a resident assistant.
• Merry Lea–a 1,150-acre nature preserve located 30 miles southeast of the campus. Picnic areas and eight miles of hiking trails through forests, wetlands and meadows. Geodesic dome and cottages also available for modest rental fees.

Convocations and chapels

Convocations and chapel services gather the campus community to focus on themes that connect with our personal lives and also to the world at and beyond Goshen College. Chapel services foster Christian worship and faith formation. They may include guest speakers, faculty faith stories, hymn sings, or student presentations. Convocations are educational events that promote the mission and core values of Goshen College. They may include faculty speakers, guest lecturers, drama or music performances, or student presentations by Study-Service Term units or campus clubs.

Chapel and convocation services are both held in the church-chapel, which is also the worship space for College Mennonite Church. Attendance requirements for convocation and chapel are publicized at the beginning of each semester. Students can monitor their attendance record online.

More Student Life programs and services

Academic support

The Academic Support Center promotes independent, life-long learning for all students of Goshen College. The ASC assists students with documented disabilities by helping them advocate for themselves and by helping coordinate reasonable academic accommodations with teaching faculty. The ASC trains peer writing mentors and tutors who are available to help all GC students grow as writers and scholars. ASC staff also administers the placement and competency tests. ASC offices are located in the first floor of Good Library.

Alerts system

The Student Life office coordinates an alerts system to identify and provide timely services to students who are experiencing problems that impact their academic performance.

Athletics

Goshen College holds memberships in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and the Mid-Central College Conference. Goshen men compete in baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, tennis and track and field. Women compete in basketball, cross country, soccer, softball, tennis, track and field and volleyball.

Opportunities for recreational activity are available to all students through the Roman Gingerich Recreation-Fitness Center, the intramural program or outdoor facilities. Over half the student body participates in the intramural program, which schedules one-night tournaments, as well as longer sports seasons of four to six weeks. The Gingerich Center is available for a wide range of walk-in activities. The recreation-fitness staff and student leaders organize these events.

Career guidance and employment

The Career Services office teaches students the skills they need to become employed during college and throughout their lifetime. They help students figure out career direction, confirm a choice of major, and help students connect with employers by presenting themselves well on paper and in person.

Services include career counseling, résumé and cover letter preparation, practice interviews, job search skills, job and internship listings, and alumni mentors. Students who desire on-campus employment should contact this office. An extensive online job bank for both on- and off-campus jobs is available from the career services Web page. The office is located in the Administration Building on the first floor (Ad 14), within the Student Life offices.

Wellness and Health Center, Counseling

Located in the Roman Gingerich Recreation-Fitness Center, the Wellness and Health Center is a primary health care facility staffed by a Nurse Practitioner and Registered Nurse. They provide both preventive and treatment services to all qualified students. All students are required to carry approved hospital and medical insurance.

The counseling office, located in the Wellness and Health Center, provides professional, short-term, on-campus counseling services to students on a free and confidential basis. Services support students’ personal, social and spiritual health, while increasing student’s ability to succeed academically. The counseling office provides individual, couple and group mental health counseling, wellness education, crisis intervention and referral to community providers.

Privacy rights

Student Life staff members honor the national FERPA law, which protects individual student information. See the Academic policies section for more details.

Commuter student program

A commuter student lounge with study rooms, lockers and a kitchenette is available at the south end of the Union building. The Nontraditional/Commuter Student Association holds regular meetings to discuss special interests and concerns of commuting students.

Orientation and first-year colloquium

Orientation activities are offered for all new students. Fall orientation includes special activities for international students, multicultural students, transfer students, first-year students and parents. An abbreviated orientation is also offered to new students in spring semester.

The fall semester colloquium program helps new first-year students adjust to college life academically, socially and spiritually. In this program, ongoing orientation and advising activities are attached to a regular college class. Fall orientation includes several meetings with the colloquium professor and classmates, sessions for parents, placement testing, a worship service and other activities. During the first half of the fall semester, colloquium sessions continue to address college adjustment topics, including how to choose a major. Students do not officially declare a major until near the end of the first semester, or later, whereupon they are assigned an adviser from their major department. Colloquium professors serve as faculty advisers for students in their class during the first semester.

Multicultural Affairs Office

The mission of the Multicultural Affairs Office is to foster intercultural understanding at Goshen College. Through diversity training, curriculum development, recruiting and retention programs, the office promotes an anti-racist campus community. Mosaic groups coordinated by the MAO office work at implementing goals of the campus diversity plan. Special events such as the Martin Luther King Jr. Study Day and the celebration of heritage months are designed to increase awareness of the historical and cultural background of underrepresented ethnic populations. Faculty advisers provide academic, social and personal support for multicultural students on campus. Black Student Union, Latino Student Union and International Students Club encourage underrepresented students to negotiate the college experience, become involved in campus activities and develop leadership skills.

Student activities

The director of student activities oversees all planning of social and recreation events on campus and advises student organizations with the help of faculty sponsors. The Campus Activities Council (CAC) sponsors a variety of events that include the Kick-Off talent competition each semester, Hour Afters, First Fridays in downtown Goshen, Second Friday movies, and late night activities in the Connector.

Student government and clubs

The student body is represented by the Student Senate. A four-member cabinet is elected each spring to lead the next year’s Senate of campus group representatives and residence hall representatives. Student Senate appoints members to campus committees where students are actually involved in making decisions side by side with faculty and administrators. The Senate also manages all club funds for various student clubs and organizations.

In most cases membership is open to any interested student. New clubs or organizations may be formed with the approval of Student Senate and the student activities office. Students who wish to start a new club or organization should discuss their purposes and goals with the coordinator of student activities. Following is a partial listing of groups that meet currently:

Withdrawal procedures

Student Life staff works closely with residential students who must withdraw from college for medical or other reasons. See the Academic policies section of the catalog for detailed information.