Statement of Agreement for Maintaining the Relationship Between the Mennonite Education Agency and Goshen College

2001

Common Understandings that undergird the statement of arrangement:

  1. Goshen College is an expression of the educational mission of Mennonite Church USA, as articulated in the bylaws of MEA.
  2. Goshen College is committed to maintaining strong, mutually beneficial relationships with other Mennonite colleges and with the Mennonite Church USA.  Goshen College supports official denominational statements and the Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective adopted jointly by the Mennonite Church and the General Conference Mennonite Church in 1995.  Goshen College stands with the church as it seeks the will of God to determine its mission in the world.
  3. The commitment to “strong relationships” has implications for the composition of students and faculty at Goshen College.
  4. The relationship between MEA and Goshen College should strengthen the culture of church/school relationships.
  5. The new structural relationship to MEA should enhance Goshen College’s ability to collaborate with other Mennonite colleges, universities, seminaries and schools.
  6. The Mennonite Church USA needs an education agency and schools that address the educational needs and mission of the church.

Roles and functions of MEA and Goshen College with respect to specific named functions:

Mission and Purpose:

Approved by the MEA upon recommendation by the institutional board

Goshen College is a mission-driven institution. The MEA will approve the mission and purpose of Goshen College upon recommendation of the Goshen College Board of Directors.  MEA has the responsibility and authority to hold Goshen College accountable to its mission, while Goshen College has the responsibility and authority to carry out its mission.

Articles and Bylaws:

Approved by the MEA upon recommendation by the institutional board

The Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of Goshen College will become effective after recommendation by the Goshen College Board of Directors and approval by MEA.

Board members:

High Majority appointed by the MEA; the rest by the institutional board

The MEA Board of Directors shall appoint three-fourths of the Goshen College directors (including such a number so that not less than there-fourths are appointed by MEA).  Those appointed Directors may select up to one-fourth of the Directors, subject to confirmation by the MEA Board of Directors.

Presidential Appointments:

Jointly appointed by the MEA and the GCBD as a result of a jointly appointed search committee

MEA and the Goshen College Board of Directors will appoint the president upon the recommendation of a jointly appointed search committee.

New programs, program changes, and deletions; strategic plans, campus master plans, and capital projects: Approved by the institutional board in consultation with the MEA

The Goshen College Board of Directors, in consultation with MEA,* will approve new programs, program changes, and program deletions; strategic plans, campus master plans, and major capital projects.  It is wise strategy for Goshen College to consult widely before launching a major campaign effort.

Faculty appointment:

Approved by the institutional board in consultation with MEA

Other:

  1. The MEA serves the Mennonite Church by holding its educational institutions accountable to the approved statement of mission and vision for the institution.  In the course of providing that accountability, MEA is empowered by the Mennonite Church USA Executive Board with the authority to address in appropriate ways any plans or actions of Goshen College that:

    • are inconsistent with the approved mission and purpose.
    • are not in the long-term interest of the institution or the church.
    • hamper another Mennonite church agency or educational institution from achieving its mission.

    If the college believes MEA action is not warranted, it may appeal the MEA’s decision to the Mennonite Church USA Executive Board.

  2. MEA serves educational institutions by identifying those services that could more effectively be provided by one resource for all institutions rather than done individually and providing definition and direction to the educational needs of the institutions as a whole.
  3. The relationship between MEA and each institution should promote the efficient stewardship of resources and collaboration among the institutions.
  4. Either MEA or Goshen College may propose changes to this Statement.  Any change shall become effective only when approved by the governing boards of both MEA and of Goshen College.