Small Group Housing
A. Philosophy
In order to retain the quality experience SGH provides, we want to communicate the following understandings for group living. Thanks for recognizing and valuing these.
1. Applicants know and understand the Core Values of Goshen College.
2. Students develop a sense of purpose living in community while seeking opportunities to contribute to campus life in meaningful ways.
3. Applicants have demonstrated responsibility and support "GC’s commitment to community standards.”
4. Group members willingly encourage and accept responsibility for each other. Members respect others’ right to express their needs, values, opinions and ideas.
5. Students respect the autonomy of others while working towards cooperation in resolving conflicts. Some may have to allow others time to sort out reactions before responding.
6. Individual members respect the right of others to ask that other group members change their behaviors for the good of the group.
7. Group goals, purposes, and implementation are a group endeavor not an individual task.
8. The group chooses to live together and works at getting to know one another. This means allowing each other to make mistakes, to grow and to change.
9. Goals and implementation strategies are clearly defined. Group members demonstrate integrity by completing these goals.
B. Expectations of Small Group Living
10. Group members uphold SGH visitation policy: 24-hour open house in public areas; 24-hour open house in all areas for group members; 12:00 noon - 12:00 midnight open house for non-members in bedrooms.
11. A small group-housing director will work with the group throughout the year.
12. A contact person from the group will serve as a communication link between the small group and the director. See the contact person job description for details.
13. Individuals in small group housing are responsible for regularly cleaning their own units. The small group housing director will work with the group to ensure cleanliness of the house.
14. Students are expected to keep yard, porches, etc., free of trash. Also, furniture designated for indoor use is prohibited for outdoor use.
15. Groups must be ready to have the college use units during the semester breaks to house other students or persons involved in GC programs, and are expected to cooperate with the preparation of units for use.
16. Group members must purchase at the minimum the 80 Block Meal Plan. Groups are encouraged to prepare and eat at least one meal together a week.
17. Monies are available for programming activities. These activities must include the majority of house members and be pre-approved by the RD. Programs that encourage connections and strengthen friendships between the group and the broader campus will be more likely to receive funding.
