Expectations: 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:
• Christ centered;
• Passionate learners;
• global citizens;
• servant leaders; and
• compassionate peacemakers.
Expectations
Members of the Goshen College community are expected to demonstrate individual responsibility by 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. The Academic Dean’s Office holds students accountable for their academic work.
Alcohol and illegal drug use
Goshen College is an alcohol and drug free campus. 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. 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, including pellet, bb or air guns is prohibited on campus. Fireworks are also a safety concern and are not permitted.
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
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.
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.
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. We believe the clear intent of New Testament Scripture is to place sexual intercourse within the covenant of marriage. 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 misconduct includes, but is not limited to discrimination, coercion, exploitation and abuse. These destructive behaviors are detrimental to both relationships and to individual self-esteem; these also violate the caring nature of our community. Goshen College is firmly opposed to sexual discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and sexual abuse.
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.
Violence or 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.
Values inform our work
As a 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.
Response process for violation of Standards
The response process is a positive, restorative 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 a member of the Residence Life Team will be brought into the discussion. One of these persons will process the allegation to determine the facts and present them before the appropriate response team (Resident Director, Residence Hall Council or `Standards Response Team)
The Resident Assistant and Resident Leader play an important role in confronting, listening to and supporting those involved in standards violations. RAs & RLs serve to repair the relationship and integrate those involved and the community as much as possible.
Residence Hall Council
The Residence Hall Council (RHC) is comprised of three members: one senior resident director, a teaching faculty member appointed by the Vice President for Academic Affairs and one student appointed by the Student Senate. As members of the broader community, the Residence Hall Council meets with students who are involved in select violations of college standards and makes decisions about appropriate disciplinary responses.
Decisions made by the Residence Hall Council are shared with the Vice President of Student Life. Any decision made by the Council can be appealed to the Vice President for Student Life in writing within 48 hours of communication to the student. The appeal ruling is final.
Standards Response Team
The Standards Response Team is comprised of three members: the Associate Dean of Students, one teaching faculty member appointed by the Vice President for Academic Affairs and one student appointed by the Student Senate. As members of the broader community, the Standards Response Team meet with students who are involved in specific violations of college standards and makes decisions about appropriate disciplinary responses. Standards violations addressed by the Standards Response Team tend to be more serious in nature, resulting in more serious responses. Such responses may include but are not limited to fines, parental notification, community service hours, restitution, disciplinary probation and dismissal.
Decisions made by the Standards Response Team are shared with the Vice President of Student Life. Any decision made by the Standards Response Team can be appealed to the Vice President for Student Life in writing within 48 hours of communication to the student. The appeal ruling is final.
The Vice President of Student Life has overall responsibility and authority for the campus response system for violations of campus standards.
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 response team that meets with the student. 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.
Category 1 - Student(s) meet with a Resident Director or the Residence Hall Council.
- Violation of quiet hours
- Violation of open house hours
- Student in presence of alcohol on campus
- Fire hazards (candles, lighters, tampering with equipment)
- Smoking in residence halls (first offense)
- Academic dishonesty (first offense heard by Associate Academic Dean’s office)
- Actions of sexual misconduct (to be addressed by the Sexual Misconduct Response Team)
Possible responses to Category 1 violations:
- Written Response
- Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students (BASICS) process
- Parental notification in incidents related to alcohol use
- Fines ($25-$100),
- Community service (up to 10 hours)
Category 2 - Student(s) meet with Residence Hall Council.
- Illegal drug use
- Drinking on campus
- Returning to campus while intoxicated
- Unintentional vandalism (e.g. unauthorized roof access, etc.)
- Disorderly conduct while under the influence
- Fraud or theft
- Racism, Harassment, Discrimination
- Academic Dishonesty (second offense heard by Associate Academic Dean’s office)
- Actions of sexual misconduct (to be addressed by the Sexual Misconduct Response Team)
- Any repeated category 1 violation
Possible responses to category 2 violations:
- Written response
- Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students (BASICS) process
- Parental notification in incidents related to alcohol use
- 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 found online in the student handbook at http://www.goshen.edu/gcdocs/student_life/StudentHandbook.pdf
- Disciplinary probation (withdrawal from participation of co-curricula’s and leadership positions for next semester. )
Category 3 – Student(s) meet with the Standards Response Team
- Repeated behaviors from Category 1 or 2; violations that occur off-campus
- Illegal drug use
- Providing alcohol to minors
- Arrest by the police
- Firearms, weapons
- Intoxication with other violations
- Racism, Expressions of Hate
- Vandalism, intentional; misuse of college property
- Violence or threats of violence
- Threat of fire
- ITS code violations
- Academic dishonesty (third offense heard by Associate Academic Dean's office)
- Actions of sexual misconduct (to be addressed by the Sexual Misconduct Response Team)
Possible actions taken by the Standards Response Team:
- Written reprimand
- 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 notification
- 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
Policy and Procedures on Sexual Misconduct, Including Sexual Harassment
and Sexual Assault
Goshen College Community Values
As explained in The Goshen College Mission Statement and the Commitment to Community
Standards, Goshen College is a Christian institution in which "we begin with a vital concern for the
welfare of all community members." In line with these values, which express our commitment to a
quality of campus life for every member of our community, Goshen College affirms its commitment
to providing equal opportunities in education and employment.
Toward this commitment, and in recognition of the requirements of Title IX of the Education
Amendments of 1972, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Indiana Civil Rights Law,
Goshen College strives to provide an environment free of inappropriate treatment of individuals
because of sex or sexual orientation. This policy applies to students, teaching and administrative
faculty, staff, and all others, including visitors, vendors, guests, prospective students, and members
of the public.
Outside contractors, vendors, and others who do business with the College or enter College
premises are expected to comply with this policy and ensure that their agents comply with this
policy; the College will take appropriate action if they fail to do so. The College, for example, may
suspend or terminate a contract if the contractor fails to correct a sexual misconduct problem that
appropriate college officials have brought to its attention. Furthermore, the College, if it determines
that a contractor has failed to take appropriate action or has shown a tolerance for any activity which
in the belief of the College constitutes sexual misconduct, may bar the contractor from holding
future contracts with the College.
Statement of Policy
Goshen College does not condone and will not tolerate inappropriate conduct toward any individual
based on the individual's sex or sexual orientation.
Such sexual misconduct includes but is not limited to unwelcome sexual advances, requests for
sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. This encompasses
misconduct that does not reach the level of actionable sexual harassment, misconduct that is
sufficiently severe and pervasive that it rises to the level of sexual harassment, and sexual
misconduct that involves criminal penalties.
Examples of Sexual Misconduct
Examples of sexual misconduct include, among other actions:
(1) Unwelcome comments and conduct of a sexual nature or that are demeaning to
women or men as a group (for example, offensive or vulgar jokes, name-calling,
comments about one’s body or sex life, stereotyping based on a person’s sex,
touching, leering, ogling, patting, pinching, indecent exposure, physical gestures, or
displaying sexually explicit photographs or objects);
(2) Unwelcome demands or requests for sexual favors or social or sexual encounters;
(3) Suggestions that submission to or rejection of sexual conduct will affect decisions
regarding such matters as employment, work assignment or status, academic
standing, grades, receipt of financial aid, or letters of recommendation, or receipt of
a Goshen College benefit or service;
(4) The use of submission to or rejection of sexual conduct as the basis for making,
influencing, or affecting decisions that have an impact upon the terms and
conditions of education, employment, or receipt of any other Goshen College
benefit or service; and
(5) Nonconsensual sexual contact.
Given the nature of this type of conduct and the serious effects such conduct can have, Goshen
College treats alleged violations of this Policy seriously and expects all individuals to treat alleged
violations in the same responsible manner.
Reporting Sexual Misconduct
(1) Reporting Sexual Misconduct by a Student:
Report sexual misconduct involving a student to one of these individuals:
- Jeanne Liechty, Associate Professor of Social Work
- Dean Rhodes, Associate Professor of Spanish
- Lisa Guedea Carreno, Library Director
- Launa Rohrer, Associate Dean of Students
- Glenn Gilbert, Utilities Manager; Sustainability Coordinator
- Jewel Lehman, Associate Professor of Physical Education
Goshen College will promptly and equitably address any complaints of sexual misconduct by:
(1) advising the person reporting the alleged inappropriate conduct ("the complainant")
about available College and community resources, including health care services,
counseling and other mental health services, and law enforcement authorities;
(2) assisting the complainant in accessing college and community resources, including
campus and local law enforcement authorities, when such assistance is requested;
(3) making reasonable changes in living, working, or academic arrangements as
appropriate;
(4) carrying out a prompt and thorough investigation;
(5) treating all complaints as confidential to the extent consistent with conducting a
thorough investigation;
(6) taking disciplinary or other corrective action where appropriate; and
(7) advising both the complainant and the person about whose conduct the complaint is
made ("the respondent") of the outcome of the investigation.
Student Expectations: Goshen College Response to Reports of Sexual Misconduct
Community Resources
- Goshen General Hospital Emergency Department:
http://www.goshenhosp.com/main.asp?id=17
- Campus Wellness and Health Center: 535-7474
- National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE
Retaliation
Threats, other forms of intimidation, and retaliation against a complainant or any other party
involved in implementing the college sexual misconduct policy are violations of the policy and may
be grounds for disciplinary action.
Supervisor/Supervisee and Faculty/Student Interactions
If there is a sexual or romantic relationship between a supervisor and someone he or she supervises
or a faculty member and a student over whom she or he has authority, the supervisor or faculty
member has the obligation to report the relationship to the administration immediately.
Goshen College discourages sexual or romantic relationships between individuals who have unequal
power in educational and employment contexts at the College. Accordingly, faculty members (and
others who make or affect decisions affecting student academic, career, or living circumstances) are
prohibited from engaging in sexual or romantic interactions with students, whether consensual or
otherwise. Goshen College likewise discourages supervisors from engaging in such relationships
with those they supervise.
This guideline is based on Goshen College's desire to protect students, to maintain equal
opportunity in employment, and to preserve its professional and educational community. Because
of the power differential that exists between students and faculty members (or others who make
decisions regarding student conditions) and between supervisors and supervisees, even consensual
romantic and/or sexual interactions between the two present a high risk of interference with the
healthy Christian environment Goshen College seeks to maintain.
Disciplinary Actions
Sanctions for sexual misconduct may take different forms. In those situations where it is
determined, following a thorough investigation, that a violation of this policy has occurred,
appropriate action will be taken. Consequences may include but are not limited to the following:
- verbal reprimands
- written reprimands and warnings
- monitoring or restriction of campus access, benefits, or services
- mandatory counseling and/or training
- suspension
- separation from the college
In those instances where a violation is found, documentation of the violation and the disciplinary
action will be placed in the respondent's official Goshen College file.
Cases heard and decisions made by the Sexual Misconduct Response Team are shared with the Vice
President of Student Life. Any decision made by the Sexual Misconduct Response Team can be
appealed to the Vice President for Student Life in writing within 72 hours of communication from
the Sexual Misconduct Response Team. The appeal ruling is final
Intentionally Dishonest Complaints of Sexual Misconduct
Lack of corroborating evidence should not discourage complainants from reporting sexual
misconduct to Goshen College. However, charges found to have been intentionally dishonest or
made maliciously without regard for truth may be subject to disciplinary action.
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
