Mission of the college
Mission statement
Goshen College is a liberal arts college dedicated to the development of
informed, articulate, sensitive, responsible Christians. As a ministry of
the Mennonite Church, we seek to integrate Christian values with educational,
social and professional life. As a community of faith and learning, we strive
to foster personal, intellectual, spiritual and social growth in every person.
We view education as a moral activity that produces servant leaders for the
church and the world.
Educational mission and core values
At Goshen College we intend to create a community of faith and learning built
on five core values: Christ-centeredness, passionate learning, servant leadership,
compassionate peacemaking and global citizenship. In our academic program
and campus life students will develop the knowledge, skills and values for
A life that is Christ-centered, with
A life of passionate learning, through
- the mastery of a major field of study as the basis for life-long learning,
service, relationships and work in a socially and culturally diverse context.
- an extensive foundation of knowledge, skills and dispositions derived from
a liberal arts curriculum that informs an appreciation for a critical understanding
of human experience and cultural variety.
A life of servant leadership, based on
- a leadership ability that empowers self and others.
- a healthy understanding of self and others that is reflected in relationships
of interdependence and mutual accountability.
A life of compassionate peacemaking with
- a personal integrity that fosters the ability to resolve conflict and to
promote justice.
- commitment to diversity in all of its forms both conceptually and in practice.
A life of global citizenship with
- an intercultural openness with the ability to function effectively with
people of other worldviews.
- a responsible understanding of stewardship for human systems and the environment
in a multicultural world.
Liberal arts tradition and Christian context
Goshen College is nationally recognized for its excellent academic program
and Christian ideals. As a Christian liberal arts college, Goshen draws on the
best from both streams. The basic question that drives all liberal arts inquiry
is “What is truth?” Different approaches, such as historical, scientific,
aesthetic or linguistic, contribute different perspectives of truth. Because
Goshen College is a Christian college, theological and spiritual approaches
to truth are highly valued as well. When students learn multiple ways of knowing
and alternative modes of problem-solving, they have a more complete view of
the world.
Together, the Goshen College community searches for knowledge and meaning,
new and old. It is a liberating search that leads us to delight in the awesome
mystery of life and celebrate the unique gifts and passion that God has created
in each person. A Christian liberal arts education is education for life vocation,
not just preparation for employment.
Historic church relationship, open to all
Goshen College was established in 1894 and is affiliated with Mennonite Church
USA, a Christian denomination that grew out of the 16th-century Anabaptist movement
in northern Europe. With the Friends (Quakers) and the Church of the Brethren,
Mennonites are one of the three historic peace churches in the U.S. From the
church in which is is rooted, Goshen College has derived a spirit of peace and
simplicity, mutual support and biblically based service to those in need.
Around 55 percent of students and 80 percent of faculty members are Mennonite
affiliated. Other students come from approximately 30 different Christian denominations
and several world religions, and include strong representations from Catholic,
Methodist and Baptist traditions. All faculty members are active Christians,
and more than half have lived or worked outside the United States, often in
church-related mission or service work. Students are not required to be Christians
to attend Goshen, but must be willing to accept and live by the Goshen College
commitment to community standards. All who are willing to search for truth with
integrity are welcome.
Accreditation
Goshen College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member
of the North Central Association. [http://www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org/,
(312) 263-0456, (800) 621-7440].
The college is authorized by the Indiana Division of Professional Standards
Board and accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
for the preparation of elementary and secondary school teachers. The division
of nursing is approved by the Indiana State Board of Nurses Registration and
Nursing Education and also by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
[One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036-1120, (202) 887-6791].
The social work program is accredited by the Council of Social Work Eduation
[1725 Duke Street, Suite 500, Alexandria, DC 22314, (703)683-8080]. Alumnae
of Goshen College are admitted to membership in the American Association of
University Women. Goshen College is registered with the Regents of the University
of the State of New York.
Compliance with legal requirements
Equal opportunity
Goshen College does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, handicap
or national origin in its employment policies, educational policies, administration
policies, scholarship and loan programs and athletic and other schoool administered
programs; and does not deny to any student on the basis of sex, race, color,
handicap or national origin any right, privilege, program or activity generally
accorded or made available to students in Goshen College.
Grievance policy
The grievance procedure at Goshen College is a process by which nonacademic
differences between students and employees of Goshen College (and employees
of Goshen College and their supervisors or managers) can be resolved. Grievable
issues are defined in the policy. The firs step is an informal process, attempting
to resolve differences through discussion. If this is not successful, the second
step, a formal, written grievance procedure, is initiated. Information about
the grievance policy and assistance with understanding the procedures is available
from the human resources director.
Academic grievances originating with a student should be processed through
the relevant professor. If necessary, the process can progress further to the
department chair, the associate dean, and, ultimately, the academic dean.
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