Attendance at Goshen College is a privilege, not a right, and carries with it the obligation to observe college regulations. While attending Goshen College, students are subject to the laws of Indiana and the city of Goshen. Violations to the laws of Indiana and the city of Goshen are considered a violation to the “GC commitment to community standards.” The standards of Goshen College are based both on Christian ideals and on expectations that are necessary for cooperative group living.
Pets
Except for fish, pets are not permitted in any of the college-owned housing units. Fish must be removed over vacation periods when college housing is closed.
Street signs and alcoholic containers as room decorations
Alcoholic beverage containers and street signs are not permitted as decorations in student rooms. Alcohol containers in residence halls make it more difficult to enforce college policy on alcohol possession and gives mixed messages about college standards. Street signs have sometimes been stolen from local or home communities and their display can communicate disregard for the broader communities of which we are a part. Violations of this policy will result in confiscation and a $25 fine for the first violation and a $25 fine and meeting with the Residence Hall Council or Judicial Board for subsequent violations.
Fire safety precautions
The possession of halogen lamps, candles, incense or oil lamps in student rooms and lounges is prohibited. Flammable gases or liquids should not be stored in any residence housing building. Live Christmas trees are not permitted. No open-coiled appliances, such as hot plates or toaster ovens, are allowed. Any extension cords used in residence halls must meet the following criteria.
- Must be UL listed and be 14 gauge wire or heavier (it should say 14AWG on the cable)
- Must have a three-prong grounded plug
- Must be terminated with a single outlet OR a power strip with a maximum 15-amp rating and an integral circuit breaker.
- Cannot exceed 12 feet in length and should not be strung together with other extension cords
- Must not be frayed, spliced or have worn insulation
- Should not be strung under rugs or carpets, mattresses, or woven through bed springs
Any alteration of the electrical wiring, switches, or receptacles is prohibited. Multiple outlet devices without built-in circuit breakers, such as adapters or cubes are prohibited. Students are required to remove and replace any inappropriate extension cords or multiple outlet adapters at their expense.
In addition to being a federal offense, there is a $50 fine for tampering with fire fighting equipment, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, or sprinkler heads or sounding a false fire alarm. If the guilty person cannot be determined, all members of the housing unit may be charged. There is a $25 per item fine for the possession of candles, incense, or oil lamps, and a $25 fine plus referral to Residence Hall Council for subsequent violations.
In cooperation with the Goshen City fire department, unannounced fire drills will be conducted periodically. All fire alarms should be treated as if they are actual emergencies. Residents should evacuate the building quickly, using the nearest exit, leaving their room doors closed and unlocked. In a crisis situation, residents of the KMY complex, apartments, or SGH east of the railroad tracks, are to gather in the Music Center; residents in Kulp, Coffman and SGH west of the railroad tracks should meet in the church chapel.
Air conditioners and electrical space heaters
Portable air conditioners and electrical space heaters are prohibited in residence hall rooms and small group houses. The residence life office may make exceptions for an air conditioner, if prescribed by a doctor for medical purposes. Appropriate documentation must be submitted to the residence life office.
Lounges
Students are not to remove furnishings from the lounges without permission of the resident director. A fine of $25 will be charged for violation of this policy. Sleeping overnight in lounges is not permitted.
Courtesy hours
At the beginning of each semester, students on each dorm floor will meet to review the visitation hours and policy. Unless there is a desire for fewer hours, the following visitation hours will be implemented:
Monday-Thursday Noon-11 p.m.
Friday, Saturday, Sunday Noon-midnight Members of the opposite gender are allowed to be on the dorm floors only during these hours. Students must have permission from the resident director before family members of the opposite gender may be taken to their rooms during non-visitation hours.
All floor members agree to respect the posted hours. Roommates are expected to come to an agreement on use of visitation hours. Each floor member is responsible to encourage others to observe the policy. Any violations will be reported to the resident assistant.
Closing hours
Residence halls are locked at approximately midnight. For security reasons, locked hallway doors must not be propped open. Students can use their keys to enter and leave when they choose.
Overnight guests
Invited guests are welcome in the residence halls. Students may host a friend or family member of the same gender in their room at no additional charge. Extended visits of more than three nights are not permitted. All guests are expected to observe residence hall visitation hours and all other campus regulations. The resident assistant should be informed of plans to host a guest.
Absences from campus
Students who plan to be gone from campus overnight should inform their roommates, resident assistants or resident directors and leave a phone number where they can be contacted in case of emergency.
Vacation periods
Students are expected to leave campus during Christmas break and summer vacation. However, students living in the apartments may have access over Christmas break. Students in other types of housing who need to stay in Goshen over Christmas break due to special circumstances will be accommodated in college housing for $10 per night. Arrangements must be made in advance with the associate dean of students. Students living in the apartments are granted access to remain over the Christmas break.
Room checkout
When vacating a room, the RD or RA must check out each resident. It is the responsibility of the resident to properly complete checkout procedures and to leave the room clean, including vacuuming and dusting. All residents must check out within 24 hours after their last exam unless permission to stay longer has been granted. Charges will be assessed for damages to the room such as carpet stains, tape marks or residue on walls, etc. All room charges will be finalized and charged to the person(s) responsible by the resident director.