Goshen College offers six graduate programs:

Master of Science in Nursing — Family Nurse Practitioner
Master of Social Work
Master of Arts — Environmental Education
Graduate Semester in Sustainability Leadership
Master of Business Administration
Doctor of Nursing Practice

The Master of Science in Nursing program is based on the Goshen College campus. The environmental education and sustainability leadership programs are based at the Merry Lea Environmental Education Center of Goshen College near Wolf Lake, Ind. The Master of Business Administration program is an online collaborative degree emphasizing Anabaptist Christian values applied to business and offered in partnership with Canadian Mennonite, Eastern Mennonite, and Bluffton Universities. The Doctor of Nursing Practice is online with two required residencies and offered in partnership with Eastern Mennonite University. The Master of Social Work program is also online and is offered in partnership with Bluffton University.

All of the graduate programs are unique in perspective. Interested parties should refer to the programs’ websites and/or individual graduate program handbook for official policies, programs, admission and degree requirements, course offerings and opportunities.

The Master of Science degree program in Nursing offered by Goshen College is built on a tradition of excellence in nursing education at the undergraduate and graduate levels versed in the core values of the college. The program is designed for the registered nurse who is a graduate of a baccalaureate program in nursing and is conveniently designed with courses meeting once per week. The website address is goshen.edu/graduate/nursing.

The Master of Social Work program has a mental health specialization with emphases on anti-racism and anti-oppressive practices and the integration of spirituality. The highly interactive online program begins enrolling students in Fall 2023 and is working toward accreditation. Students with a BSW may be admitted with advanced standing. The website address is goshen.edu/graduate/social-work-msw.

The Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center offers a Master of Arts degree in Environmental Education that is designed for people who want to work as environmental educators with students of all ages in diverse settings. This is an intensive experience that covers all aspects of environmental education and emphasizes natural history and practical experience. Seven core courses, a practicum experience, an off-site intercultural environmental education course, and a personalized project are completed in 11 months (July through May). The Graduate Semester in Sustainability Leadership is also based at Merry Lea. The website address is merrylea.goshen.edu/graduate- program.

The Master of Business Administration degree is an online collaborative program designed for working professionals interested in practicing leadership for the common good. Goshen College, Bluffton University and Eastern Mennonite University each provide graduate courses. Students select one school as the home institution and work with an advising professor and the graduate studies office from that school to plan their program. The website address is collaborativemba.org/.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice degree is a partnership program designed for working professional nurses interested in working to be change agents in the healthcare arena. Goshen College and Eastern Mennonite University are partners in offering this practice degree. The program is online with asynchronous courses. The website address is goshen.edu/dnp.

 

Mission, vision, and values of the college

Mission

Goshen College transforms local and global communities through courageous, creative and compassionate leaders. Shaped by Anabaptist-Mennonite tradition, we integrate academic excellence and real-world experience with active love for God and neighbor.

Vision

Goshen College will cultivate joy, growth and purpose, preparing students to thrive in life, leadership and service.

Rooted in the way of Jesus, we seek inclusive community and transformative justice in all that we do.

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.

CHRIST-CENTEREDNESS:

• a reflective faith that nurtures spiritual growth in individual and corporate contexts.
• an active faith that informs all of life’s choices.

PASSIONATE LEARNING:

• 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, processes and methodologies derived from a liberal arts curriculum that are required for systematic study and problem solving.

SERVANT LEADERSHIP:

• 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.

COMPASSIONATE PEACEMAKING:

• a personal integrity that fosters the ability to resolve conflict and to promote justice.
• a commitment to diversity in all of its forms, both conceptually and in practice.

GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP:

• an intercultural openness with the ability to function effectively with people of other world views.
• a responsible understanding of stewardship for human systems and the environment in a multicultural world.

See the Goshen Core section of the catalog for more information about student learning outcomes at Goshen College.

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 United States. From its roots in the Mennonite church, Goshen College has derived a spirit of peacemaking, stewardship, community, and service. The college motto since 1904 is “Culture for Service.”

Around 26 percent of students and 68 percent of faculty members are Anabaptist-Mennonite affiliated. Students also come from more than 45 different faith traditions, including several world religions. All full-time faculty members profess a commitment to the college’s values, and many have lived or worked outside the United States, often in church-related 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.

Accreditation

Goshen College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission [hlcommission.org] and is classified as Baccalaureate Colleges: Diverse Fields by the Carnegie Foundation.

The department of nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and approved by the Indiana State Board of Nurses Registration and Nursing Education.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Goshen College is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org). [Note: accredited as “Goshen College-Eastern Mennonite University DNP Consortium.”]

The Master of Social Work (MSW) program expects to be in candidacy for accreditation with the Council on Social Work Education in 2023–2024.

Alumnae of Goshen College are admitted to membership in the American Association of University Women. Goshen College is authorized by name by the State of Indiana. Goshen College participates in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) as an approved Indiana NC-SARA institution. Goshen College is registered with the Regents of the University of the State of New York.

Student consumer information

Goshen College maintains a student consumer information web page, which provides links to all information required by federal or state authorities for “student right-to-know” regulations. See goshen.edu/about/leadership/student-consumer-information.

Equal opportunity

Goshen College is in compliance with all federal regulations pertaining to nondiscrimination on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or any legally protected status in its recruitment, admission, educational, athletic, financial aid and employment policies and programs.

Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center

Owned and operated by Goshen College, the Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center is a 1,189-acre complex of fields, forest, bogs, and meadow located 30 miles south of the campus. Opportunities are available for field research in natural sciences, undergraduate May term study in ornithology or entomology, summer study in agroecology, and teaching internships in outdoor education. More than 6,000 K-12 children each year are guests at Merry Lea. Facilities include an environmental education building that houses a classroom, offices and library, a Farmstead, a pavilion, and some housing with overnight accommodations. Rieth Village, a set of “green” collegiate laboratory/residence buildings, was completed in 2006. Rieth Village received a Platinum award, the highest level possible, from the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating system.

Grievance Policy – Nonacademic grievances

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 first 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.

Grievance policy – Academic grievances

See the Academic Policy section of this catalog.

Student Life

Creating a Culture of Care, Trust, and Inclusion

The Office of Student Life strives to create a culture of care, trust, and inclusion for all Goshen College community members, but particularly students who commit to pursuing an academic career here.  Student Life is formed by a team of professionals committed to helping each student succeed in a variety of areas.  Almost all of the Student Life team is located in Wyse 1st floor.

Student Life Departments

Campus Activities

Campus Activities aims to create fun, dynamic, inclusive, and safe alternative programs for students to participate in on weekends.  Through Campus Activities Council (CAC), a student led programming board, campus activities collaborates with other clubs to hold social and recreation events on and off campus. CAC sponsors a variety of events every weekend that include, but are not limited to Kick-Off (annual talent competition), movies nights, game shows, professional performers, and various other late-night activities.

Campus Ministries

Campus Ministries offers hospitality and welcome for all students in all places on their spiritual journey. We recognize that college can be a time of asking questions, exploring faith, and being exposed to different beliefs. While Goshen is a Christian college rooted in the Mennonite faith tradition, we welcome seekers and people of all religions to attend campus spiritual life activities as we seek to glorify the Creator. We want to accompany students in their faith development by providing opportunities for spiritual growth through worship, service,  and community.

Worship. Goshen College offers regular corporate worship in regular chapel services, Bible study groups, and Sunday morning worship services at a variety of local congregations. Special seasonal services and times of prayer are also offered as spaces to gather for reflection and worship. Interdisciplinary summer internships are also available to sophomore and junior students through the Camping, Ministry and Service Inquiry Programs.

For individual worship, our campus offers several spaces for contemplation, spiritual development and renewal:

• Labyrinth – an outdoor space for contemplative prayer, located between East Hall and the Music Center.
• The Quiet Place and Prayer Room – rooms for individual reflection and small group meetings in the basement of Kulp Hall and in the Church- Chapel building.
• Witmer Woods and College Cabin – an 18-acre arboretum of plants native to Indiana located across Main street from the campus. The College Cabin, adjacent to Witmer Woods, is available to students for meetings and recreational activities. A Meditation Garden is located near the College Cabin along the Elkhart River. It is a place for quiet reflection and contemplation.
• Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center –a 1,189-acre nature preserve located 30 miles southeast of the campus. Picnic areas and eight miles of hiking trails through forests, wetlands and meadows. Geodesic dome and cottages also available for modest rental fees.

Service. Campus Ministries can connect students to service projects of many kinds, providing a way to put faith into action and extend compassion for the needs of the world. Types of service include the Big Brother/Big Sister program, tutoring, Habitat for Humanity, working with the elderly, housing rehab and collecting supplies to be sent for world relief.

Community. As a liberal arts college, Goshen College integrates the entirety of the student campus experience, with dedicated staff, faculty, and administrators who offer support from a faith perspective. Academics, social justice, research, making music, and creative performance are just some of the many ways that GC students integrate their faith and learning. We encourage students to ask questions, to dig deeper, and to follow their passion within this community, as part of their faith development and formation.

Campus Safety

The Mission of Campus Safety is to monitor, secure, report, and enhance the living, learning, and working experience at Goshen College. In partnership with the community that we serve, we are committed to the philosophy of “Community Care-taking” and working with local police, fire department, students, staff and faculty to build lasting partnerships. For more information on all the services Campus Safety offers, visit goshen.edu/safety.

Career Networks

The Career Networks staff at Goshen College assists students at every stage during their career preparation, from self-assessment, leadership assessment, career decision-making and choosing a major to practicing interview techniques. Our staff is available to assist students in finding internships by offering a variety of connections to local employers (not-for-profit and for-profit), career coaches, performance tracking, job searches, interview preparation, customized connections and more.

Additionally, students can visit The Link in Wyse 1st floor for resources in job searching, career networking, and internships. 

Community Engagement and Impact

The reach of Student Life does not stop with our campus borders.  Community Engagement and Community Impact is dedicated to supporting our City of Goshen and Elkhart County neighbors through partnerships that benefit students and off campus residents.

Counseling

The counseling office, located in the Wyse 1st floor suite, provides professional, short-term, on-campus counseling services to students on a free and confidential basis. Services support students’ personal, social and spiritual health while increasing students’ ability to succeed academically. The counseling office provides individual, couple and group mental health counseling, wellness education, crisis intervention, and referral to community providers. Telehealth sessions can be made available for Indiana residents. Assistance in finding a local therapist is available for online graduate students.

Diversity Equity and Inclusion

At Goshen College, we seek to understand, engage and live with difference while honoring family structures, spiritual values and cultural values.  Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion strives to build an intercultural community of practice that takes students, faculty, staff and community members deeper than multicultural or cross-cultural models of community.  We are dedicated to developing a world in which our social structures and everyday interactions are based on the premise that justice, mutuality, respect, equality, understanding, acceptance, freedom, diversity and peacemaking are the norm.

Understanding that diversity, equity, and inclusion can encompass many facets of student identities, Student Life aims to provide opportunities and spaces for students to connect with each other to dialogue about their intricate and wonderful selves.  There are many intercultural student groups that are open to all students but focus as supporting and including specific identities, Open Space meetings to intentionally find time for guided discussion on topics that matter most to students, Listening Sessions to provide feedback on campus experiences, and training for staff, faculty, and students to become better allies.

Student Life also provides the Intercultural Student Space for students to meet as intercultural students to socialize or study and provide programming.  The Intercultural Student Space is located on Wyse 1st floor.

Other Student Life Services

Motor vehicles and bike registration

Students, faculty, and staff must register all motor vehicles to be used on campus. Register vehicles through the campus safety web site at goshen.edu/safety/parking. A validation sticker will be sent in campus mail or, if the student does not have a campus mailbox, the director of campus safety will make arrangements for delivering the sticker. Vehicles must be covered by liability and property damage insurance. Tickets are issued for parking, driving or registration violations. Goshen city ordinance requires that all bicycles used on campus must be registered, which can be done at the physical plant office. Indoor winter bicycle storage is available for students in the basement of Howell House.

Withdrawal procedures

The program director works closely with full-time students who must withdraw from college for medical or other reasons. See the Academic Policies section of the catalog for detailed information.

Privacy rights

Student Life staff members honor the national FERPA law, which protects individual student information. See the Academic Policies section for more details.

Wellness and Health Services

Goshen Family Physicians provides medical services to GC students and is located 1.5 miles from campus. GFP provides preventative healthcare, diagnosis and treatment of illness, SST physical exams, and general medical information. Regular fees and insurance rates apply.

Goshen Family Physicians: 1811 Charlton Ct Goshen, IN 46526
(574) 534-8200
On-call after-hours line: (574) 364-4146

The Goshen College Student Health Services Coordinator can assist students in connecting with Goshen Family Physicians. Please call Student Life at: (574) 535-7474. Assistance can be made available for graduate online students seeking health services in their location. All health records are kept in accordance with HIPAA laws and regulations.

Health insurance

Goshen College does not offer a student health insurance plan. All DNP, MSN, and MAEE students must provide proof of health insurance. See individual program admission information for details about health requirements.  All graduate students are expected to address health concerns with their established health care provider.

Commitment to Community Standards and Restorative Practices

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/mission). 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

• Equity
• Inclusion
• Strengths
• Service
• Civility

In the principle of Equity, there is a commitment to address historical and current manifestations of social bias and exclusion, including the ways in which social arrangements disadvantage some groups and legitimate others. As professionals, we will strive to make student life work about opportunities for all of our students. By practicing Inclusion, staff strives to create an environment where students are respected, accepted, and connected to one another. Staff engages with students in a caring, friendly, and authentic manner that allows for opportunities to increase belonging and build traditions within the campus community. By starting with the student’s Strengths, staff creates opportunities for students to think about who they are and how they can contribute to the Goshen College community. Staff work with students to go deeper in understanding their strengths and encourage students to explore untapped strengths that can lead to self-discovery and growth. Through Service, staff invites students to create connections and relationships through serving the other. This can be done through service opportunities on-campus or off-campus. Students work to bring out the potential they want to help bring out in the community. Practicing Civility for staff means having conversations in a respectful manner that honors the differences in others. Talking about aspects of diversity and inclusion requires students to build trust with one another. 

Restorative Process

The response process is meant to be a positive, restorative means of assisting individuals in achieving their goals by developing a greater sense of 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.

Community Standards

A spirit of hospitality

Goshen College is dedicated to fostering a spirit of hospitality on our campus, including all students, faculty and staff and college guests, as part of maintaining a healthy living and learning community. We welcome all students as God’s creation regardless of color, gender, gender identity, religion, ethnicity or nationality, sex, sexual orientation, and social or economic class. In order for a diverse community to thrive, we must recognize our differences and seek understanding and integrity in our relationships. Students and faculty at Goshen College are expected to support an environment of mutual respect and accountability, to care for the personal dignity of others, and to have integrity in their conduct and communication.

The spirit of respect and hospitality at Goshen College reflects our character as a Mennonite-Anabaptist liberal arts community of scholarship, teaching, learning and service. We believe that the expression of hospitality is best understood in the life and character of Jesus Christ, who welcomed the Gentile and the Jew, women and men, the poor and the wealthy, the slave and the free, the sick and the healthy. The Mennonite Church promotes a community founded on love and justice in which all persons possess inherent dignity as children of God. Our search for truth and our understanding of complex modern challenges is informed and transformed by the life and teachings of Jesus and the tradition of Anabaptist Christians to be accountable to each other in the context of the church.

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 toward 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 in 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

Goshen College is an alcohol-free campus. The use of alcohol is illegal for minors as defined by state and federal law, and alcohol also may create dependencies, invite an unhealthy escapism, waste money, abuse health and take lives. Abuse of alcohol can also lead to offensive behavior impacting others. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited from the campus and all college-related functions. Students are expected to be responsible for themselves and their peers regarding the use and presence of alcohol.

Drugs and illegal drugs

Goshen College is a drug-free campus. The possession, distribution or use of any illegal drugs, including synthetic substances (i.e. K2, “Spice,” etc.) is prohibited. Drug paraphernalia (e.g. bongs, wrappers, etc.) is also prohibited. In accordance with state law, use of prescribed medications outside the supervision of medical professionals is also prohibited. The misuse of any drugs may create dependencies, invite unhealthy escapism, waste money, abuse health and take lives. Misuse can also lead to behavior negatively impacting others. Students are asked to be responsible for themselves and their peers regarding the possession and use of illegal drugs, prescription medications, and paraphernalia. Student found in violation of this expectation may be asked to submit to random searches and drug testing. Searches and testing will be determined by reasonable suspicion based on behavioral observations or information from others regarding use or possession determined at the sole discretion of appropriate Goshen College officials.

Firearms and 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. It is also both a federal and a state offense.

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 or other misuse of personal or college property, and identity theft.

Honesty

Students are expected to cooperate with integrity and honesty during any investigation.

Racism

Racism is attitudes or beliefs that hold particular racial or ethnic groups superior to others, often resulting in justifying discriminatory treatment or other acts of racism. 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 college reflects God’s world: multicultural, multiracial and multiethnic. We believe that racist attitudes and actions do not demonstrate 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 the life and teachings of Christ. Therefore, we will resist the pervasive racism of our society by identifying and confronting its evidence.

Sexuality

Sexuality is an integral part of our personalities, reflecting who we are as individuals. 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. It is our understanding that sexual intercourse is to take place within the covenant of marriage.

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; they 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 accountability in these matters, as in all others, will be for well-being, reconciliation, repentance, 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 and nicotine products 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 and paraphernalia (e.g. pipes, hookas, electronic cigarettes, etc) in any form is prohibited on campus or at any off-campus official college activity and strongly discouraged elsewhere.

Violence or threats of violence

An act or 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.

 

Campus opportunities and services

Arts opportunities

Art galleries
Two art galleries on campus contain rotating exhibits. The Hershberger Art gallery located in the Music Center exhibits works by guest artists, art faculty, and art students. A second gallery located in the basement of the Good Library features historical exhibits, art exhibits from the Art Department, and various other exhibits organized by the Good Library.

Performing arts series
The annual Performing Arts Series brings world-class performers to the campus Music Center. Recent artists include Lyle Lovett and Shawn Colvin, Audra McDonald, Emmylou Harris, Chris Thile, the Silk Road Ensemble, National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine, Chinese Acrobats, and Bobby McFerrin.

Music activities
Students interested in music are invited to audition for music department ensembles, including Chamber Choir, Voices of the Earth, Vox Profundi, Orchestra, Lavender Jazz, and the All-Campus Band. The choirs perform several on-campus concerts each year, and one choir tours each year during spring semester mid-term break. Parables, a student worship team, presents music and drama programs at churches and camps throughout the year. The orchestra performs a repertoire of classic and contemporary symphonic and chamber music at on-campus concerts. The annual Festival of Carols in early December has been broadcast on local public television stations. A fully-staged opera, operetta, musical, or scenes program is produced each year with the theater department. In addition to these groups, a variety of student-formed groups participate in coffeehouses, talent shows, and worship teams.

Theater activities
Any student may audition for the two fully staged theater productions each year or any of the numerous student-directed one-acts. Students are welcome to volunteer as costume, light, sound, hair/makeup, props and set construction assistants for any of the productions. Advanced students may design or direct shows, including selected one-acts. Goshen theater students participate annually in Region III of the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival.

Bookstore

The Goshen College bookstore is all virtual and operated by Akademos. Course materials for all courses can be purchased online at goshen.edu/bookstore. College branded merchandise is also available on the website. Many course materials are available as used, rental, or as ebooks. At the end of each term, students may sell their books back through the Akademos Marketplace at market rates.

Campus Center for Young Children (CCYC)

The Campus Center for Young Children (www.ccycgoshen.org) offers quality childcare services for children of students, faculty, staff and community members. CCYC is housed in the Church-Chapel building and is sponsored by the college and College Mennonite Church. Childcare scholarships are available to qualifying students.

Information Technology Services

ITS provides the campus with high quality, innovative technology services that are constantly evolving and improving. Goshen is a leader in mobile e-learning. Our iPad one-to-one program is one of the first in the world to be tied to our general education program (Goshen Core). The campus has a robust network infrastructure, providing 10 GB of wired Internet service, and wifi services that support Wifi 6 standards for research and collaboration from the classroom, dorm room or lab. ITS also offers the Eduroam roaming access so that remote and off-campus students can take advantage of local Eduroam hotspots in their locales.  Students have access to modern computer labs across campus with a student/computer ratio of 7.6 to 1. iMacs, Mac Minis, and Windows computers are available in labs across campus. All major classrooms have multimedia and computer projection capabilities. Students have access to a full complement of network services, all accessible via a single, personal user ID and password. The campus participates in Google Workspace for Education, providing email, calendar, cloud storage, document collaboration, YouTube for Education and a variety of other web services. Students can copy and print using their GC ID and supplied print credit. They also have access to color and large format printing if needed. The ITS Help Desk provides students on and off campus with tech support. Schertz Computing Center is open 24 hours, seven days a week. ITS also provides all the help and documentation students need to configure their computers for residence hall use. An annual customer satisfaction survey identifies priorities for ongoing improvement. For more information about technology at GC, see the ITS web page at goshen.edu/its/.

Lecture series

• Frank and Betty Jo Yoder Public Affairs Lecture Series brings nationally known speakers to campus to address a variety of current issues.
• Eric Yake Kenagy Visiting Artist Program annually brings a distinguished visual artist to campus for lectures, workshops, and interaction with students.
• Martin Luther King Jr. All-Campus Study Day annually brings to campus outstanding civil-rights leaders who share King’s vision for peace and justice.
• Science and Religion Conference brings an outstanding scholar to campus each spring for public presentations and dialogue.
• C. Henry Smith Peace Lecture is given annually by a faculty member of Goshen College or Bluffton University.
• Umble Master Class series brings an outstanding educator or practitioner in theater or communication to campus each year for lectures and workshops.
• S.A. Yoder Memorial Lecture annually brings a distinguished poet, novelist, essayist or humorist to campus.
• Atlee and Winifred Beechy Peace, Justice and Reconciliation Lectureship brings nationally known speakers to campus to address peace, justice and reconciliation issues.

Library

The Harold and Wilma Good Library sustains the Goshen College curriculum by providing quality sources, services, and instruction to cultivate intellectual inquiry and information literacy.

• Open 85 hours per week when classes are in session, including Sunday through Thursday nights until midnight.
• Interlibrary loan
• Course Guides tailored for your class
• Library Instruction tailored for your class
• Academic Success Center for students who want to improve study strategies, accommodations for students with disabilities, and writing assistance and tutoring for everyone.
• Educational Technology Lab for instructors who need help setting up their courses in Moodle or need some guidance with online course design.

Collection

• Access to over 65 research databases in every discipline or subject area
• More than 150,000 print sources and more than 300,000 eBooks
• Royer Reading Room – a collection of Juvenile materials and curriculum
• Aschliman Peace Children’s Peace Collection – Literature, art, drama, and curriculum to educate children about ways of peaceful living
• Board game collection
• Popular reading collection (popular and award winning fiction and non-fiction)

Mennonite Historical Library
The Mennonite Historical Library, housed on the third floor of the Good Library, contains more than 65,000 volumes, an unrivaled collection of published works by and about Anabaptists, Mennonites and related groups (Amish, Hutterites, etc). Resources also include substantial source materials on contemporary global Anabaptists, the Protestant Reformation, local and family history and Pennsylvania Dutch culture.

Mail services

The campus receives deliveries of US Postal Mail, UPS, and FedEx each weekday.  No services are offered on weekends. Residential and commuter students receiving mail and/or packages will be notified electronically and pick up their items in the co-located ITSMedia/Campus Post offices on the South side of the Union.  Outgoing packages and returns may be shipped from the Printing and Mailing Offices in the basement of Coffman Hall.  For more details, visit www.goshen.edu/printmail/campus-post.

Lost & Found

The central location for lost and found on campus is the Welcome Center.  Some buildings, such as Good Library, maintain their own lost and found collection.  Items not picked up by the end of each term are removed, recycled, or donated as appropriate.  To access the Lost and Found collection, visit the Welcome Center Monday through Friday during business hours.

Motor vehicles and bicycles

Students must register all motor vehicles to be used on campus. Vehicles must be covered by liability and property damage insurance. Auto registration is available both online at http://mygc.goshen.edu/checkin/vehicle/ and in person at the physical plant office. Tickets are issued for parking, driving or registration violations. Goshen city ordinance requires that all bicycles used on campus must be registered, which can be done at the physical plant office.

Broadcasting and publications

Radio and television
In 2018, WGCS, or 91.1 The Globe, celebrated its 60th anniversary. A year earlier, WGCS was named the National Signature Station by the Broadcast Educators Association, its highest honor. The Globe was also named the best college radio station in the nation in 2011 and 2013 by the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System, the only station to win the title more than once.  Students serve as station manager and staff members. The station features American roots music, public affairs and religious programs, news, and sports. On the air 24 hours a day, The Globe offers students many opportunities for broadcast experience. The Globe was named the Indiana “College Radio Station of the Year” seven times in the last 11 years, including in 2021, and the Indiana “TV School of the Year” four times as well, competing against all colleges and universities in the state. The Globe is based in the Center for Communication Studies.

Creative writing publications

Sponsored by the English department, Pinchpenny Press publishes small volumes of creative writing by students and faculty members and Red Cents, a creative writing magazine. In addition, Broadside publishes occasional short pieces of creative writing in signed, limited editions.

Admission

The directors of the graduate programs work individually with each applicant to ensure sound educational planning. College transcripts, references, and personal essays are all indicators of an individual’s ability to work successfully in graduate programs; they are important factors in the admission decision. See individual program descriptions for more details.

Admission requirements for international students

Language requirements

An official TOEFL or IELTS score report is required for international applicants whose native language is not English. For the TOEFL, a score of at least 100 on the internet- based or 600 on the paper-based test is required. For the IELTS, a minimum score of 6.5 is required. Copies and faxes are not accepted as official documents; we must receive test scores directly from the testing service.

Transcript Evaluation

Applicants who complete post-secondary education abroad are required to submit non-U.S. transcripts to Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. (ECE) or (for nursing applicants) the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools. The evaluation report must show that non-U.S. education is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s of science in nursing degree for applicants to the master’s of science in nursing program or, for applicants to the doctor of nursing practice program, equivalent to a master’s of science in nursing degree or any other health-related master’s degree, to be considered for admission.

Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. (ECE)
www.ece.org
414-289-3400
Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS)
www.cgfns.org

Academic Calendar

All graduate programs follow basic fall, spring and summer calendar session dates in the Goshen College campus calendar, with some minor variations.  The MAEE program begins in July and ends in May, spanning two academic years.

Drop/add period

Students may drop or add courses without notation on the transcript, until the second course meeting for weekly courses and up to one week for courses that meet daily.

Withdrawal from courses
After the drop/add deadline, dropping a course is permitted until 60 per cent through the course or term. A “W” will be entered on the permanent record. Withdrawals after the 60 per cent date will not be permitted.

Financial information

Financial aid

Purpose and philosophy

The financial aid program at Goshen College is designed to assist students in financing a Goshen education and to supplement, not replace, family resources for college.

Financial aid packaging

All financial aid awards are determined by the student financial aid office. Students applying for financial aid are considered for all aid for which they are eligible. Financial aid is normally provided in a “financial aid package”– a combination of institutional, state, federal and private loans, employment, and gifts. Goshen College attempts to provide a financial aid package adequate to meet the needs of each student who applies.

Types of financial aid available

• Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans: Annual Maximum $20,500
• Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans: Annual Maximum: Up to cost of attendance after Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans are applied
• Departmental Scholarships — The faculty for some graduate programs offer institutional scholarships under limited circumstances.

Procedures for applying for financial aid

Early and orderly planning is important for receiving financial assistance.

1. Apply for admission; a student must be admitted to the college before a financial aid offer can be made.
2. Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA may be obtained online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Students should specify 001799 as the code number for Goshen College in the appropriate section of the FAFSA. Goshen College’s priority FAFSA deadline is March 1.
3. Investigate other sources of financial aid: church, community service clubs, employer, industry or vocational rehabilitation.
4. The student financial aid office will begin awarding incoming students as early as January. Upon receiving a financial aid package, the student should review the award and respond to the guidelines stated in the financial aid notification.
5. Continuing students must reapply for financial aid each academic year. Aid usually continues at substantially the same level each year. All enrolled students receiving aid automatically receive information about applying for renewal awards. Award letters will be sent beginning in early April.

2023-24 Tuition and fees

See individual program descriptions for tuition and fees information.

Payment Information

Payment due dates

• Fall Term August 12, 2023
• Spring Term December 15, 2023
• Summer Session April 12, 2024

To avoid monthly finance charges, make full payment of any balance due or enroll in a payment plan before the due dates listed above. Full payment also confirms your course registration and guarantees your seat in class. It is recommended that all applications for financial aid be submitted at least two weeks prior to the payment due date. A $205 late payment fee will be added to delinquent accounts 60 days after each semester due date.

Interest of 12% annually (1% per month) will be charged against unpaid balances beginning 30 days after the drop/add period ends. Delinquent accounts will be sent to a collection agency at the college’s discretion at any time after the account is deemed past due. All collection costs assessed by the collection agency are the responsibility of the student and are added to the balance due.

Note: All amounts listed on statements and estimated bills are in US dollars.

Goshen College no longer mails out paper copies of statements or bills. Students will be notified by email when an estimated bill is ready, and will be expected to log in to MyGC to retrieve their bill. Real-time account information and monthly statements are available on MyGC under ‘My Account Balances’. The student is responsible to authorize MyGC access (or provide updated account information) to any person(s) making payments on their account.

Option #1: Payment in full. Payments received after the due date are subject to finance charges and a late payment fee. For more information on payment methods, including online and foreign currency payments, visit goshen.edu/accounting-office.

Option #2: Nelnet Payment Plan ($30 enrollment fee / 0% interest). Contracts may be arranged with Nelnet for a monthly payment plan to cover each semester. The enrollment fee for each semester-based plan is $30. There are no interest charges if the contract covers the entire balance due. For additional information, please contact the Accounting Office or visit MyCollegePaymentPlan.com/Goshen.

Financial Suspension

All Goshen College students are required to keep current on their accounts, regardless of class, program, or degree. Accounts must be paid in full or have a payment plan in place to cover the entire cost of the semester by the due date. Administrative, clerical or technical billing errors do not absolve the student of their financial responsibility to pay the correct amount of tuition, fees and other associated financial obligations assessed as a result of their registration at Goshen College. Full financial responsibilities are spelled out in the Goshen College Financial Responsibility Agreement (required from every student). Students with past due balances from current or previous semesters will be removed from future class rosters immediately after the end of mid-term break, unless a special waiver is granted by the Accounting Office. Appeals to financial suspension may be made to the Vice President for Finance.

Late graduation fee

The Goshen College Graduate School requires that a fee is paid if a student does not fulfill the requirements for graduation during the final semester of her or his cohort and must complete that coursework in a subsequent semester (or term). For instance, if a student was scheduled to complete the degree at the end of a semester/term, and is granted an incomplete grade (“I”) in one or more courses, and then completes work in a subsequent semester/term to graduate, a fee must be paid equivalent to one semester credit hour. This requirement includes “incomplete” grades in regular courses, as well as practicum, clinical, research, thesis and/or project courses wherein time and duties, are required by faculty members to administer or supervise the student.

Refund policies and procedures

The following tuition refund procedures apply to students who withdraw or are dismissed from the institution, change status from full-time to part-time, or reduce hours as a part- time student.

Voluntary withdrawal process

Students who withdraw completely from the college initiate the process by contacting their academic adviser and graduate program director.

Pro-rated tuition refund policies

Students who drop from courses will receive a refund based on days completed in the respective course at the time the student has notified the Program Director and Registrar’s Office that they are withdrawing. A student will be charged again for any course that is retaken. Specific refund information may be found at https://www.goshen.edu/financialaid/refund.

Financial aid refunds

Financial aid refunds may be available after financial aid processing is completed and enrollment status can be confirmed. Students enrolled in various sessions within a semester may receive refunds in installments after attendance in a registered course has been confirmed. Title IV Federal aid recipients who drop below half-time enrollment or withdraw completely from Goshen College may not be entitled to a loan disbursement or a refund of loan funds. If a Federal Direct Loan recipient drops below half-time enrollment during the expense period covered by the loan, ALL remaining disbursements will be canceled for that expense period.

Withdrawal and refund policy for reservists called to active duty

Any student called to active duty may withdraw from courses up until the last day of the term. If the withdrawal comes during the first 60 percent of the term, normal withdrawal and refund policies take effect. If departure comes after the 60 percent point, the student has the option of withdrawal “W” or incomplete “I”. Options should be discussed with and approved by the course instructor(s). If course withdrawal “W” is pursued, tuition and fees will be refunded on a pro-rated basis. The official date of withdrawal will be used to calculate the refund. Students receiving financial aid will be subject to refund policies as provided for by the agencies sponsoring the aid. Reservists called to active duty who wish to withdraw from courses must provide the Registrar with a copy of their orders.

Academic Policies

Graduation requirements

Please see respective graduate program websites and handbooks and this catalog for graduation requirements. In some programs, grading standards may be stricter than the minimum standards represented below.

Time limits for completing degree requirements

All work for a graduate degree must be completed within six years from the date of matriculation to the graduate program. To request an extension of the time limit, the student must submit a written request to the director of the graduate program specifying the amount of time needed and the reasons an extension is necessary. The director, in consultation with the program faculty, will notify the student in writing of the decision on an extension request.

Graduate Full-time Enrollment

A graduate student taking 6 credit hours in a given semester is considered full-time.

Leave of absence policy

Students whose plan of study is interrupted by at least one semester may apply for a leave of absence (LOA) at the time of their withdrawal. There must be sufficient evidence that medical, financial, or personal circumstances exist which make it impossible or difficult for the student to continue with a program of study; and there must be evidence that once these circumstances are resolved, the student would be able and committed to continuing the program of study.

Students contemplating a leave of absence should consult with their academic advisor and with financial aid. Specific refund information may be found on the financial aid website. Formal requests for leaves should be made by completing a leave of absence form prior to the end of the term and be submitted to the program director for approval.

Special Conditions for Medical Leave of Absence: A student who must interrupt study temporarily because of mental or physical illness or injury may be granted a medical leave of absence based on the written recommendation of a qualified, licensed healthcare provider. Goshen College reserves the right to place a student on medical leave of absence when it is determined that the student is a danger to self or others.

Transfer of graduate credit

A maximum of 9 total credit hours of comparable graduate level coursework from an accredited college or university may be transferred for master’s programs, upon consent of the program director. A maximum of 6 credit hours of comparable graduate level coursework from an accredited college or university may be transferred for the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program upon consent of the program director. Comparable is defined as courses that can substitute for course requirements in the program to which the student will be enrolled. Courses considered for transfer must have a grade of B (not B-) or higher and taken within six years of matriculation into the graduate program. See MSW Program Director for transfer of additional graduate credits for generalist (500) courses.

Application for graduation required

Candidates for degrees must apply online for graduation no later than the beginning of the last term of study, upon which time a graduation fee will be added to the student account. Late applications are subject to a $25 late fee or degree conferral will be moved to the next conferral date.  One commencement ceremony is held each year in spring.  Degree conferral happens in May, August, and December.

Course cancellation

The college reserves the right to cancel courses or to combine class sections when insufficient enrollment occurs.

Inclement Weather and Campus Closures

In the case of inclement weather or other emergencies, it may be necessary to shift face-to-face classes to remote learning. Goshen College will notify students by GC email if campus is closed and therefore a face-to-face class will be shifted to remote learning.

Dual Degrees

Dual degrees in the graduate programs offer the opportunity to earn two master’s degrees in less time than it would take to earn them individually. Studying two fields simultaneously or sequentially can allow each area to inform the other in theory and practice. Students must be accepted to both programs and meet all admission requirements. Students must meet the GPA requirement for both programs, along with any prerequisites for each program. Program directors must determine what requirements overlap and can double count, not to exceed 9 credits.

Grading and evaluation

Graduate students are evaluated utilizing a letter grade system with quality points. To remain in good standing, students must maintain a cumulative 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale.
A Excellent
A 4.0 quality points
A- 3.7 quality points
B Good
B+ 3.3 quality points
B 3.0 quality points
B- 2.7 quality points

C Marginal
C+ 2.3 quality points
C 2.0 quality points
C- 1.7 quality points
F Failure
F 0 quality points

CR Credit
Applies only to approved courses. No quality points. Indicates performance at B level or better.
NC No Credit
Applies only to approved courses. No quality points and no credit. Indicates performance at B- level or below.
SP Satisfactory Progress
A non-terminal grade for a continuing course.

W Withdrawal
Indicates student withdrawal from the course after the drop-add period and before 60 percent of the term is completed. Does not affect grade point average.
AU Audit
No credit given.
I Incomplete

Incomplete grades

A student may request a grade of “I” (incomplete) due to illness, death in the immediate family, or other extenuating circumstances. The student must be earning a “B” or higher and have completed at least 75% of the course at the time of their request for an “I” grade. The student will work with the professor to establish a plan and completion date on an Incomplete Grade Contract. The Incomplete Grade Contract must be approved as noted by signature of the student, professor, program director, and academic dean. The Incomplete Grade Contract must be completed no later than the end of the following term (see the Incomplete Grade Contract for specifics), at which time a grade will be assigned based on the work completed up to that point. A plan for completion that extends beyond this date must be approved by the professor, the program director, and the academic dean. The new grade is used to compute the grade point average, but the “I” remains on the student’s permanent record.

Grade reporting
Grades are available to students by logging in through MyGC and accessing course history. Payment of account balance is required for release of a transcript.

Grade point average

A cumulative grade point average (GPA) for standard system courses is posted on the student’s record at the end of each semester. Only courses completed at Goshen College are factored into the cumulative grade point average. All courses in the collaborative MBA, MSW, and DNP are considered to be Goshen College courses. The quality points listed above are used to calculate a student’s grade point average.

Academic Probation and Dismissal

Students who have completed nine or more hours in a graduate program will be placed on academic probation if their cumulative GPA falls below 3.0. Students receiving a grade lower than a “C“ must repeat the course. Students must pay for courses each time they are taken. The director of the program will notify such students in writing of the probationary status, which remains in effect until they raise their cumulative GPA above 3.0 or are dismissed from the program. Students on probation should work with their academic advisor to develop a plan for maximizing future academic success.

Graduate students may be dismissed from a graduate program upon receiving a grade of “C” or below on nine hours of graded work, receiving a second grade of “F”, or exhibiting attitudes, behaviors or lifestyle inconsistent with the mission of Goshen College.

MSN and DNP: MSN and DNP students must earn a “B-” or higher in each course to continue in the program. Consult the student handbook for academic requirements for continuation in the MSN and DNP programs.

MSW: MSW students must earn a “B” or higher in all field education courses (SOWK 570, 571, 670, 671). MSW students who have been dismissed from the program may request reinstatement during the following academic semester and may not enroll in any MSW courses during that academic semester. Students must submit a written reinstatement request to the program director within 30 days of receiving notice of dismissal. See the MSW student handbook for more information.

Official transcripts
Goshen College partners with Parchment to provide a secure, electronic way to request and send transcripts. Transcripts can be sent in either electronic or hardcopy format and must be ordered online. See the link and information at the Goshen College Registrar’s Office website. A transcript will be issued only if all financial obligations have been settled with Goshen College.

Credits

A unit of graduate academic credit is awarded to a student after successfully completing an approved academic course, by demonstrating competency or proficiency, or by fulfilling learning outcomes equivalent to those provided by an approved academic course.

Historically, a unit of academic credit is the measure of the total time commitment an average student is expected to devote to learning per week of study. Generally, one unit of credit represents a total of three hours per week of in-class and out-of-class work (Carnegie Unit of Credit). In this context, an hour is defined as 50 minutes. Goshen College guidelines for the academic calendar require a 3-credit lecture class to meet for a minimum of 2,100 minutes, including the final examination period. Non-traditional delivery methods require determining a unit of graduate credit with alternate means not based on time. Courses with non-traditional delivery methods shall assess students’ demonstration of competency or proficiency or fulfillment of learning outcomes to ensure that learning outcomes are equivalent to traditionally delivered courses.

Regardless of the method of determining a unit of graduate academic credit, the quality of student learning must be the primary concern of all Goshen College faculty members. Quality of learning requires continuous evaluation and assessment of student learning outcomes. Quality of learning also requires regular student attendance and/or participation to justify awarding a unit of graduate academic credit.

The following standards for a unit of academic credit may only be modified by an academic department when necessary to fulfill requirements of an accreditation agency. These standards should be treated as a minimum requirement for a unit of academic credit:

1. One unit of graduate academic credit shall be determined by demonstration of competency, demonstration of proficiency, or fulfillment of learning outcomes as judged by the appropriate faculty to be equivalent to a traditionally defined unit of graduate credit.
2. For internships, student teaching, clinical practice, community-based learning and similar educational activities which are not under the direct supervision by a Goshen College faculty member, one unit of graduate academic credit is commensurate with the hours involved and quality of the learning experience. Academic credit is awarded when the student fulfills the objectives and/or obtains the required competencies as set by the academic department.
3. For supervised graduate research and other similar activities, the amount of effort required for one unit of graduate academic credit is determined by the supervising faculty and/or department.
4. For travel courses, instruction and student work for the purposes of credit hour computation may include class sessions and course assignments before and after the dates of travel in addition to the required experiences and assignments while traveling.

Academic integrity policy

Goshen College expects all students and faculty members to practice academic integrity. Honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility are essential building blocks in creating a vital learning community. They are also the foundation for lifelong integrity.

Academic dishonesty at Goshen College is considered a serious breach of the “Goshen College Commitment to Community Standards.” Academic dishonesty is any act that misrepresents academic work or interferes with the academic work of others. It includes:

• Plagiarism (giving the impression that the work is your own when it is not)
• Cheating on assignments or exams
• Falsification of data
• Submission of the same (or substantially the same) paper in more than one course without the prior consent of all instructors concerned
• Depriving others of necessary academic sources
• Sabotaging another student’s work

Consequences of academic dishonesty are based upon the severity of the offense, course expectations, and other variables. Consequences for individual offenses may range from re-doing the assignment to dismissal from the college. The Associate Academic Dean administers academic integrity violation and grievance processes. MSW students who commit academic dishonesty, including all forms of plagiarism and cheating, may be required to complete a Student Action Plan. See the MSW Student Handbook for more information.

Academic grievance policy

This policy seeks to provide a fair and expeditious process that allows for both informal and formal resolution of conflicts. Students of Goshen College who believe that policy has not been followed with respect to academic matters may initiate the academic grievance procedure. Academic matters are those concerned with instructional activities, grading procedures or other incidents related to academic affairs. Students should be aware that clear evidence is needed to contest a grade. Belief that a subject or test was too difficult is not grounds for a complaint. A student must have evidence that specific policy was violated or that he or she was treated in a prejudicial or capricious manner. This policy does not limit Goshen College’s right to change rules, policies, or practices.

Informal resolution

1. A Goshen College student must first contact the faculty member who allegedly violated his/her rights to determine if there can be an informal resolution. The contact should be made by the student within ten business days (Monday-Friday, excluding observed holidays) of when the alleged violation occurred. The student must provide written documentation to the faculty member which includes:
   • A statement concerning the nature of the complaint
   • Any evidence on which the complaint is based
   • The outcome that the student seeks
2. The faculty member will respond in writing within ten business days to the student’s written request to meet. The student and faculty member will then meet to determine if an informal resolution can be reached.

Formal resolution

1. If the student is not satisfied with the outcome of the meeting in #2 above, the student may contact, within five business days, the Program Director in which the alleged violation of the student’s right has occurred to appeal the outcome. If the faculty member is the Program Director, the student may proceed to the Department Chair (Step 3).
2. The student must present a written appeal to the Program Director. The Program Director and student will meet within five business days after the student’s written appeal has been received by the Program Director. The Program Director will respond in writing to the student’s written appeal within five business days after the meeting. This response will go to both the student and the faculty member.
3. If the outcome of this meeting is not satisfactory to the student, he/she may appeal to the Department Chair within five business days after receiving the Program Director’s response in writing. All written documentation up to this point will be sent to the Department Chair.
4. Within five business days of receiving the documentation, the Department Chair will meet with the student and the faculty member to attempt to arrive at a mutually satisfactory settlement of the disagreement. If the dispute is not resolved to the student’s satisfaction, the student may initiate an academic grievance hearing in writing to the Associate Academic Dean.
5. Within five business days of receiving a written request for an academic grievance hearing, the Associate Academic Dean will chair an Academic Response Team composed of two Graduate Program Directors. The Associate Academic Dean will appoint members of the Academic Response Team (ART), none of whom shall be members of the academic department of the faculty member who is being disputed. All members of the ART are voting members.
6. The Academic Response Team will review written statements and information supplied by the student and faculty member. Both the student and the faculty member have the right to make a personal appearance before the Academic Response Team. The team may make such further investigation as is deemed appropriate and may seek assistance or information from other personnel. All discussions and submitted written documents will be treated as strictly confidential.
7. After this review, the Academic Response Team will make a decision regarding the complaint within five business days. This is considered to be the final step in the academic grievance procedure. The Academic Response Team will issue their decision to the grievant, the faculty member and the Program Director in writing that will include the relevant findings of fact, conclusions, and reasons for the decision.

Privacy rights of students

In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), post-secondary students enrolled at Goshen College are hereby notified of their rights with respect to their education records. They are:

1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the college receives a request for access. Students should submit to the registrar, vice president for student life or another appropriate official, written requests that identify the record(s) they wish to inspect. The college official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes is inaccurate or misleading. Students may ask the college to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write to the college official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want to be changed and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the college decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the college will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.
3. The right to prohibit disclosure of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception that permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the college in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research or support staff position (including security personnel); a person or company with whom the college has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor or collection agent); a person serving on the board of directors; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his/her tasks. A school official has legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.
4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Goshen College to comply with the requirements of FERPA.
   The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 600 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20202-4605. FERPA further provides that certain information concerning the student, designated as “directory information,” may be released by the College unless the student has informed the college that such information should not be released. “Directory information” includes:

• Student name
• Permanent address
• Local address*
• Telephone number*
• E-mail address*
• ID photo*
• Verification of birth date supplied by inquirer
• Dates of attendance
• Classification and enrollment status (full or part-time)
• Date of graduation and degree received
• Major field(s) of study
• Awards and honors received
• Most recent previous educational institution attended by the student
• Participation in officially recognized activities

*Local address, phone number, email address and student ID photo are available on Goshen College’s Web site, but only to people using a computer connected to Goshen College’s on-campus network (physically connected to the network or remotely connected with a valid Goshen College username and password.) Goshen College does not provide student e-mail lists to public or private entities.

Any student who desires that any or all of the above listed information not be released may contact the registrar’s office or complete the form found at goshen.edu/registrar/privacy/. Questions about this policy may be directed to the Registrar or Dean of Students.

 

Please see respective graduate program handbooks for additional academic policies and procedures.