Student Life 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.
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 (e.g. 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.
Racial prejudice
Racial prejudice is attitudes or beliefs that hold particular racial or ethnic groups superior to others, often resulting in justification of discriminatory treatment or other acts of racial prejudice. Racial prejudice 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 attitudes and actions of racial prejudice do not exemplify 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 racial prejudice is contrary to the life and teachings of Christ. Therefore, we will resist the pervasive racial prejudice of our society by identifying and confronting its evidence.
Sexual Misconduct
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.
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
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.
