Goshen College

Photo: Goshen College. Retrieved from: www.wikipedia.org

Goshen College comes from a long line of educators and church-affiliated members that share a similar belief in the quality of education for young students. With a strong devotion to civility and world peace, Goshen College students can enjoy an atmosphere that encourages students to accept and challenge their differences while being introduced to new surroundings. The school was founded on the beliefs that providing students with a strong diverse education based on the liberal arts culture would advance them intellectually, in hopes to avoid poverty. For this reason, all students are encouraged to participate in their community both on and off campus to enrich their education. Many students come to Goshen College to pursue a degree in the medical field and health professions; however other popular majors include business management and visual arts as well.

Goshen College students actively participate in the international study programs available through the Office of Student Services; these programs provide academically enriched experiences into various parts of the world. With over 35 majors to choose from, students can appreciate the wide range of options available at Goshen College. Many students pursue double majors in order to maximize their potential after graduation.

School History

Goshen College was founded in 1894, originally called the Elkhart Institute of Science, Industry and the Arts. The school operated as a prep school for Mennonite and other students in order to build a strong educational foundation to help the students advance their professional skills and opportunities. However, by the early 1900s, the school had grown beyond its capacity, and needed to expand into a larger facility to accommodate both existing and enrolling students. In light of the rapid growth, the school was relocated to a wheat field located on the southern edge of Goshen. The campus grounds were established in 1903 under the presidency of Noah Byers. Soon after, the school implemented a series of Culture for Service Awards to commend students that exemplified outstanding community and civil service in honor of the schools founders.

Goshen College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.

In 1968, the College implemented the Study-Service team which participated in many community service tasks around campus and the surrounding communities. By 2002, Goshen College decided to redesign the academic curriculum to include more scientific and professional course studies in addition to the liberal arts culture. Around this time, international programs were also revamped after sending three select students to study in India, developing the foundation for many future community outreach programs.

Campus Life

Experiencing all that Goshen College campus life has to offer requires students to balance their schedules effectively, as there is a wealth of events and activities held around campus on a daily basis. Many students utilize services provides by the Office of Student life to help them participate in as many events as possible while attending classes, however many choose to get involved with organizations and special interests groups right from their freshman year. Throughout the school year, students work together to provide the student body with fun and academically enriching activities such as Homecoming Week, Greek Life and multicultural affairs throughout the year.

The campus grounds provide students with all the basic essentials such as dinning services, the Java Junction coffee bar and the Academic resource and Writing Center which is available to help students with school work and professional training. The Chapel and Convocation Office is available during the entire school year to assist students in spiritual growth and future clergy professions. Goshen College remains a close-knit community as the founders had established centuries ago. This includes maintaining a strong support system and student involvement in both campus life and community service.

Students that choose to live on campus can decide between several housing options throughout the grounds such as residence halls, student apartments and small group housing. Many students prefer to dorm in the Coffman Suites or take advantage of the Junior and Senior designated floors in the residence halls. Undergrad students often participate in the study abroad program to optimize their college experience and professional resume.

Financial Aid

Financial aid is a huge part of the college experience which is why Goshen College is dedicated to helping students file the necessary paperwork to obtain funding on time. The Office of Financial Aid is available throughout the year to assist students and family members in exploring all funding options. Goshen College accepts all forms of government funded loans, grants and scholarships as well as offers students independent funding through the school as well.

Upon admission, most students receive some form of merit award based on placement testing scores and high school career achievements. This form of funding may include book expenses, personal expenses or full tuition scholarships each semester. Financial aid counselors can assist students in preparing and meeting the requirements for the individual funding options, as well as maintain the requirements throughout the semester. Work-study programs are also available throughout the campus grounds.