A student who receives an honors degree at Goshen College demonstrates that learning is an activity done in community, understanding is collaborative, wisdom is collective and inspired, and that the purpose of accomplishments is to be of greater service to one's community, church, humanity, and God. Completion of 40 hours of service exclusive of work done for pay or credit. If service work is sponsored by the Student Development Division, the Honors Director will accept documentation without question. Documentation of external service projects may be sent by the Honors Director to Student Development for validation. Goshen College does not recognize academic achievement without service as honorable.
Service is defined broadly as work done on behalf of another person or community.
While this requirement may be met easily by Goshen Students, documentation of service will cause students to reflect upon the nature of their commitment to others and how they are cultivating a habit of service. Before the application to pursue the honors degree is approved, the supervisor must take the student's name to the department for consideration. The final decision as to whether a student may write a thesis will be left to the discretion of the department in which the work is done. Students who do not habitually maintain a high G.P.A. in their discipline are not normally allowed to pursue an honors degree. Exceptions to the above eligibility requirements will be considered by the Honors Director.