Gordon College campus life is filled with opportunities to engage with the community, to develop leadership skills and to learn more about the world. With its strong Christian foundation and commitment to excellence in education, Gordon College has a reputation for preparing students for life. The college’s academics are Biblically based, and its faculty are experienced leaders in their field. In addition to its extensive curriculum, the school offers a number of special interest groups that keep everyone interested.
For example, the Campus Events Council is a great way to meet new people and develop an individual sense of identity. Students can also get involved in a variety of outreach programs and service trips. These programs are organized by student-led groups, and provide many opportunities for students to learn more about the world.
A few years ago, there was a significant controversy over the college’s stance on sexuality. It was alleged that Gordon had not taken a position on the matter and that they were not taking the requisite steps to recognize the LGBTQ+ community on campus. Despite this, the college continued to allow pro-LGBTQ speakers on campus.
Since that time, students have lobbied the administration to reconsider its policy. There have been various statements of solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community, as well as a petition urging the university to reverse its stance.
However, in the most recent chapel address, President Lindsay spoke about his letter to the students and stated that the statement on sexual ethics was only a response to the concerns of some students. He discussed the importance of the “Statement on Sexual Ethics,” but he did not discuss the broader issues impacting student life.
Many students saw this as an attempt to avoid talking about a topic that is important to them. While there is no question that the college must continue to affirm the LGBTQ+ community, it cannot ignore the issues surrounding human sexuality.
Gordon College does not have a full-time speaker who is openly gay, but the college does encourage its students to interact with other LGBTQ+ students and staff. This is one way that Gordon aims to ensure that its students are prepared for a world in which LGBTQ+ identities are increasingly common.
Other efforts include providing support for students of color. Gordon has a Multicultural Initiatives Office that provides emotional and academic support to students of color. Additionally, the college’s residence halls offer centralized support for technology needs on campus.
The college is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities and the Annapolis Group, and is accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education. Furthermore, the school’s teacher-education program is recognized by the Massachusetts Department of Education under the Interstate Service Compact.
Gordon College is a liberal arts school, with a strong focus on residential college life. The school has a campus population of over 1,657 full-time undergraduates, with the majority living on campus. Most students are required to live on campus, although those who have married or are on special programs can reside off-campus.