Student Handbook

Zollikon Institute is a learning community that focuses on equipping individuals with steadfastness of faith, integrity of character, and excellence of skill through the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Zollikon Institute provides quality post-secondary, accredited, certificate, and professional courses of study for the student from the plain Anabaptist community, along with mentoring. 

Our mission is to build this community of scholars on a foundation of historic Christianity made manifest in a two-kingdom theology, and the priesthood of all believers, as manifested in early Anabaptist theology and perspective.  We seek not to destroy a culture, but to restore, build, and grow it.

Zollikon Institute is founded on these guiding truths: 

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”   (Matthew 22:37)

“This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses.  Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.”  (Deuteronomy 30:19) 

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised.” (Luke 4:18) 

Zollikon Institute is based on these beliefs and values: 

Authentic and historic Christian faith:  Affirming Christian values and truth as that which brings coherence to all the disciplines of study.  Faith may be inspired through viewing the lives of  others, but is only acquired within the individual through a personal commitment and personal  choices.  We agree to affirm and support these values in the classroom, on campus, and as we go about our daily lives.

Imago Dei:  Though fallen and in need of redemption and restoration, the image of God resides  within each individual, thus making every person worthy of dignity and respect. Reflecting that image includes but is not limited to, the respectful communication of both listening and speaking.  We agree to act with respect towards all individuals in our actions and speech. 

Beauty:  Affirming beauty as that which inspires creative, innovative thinking, and affirms the goodness and character of God. 

Excellence in academic rigor and research:  Engaging in rigorous academic exercises and research grows the individual and permits for service in a rapidly changing world.  We agree to consistently engage in sharpening our research and skills to serve our world to the best of our abilities.

Character:  The redemption process is aided through the work of the Holy Spirit within the individual.  Practicing the spiritual disciplines is a portion of how the Holy Spirit works to an inherent change in the life of the individual.  Integrity, self-discipline, responsibility, loyalty, compassion and service.  We agree to give careful attention to the development of our own character and inner development as that which expresses the redemptive work of Christ in the expression of our lives.

Communication:  Effectively engaging and communicating these values in the marketplace.  We agree to communicate our views with respect in ways that are true to Zollikon Institute’s values and beliefs.

Community:  Engaged learning within a community of scholars.  We agree to be team players and individuals who work together as a community and for the betterment of our community.

Zollikon Institute strives to provide an education that will help students grow with excellent skills, a love of truth, and a vibrant, mature faith.

Walking out our faith in the “shoe leather” of life is foundational to our Anabaptist peace tradition and Christian faith.  We seek to create an atmosphere of innovation, mutual respect, and rigorous academic discipline that is both life-giving and peace driven.

To this end, we provide the curricular and co-curricular context in which to pursue the following educational goals:

1. 1. Understand the Biblical, historical, and theological foundations of the Christian faith
   2. Understand and critically engage the bodies of knowledge and influences through a lens of Truth, as expressed in the person of Christ and written scriptures
   3. Think critically and creatively and communicate effectively in multiple contexts
   4. Attain expertise in at least one profession or discipline and lay the foundation for meaningful work or further studies at the graduate level
   5. Explore the implications of the Christian faith for all areas of living, including intellectual, spiritual, and community

Zollikon Institute provides two different tracks of study–accredited courses and Professional Development courses.  Zollikon Institute’s Professional Development courses are designed for people who are already working and who desire further training in their field of employment or ministry.  All courses have been developed specifically for the Amish and Mennonite community to learn in the context of our own Christian faith.  A certificate will be awarded upon the completion of each Professional Development course.  

Accredited Courses and Professional Development Courses

Zollikon Institute’s accredited courses are offered through a partnership with Malone University.   Students who enroll in Zollikon Institute’s accredited courses will receive college credit through Malone University as Malone students.  These credits will allow for continued university-level study towards a bachelor’s degree.  The accredited courses have the same expectations as all other Malone University courses and are taught by instructors who are in agreement with our Zollikon Covenant.  Zollikon students who take accredited courses through Malone University will use the Malone Student Handbook as well as this Zollikon Institute Handbook.  

Zollikon Institute’s courses are designed to meet the needs of working adult students as well as students in their final year of high school.  You will learn in your home community while also experiencing the fellowship of a learning community with frequent shared community meals and opportunities to meet with other adult learners, faculty, and staff. 

Attendance

Class attendance is an important component of completing your class requirements.  Zollikon students who are enrolled in accredited courses will follow Malone University’s attendance requirements.  Zollikon students who are enrolled in Professional Development courses are asked to notify their instructor if they need to miss a class.  Attendance records will be kept as a part of Zollikon’s student records.  In order to foster a good learning experience, and earn the certificate, you are expected to come to class prepared and on time.

Confidentiality

Student confidentiality is important to us.  Zollikon’s accredited courses will follow all Malone protocols in terms of privacy.  Zollikon/Malone student grades for accredited courses are sent directly by the course instructor to the Registrar’s office located on Malone’s main campus in Canton, Ohio.

Internet and Computor Access

Zollikon students who register for accredited courses will be expected to have access to the internet and a computer.  If this is not possible, students should speak with their instructor to find a solution.  Computers will not be required for Professional Development courses.

Tutoring

Zollikon Institute wants to see students succeed in their courses.  Students who struggle with class work will be offered tutoring support and help in developing effective study habits.

Deadline for Registration

Students are encouraged to register as early as possible so that Zollikon Institute can plan for instructors.  Students must register for classes at least one full week before the start of the course.

Community Meals

An evening meal will be provided between classes for students attending professional development or accredited courses. 

Dress Code

The goal of Zollikon Institute dress code is to promote:

• • Modesty
  • Respect
  • Community
  • Professionalism
  • Orderliness
  • Neatness

Dual-enrolled high-school students are required to follow the dress codes of the schools in which they are enrolled when in the Zollikon classroom or participating in a Zollikon Institute event.

Post-high school students are required to follow the dress codes of the church congregations where they regularly attend, or are members.

All Zollikon students shall wear clothing that covers the body in a way that directs others to appreciate the character of the wearer rather than to focus on the body or clothing style of the individual.

All students and staff:

• • Logos or writing on clothing must not be distracting to the educational atmosphere or bring attention to or promote anything contrary to Zollikon Institute Values.
  • Women shall reflect modesty in necklines and tops shall be sleeved. Skirts shall be of modest length and leggings shall not be worn without a skirt.
  • Male students shall wear sleeved shirts with hair neatly trimmed.
  • Staff, faculty and employees shall observe the Employee handbook guidelines.

Conflict and Grievance Plan

From time to time, conflict may arise within the Zollikon Institute community.  We will practice Matthew 18 in creating an atmosphere of respect.

1. 1. Step One:   If a student has a problem, they are encouraged to first speak directly with the person involved rather than discussing the problem with other people.  This approach from Matthew 18 avoids slander and gossip.
   2. Step Two:  If the issue is not resolved, or if the student feels unable or unsafe to speak directly with the person involved, the student should meet with the Executive Director in person or in writing as soon as possible to ask for assistance with the resolution of the problem.
   3. If the problem is still not resolved the student should provide the facts of the problem, which will be presented to the Board President (Chair) to ask for assistance in resolving the issue.  If an issue involves the Executive Director, then the Board President (Chair) will take on the responsibility to respond to the grievance in the place of the Executive Director.

If a student is participating in an accredited course, the Malone grievance procedure will be used.

Harassment

Zollikon Institute strives to create and maintain a learning and working environment in which people are treated with dignity, decency and respect.

Harassment will not be tolerated.  Harassment is any verbal or physical conduct designed to threaten, intimidate or coerce an employee, student or any person involved with Zollikon Institute.  Examples of harassment may include:

• • Verbal harassment includes comments or teasing that is offensive or unwelcome regarding a person’s national origin, race, color, religion, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, appearance, disability, marital status or other protected status, including epithets, slurs and negative stereotyping.
  • Nonverbal harassment includes distribution, display or any written or graphic material that shows disrespect toward an individual or group because of national origin, race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, appearance, disability, sexual identity, marital status or other protected status.

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.  Some examples could be:

• • use of sexual epithets, jokes, written or oral references to sexual conduct, gossip regarding one’s sex life;
  • sexually oriented comment on an individual’s body, comment about an individual’s sexual activity, deficiencies, or prowess;
  • displaying sexually suggestive objects, pictures, cartoons;
  • unwelcome leering, whistling, deliberate brushing against the body in a suggestive manner;
  • sexual gestures or sexually suggestive comments;
  • inquiries into one’s sexual experiences; or
  • discussion of one’s sexual activities.       

Such behavior is inappropriate and may result in disciplinary action regardless of whether it is unlawful.

Process for reporting harassment and sexual harassment:

1. 1. Any student of Zollikon Institute who has experienced any form of harassment should notify the Executive Director in writing as soon as possible to share the facts of the situation.  If the Executive Director is involved in the situation, then the report should be made to the chair of the Zollikon Institute Board.  A standing committee made up of the Executive Director and two members appointed by the board will investigate the situation.  Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken with any employee or student who violates this policy.  Based on the seriousness of the offense, disciplinary action may include verbal or written reprimand, suspension, or termination of student status.
   2. Any student bringing a report of harassment has the right to engage an outside advocate.

Students taking courses that are accredited by Malone University will follow the Malone University Harassment and Sexual Harassment policies. 

Nondiscrimination Policy

Zollikon Institute admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students of Zollikon Institute.  It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship programs, and other school-administered programs.  Neither will Zollikon Institute tolerate any student or employee to engage in verbal or physical conduct that denigrates or shows hostility or aversion toward an individual for any of these reasons.

Zollikon Institute’s courses are designed to meet the needs of working adult students as well as students in their final year of high school.  You will learn in your home community while also experiencing the fellowship of a learning community with frequent shared community meals and opportunities to meet with other adult learners, faculty, and staff. 

Health & Medical Care

Zollikon students should not attend classes if they are feeling sick.  For accredited and Professional Development courses, in the event that classes cannot be held as scheduled, an alternative schedule or an alternative delivery of course material will be used so that students may complete the term. 

Covid Disclaimer:  Zollikon Institute’s accredited courses will follow the recommendations of the Holmes County Health District, the county in which Zollikon Institute is located.

For Medical Care:  Office appointments can be made at Mount Eaton Medical Group, (330) 359-5489, 15988 E. Chestnut St., Mt. Eaton, OH.

For Urgent Care:  Visit Pomerene Medical Center East, (330) 893-0793, 3169 State Route 39, Millersburg, OH. Hours: Mon-Fri 7a-7p, Sat 9a-1p

For Emergency Care:  Call 911 for transport to Pomerene Hospital, (330) 674-1015, 981 Wooster Rd., Millersburg, OH.

Refund and Withdrawal Policy

If a student withdraws from a course after the course has begun, the tuition will be refunded on a prorated basis. 

• Weeks 1 100% refund
• Week 2 – 60% refund
• Week 3 – no refund

The enrollment fee will not be refunded.  If a student withdraws from an accredited course, Malone University policy will apply.

Scholarships and Launch Gifts