Geert Groote Institute, Windesheim University

Abstract

Windesheim University of Applied Sciences is one of the largest universities of professional education in The Netherlands, as a result of the merger of ten individual, mostly Christian, colleges in 1986. It is located in the city of Zwolle, capital of Overijssel, one of the eastern provinces of the country. The purpose of this case study is to examine the spiritual development programs of the Geert Groote Institute, which is the organizational unit responsible for an ongoing dialogue on the identity of Windesheim University. The Geert Groote Institute fulfilled its mission by providing off-site retreats for employees, managers, and students, by organizing other reflective activities, and by advising the board of directors on identity and values. This case study was performed with the objective to investigate how reflection on values is integrated in daily work within a large educational institution and how the organization can facilitate the ongoing dialogue on identity and values.