Frequently Asked Questions
- When can I enter?
You may begin your studies during any term throughout the year, but we strongly recommend that you begin with an on-campus intensive course, either in January or in June.
- Do I need to complete a special application process in order to enroll?
No. You complete the normal application process, although you must indicate that you are applying for the AccessCIU study track. Further information on the application process may be viewed on the Admissions page.
- What Financial Aid is available?
The Financial Aid Office has information and applications for the AccessCIU Scholarships and Student Loans. Also, print an information sheet Church Matching Grants. Contact Dan Griffin by e-mail or call 803-807-5037.
- When will information on upcoming courses be available?
In mid-April, registration information for the June intensive courses and the Fall Semester distance learning courses will be posted on the Current and Upcoming Courses page. In mid-November, registration information for the January intensive courses and the Spring Semester distance learning courses will be posted. You will receive an e-mail message notifying you of the registration dates and the location of the forms.
- How do I register for the courses I want to take?
Once registration information is posted, you will be able to register on-line for your upcoming intensive course(s) and to pre-register for the subsequent term. Confirmation of both your registration and pre-registration will be sent to you via e-mail.
- Is there a website for the course? How do I access it?
Course information is available through CIUOnline. If you already have a CIUOnline account, you will be able to access your new course within two business days of the time you submit your registration. If you do not yet have a CIUOnline account, you may obtain your login information in either of the following ways:
- Call 803-807-5040. Upon verification of your identity, CIU Web Support personnel will guide you in logging in to CIUOnline for the first time.
- Print the authorization form -- write your mailing address, sign it, and send it to CIU Web Support. You may either fax it to 803-786-4209 or mail it to Columbia International University, 7435 Monticello Road, Columbia, SC 29203, Attn: Web Support. After we receive your signed release, we will mail you your login instructions.
- All students admitted to a degree program via the AccessCIU study track must have an account through CIUOnline. Any and all communications regarding degree programs must come from your CIUOnline e-mail address: "firstname.lastname@mailbox.ciu.edu." Communications with addresses not ending in "@mailbox.ciu.edu" will be asked to resend through your CIUOnline account.
If you have questions about CIUOnline, please contact CIU Web Support at websupport [at] ciu.edu (Anti-spam: replace the [at] with "@") or 1-803-807-5777.
- How do I find out the requirements for the courses I want to take?
You will find most of the information you will need for each course in the course syllabus. The course syllabus will be posted on the course home page approximately one month before the course is scheduled to begin.
- How do I find out information on textbooks for the courses?
You will find information on textbooks in the course syllabus. The course syllabus will be posted on the course home page approximately one month before the course is scheduled to begin. You are responsible to purchase your own textbooks. One option is to order them from the CIU Bookstore. To order by email contact bookstore [at] ciu.edu (Anti-spam: replace the [at] with "@"). To order by phone contact the cashier at 1-803-807-5263.
- Whom do I contact if I have additional questions?
- Mr. James Wilson is the Office Manager for AccessCIU. He will be able to respond to any questions you might have. If you have additional questions which are not answered here, you may contact Mr. Wilson by at jwilson [at] ciu.edu (Anti-spam: replace the [at] with "@") or by dialing direct to 803-807-5322.
