Columbia International University

FAQ's

Courses:

What type of courses do you offer?
Independent courses in Bible, Theology, Education, Greek, Church History, and Intercultural Studies. www.ciu.edu/distance/courses Online courses in Bible, Theology, and Greek. www.ciu.edu/distance/courses

Are you Accredited?
Yes! CIU is a regionally accredited Christian university with a strong reputation for international ministry. CIU is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS 1866 Southern Lane P.O. Box 1523 Decatur, GA 30033-4097) and the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE). Seminary programs are accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS).
CIU has also earned 13 course-of-the-year awards from ACCESS, the Christian distance education association.

How can I look at syllabi for courses?
Syllabi for Fall, Spring, and Summer offerings of the course are available online. Click on the courses link, then on Undergraduate, Graduate, or Seminary, then find the course you want to view and click on the course title. Click here to view courses.

How do independent courses work?
Courses are designed with lectures, reading, online assignments and class discussion, and written assignments and examinations. Assignments are submitted by progress reports, which can be e-mailed or mailed to your faculty assistant or professor. Exams are taken through approved proctors. Students may begin work several months before the semester starts, but all work is to be completed by the end of the semester. Students taking a course apart from a semester load (section DE) may petition for a six-month extension to the semester deadline if 50% of the course is completed satisfactorily at least 30 days before the end of the semester. Extensions are not available for students taking a course as part of a semester load (section EX).

How do online courses work?
Courses are designed with lectures, reading, online group and individual assignments, online class discussion, and written assignments and examinations. Work is submitted in progress reports; exams are taken through approved proctors or online. Courses are offered in semesters and run approximately four months in length. You must commit at least 10 hours per week to an online course to enroll. Students taking a course apart from a semester load (section DO) may petition for an eight-week extension to the semester deadline if 50% of the course is completed satisfactorily at least 30 days before the end of the semester. Extensions are not available for students taking a course as part of a semester load (section EO).

What is the cost for distance education courses?
Application Fee: $35.00
Tuition Rates: $325-350 per credit hour (distance sections DE/DO), $375-600 per credit hour (resident sections EX/EO). See Tuition and Fees for details.
Tuition and fee rates are subject to change.
Materials: Prices for materials are listed at www.ciu.edu/bookstore

Is financial aid available for distance courses?
Students registering for distance courses as part of a semester load (sections EX/EO) may be eligible for financial aid. All sections of distance learning courses qualify for military Tuition Assistance and Veteran's Benefits. No tuition discounts or financial aid is available for students enrolled in courses apart from a semester load (sections DE/DO). For more information on financial aid, contact CIU's Student Financial Services Office at finaid@ciu.edu (803) 807-5036.

Will courses transfer to other colleges and universities?
CIU is a regionally accredited university; however, the college receiving transfer credit sets policies regarding transfer, so check with the school you wish to transfer credit to prior to registering for a course. For more information on transfer registration, contact the CIU Registrar's Office at registrar@ciu.edu or (803) 807-5033.

Can I take a distance education course as part of a semester load?
Yes! Sign up for section EX (independent) or section EO (online) of the course when you register for your other campus courses with your advisor or at CIUOnline. Due dates for your progress reports are listed in the syllabus. Note that there will be penalties for assignments submitted late. You will pay resident tuition rates and receive resident credit for the course. Freshmen, sophomores, and undergraduate students with a cumulative GPA below 2.0 cannot take independent courses as part of a semester load without a waiver from Dean of the Bible College.

When can I begin a course?
Syllabi for upcoming semesters are posted online at www.ciu.edu/distance. You can purchase materials and begin working on a course anytime after the syllabus is posted. Registration for distance courses opens about two months before the start of the semester. Registered students may begin submitting assignments for grading once the early submission window begins (see the Course Calendar & Deadlines for specific dates).

How long do I have to complete a course?
Students may begin work anytime after the syllabus is posted. Work for independent courses may be submitted during the early submission window (approximately 90 days before the start of the semester) once you have registered for the course. All work is to be completed by the end of the semester. See the Course Calendar & Deadlines for specific dates. Students in sections DE or DO may petition for an extension, see "What if I need more time to finish a course?" below.

What if I need more time to finish a course?
Students taking an independent course apart from a semester load (section DE) may petition for a six-month extension to the semester deadline if 50% of the course is completed satisfactorily at least 30 days before the end of the semester. Students taking a course apart from a semester load (section DO) may petition for an eight-week extension to the semester deadline if 50% of the course is completed satisfactorily at least 30 days before the end of the semester. Extensions are not available for students taking a course as part of a semester load (sections EX or EO).

What if I do not finish a course?
A final grade will be processed based on the work that has been completed for the course. Any work not submitted will be calculated as a zero.

How do I submit assignments?
All of the assignments for this course have been divided into a series of Progress Reports. The Progress Report forms list the work to be completed and submitted for grading. Submit the work and the Progress Report form to your Faculty Assistant as soon as you have completed the work for that Progress Report. Do not send in more than one Progress Report at one time. Pace your work evenly so you have time for comprehension and reflection. Submitting more than one Progress Report at a time will result in a grade penalty. Work can be submitted by e-mail or postal mail. Further instructions can be found in your course syllabus and study guide.

What if an assignment gets lost?
Please keep a copy of all work you submit. You will need to resubmit work if it is not received by the faculty assistant.

Can I use my personal e-mail address for communications?
For reasons of security and confidentiality, all communications from CIU personnel will be sent to your CIUOnline e-mail account. You may set this account to forward to an outside address if you wish; however; CIU does not assume responsibility for confidential information forwarded to an outside e-mail provider.

How do I forward my CIUOnline e-mail?
Go to www.ciuonline.com and login. Click on "Check Webmail" on the right hand side of the page. Then enter your username and password again. Then click on the Options button on the top of the page. Then click on the "Mail Forwarding Options" and follow the instructions given.

How do I take exams?
Exams for this courses must be taken under the supervision of an approved proctor who meets these qualifications:
Your proctor should be a principal, professor, guidance counselor, school administrator, pastor, chaplain, or a church, missions, school or college leader who can administer the exam in his or her office. The proctor must be present while you take the exam. A proctor cannot be anyone related to you.

When the Progress Report you are working on calls for it, fill in the Proctor Form in the syllabus with your information, and write your proctor's name and address. Mail or e-mail the Proctor Form to the Distance Education Center, allowing sufficient time for us to prepare your exam and send it to your proctor. Our office must receive your Proctor Form to release your exam to the proctor. You may also fax the Proctor Form to (803) 223-2502, or e-mail it to distance@ciu.edu, putting "Proctor Form"and course number on the subject line.

Take your exams after you have completed and reviewed all the work covered on that exam, but before you begin the work for your next Progress Report. When you are ready to take your exam, contact your Proctor and arrange a suitable time. Bring photo identification and a supply of paper to the exam. No electronic device (computer, cell phone, MP3 player, etc.) may be used during the exam. After you have taken the exam, you and the proctor must sign an honor statement. Your proctor must then return the exam and your answer sheets to the Distance Education Center.

What Library privileges do Distance Education students have?
Distance Education students have full access to the resources of the CIU library at www.ciu.edu/library. The library will send materials to you anywhere in the world. Contact the Reference Librarian by e-mail, phone, fax, or postal mail. Be sure to mention the number and title of the independent or online course you are taking and explain your topic carefully. The Reference Librarian will help you locate materials for your course assignments. The library website includes access to the online library catalog and several research databases. Contact information for the library:
E-Mail: refdesk@ciu.edu
Fax: (803) 744-1391
Phone: (803) 807-5102

How do I arrange for an ADA accommodation?
If you require an accommodation for completing any assignment or taking exams, please contact the CIU Director of Academic Services at (803) 807-5612. Approval must be granted ahead of time.

How do I take the course evaluation at the end of my course?
The evaluation is located at www.ciuonline.com. Log into your course, click "Tests & Surveys" on the menu on the left side of the screen, and follow the instructions to complete the evaluation.

When do I need to finish my course if I am graduating?
All course work must be received by your Faculty Assistant by noon the day before graduation.

When and how do I get my final grade for a course?
Your final grade will be posted to your online student account. You can check your grade by logging on to your account at www.ciuonline.com. See the Course Calendar & Deadlines for dates when grades will be posted. The Distance Education Center cannot release grade information.

Who do I contact with questions?
Course questions: Your Faculty Assistant, see the syllabus for contact information
Registration questions: Registrar's Office at registrar@ciu.edu or (803) 807-5033
Admissions questions: Admissions Office at yesciu@ciu.edu or (803) 807-5335
Payment/Refund questions: Accounting Office at dlancaster@ciu.edu or
(803) 8075055
Books and material questions: CIU Bookstore at bookstore@ciu.edu or
(803) 807-5263
CIUOnline help: Web Support at websupport@ciu.edu or (803) 807-5777
Library assistance: Library Reference Desk at refdesk@ciu.edu or (803) 807-5102
Other Distance Education questions: Distance Education Center at distance@ciu.edu or (803) 807-5710
Mailing/shipping address: 7435 Monticello Rd., Columbia, SC 29203

Application and Registration:

How do I apply to CIU?
See How to Apply for detailed instructions.

When can I register and start a course?
Syllabi for upcoming semesters are posted online at www.ciu.edu/distance. You can purchase materials and begin working on a course anytime after the syllabus is posted. Registration for distance courses opens about two months before the first day of the semester for Fall, Spring, and Summer. Registered students may begin submitting assignments for grading once the early submission window begins (see the Course Calendar & Deadlines for specific dates).

What is the difference between the sections: EX, DE, DO, EO?
EX - Independent course taken as part of a semester load and for resident credit. Must be completed by the end of the semester. Assignments must be submitted by the dates in the syllabus or a grade reduction will apply to the assignment. Undergraduate students must be either a Junior or Senior and have at least a 3.0 GPA to register for EX courses.
DE - Independent course taken over additional time, but does not count for resident credit. May be extended six months if 50% of the work is completed by one month before the end of the semester.
EO - Online course taken as part of a semester load and for resident credit. Must be completed by the end of the semester. Enrollment in this course requires you to commit at least 10 hours per week. Assignments must be submitted by the dates in the syllabus or a grade reduction will apply to the assignment.
DO - Online course taken over additional time, but does not count for resident credit. May be extended 8 weeks if 50% of the work is completed by one month before the end date for the course. Enrollment in this course requires you to commit at least 10 hours per week. Assignments must be submitted by the dates in the syllabus or a grade reduction will apply to the assignment.

How do I register for a course?
Follow the detailed instructions on the How to Register page.

How do I get my course materials?
Materials can be ordered through the CIU Online Bookstore at www.ciu.edu/bookstore.

How do I pay for tuition?
When registering for DE or DO courses at www.ciu.edu/distance, you can pay online using a major credit card. When registering for EX or EO courses at www.ciuonline.com, please contact the Accounting Office at (803) 807-5055 to make payment.

What if I change my mind and want to drop a course or withdraw from a course?
Contact the Registrar's Office at registrar@ciu.edu or (803) 807-5033. See Course Calendar & Deadlines for critical dates.

Does CIU offer degrees through distance education?
No, however, up to half of a degree in certain programs may be taken through distance education courses. The seminary's Advancement in Ministry design makes it possible to complete an M.A. or M.Div. degree without extended time on campus. AIM consists of one-week intensive courses in January and June, and online or independent courses in Fall and Spring semesters.

What are CIU's residency requirements?
Generally, bachelor's degree students must complete a minimum of 32 semester hours at CIU, including a minimum of two consecutive regular semesters in which they are registered for at least six semester hours credit. Up to 30 credit hours earned through independent courses may be applied to a bachelor's degree. Up to 15 credit hours earned through independent courses may be applied to an associate's degree. At least half of any seminary degree must be earned through resident study. Independent and online courses taken as part of a semester load and concurrent with on-campus courses are considered resident. Please consult the appropriate college, seminary, or graduate school catalog for specific program limitations on independent courses.

How do I sign up for a course if I am a student at another university?
Contact the Registrar's Office at registrar@ciu.edu for information regarding transcient students.

How many courses can I take without applying to a program?
Up to 12 credit hours may be taken by a student admitted as a Non-Degree Special Student. Individuals seeking to take credits without pursuing a program must complete the CIU application for admission and be admitted before registering for a course. NDSS applicants are not required to furnish the personal testimony or reference letters in the admissions process.

Can I take a college level course before I graduate from high school?
A high school senior with a 3.0 cumulative GPA may take 1000-level undergraduate courses; however, CIU will not transcript the course prior to having a validated transcript from the high school confirming graduation. Dual enrollment students must complete the CIU application process and be provisionally admitted before taking a course.

Can I take a graduate or seminary level course before I complete a bachelor's degree?
A college senior in good academic standing may take a 5000-level graduate course; however, CIU will not transcript the course prior to having a validated transcript with a degree posted from an accredited undergraduate institution.

Can I take graduate or seminary level courses if I have an unaccredited undergraduate degree?
Unaccredited degrees must be reviewed on a case by case basis. Student should contact the CIU Registrar at registrar@ciu.edu for more information.

Can my spouse or another family member take a course with me?
Individuals may share course materials; however, anyone wishing to take a course must register individually for that course. There is no special provision for spouses taking the same course at the same time.

Can I audit a distance education course?
Audit is paying for the privilege of attending a credit class without taking it for credit. Generally, audit students do not submit assignments, take examinations, or participate in class discussions. It is possible to audit a distance course; however, since course materials can be purchased without registering for the course, this is usually the preferred means of getting the content of the course without taking it for credit. If you wish to audit a course, contact the Registrar's Office at registrar@ciu.edu for registration information. There is a fee to audit a course.

How do I get a transcript if I take only distance education courses?
Students who have completed a course for credit may request a transcript from the Registrar's Office at registrar@ciu.edu or (803) 807-5033. All tuition and fee payments must be completed and any required admissions materials (official transcripts of prior academic work) must be on file before a transcript will be issued. There is a small fee for having a transcript issued.

Materials:

How do I get my course materials?
Materials can be ordered through the CIU Bookstore: online at www.ciu.edu/bookstore, by phone at (803) 807-5263, or in person on the lower level in the Rossi Student Center. Materials cannot be ordered from or picked up at the Distance Education Center; all orders must go through the CIU Bookstore. For questions about orders, e-mail bookstore@ciu.edu.

Can I order course and multimedia materials without taking a course?
Yes! All distance education course materials, chapel messages, and other multimedia educational materials can be purchased apart from taking a course. For pricing and online ordering, visit www.ciu.edu/bookstore or call the bookstore at (803) 807-5263.

What type of multimedia resources do you offer?
Interactive training materials, presentation slides, topical outlines, Inspirational audio messages.

How do I order media resources and audio messages?
Visit www.ciu.edu/bookstore , call the CIU Bookstore at 1-803-807-5263 or in person at the CIU Bookstore located in the student center.

How long will it take to receive course materials and media orders?
Orders are generally filled within two weeks. Items that are on backorder may take longer.

Are there any discounts on materials?
The CIU bookstore does not offer discounts on materials.

How do I pay for course materials and media resources?
Online orders require a major credit card. The order will be billed to your credit card when the order is placed. In-person orders may be paid for by check, credit card, or cash. For assistance, call the bookstore at (803) 807-5263, or e-mail bookstore@ciu.edu.

What type of payment method is accepted for materials and media resources?
Payment can be made by Credit Card, Check, or Cash. Orders placed on the website require credit card payments.

Can I return course or media materials?
The CIU Bookstore will refund the cost of the materials for courses within the first 15 days of the purchase if materials are in new condition. No shipping charges will be refunded. There are no returns on chapel messages or multimedia (including course CDs), only replacement for defective merchandise. Contact bookstore@ciu.edu or 803-807-5263, for more information or with specific questions.

What if there is a problem with a CD or DVD?
Contact the Distance Education Center at distance@ciu.edu or (803) 807-5710, explain the problem, and provide details on what item you purchased. We will replace defective media.

Can I use course materials for a Bible study or Sunday school class?
Yes! Course materials can be used apart from taking a course without special authorization.

Can I make copies of course or media materials?
No. It is illegal and unethical to duplicate copyrighted materials. All course materials and multimedia resources are under copyright. All rights are reserved.

Technology:

How do I get a CIUOnline account?
Once you have applied to CIU and been accepted as a student, you will receive a CIUOnline username and password. Please change the assigned password to a unique one that you will remember. The same username and password will be used for all courses you take at CIU and for access to grades, e-mail, and registration.

How do I get to CIUOnline?
Once you have your username and password, point your web browser to www.ciuonline.com. Enter your username and password and you're in. Click on "Courses" in the menu on the left side of the screen to access any courses in which you are registered. If you need assistance with CIUOnline, call Web Support at (803) 807-5777, or e-mail websupport@ciu.edu.

What computer requirements are there for a course?
A computer running Windows 2000 or higher (or a MAC with OS X), Internet access, a CD drive for courses specifying a "Course CD" or a DVD drive for courses specifying a "Course DVD" in the materials list (see www.ciu.edu/bookstore for required materials), and speakers are required. Software requirements include Internet Explorer 5 or higher, Adobe Reader 7.0 or higher, and a current version of Windows Media Player, Apple QuickTime, or RealPlayer. To download a free copy of the above software, click on the name. [INTERNET EXPLORER, ADOBE, MEDIA PLAYER, QUICKTIME, & REAL PLAYER]

Do I have to have Internet access to take a course?
Yes, but in extenuating circumstances other arrangements can be made. If you do not have Internet access, contact the Distance Education Center at distance@ciu.edu or (803) 754-4100, ext. 5710. All courses include online assignments and/or discussions.

Who do I contact if I am having trouble logging on to my CIUOnline account?
Call websupport at (803) 807-5777, or e-mail websupport@ciu.edu. Support is available 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, weekdays.

How do I take the course evaluation at the end of my course?
Go to www.ciuonline.com and login using your username and password. Then click on the link called, "Tests & Surveys" on the upper lefthand side of the page. Click on the course title, and answer the questions. When finished click on the submit button so your answers are recorded.

What do I do if my CD does not automatically open?
Put CD in computer then:
For Windows: Double click on my computer, then double click on CD, then double click on index.htm
For MAC: Double click on the CD Icon on the desktop, then double click on "click here to start".

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