| Lifestyle and Community
Standards |
Student
Services |
Lifestyle and Community Standards
“...but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the head, even Christ, from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by that which every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.” Ephesians 4:15-16
Our primary goal is for all members of the Columbia International University community to know God in an intimate way and, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to grow in that relationship, becoming more like Jesus Christ. We believe the Bible is the authority for what we teach and for how we should live. The lifestyle we promote derives its rationale from the Bible. This rationale is outlined in biblical and ministry standards contained in regularly revised handbooks for students, staff, and faculty.
Growth in Community
Although primary responsibility for spiritual growth and personal development lies with the individual, this growth takes place best within a community of believers committed to one another in love. Growth involves standards, instruction, modeling, accountability, and encouragement. The entire CIU experience is intended to achieve the goal expressed in our school motto, “To Know Him and To Make Him Known.”
Growth in community is fostered through personal involvement with other believers. This means we need to cultivate relationships in which we are free to disclose with increasing transparency our needs, weaknesses, fears, and failures to a trusted friend or friends. It also means we must accept the responsibility that comes with trust--humility, caring concern, and commitment to our friends’ welfare and growth. This kind of mutual ministry is essential to personal growth. And beyond its personal benefit, it affords vital preparation for future ministry.
As members of a Christian community, we have a responsibility to each other and for each other. “Loving one another” is expressed in many ways. We love when we serve each other in humility, gentleness and genuine concern. We love when we lift up those who are burdened, struggling, or falling short. Concerning the latter, we remember Paul’s words: “. . . You who are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of gentleness, looking to yourself, lest you too be tempted” (Gal. 6:1). We love when we “weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice” (Rom. 12:15). How we fulfill our ministry to one another in love will depend upon our personal maturity, spiritual gifts, available resources and the depth of relationships we establish.
It is important for our educational program to involve the whole CIU community. Faculty, staff and students grow through interaction with each other and with supervisors, family, and church friends as we all progress toward our common spiritual and personal goals. In addition to course-related experiences, faculty members seek to promote spiritual growth and personal development through chapels, prayer days, and informal fellowship on the campus and in homes.
Community Standards
CIU biblical and ministry standards represent a continuing quest to bring our community life into conformity to the mind of Christ and to enhance student ability to serve Him as Lord. Some of our standards may not be applicable to all Christians in all cultures, but they do represent a thoughtful application of Scripture and godly wisdom to our cultural and community setting and to our institutional purpose. As a condition of enrollment, we expect all students to agree to comply fully with all CIU standards, even those with which they may disagree.
The following is a general summary of biblical and ministry standards at CIU:
Personal godliness is a high priority for every student. The reservation of significant time for daily fellowship with the Lord in prayer and meditation on the Word is essential for both on- and off-campus students. Students are expected to reserve at least a half hour for a personal time with the Lord at least five times a week.
Daily chapel services and monthly days of prayer provide opportunity for inspiration, fellowship and spiritual growth. On many occasions, students, faculty and staff meet together in united chapels. At other times, we divide by schools. Attendance is required if a student is enrolled for at least six credit hours, unless classes do not begin until 1 pm. CIU's dress code does not permit students to wear shorts to classes or chapel.
Students are expected to be members of a local church, either in their home area or in Columbia. Each student identifies with a Columbia area church and attends regular Sunday services. We recognize Sunday as a special day of rest, worship, and service to the Lord. It is set aside and observed as distinct from all other days of the week. Work (with the exception of works of mercy including nursing, etc.), academic study, on-campus recreation, and some other activities are omitted.
Unless engaged or married, students are to refrain from physical, romantic expressions of affection.
The use of alcohol, tobacco, hallucinogenic drugs and other forms of narcotics (except under medical supervision) is not permitted. Nor do we participate in any form of dancing or gambling.
Cinema, theater attendance and viewing of television and video recordings are limited to those that do not violate biblical principles of purity and worthiness. Although the industry has rated movies, we cannot fully accept its criteria. Movies rated X, R, and NC-17 are specifically excluded. Most other movies rated PG or PG-13 should also not be viewed.
We hold CIU standards in an atmosphere that encourages examination of their biblical foundations and free interaction with faculty members and Student Life personnel with reference to their purpose and application. At the same time, we view compliance with institutional standards as an important part of the learning experience at CIU and as an appropriate expression of submission to the lordship of Christ. Through instruction, example, reflection, discipline, and interaction, we encourage students to develop a biblical and Christ-pleasing lifestyle of their own.
We discuss the detailed content of our standards, along with their rationale, during student Welcome Week and in our student handbook. Students normally receive the student handbook during Welcome Week, but a copy is available earlier upon request.
Accountability for Community Standards
Students, faculty, and staff are accountable for adherence to CIU biblical and ministry standards. All members of the community sign a statement periodically indicating their compliance with school standards.
Student Discipline
The Student Life Division addresses serious matters relating to student conduct. The student is counseled and disciplined as necessary. Specific disciplinary measures are detailed in the student handbook. Assessment takes into account the nature of the problem, the student’s attitude, previous conduct and length of enrollment at CIU.
Student Services
Computer Lab / Copy Center / Counseling / Emergency Aid Fund
Food Coop / Food Services / Health Services / Housing
International Students / Library / Married Student Services
Ministry Resource Department / Personal Care and Counseling
Post Office / Student Disability Services / Student Orientation
Academic AdvisingFood Coop / Food Services / Health Services / Housing
International Students / Library / Married Student Services
Ministry Resource Department / Personal Care and Counseling
Post Office / Student Disability Services / Student Orientation
Every student is assigned an academic advisor. The academic advising program is intended to foster developmental relationships between faculty members and individual students as a context for helping students progress toward academic, spiritual, and vocational goals of their program. Students meet with their academic advisors during two to three chapel periods each semester, as well as during pre-registration periods.
Athletics/Physical Fitness
CIU does not have an extensive intercollegiate athletic program. However, since CIU seeks to train and develop the whole person, physical fitness is a key aspect of the overall training program. Students are expected to develop healthy habits in the areas of sleep, diet and exercise. Facilities, equipment, classes, organized team and individual sports, and fitness and nutritional information are available to assist students in achieving and maintaining a viable fitness program. In addition to the campus gymnasium and fitness facilities, CIU students may obtain memberships in the local YMCA health and fitness center for a minimal fee.
Bookstore
A campus bookstore provides textbooks and school supplies, reference books, Bibles, gift and novelty items, snack foods, Christian music cassettes and compact discs, and CIU clothing. Students may especially benefit from sales at the end of each semester. Check cashing in small amounts is also available to students.
Career Planning and Placement
The Career Planning and Placement Office provides a range of services to assist students and alumni with job placement and with career selection, planning and change. Occupational testing and career counseling are also available. The office maintains a current listing of job openings in churches, educational institutions, mission agencies and parachurch organizations worldwide. Through personalized assistance, students and alumni receive guidance in conducting a job search, resume writing, interviewing and candidating. For those who desire, placement files are maintained and resumes are sent to job openings that match personal preferences.
In addition to the services of Career Planning and Placement, career counseling and help with the placement process also occurs in a variety of settings and activities on campus, particularly through field education, academic advising, church polity and occupational skill courses, and chapels. Representatives and recruiters from Christian organizations such as mission organizations, educational institutions, denominational agencies and churches are on campus recruiting personnel every day of the school year.
Most CIU students find employment in their chosen field within a year after graduation. Placement, however, is not guaranteed or automatic, but rather depends upon on the opportunities available in the areas of ministry desired and the student’s initiative. Students should maintain close contacts with their denominations and local churches, and gain experience that will help them achieve their occupational goals. Students should make use of their entire academic career to investigate organizations, institutions and agencies that interest them.
Computer Lab
The Computer Lab is located in the Joy Ridderhoff Building. The lab has an open area and classroom with over 40 computers available for student use. The computers run on a Novell network and use Windows as the operating system. Microsoft Office 2000 and Bible Windows are loaded on each machine. Designated computers also have WordPerfect 2002. Each computer has Internet access as well as all of the educational databases. These include ATLA (American Theological Library Association Religious Database), ERIC (Educational Resources Information Center), R&TA (Religious & Theological Abstracts) and OTA (Old Testament Abstracts). Students are able to set up accounts each year by filling out a log-in request form in the lab. A helpdesk located in the lab is open from 8 a.m. until 11 p.m. to assist students with their computing needs. The computers print to an HP black and white laser printer and an HP color laser printer. A multimedia computer workstation funded by the Chatlos Grant for the Communication department is available to all students and is loaded with a wide range of programs including many Adobe programs. A CD-ROM writable drive as well as a scanner and digital camera are also available at this workstation. In addition to these services, software at educational prices is available to the student body.
Copy Center
A school-maintained copy center processes copying requests for faculty, staff and students on a time available basis. Electronic copy cards are available for use in the various copy machines located around campus.
Emergency Aid Fund
This fund provides students limited financial assistance during emergencies.
Food Services
Food service at CIU is provided through Pioneer College Caterers. Pioneer offers on-campus students the option of three meal plans each semester. A weekly plan is available during Winterim and the Summer Studies Program. Off-campus students and guests may purchase meals throughout the week during any regular academic semester.
Health Services
Health services, including a clinic and registered nurses, are provided for the care of CIU students. Students are responsible for the cost of medicines, physician’s fees, and hospital charges. A group insurance plan with hospital and medical benefits is required of all students not covered by another plan.
Housing
Single men and women normally room and board on campus. Students soon discover this life with peers from various backgrounds has high potential for personal and interpersonal development. Air-conditioned rooms are furnished with beds, desks, chairs, closets and sinks. Students provide blankets, pillows, linens, and curtains. Each on-campus residential facility includes a community kitchen, lounge, and laundry room. For details on reserving a room on-campus, see “After Acceptance” in the Admissions section of this catalog.
Off-campus housing includes rental mobile homes, apartments (including professionally managed complexes, privately managed duplexes, and federally subsidized apartments), and homes. Also, mobile home trailers and houses can be purchased. Rental prices are dependent upon size, facilities, and locale, typically averaging between $225 and $450 per month. A housing register of available units is maintained by the Associate Dean for Student Services in the Student Life Office.
Some campus housing is provided for married students in the mobile home “Village.” In addition to many homes owned by students, a number of school-owned homes are rented to full-time students. Occupancy is based primarily upon financial need. Applications for the Village, as well as information concerning additional area housing, may be obtained through the Associate Dean for Student Services.
International Students
CIU strives to provide a particularly hospitable environment for its many international students. Many faculty members have had significant ministry experience in Asia, Africa, South America or Europe; and many of them can converse fluently in other languages. A special international student handbook is published each year to introduce international students to the life of the school and the community. The school’s emphasis on cross-cultural ministry and biblical studies provides an atmosphere in which international students are encouraged to relate biblical truth to their cultures and in which North American students are encouraged to appreciate other cultures and how the Scriptures may be lived and communicated in them. Over 1,000 international students from 91 countries reside in the Columbia area. This large international community and the many churches in the area provide a variety of learning and ministry experiences. International students are given the highest possible priority in the distribution of financial aid. The Student Life Office informs, encourages and helps international students and their families with non-academic concerns.
Koinonia Food Co-op
Student families operate a food co-op, which students may join at the beginning of each semester. The Co-op offers a variety of name brand food products and other goods for an extremely discounted price.
G. Allen Fleece Library
The G. Allen Fleece Library provides a collection of over 130,000 book and media items (print and non-print) and 10,000 visual aids for student teaching. The Library subscribes to some 425 journals with journal holdings representing over 1,000 titles. The full-text of ERIC is available on microfiche.
Membership in the Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) network provides interlibrary loan services as well as database access to dozens of electronic journal indexes, other area libraries and 40,000 libraries worldwide. Computer workstations in the Library and Computer Lab enable students to rapidly search several CD-ROM databases providing millions of bibliographic citations for research purposes: the CIU Library Catalog, ERIC (Educational Resources Information Center), Dissertation Abstracts, Academic Abstracts, TLG (Thesaurus Linguae Gracae), Religious and Theological Abstracts, and the American Theological Library Association Religion Database, Old Testament Abstracts. Internet access is also provided.
The Library supports memberships in the American Library Association, the Association of College and Research Libraries, the South Carolina Library Association, the American Theological Library Association, and the Online Computer Library Center.
Married Student Services
Spouses are encouraged to enroll in an academic program or at least in individual courses (see Spouse Tuition Benefits in the Finances section of this catalog). Student wives are also encouraged to be involved in as many social and other activities of the student body as possible.
Ministry Resource Department
The Ministry Resource Department (MRD) is a collection of materials and equipment designed to aid the CIU family in Bible teaching ministries. Audio cassettes, film strips, flannel graphs, maps, models, slides, puppets, transparencies, video cassettes, and cross-cultural artifacts are just a few of the media forms included in the collection. Media production equipment is available, including a light table, roll laminator, thermafax machine and Ellison die cut machine.
The Church Curriculum Lab, also a part of the MRD, houses samples of Sunday School, children’s church, youth group, special education, Vacation Bible School, discipleship, missions, and follow-up curriculum materials.
Personal Care and Counseling
CIU offers personal and spiritual counsel and advising to its students. Many students find assistance from faculty and Student Life personnel in the areas of spiritual and ministry standards, interpersonal relationships, premarital concerns, and other non-clinical needs. Counseling services by an on-campus licensed professional are provided as needed.
Post Office
CIU operates a post office for faculty, staff and students with regular afternoon hours throughout the academic year. Students are assigned a personal post office box for receiving mail. The Post Office sells stamps, postcards and air forms and receives and forwards letters and packages for the U.S. Postal Service. United Parcel Service is also available for deliveries and mailings.
Student Disability Services
Students with disabilities, both physical and learning, work with Academic Services regarding necessary accommodations. CIU is committed to providing equal educational opportunities for all students and assisting them in making their university experience successful. In compliance with the American with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, CIU provides reasonable accommodations for students with currently documented disabilities (“current” is defined as within three years from the time the request for accommodations is received). We request that students notify the Academic Services department, ext. 3611, of any special accommodation needs at least 30 working days prior to the first day of class to help ensure the quality and availability of services needed.
Welcome Week (Orientation)
All entering students (graduate and seminary students, freshmen and transfer students) participate in a Welcome Week program designed for each individual school with the purpose of introducing new students to CIU’ s spiritual, academic, and social life. The program--planned, staffed, and led by CIU students--provides a “student’s eye” introduction to CIU life in every dimension. During this program, entering students join a “family group” in which they have an opportunity to develop friendships with fellow entering students as well as with returning students who lead them in making the transition into CIU life. Welcome Week features fellowship, fun, spiritual renewal, and family spirit, in addition to orientation, placement testing, academic advising, and registration.
All entering students are expected to be present for Welcome Week activities pertaining to them. A Welcome Week invitation and schedule is mailed to all entering students several weeks prior to the beginning of each term. Students who are unable to attend Welcome Week must notify the Admissions Office prior to the first day of the program.
