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2012-2013 Undergraduate Programs
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To this end, the focus of the first two years of a
student’s bachelor’s degree program emphasizes
biblical studies, general education courses and
Christian Service Learning (CSL) opportunities.
The goal in these two years of CSL is to encour-
age students to build service-oriented relation-
ships within the local church.
CIU encourages churches to use students in a
variety of ways. Local churches will encourage
students to participate in evangelism-related
opportunities, in age-graded discipleship and
Bible teaching-related opportunities, in mission
outreach and in other areas of service within the
Body of Christ. While school is in session, our
commitment is to encourage students to build
faithful relationships within a local body of Christ.
CIU will encourage students to develop long-term
relationships with a single church rather than
bouncing from church to church.
The second year goal is for these students to
continue a relationship within the local church and
(if appropriate to the student’s gifting and goals)
allow students greater freedom to choose a
Christian Service Learning opportunity within the
broader community.
During the final two years of a bachelor’s degree
program, the focus will emphasize knowledge and
practical skill development associated with the
professional major and/or minors that each stu-
dent selects. This knowledge is applied in
practicum, internship and other practical skill
development within the community. Throughout
the entire time as a CIU student, each servant-
leader has opportunities to participate in student-
led leadership on campus and within the commu-
nity. This includes practical opportunities within
small groups among peers, the chapel program,
student organizations and local churches.
Chapel, Conferences, and Local Church
Experience
The faculty requires every undergraduate student
to regularly attend a local church while enrolled at
CIU. We encourage a serious commitment and
involvement as a college student in order to
develop the habits and commitments necessary
to function as a servant-leader in a church setting.
Local churches provide opportunities for students
to gain leadership experience.
The faculty also requires every undergraduate stu-
dent to regularly attend and participate in the
campus chapel program. On Tuesdays and
Thursdays, undergraduates will join the university
community in all university chapels. On Mondays
and Wednesdays, meetings and chapels focus on
the undergraduate community. Chapels provide
opportunities for students to gain leadership
experience. Chapel attendance is a non-credit
degree requirement and is documented each
semester as a pass/fail.
Special conferences, days of prayer and other
events are scheduled throughout the school year
by the faculty to help integrate faith and practice.
In addition, these events provide opportunities for
students to gain leadership experience.
Christian Service Learning (CSL)
The purpose of the Christian Service Learning
Program is found within its name:
Christian:
Students will express their worldview
and values as a Christian serving within a local
church. The student may also serve their local
church through service in the community under
the umbrella of the church. Students shall regular-
ly attend and participate (worship, instruction,
serve and evangelize) with other believers within a
local church.
Service:
Students will become a servant of oth-
ers. Jesus is our role model for our service. He
selflessly provided and cared for those in need
without any expectation of reward or benefit to
self. Each student shall grow in the ability to serve
(1) following the Lord’s instruction (Mark 10:35-
45), (2) following our Lord’s example (John 13:1-
17) and (3) following our Lord’s attitude
(Philippians 2:1-11).
Learning:
Students will be intentional in this
hands-on approach to learning, preparing a learn-
ing contract, practicing self-reflection and seeking
constructive advice from others. Students shall
mature in their competence, confidence and char-
acter, expressing a commitment to glorify God by
serving God in and through the local church.