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Step 3:
Within three days of receiving a written decision
from the academic advisor, the student should deliver a letter of
appeal to his or her dean of the college who will direct the appeal to the Academic Grievance Committee. The letter will be
given to the committee chair and the matter will be presented to the Academic Grievance Committee for resolution. The
committee is comprised of a minimum of three program directors or their designees and other faculty and staff as appropriate
to provide expertise related to the specifics of the grievance. The committee will meet within 14 days of receipt of the
grievance.
The student may request to be in attendance for the discussion of the issue to present a verbal statement, bring witnesses and
evidence, and to answer questions. In addition, the student may request a neutral observer (only) who is a student at CIU to
join him or her at this meeting. Neither the student nor the observer will be allowed to be present during the decision-making
process. Following the appeal discussion and decision, the Academic Grievance Committee chairman will provide a written
response to the student outlining the decision within 30 days.
An appeal of the Academic Grievance Committee decision may be made only if there is evidence that the grievance procedures
were not followed, new evidence surfaced, or inappropriate or disproportionate consequences were imposed. The written
appeal must be presented to his or her dean of the college within three days of receipt of the written Academic Grievance
Committee decision. A student also has the right to register a complaint with the Provost and/or university President.
For Georgia residents not attending the Columbia, SC, campus,
should the student so elect, he or she may contact the State of
Georgia — Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission — after all other procedures outlined above have been
exhausted: State of Georgia, Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission, 2082 East Exchange Place, Suite 220, Tucker, GA
30084,
www.gnpec.org
, 770.414.3300.
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T U D E N T
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E R V I C E S
Athletics/Physical Fitness
Columbia International University seeks to train and develop the whole person. Students are encouraged to develop healthy
habits in the areas of sleep, diet, and exercise. Facilities, equipment, organized intramural team sports, and fitness and
nutritional information are available to assist students in achieving and maintaining a viable fitness program. The university is
developing an intercollegiate athletic program and is a member of the National Christian College Athletic Association. Current
intercollegiate sports include men’s and women’s basketball and cross country, as well as men’s soccer.
Career Services
The Career Services office provides a range of services to assist students with their career and employment needs. The office
maintains a password-protected job database with current listings for on and off-campus jobs. Numerous campus jobs are
available in various departments, some requiring little or no experience. Part-time and full-time off-campus positions are
available in churches, educational institutions, mission agencies, para-church organizations, and the marketplace locally,
nationally, and internationally. Through personalized assistance, students receive guidance in conducting a job search, self-
assessment, résumé, cover letter writing, and interviewing. In addition to the services listed above, career counseling occurs in
a variety of settings and activities on campus, particularly through academic advising, program-specific courses, ministry
skills/internships, and chapels. Representatives and recruiters from Christian organizations are on campus recruiting
personnel throughout the school year.
Chaplain Ministries
Many CIU students grow through discussing life issues with Student Life personnel and other faculty. Non-clinical counseling
encourages students in their relationships with God and others, biblical self-image, and in handling the challenges of life,
community, and ministry. Referrals to on-campus licensed professionals or other licensed therapists in the Columbia area are
available upon request.
Food Services
Food service at CIU is provided through a contract with Pioneer College Caterers, Incorporated. Pioneer offers on-campus
students a choice of six meal-plan options. Various plans are available during Summer studies sessions. Off-campus students
and guests may purchase meals during regular academic terms.
Grad Life Council
Grad Life Council, a student organization, initiates and coordinates programs and activities designed to maximize the spiritual,
social, and physical benefits of graduate and seminary students. Each elected member bears responsibility for leading in a
designated area and for facilitating communication between students and faculty.
188 │Columbia International University
Student Life