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196 COLUMBIA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY 2016-2017 STUDENT LIFE
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, in 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.
Health Services
An on-campus clinic staffed by a registered nurse and a visiting physician is provided for the health care needs of CIU
students. Students are responsible for the cost of medicines, physician’s fees, testing procedures and hospital charges. A
group insurance plan is available for students and families.
Housing
All single undergraduate students under the age of 23 are required to live on campus in the residence halls their first year.
Those under 23 years of age who do not live with their families are required to live on campus in subsequent years. Air-
conditioned rooms are furnished with beds, desks, chairs, dressers, sinks, small refrigerators, and microwaves. Community
bathrooms are located on each hall, and free laundry facilities are located on both sides of campus. Each residence hall is
equipped with WiFi and satellite TV.
Pine View apartments offer on-campus housing for CIU students, alumni, faculty, and staff. Efficiency, one, two, and three
bedroom units are available. Each bedroom has its own bathroom and walk-in closet. All apartments come with kitchen
appliances as well as a washer and dryer, available cable TV, and high-speed internet. For more information, visit
.
There is a wide range of off-campus housing possibilities. The Student Life Office maintains a database of available housing
on our website at .
International Students
CIU strives to provide a hospitable environment for its many international students. Many faculty members have significant
overseas ministry experience.
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 consider how the Scriptures may be lived out and communicated in those
cultures.
Many international students and families live in the Columbia area, most attending the University of South Carolina. This
large international community and the many churches in the area provide a variety of learning and ministry experiences.
The Student Life Office informs, encourages and helps international students and their families with non-academic concerns,
including transition issues and immigration policy and paperwork.
Koinonia Food Co-op
Student families operate an on-campus food co-op, providing quality Harvest Hope Food Bank goods and products at no
cost and other household items at a reduced cost to off-campus students, faculty, staff, and alumni. There is a fee to join
the co-op.
Married Student Services
The Married Student Association coordinates events designed to include the whole family. Wives Fellowship meets monthly
to encourage and equip student, staff and faculty wives. Student spouses and families are also encouraged to be involved
in other activities of the student body. Spouses are encouraged to enroll in an academic program or individual courses.
(See “Spouse Tuition Benefits” in the Financial Aid section of this catalog.)
New Student Orientation
Connect:CIU assists both new students and parents of undergraduates in their preparation for college life at CIU. The
orientation program provides a comprehensive introduction to the CIU community and CIU’s educational philosophy. While
being informative, Connect:CIU is also an opportunity for fun and fellowship.