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183│ COLUMBIA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY

2016-2017 │STUDENT LIFE

STUDENT LIFE

Spiritual Life

“...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).

The goal of Student Life is for all members of the Columbia International University community to know God in an intimate

way and to mature by the power of the Holy Spirit, becoming more Christ-like as we grow in our ability to support and

encourage one another in this academic community.

With the Bible as our ultimate authority for what we teach and for how we should live, we promote a lifestyle that derives its

core beliefs from the Bible. This rationale is outlined in biblical and ministry standards contained in regularly revised

handbooks for students, staff, and faculty.

We do not assume that any of us have arrived at any ultimate level of maturity. Instead, we seek to grow and live in such a

manner that reflects what we believe the Bible teaches regarding the virtues of holiness, honesty, integrity, and peace.

In terms of student learning objectives, the faculty and student life professionals seek to model, mentor, and motivate

students as they develop their own views on family, community, personal disciplines, spiritual formation, and godly behavior.

Growth in Community

The primary responsibility for spiritual growth and personal development lies with the individual. We believe this growth

takes place best within a community of believers committed to one another in love. Growth involves instructing, modeling,

encouraging, and submitting to one another using common community standards.

Growth in community is fostered through personal involvement with other believers. Thus, we need to cultivate relationships

in which we are free to disclose with increasing transparency our needs, weaknesses, fears, and failures. 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 care is essential to personal growth. 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. 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.

We believe 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, CIU seeks to promote spiritual growth and

personal development through chapels, prayer days, ministry skills experience, and informal fellowship on the campus and

in our homes.

Student Rights and Responsibilities:

An Outline of Expectations

Authority of the University

Although Columbia International University exists for students, the Board of Trustees, by charter and by-laws, is ultimately

responsible for the educational programs and campus life. The president of the university reports to the Board of Trustees

and is responsible for the organization and administration of the school.

Scriptural Commands and Clear Teaching

God desires to transform, illumine, and empower both faculty and students. He is the source of all authority and has power

to transform His children into the image of Jesus Christ; He is the one who changes our lives.

Scripture teaches that certain attributes are available to individuals through the Holy Spirit. These attributes include “

love,

joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control”

(Galatians 5:22-23). This “fruit of the Spirit”

is to be sought, encouraged, and demonstrated in our relationships.