189 │COLUMBIA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY 2017-2018 │STUDENT LIFE
Rick Swift, Dean of Student Life, Columbia International University, 7435 Monticello Road, Columbia, SC 29203. (803)
807-5234 e-mail:
rick.swift@ciu.eduFor 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.
Student Services
Academic Success Center
The mission of the Academic Success Center (ASC) is to provide assistance to all CIU students as they pursue their
academic goals. Tutors are available to guide students with academic planning, time management, study skills, test
preparation, writing, and course assignments. In addition, the ASC administers the College-Level Examination Program
(CLEP) in our testing center.
The ASC also provides accommodations for students with physical, emotional, psychological, and learning disabilities. CIU
is committed to ensuring equal educational opportunities for all students. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities
Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, CIU provides reasonable accommodations for students with currently
documented disabilities. Requests for accommodations may be made throughout the semester, and ideally they would be
initiated as early as possible in order to ensure the quality and availability of services needed. Questions regarding
requirements for qualifying documentation and disability accommodations may be directed to the ASC at
academicsuccess@ciu.eduor 803-807-5611.
Athletics/Physical Fitness
Since we seek to train and develop the whole person, physical fitness is a key aspect of the overall program. 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 continues to develop 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, soccer, track,
and cross country.
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. 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.
Counseling and Discipleship 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, 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.
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