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274 │ COLUMBIA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY 2017-2018 │ APPENDIX A
comparable academic aptitude nationally in developing
intellectual skills, including proficiency in written and oral
communication, problem solving, and clarifying values.
Graduating students should demonstrate improved
achievement and proficiency parallel to that of students of
comparable academic aptitude nationally in general
educational content areas, including functioning within
social institutions, using mathematical data, using science
and technology, and using the arts. Graduating students
should evidence commitment to the practice of lifelong
learning.
Leadership Skill Development
Principles for leadership, spiritual transformation, and
ministry formation are not found within a single discipline
or course at CIU. Leadership development for believers is
inter-disciplinary and requires balance between
knowledge, skill development, and life experiences.
All servant-leaders need to know the Lord, themselves,
and how to relate positively to others, understand and
appreciate the uniqueness of others and their cultures,
understand Scripture (including the creation mandate and
the Great Commission) understand the nature of Christ’s
Church, love one another, appreciate and steward God’s
creation, and do business ethically with others.
Leadership is expressed in multiple settings. Each
graduate will face differing leadership responsibilities in
the home, local churches, vocational settings, and the
community where the student lives. In the context of
Scripture, each servant-leader can live and lead
victoriously because “His divine power has given us
everything we need for life and godliness through our
knowledge of Him” (2 Peter 1:3). 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 CSL opportunities.
CIU encourages churches to utilize students in a variety
of ways. Local churches will encourage students to
participate in evangelism-related opportunities, age-
graded discipleship and Bible teaching-related
opportunities, mission outreach, and other areas as well.
Our commitment is to encourage students to build faithful
relationships within a local body of Christ. We encourage
students to develop a long-term relationship with a church.
The second-year goal is for 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 CSL 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 the student selects. This knowledge is
applied in practicum, internship, and other practical skill
development opportunities within the community. Each
servant-leader has opportunities to participate in student-
led leadership on campus and within the community,
including practical opportunities within small groups
among peers, chapel, student organizations, and local
churches.
Chapel, Conferences, and Local Church Experience
The faculty requires every undergraduate student to
regularly attend a local church. We encourage 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 requires each undergraduate student to
regularly attend and participate in campus chapel.
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 or Fail.
Special conferences, prayer days, and other events are
scheduled throughout the school year to help integrate
faith and practice. These events also provide
opportunities for students to gain leadership experience.
Christian Service Learning (CSL)
Christian aspect:
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. Students should regularly
attend and participate with other believers within a local
church.
Service aspect:
Students will become a servant of others.
Jesus is our role model for service. He selflessly provided
and cared for those in need without any expectation of
reward or benefit to Himself. Each student should 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 aspect:
Students will be intentional in this hands-
on approach to learning, preparing a learning contract,
practicing self-reflection, and seeking constructive advice
from others. Students should mature in their competence,
confidence, and character, expressing a commitment to
glorify God by serving God in and through the local
church.
CSL objectives include: regularly attending and
participating in a local church, growing in the ability to
serve following the example of our Lord, and maturing in
competence, confidence, and character by serving
through the church. Students transferring in 30 or more
hours will have one semester of CSL waived. Students
transferring in 45 or more hours will have two semesters
of CSL waived. Students transferring in 60 or more hours
will have two semesters of CSL waived.