Frequently Asked Questions about Welcome Week
What is Welcome Week?
We are very excited that you have chosen Columbia International University to further your education! We look forward to meeting you. The Welcome Week steering committee has designed Welcome Week to help you acquaint yourself with the campus, meet new friends, set personal goals for the upcoming year and discover the CIU lifestyle. We do want our lives to be "in one accord" as we all pursue growing into God's image. This is a time to take a deep breath and put Christ at the center of this next step in your life.
When is Welcome Week?
Welcome Week begins Wednesday, August 13th and continues through Sunday, August 17th. The residence halls will open at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday for on-campus residents. Welcome Week activities for all others begins Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m. in Shortess Chapel.
Who should come to Welcome Week?
Welcome Week is for all undergraduate students and is in addition to orientation that all CIU students--undergraduate, seminary and graduate students--attend. All full time, degree pursuing students are expected to come to Welcome Week. Every department and all types of students have had input into the schedule so there is something here for you!
What about transportation to campus for Welcome Week?
If you are arriving in Columbia via train, plane or bus, we will be there for you. Check back Summer 2008 to fill out our online form, and we'll have one of CIU's finest there to bring you home. If any information changes, or if you want to call in your information, please call 803.807.5236.
What should I expect during Welcome Week?
The first major event of Welcome Week is a great big "welcome" in the evening Worship and Commitment Service (Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. in Shortess Chapel).
Throughout the next days we will assign you to a Family Group. Returning students will take you through the rest of the week and weekend to help you learn about life at CIU. From learning which building is which, to classes, to relationships, they'll do whatever they can to make CIU your campus too! You will also receive a Welcome Week schedule and information about CIU, study tips, and things to think about as you start here. It also contains information about the Columbia area, with things to do and places to see.
Married students will be in groups led by other married couples. This is a great opportunity to get networked with others who are trying to balance family, work and studies. There are a couple of special times for you and they will be on the schedule you receive when you arrive.
Food, food, food!
If you are a new student, all your meals during Welcome Week are covered. If we want you here, we might as well prove it by taking care of breakfast, lunch and supper. If you are married, your family is welcome to join you at a reduced line rate.
Again, we would love to have you join us for this week. We have all gone through what you are about to go through and we want to make it as easy as we can for you. Welcome Week has gained quite a reputation over the years and we think you'll benefit from it. Our purpose at CIU is "Preparing World Christians To Know Him and Make Him Known," as we commit our hearts together to learn about Christ and His plan for us, let us join in one accord to make this the best year CIU has ever known. Welcome to CIU!