Columbia International University

Convocation
2025-08-28 10:00 - 10:45 (America/New_York) | Shortess Chapel
Join the CIU community for Convocation, our official kickoff to the academic year. This special gathering unites students, faculty, and staff in worship, vision casting, and prayer as we dedicate the new semester to the Lord. It’s a time to be inspired, encouraged, and reminded of the mission we share together.
2025-2026 theme is RENEWAL – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing, and perfect will.” Romans 12:2

Free Coffee for New Grad Students
2025-08-28 15:15 - 16:15 | Rossi Student Center
☕ All graduate students are invited for free coffee at 34 North in the Student Center to meet and greet with Grad Life Council. Questions? Email GLC at glc@ciu.edu.

Alpha Weekend: Kick Off
2025-08-28 19:00 - 21:00 | The Quad
🎉 Start the year with energy at Kickoff, the ultimate welcome party! Meet new friends, represent your House, and jump into fast-paced mini-games that rack up points for the year-long House competition. It’s the perfect way to launch Alpha Weekend – and your year – with a win.

Improv Auditions
2025-08-28 21:30 - 23:00 | Hoke Auditorium
🎭 Think fast, be funny, and bring your best ideas to the stage! Join us for Improv Team auditions and show off your quick wit and creativity. Whether you’ve performed before or are brand-new to improv, this is your chance to be part of a team that thrives on laughter, collaboration, and spontaneity.
Hosted by the Improv Team

Online Session 1: Last Day to Add/Drop
2025-08-28 - 2025-08-29
The final day to add or drop classes for Online Session 1. After this date, students are responsible for the tuition and grading policies for any enrolled courses. Be sure to confirm your schedule and make any changes before the deadline

Alpha Weekend: Sweet Battle
2025-08-29 20:00 - 21:30 | Dining Hall
🍰 Bring the frosting and the fire! In Sweet Battle, each House competes to turn a plain sheet cake into a masterpiece that captures your House spirit. The best design scores House points – and serious bragging rights. May the sweetest team win!

Alpha Weekend: Big Ball Volleyball
2025-08-30 17:30 - 19:30 | The Quad
🏐 Think volleyball…but bigger. Like 48-inch ball bigger. Grab your House mates and jump into 4-Square Big Ball Volleyball, a chaotic, high-energy twist on a classic game. Refuel with tailgate-style grilled food and ice-cold slushies provided by Sunset Slush while earning points toward the House competition. Come hungry and ready to play!

Alpha Weekend: Worship Night
2025-08-31 19:00 - 21:00 | Shortess Chapel
🙏 After a weekend of fun and competition, take a moment to reset. Worship Night in Shortess Chapel is a time to come together as a campus community for reflection, music, and encouragement. No House points, no pressure – just a meaningful space to close out Alpha Weekend in unity and peace, praising our Lord together.

CIU Closed for Labor Day
2025-08-31 - 2025-09-01
In observance of Labor Day, Columbia International University will be closed. Take the day to rest, recharge, and enjoy time with family and friends before classes resume.

Full Fall Semester: Last Day to Add/Drop
2025-09-02
Today is the final day to add or drop Fall Term courses. After this deadline, schedule changes require formal withdrawal and may affect tuition, fees, and transcripts.

Last Day to Apply for Fall Graduation (No Late Fee)
2025-09-02
Today is the final deadline to submit your application for Fall Graduation without incurring a late fee. Be sure to complete all required paperwork and submit your application to the Registrar’s Office to ensure you’re set for commencement.

Chapel: Professor Dr. TK Dunn
2025-09-02 11:00 - 11:45 | Shortess Chapel
Guest speaker is CIU’s Associate Professor of History & Theology, Dr. TK Dunn.
🙏 Chapel is at the heart of our community and shared discipleship experience while studying at CIU. It is an integral part of our learning and equipping to impact the nations with the message of Christ. Chapel is held every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 11:00-11:45 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday chapels are designed for the entire university to gather in evangelical unity as a diverse and multicultural community. Wednesday chapels are typically designed for segments of the community to meet in separate venues, Community Groups, with advisors, or other assigned options.
2025-2026 theme is RENEWAL – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing, and perfect will.” Romans 12:2
Questions about chapel can be emailed to studentlife@ciu.edu.

Fall Musical Interest Meeting: Into The Woods
2025-09-02 15:00 - 16:30 | Hoke Auditorium
🌟 Not just for actors! If you’re interested in acting, set design, costumes, sound, lights, or stage management, the Fall Musical Interest Meeting is your opportunity to get involved. The Thespians are looking for creative minds and dedicated hands to bring Into the Woods to life—both on stage and behind the scenes.
Hosted by The Thespians

Beginning of the Year Cookout for Graduate Students
2025-09-02 17:00 - 19:00 | Pine View Community Center, 7445 Monticello Road, Columbia, SC, 29203, United States
🍔 Kick off the semester with great food and even better company! All graduate students are invited to the Beginning of the Year Cookout featuring free hot dogs and hamburgers. Come relax, meet fellow grads, and start the year with a strong community connection.
Hosted by Grad Life Council

Career Readiness Session: Character Development & Soft Skills
2025-09-02 18:00 - 19:00 | G. Allen Fleece Library, 7435 Monticello Rd, Columbia, SC, 29203
CIU students and recent graduates are invited to join the Business & Career Development Center for an interactive workshop designed to equip you with essential character and soft skills for the workplace. This session will help you:

Strengthen time management, adaptability, and organizational skills

Improve your communication—written, verbal, and nonverbal

Develop emotional intelligence and self-awareness for workplace success

Gain tools for dispute resolution, empathy, and active listening

Build stronger interpersonal and teamwork skills in any job setting

Prepare for a successful future by sharpening the soft skills that set you apart.

📍 Location: BCDC Hub – CIU G. Allen Fleece Library (2nd floor)
📧 Questions? Contact the Business & Career Development Center at bcdc@ciu.edu or (803) 807-5134.

Chapel: Student Government Association (SGA)
2025-09-03 11:00 - 11:45 | Shortess Chapel
Student Government Association will host this chapel with speaker Trey Shoars, Student Body President.
🙏 Chapel is at the heart of our community and shared discipleship experience while studying at CIU. It is an integral part of our learning and equipping to impact the nations with the message of Christ. Chapel is held every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 11:00-11:45 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday chapels are designed for the entire university to gather in evangelical unity as a diverse and multicultural community. Wednesday chapels are typically designed for segments of the community to meet in separate venues, Community Groups, with advisors, or other assigned options.
2025-2026 theme is RENEWAL – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing, and perfect will.” Romans 12:2
Questions about chapel can be emailed to studentlife@ciu.edu.

Chapel: Pastor David Gentino
2025-09-04 11:00 - 11:45 | Shortess Chapel
Guest speaker is the Lead Pastor of Columbia Presbyterian Church, David Gentino.
🙏 Chapel is at the heart of our community and shared discipleship experience while studying at CIU. It is an integral part of our learning and equipping to impact the nations with the message of Christ. Chapel is held every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 11:00-11:45 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday chapels are designed for the entire university to gather in evangelical unity as a diverse and multicultural community. Wednesday chapels are typically designed for segments of the community to meet in separate venues, Community Groups, with advisors, or other assigned options.
2025-2026 theme is RENEWAL – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing, and perfect will.” Romans 12:2
Questions about chapel can be emailed to studentlife@ciu.edu.

Online Session 1: 50% Refund Period Ends
2025-09-05
Today marks the final day to receive a 50% tuition refund for Virtual Session 1 courses. After this date, no partial refunds will be issued for dropped classes. Check with the Registrar’s Office if you have questions about your enrollment or refund eligibility.

Fall Musical Musical Auditions: Into The Woods
2025-09-05 17:30 - 23:00 | Hoke Auditorium
🎶 Step into the spotlight! The Thespians invite you to audition for this year’s fall musical, Into the Woods. Whether you’re an experienced performer or eager to take the stage for the first time, we want to see your talent shine. Prepare your best and be ready for a magical production filled with music, storytelling, and imagination.
Hosted by The Thespians

Fall Musical Callbacks: Into The Woods
2025-09-06 09:30 - 12:00 | Hoke Auditorium
📣 The next step in the journey to Into the Woods begins here. Callbacks for the Fall Musical will be announced in the auditorium. Come prepared to perform, collaborate, and take your audition to the next level with The Thespians.
Hosted by The Thespians

Entrepreneurship 101 Kickoff & Info Session
2025-09-06 10:00 - 12:00 | William H. Jones Center
Join us for the Entrepreneurship 101 Kickoff & Info Session this Saturday, September 6, from 10 AM – 12 PM at the William H. Jones Center.
This free 10-week program will help you:

Refine your ideas and develop a business or ministry plan

Create a pitch to present to our panel of judges

Compete for up to $3,000 in seed money

Earn a spot in our Spring Incubator to launch your idea 🚀

Who can join?
Open to CIU students, alumni, and the Midlands community.
This Saturday’s session is your chance to learn more about the program, meet other aspiring entrepreneurs, and take the first step toward developing and funding your dreams.
We hope to see you there!
Event Details
📅 Kickoff & Info Session: Saturday, Sep 6 | 10 AM – 12 PM
📍 Columbia International University, William H. Jones Center

Entrepreneurship 101: Starting Up
2025-09-06 10:00 - 12:00 | William H. Jones Center
CIU students are invited to kick off Entrepreneurship 101 with our Starting Up session. This workshop is the perfect place to begin shaping your business ideas and learning the fundamentals of entrepreneurship.
Participants will:

Explore how to design and structure a business concept
Gain tools for creativity, planning, and execution
Connect with like-minded students interested in innovation
Learn about opportunities to compete for prizes throughout the program

📍 Location: William H. Jones Center, Room 141
📧 Questions? Contact BCDC bcdc@ciu.edu

Full Fall Semester: 50% Refund Period Ends
2025-09-09
This is the final day to receive a 50% tuition refund for dropped Fall Semester courses. After today, no partial refunds will be issued. Contact the Registrar’s Office if you have questions about your schedule or refund eligibility.

Chapel: Pastor Dr. Jeff Philpott and Pastor Malcolm Walls
2025-09-09 11:00 - 11:45 | Shortess Chapel
Guest speakers are the Lead Pastor and the Pastor of Outreach & Next Steps, Jeff Philpott and Malcolm Walls.
🙏 Chapel is at the heart of our community and shared discipleship experience while studying at CIU. It is an integral part of our learning and equipping to impact the nations with the message of Christ. Chapel is held every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 11:00-11:45 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday chapels are designed for the entire university to gather in evangelical unity as a diverse and multicultural community. Wednesday chapels are typically designed for segments of the community to meet in separate venues, Community Groups, with advisors, or other assigned options.
2025-2026 theme is RENEWAL – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing, and perfect will.” Romans 12:2
Questions about chapel can be emailed to studentlife@ciu.edu.

Chapel: Advisor/Advisee
2025-09-10 11:00 - 11:45 | Shortess Chapel
Students will be meeting with their program’s faculty advisor to learn more about their program and classmates.
🙏 Chapel is at the heart of our community and shared discipleship experience while studying at CIU. It is an integral part of our learning and equipping to impact the nations with the message of Christ. Chapel is held every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 11:00-11:45 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday chapels are designed for the entire university to gather in evangelical unity as a diverse and multicultural community. Wednesday chapels are typically designed for segments of the community to meet in separate venues, Community Groups, with advisors, or other assigned options.
2025-2026 theme is RENEWAL – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing, and perfect will.” Romans 12:2
Questions about chapel can be emailed to studentlife@ciu.edu.

Chapel: Professor Dr. Michael Lyons
2025-09-11 11:00 - 11:45 | Shortess Chapel
Guest speaker is CIU’s Associate Professor of Old Testament & Hebrew, Dr. Michael Lyons.
🙏 Chapel is at the heart of our community and shared discipleship experience while studying at CIU. It is an integral part of our learning and equipping to impact the nations with the message of Christ. Chapel is held every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 11:00-11:45 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday chapels are designed for the entire university to gather in evangelical unity as a diverse and multicultural community. Wednesday chapels are typically designed for segments of the community to meet in separate venues, Community Groups, with advisors, or other assigned options.
2025-2026 theme is RENEWAL – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing, and perfect will.” Romans 12:2
Questions about chapel can be emailed to studentlife@ciu.edu.

Dungeons and Dragons
2025-09-11 18:00 - 21:00 | TV Studio, Ridderhof, 7435 Monticello Rd, Columbia, SC, 29203, United States
🐉 Dungeons & Dragons Biweekly SessionsEmbark on epic adventures, build your character, and roll the dice with fellow students! Open to all skill levels.
📅 Starts: Thursday (And every other Thursday after)⏰ Time: 6:30 – 8:00 PM📍 Location: TV Studio🎲 Open to: All Students✉️ Info: angel.henderson@ciu.edu

Froggy Fridays
2025-09-12 | All Campus
Every Friday, the hunt is on! Tiny frogs and other playful plastic critters are hidden all around CIU’s campus—waiting to be found.
Keep your eyes open in unexpected places… you never know where one might be hiding. If you spot one, it’s yours to keep!
Happy hunting, and good luck! 🐛🦎🪲

Nerf Battle Night – Everyone’s Invited
2025-09-12 20:00 - 21:30 | Fisher Building
Get ready to dodge, dash, and battle it out in an all-out Nerf war hosted by the Adventure Club! Bring your own Nerf gear and join the action—open to everyone, so bring a friend and let the foam fly!
🕗 Time: 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM📍 Location: Fisher Building🔫 Gear: Bring your own Nerf guns & darts👥 Who: Open to everyone – all are welcome!🎯 Hosted by: Adventure Club

Online Session 2: Last Day to Withdraw
2025-09-14
This is the final day to withdraw from Online Session 2 courses and receive a grade of “W.” Make sure all withdrawal paperwork is submitted to avoid receiving a letter grade.
