Columbia International University

Design Sprint in Partnership with GrowCo
2025-11-14 17:00 - 20:00, 2025-11-15 08:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York)
Transform your ideas into reality in just one weekend! Design sprints are intensive, user-centered processes where teams collaborate to tackle real design challenges and bring innovative ideas to life. This immersive two-day experience will push your creative boundaries and give you practical skills you can use immediately.
What You’ll Experience
In this hands-on sprint, participants will:

Collaborate in diverse teams to solve complex design problems using creative, structured approaches
Master the professional design sprint methodology used by leading companies like Google, Facebook, and startups worldwide
Build and test a functional prototype from concept to working model in just 48 hours
Gain invaluable hands-on experience in innovation, teamwork, rapid prototyping, and user-centered problem-solving
Network with like-minded innovators and potentially find future collaborators or co-founders

This is a unique opportunity to dive deep into entrepreneurship, design thinking, and collaborative innovation—all while creating something tangible that you can showcase in your portfolio or continue developing beyond the weekend.
Event Schedule
Friday, Nov 14th Evening Kickoff
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Team formation and introductions
Problem definition and ideation
Initial concept development

Saturday, Nov 15th Intensive Build Day
Time: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Prototype development and refinement
User testing and feedback integration
Final presentations and demos

Important Details
🎟️ Registration: No registration needed! Simply show up and dive in.
🚗 Transportation: Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from the event.
📍 Location: Boyd Innovation Center
🍕 What’s Provided: Light refreshments and snacks will be available throughout the weekend to keep your creative energy flowing.
💼 What to Bring: Just yourself, a laptop if you have one, and an open mind ready for innovation!
Questions?
📧 Contact the Business & Career Development Center (BCDC) at bcdc@ciu.edu
Don’t miss this chance to turn ideas into reality, learn cutting-edge design methodologies, and connect with fellow innovators in your community!

Homecoming: CIU Bowl
2025-11-14 18:30 - 20:00 | Ben Lippen Football Field, 7401 Monticello Rd, Columbia, SC
🏈 CIU Bowl
Friday Night Lights at Falcon FieldIt’s game time! Join us for the CIU Bowl, our beloved Homecoming flag football showdown under the lights. Students and alumni face off in a high-energy match while the crowd brings the hype. Enjoy free snacks and drinks, fun halftime games, and prizes throughout the night. Whether you’re playing or cheering from the sidelines, this is a Homecoming tradition you don’t want to miss!

Pie Chat
2025-11-15 19:00 - 20:30 | Prayer Towers, 7435 Monticello Rd, Columbia, SC, 29203, United States
🥧 Pie Chat – Hosted by MuKappa
Enjoy delicious pie while engaging in meaningful conversations about cross-cultural life and the MK/TCK experience. Hear from an adult guest sharing what it’s like to live overseas. Open to all students!
📅 Date: November 15th⏰ Time: 7:00 PM📍 Location: Prayer Towers🌍 Hosted by: MuKappa🙌 Open to: All Students

Career Readiness Session: Networking
2025-11-18 18:00 - 19:00 | G. Allen Fleece Library, 7435 Monticello Rd, Columbia, SC, 29203
Networking is one of the most powerful tools for career growth. Join us to learn:

How to start and maintain professional connections
Effective networking strategies in person and online
How to turn contacts into opportunities
Tips for confidence and professionalism in conversations

📍 Location: BCDC Hub (CIU Library, 2nd Floor)
📧 Questions? Contact BCDC bcdc@ciu.edu

Chapel: President Dr. William H. Jones
2025-11-20 11:00 - 23:45 | Shortess Chapel
Guest speaker is CIU’s President, Dr. William H. Jones.
🙏 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
2025-11-20 18:00 - 21:00, 2025-12-04 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
2025-11-21, 2025-11-28, 2025-12-05 | 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! 🐛🦎🪲

Into the Woods Musical - Performed by CIU Thespians
2025-11-21 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-11-22 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-11-23 15:00 - 17:00 | Hoke Auditorium
🌟 CIU Thespians Present: Into the WoodsStep into a world of magic, music, and classic fairy tales brought to life on stage in this enchanting production. Open to all!
Purchase tickets online at ciu.formstack.com/forms/intothewoods or at entry.
📅 Dates & Times:

November 21st – 7:00 PM
November 22nd – 7:00 PM
November 23rd – 3:00 PM

📍 Location: Hoke Auditorium🎭 Hosted by: CIU Thespians💲 Admission: $5 for students/$7 for non-students🙌 Open to: Everyone
🍿 Concessions Available at the Door

Hike at Harbison State Park
2025-11-22 09:00 - 12:00
🥾 Hiking Trip – Hosted by Adventure ClubCome enjoy the trails and fresh air with a group hike at Harbison State Forest! Open to all students.
📅 Date: November 22nd⏰ Time: 9:00 AM📍 Location: Harbison State Forest (self-transportation)⛰️ Hosted by: Adventure Club🙌 Open to: All Students

Chapel: Dr. Andre Melvin
2025-11-25 11:00 - 11:45 | Shortess Chapel
Speaker is the Director of the CIU Prison Initiative, Dr. Andre Melvin.
🙏 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.

Book Eyed Peas Book Club - "Howl's Moving Castle"
2025-11-25 19:00 - 21:00 | G. Allen Fleece Library, 7435 Monticello Rd, Columbia, SC, 29203
Love books and good conversation? Join the Book Eyed Peas as we dive into Howl’s Moving Castle by Diane Wynne Jones! Whether you’re a fan or just looking to connect with fellow readers, all students are welcome.
📅 When: Every other Tuesday⏰ Time: 7:00 PM📍 Where: The Hub (2nd Floor, G. Allen Fleece Library)📖 Current Read: Howl’s Moving Castle by Diane Wynne Jones📘 Need a Book? Come to a meeting and inquire!

Soccer Watch Party
2025-11-29 16:00 - 18:00 | Pine View Community Center, 7445 Monticello Road, Columbia, SC, 29203, United States
⚽ Soccer Watch Party – Hosted by International Student AssociationCome cheer, snack, and enjoy the excitement of the Copa Libertadores Final on the big screen! Open to all students.
📅 Date: November 29th⏰ Time: 4:00 PM📍 Location: Pineview Community Center🌎 Hosted by: International Student Association🙌 Open to: All Students
🍿 Snacks Provided

Chapel: Dr. Ben Noonan
2025-12-02 11:00 - 11:45 | Shortess Chapel
Speaker is Professor of Old Testament & Hebrew in the Seminary & School of Counseling, Dr. Ben Noonan.
🙏 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.

Career Readiness Session: Business Etiquette
2025-12-02 18:00 - 19:00 | G. Allen Fleece Library, 7435 Monticello Rd, Columbia, SC, 29203
Professionalism goes beyond skills—it’s about how you carry yourself. In this session, you’ll learn:

The do’s and don’ts of professional etiquette
Workplace behavior that leaves a positive impression
How to communicate with respect and professionalism
Tips for dining, dress code, and office culture

📍 Location: BCDC Hub (CIU Library, 2nd Floor)
📧 Questions? Contact BCDC bcdc@ciu.edu

Book Eyed Peas - "Howl's Moving Castle" Movie Night
2025-12-02 19:00 - 21:30 | Hoke Auditorium
Love Howl’s Moving Castle? Join the Book Eyed Peas as we watch the movie version of this fascinating by Diane Wynne Jones! Whether you’re a fan or just looking to enjoy with fellow readers, all students are welcome.
📅 When: Tuesday, December 2nd⏰ Time: 7:00 PM📍 Where: Hoke Auditorium

Community Group
2025-12-03 11:00 - 11:45 | All Campus
Students will connect with upperclassmen and campus leaders to build community. Students on Residence Halls will be meeting with their RA. Students in Pine View will be meeting with RAs and student leaders. Commuting students will meet in Hoke Auditorium with Jen Johnson, Associate Dean of Student Life. All community groups will count as chapel credit.

Webinar: Spring '26 Admitted Students
2025-12-03 15:00 - 16:00

Christmas Chapel
2025-12-04 11:00 - 11:45 | Shortess Chapel
Join us as we celebrate the birth of our Savior in our last chapel of the semester!
🙏 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.

Holiday Hang
2025-12-04 11:00 - 13:00 | McQuilkin/Schuster, 7435 Monticello Rd, Columbia, 29203, United States
🎄 Holiday Hang – Hosted by Grad Life CouncilCelebrate the season with a cheerful holiday gathering full of community and fun! Open to all.
📅 Date: December 4th⏰ Time: 11:00 AM📍 Location: Patio area in front of McQuilkin/Schuster + Merry Room (Schuster)🎓 Hosted by: Grad Life Council🙌 Open to: Everyone

Bio-Health & Psi Lambda Delta Christmas Party
2025-12-04 18:30 - 20:30 | Ridderhof, SC
Ready for the holidays? Come celebrate Christmas with our Bio-Health and Psi Lambda Delta clubs! Enjoy snacks, games, and welcome rest from finals studies.

Thursday, December 4th
6:30pm
Ridderhof Lobby
Open to all!

Student Improv Night: Live Comedy at CIU
2025-12-04 21:30 - 23:00 | Hoke Auditorium
Come out for a night of quick wit, big laughs, and totally unscripted fun! Our biweekly improv show features a talented team of student performers bringing comedy to life—no script, just pure spontaneity. Everyone is welcome, so grab a friend and join the fun!
📅 When: Every other Thursday⏰ Time: 9:30 PM – 11:00 PM📍 Where: Hoke Auditorium👥 Who: Open to all – come support your fellow students!🎤 What: Live improv comedy by our student improv team

Christmas Card Making
2025-12-05 15:30 - 17:30 | Rossi Student Center
💌 Christmas Card Making – Hosted by The ExchangeGet creative and spread holiday cheer by making your own Christmas cards! All supplies provided and open to everyone.
📅 Date: December 5th⏰ Time: 3:30 PM📍 Location: Student Center🎓 Hosted by: The Exchange🙌 Open to: All Students

Movie Night
2025-12-05 19:00 - 21:00 | Hoke Auditorium
🎬 Movie Night – Hosted by Book Eyed PeasRelax and enjoy a cozy evening at the movies with friends! Film will be announced soon. Open to all students.
📅 Date: December 5th⏰ Time: 7:00 PM📍 Location: Hoke Auditorium📚 Hosted by: Book Eyed Peas🙌 Open to: All Students

Grab Your Favorite Mug & Join Us For Fun and Games
2025-12-05 19:30 - 21:30 | TV Studio, Ridderhof, 7435 Monticello Rd, Columbia, SC, 29203, United States
☕ Grab Your Favorite Mug & Join Us For Fun and Games – Hosted by LVL99Bring your favorite mug and enjoy a warm cup of cocoa with friends! Cookies will be provided. Open to all students.
📅 Date: December 5th⏰ Time: 7:30 PM📍 Location: Ridderhof TV Studio🎮 Hosted by: LVL99🍪 Cookies Provided🙌 Open to: All Students
