Columbia International University

Tolkien Talk: “Perilous and Fair—Masculinity and Femininity in Tolkien’s Works”
2026-03-27 11:00 - 11:50 (America/New_York) | Fisher Building
Step into the world of Middle-earth and explore timeless themes of masculinity and femininity through the writings of J.R.R. Tolkien. Join Sean Christensen for this year’s Tolkien Talk, where literature, theology, and culture intersect in a thoughtful and engaging discussion.
Whether you’re a longtime Tolkien fan or simply curious about the deeper themes within his stories, this session offers fresh insight into the characters and narratives that continue to shape readers across generations.
Date: Friday, March 27Time: 11:00–11:50 a.m.Location: Fisher 102
All students, faculty, and staff are invited to attend.

Student Improv Night: Live Comedy at CIU
2026-03-26 21:30 - 23:00, 2026-02-26 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

Messianic Passover Seder
2026-03-26 16:30 - 18:00 | William H. Jones Center
Experience the meaning of Passover through a Messianic Passover Seder, a special evening that explores the biblical traditions of Passover and their connection to Jesus as the Messiah.
Join the CIU community for this interactive meal as we walk through the symbolism, Scripture, and history of the Passover celebration together. The evening includes a full Seder meal and meaningful teaching that brings the story of redemption to life.
Date: Thursday, March 26Time: 4:30–6:00 p.m.Location: Lyn Cook Seminar Room, William H. Jones Center
Cost: $10 per person (includes the full Seder meal)
Meal options include:• Salmon• Brisket• Vegetarian entrée
RSVP by Saturday, March 21: https://ciu.formstack.com/forms/Passover_Seder
After registering, you will receive an automated email with additional details about the event.
If you have questions, contact Dr. Ben Noonan at ben.noonan@ciu.edu.
All students, faculty, and staff are welcome.

Grad Chapel
2026-03-26 11:00 - 12:00 | William H. Jones Center
Grad Chapel is a time for graduate students to pause, reflect, and gather in community. Hosted by the Grad Life Council, this chapel offers a meaningful space for worship and connection, with lunch provided afterward.
📅 Date: March 26⏰ Time: 11:00 AM📍 Location: Lyn Cook Seminar Room, Jones Center

Chapel: Coach Tony Stockman
2026-03-26 11:00 - 11:45 | Shortess Chapel
Speaker is CIU Men’s Basketball Head Coach, Tony Stockman.
🙏 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.

Community Group
2026-03-25 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.

Acoustarockrappapaloozastockfest
2026-03-21 20:00 - 22:00 | Shortess Chapel
🎤 AcoustarockrappapaloozastockfestGet ready for an unforgettable night of music, talent, and creativity as students take the stage for this high-energy talent show at CIU! Audition as a solo act or with a group, or just sit back and enjoy supporting your fellow students!
📅 Date: March 21st⏰ Time: 8:00 PM📍 Location: Shortess Chapel🙌 Open to: All Students

Spring Preview Day: Preview CIU, Discover Why You Belong
2026-03-21 10:00 - 14:30 | All Campus
Preview CIU and discover why you belong here! Experience a day designed for future Rams and their family. Discover how CIU can help you identify your calling, prepare for your career, and build lifelong friendships in a Christ-centered community.
During this exclusive visit event, you’ll:

Connect with current students and professors

Learn about campus life and academic programs

Meet faculty, college deans, and admissions counselors

Tour our beautiful campus

Enjoy a free lunch in the Rossi Dining Room

👉 Learn More and Register

St. "Patch"rick's Day
2026-03-20 16:00 - 18:00 | Rossi Student Center
Get creative at St. “Patch”ricks Day, a festive crafting event hosted by the Exchange Club! Stop by to make your own pins and patches to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in a fun, hands-on way.
📅 Date: March 20th⏰ Time: 4:00 PM📍 Location: Student Center

Online Session 2: 50% Refund Period Ends
2026-03-20
The deadline to receive a 50% refund for Online Session 2 courses.

Chapel: President Dr. William H. Jones
2026-03-19 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.

Chapel: Men/Women - Marriage
2026-03-18 11:00 - 11:45 | Shortess Chapel
Students will gather together in Shortess and hear from a panel of faculty and staff as they address relevant questions surrounding engagement and marriage.
🙏 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 Registration Opens for Academic Year 2026-2027
2026-03-18
Students can begin registering for courses for the 2026–2027 academic year.

Career Readiness Session: LinkedIn Blogging
2026-03-17 18:30 - 19:30 | Dining Hall
Learn how to use LinkedIn blogging to showcase your expertise, grow your professional network, and stand out to potential employers.
Speaker: Juan Carlos Orosco
Location: CIU Dining Hall (Meeting Room)
Questions? Contact BCDC@ciu.edu

Chapel: Dr. Amy DuBois
2026-03-17 11:00 - 11:45 | Shortess Chapel
Speaker is CIU Dean of the Cook School of Business, Dr. Amy DuBois.
🙏 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 2: Last Day to Add/Drop Classes
2026-03-13
This is the final day to make changes to your Online Session 2 class schedule.

Online Session 2 Begins
2026-03-09
The second online session of the semester starts today. Be prepared for new courses, assignments, and online activities.

Spring Break for Full Spring Semester Students
2026-03-07 - 2026-03-15
A week-long break for residential students to rest, recharge, and enjoy time off from classes.
Residence Halls close Friday, March 6 at 5pm and reopen on Sunday, March 15 at 2pm. The Dining Hall will be closed during this time. Normal meal plans return Sunday, March 15 at 5pm.

On Pro-Life Law
2026-03-06 15:30 - 17:30 | G. Allen Fleece Library, 7435 Monticello Rd, Columbia, SC, 29203
Learn more about the legal and historical background of pro-life legislation at On Pro-Life Law, an educational session hosted by Rams for Life. This event will explore the history of pro-life laws and discuss the current legal landscape.
📅 Date: March 6⏰ Time: 3:30 PM📍 Location: The Hub (Library, 2nd Floor)

Last Day to Apply for Spring Graduation
2026-03-06
This is the final day to submit your application for Spring Graduation. Make sure all requirements are met before applying.

Online Session 1 Ends
2026-03-06
The first online session concludes. Students should ensure all assignments are submitted and grades are up to date.

CIU Leadership Summit featuring Jon Gordon
2026-03-05 10:30 - 12:00 | Shortess Chapel
Join us for the CIU Leadership Summit 2026 featuring Jon Gordon, one of the world’s most sought-after voices on leadership, positivity, and peak performance. Whether you’re leading a business, coaching a team, managing a staff, or inspiring a classroom, this is your opportunity to reframe challenges, renew purpose, and lead with vision.
Back by popular demand, Jon returns to CIU to share practical insights that will help you:

Lead with positivity and purpose — even through adversity

Build stronger, more engaged teams

Fuel your mission with passion and resilience

About Jon GordonJon Gordon is an internationally recognized speaker and best-selling author of 32 books, including The Energy Bus, The Power of Positive Leadership, and The Carpenter. His clients include championship teams, Fortune 500 companies, and global brands such as the Los Angeles Dodgers, Publix, Clemson Football, and Southwest Airlines.
Event Schedule:📍 Shortess Chapel – 10:30 AM–12:00 PM | Leadership Forum: Jon Gordon Live🍽️ Moore Fitness Center – 12:15 PM–1:30 PM | VIP Sponsor Luncheon: Special Remarks from Jon
👉 Learn More & Reserve Your Seat

Shakespeare's "The Tempest" Reading
2026-03-03 19:00 - 21:00 | G. Allen Fleece Library, 7435 Monticello Rd, Columbia, SC, 29203
Enjoy an evening of classic literature and community at a group reading of Shakespeare’s The Tempest, hosted by Book Eyed Peas. Students are invited to listen, read along, and appreciate this timeless play together in a relaxed setting.
📅 Date: March 3⏰ Time: 7:00 PM📍 Location: The Hub (Library, 2nd Floor)

Chapel: Pastor Jeff Kersey
2026-03-03 11:00 - 11:45 | Shortess Chapel
Guest speaker is pastor emeritus of Mt. Horeb Church, Mr. Jeff Kersey.
🙏 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.

Shofar Cup - Dodgeball
2026-03-01 20:00 - 22:00 | Moore Fitness Center
🏐 Dodgeball – CIU House Collective
Get ready for a high-energy night of friendly competition as brother and sister Houses face off in an exciting dodgeball showdown!
📅 Date: March 1st
⏰ Time: 8:00 PM
📍 Location: Fitness Center

Shofar Cup - Cookoff
2026-02-28 20:00 - 22:00 | Dining Hall
🍽️ Cookoff – House CollectiveGet ready for a flavorful night of competition as each house prepares a three-course dinner for faculty and staff judges! Come enjoy the creativity, teamwork, and culinary skills on display.
📅 Date: February 28th⏰ Time: 8:00 PM📍 Location: Dining Hall

Shofar Cup - Coffee Haus
2026-02-27 20:00 - 22:00 | Hoke Auditorium
☕ Coffee Haus – House CollectiveEnjoy a creative evening as students showcase their artistry through photography, painting, writing, crafts, and live poetry performances for House points. A relaxed night of creativity, community, and expression.
📅 Event: Friday, February 27th⏰ Time: 8:00 PM📍 Location: Hoke Auditorium🙌 Open to: All Students

Blood on the Clocktower
2026-02-27 19:00 - 21:00 | G. Allen Fleece Library, 7435 Monticello Rd, Columbia, SC, 29203
Step into a night of strategy, mystery, and fun at LVL99’s Game Night featuring Blood on the Clocktower. This social deduction game night kicks off with the first session and will continue every other Friday for those who want to keep playing.
📅 Date: February 6⏰ Time: 7:00 PM📍 Location: The Hub (Library, 2nd Floor)🗓️ Frequency: Every other Friday following kickoff🎮 Hosted by: LVL99🙌 Open to: All Students

Riverbanks Zoo & Gardens Outing
2026-02-27 09:00 - 17:00
Enjoy a full day of adventure, exploration, and community on a trip to Riverbanks Zoo & Gardens with the Grad Life Council. Spend the day discovering wildlife and beautiful gardens, with carpooling available for convenience.
📅 Date: February 27⏰ Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM📍 Location: Riverbanks Zoo & Gardens
