Welcome to CIU Class of 2024!
CIU mascot Rambo pitched in to help freshmen get settled in. (Photo by Kierston Smith)
By Alexander D. Brickey
CIU Student Writer
While the sky started out gloomy, the attitude around the CIU campus was bright. It was move-in day for the Class of 2024.
Upbeat music played as the student leadership readied masks and gloves to assist the new arrivals, just a few of the COVID-19 precautions that were taken.
“My favorite part of move-in day is how everybody gets excited and makes everybody feel welcome,” said Olivia Fleming, the president of MuKappa, an organization for missionary kids (MKs) who was helping with the move-in.
As cars with the new arrivals streamed down International Boulevard, they were greeted by friendly waves and assistance from CIU student leadership. Initial check-in was drive-thru style in a side parking lot. The new students were then sent on to their new home in the residence halls.
It was there that they were immediately greeted by the masked throng of eager helpers, ready to serve if the families desired the extra hands. Parents then had their last conversations with their sons and daughters before sending them off on the adventure that is CIU.
As Kierston Hull dropped off her freshman son, Colby, she called the move-in process “very easy."
“The communication was very good. The welcoming when you get here was very good. And we’re looking forward to a great semester,” Hull said.
Aynsley Vivian, a freshman from Australia, said she appreciated the friendliness on campus as she moved in earlier in the week with other MKs.
“A special part about move-in day was realizing that there are other people like me here,” Vivian said.
Closing out the day was a time of fellowship and prayer led by the CIU staff, ultimately reminding the families and freshman that CIU is a community connected by more than simply academics.
Check out this video from Move-In Day on Instagram.
Early enrollment figures show CIU’s undergraduate population continues to grow with 568 resident students, up from 545 resident students a year ago.
BestColleges.com ranks Columbia International University the 2020 Best Online College in South Carolina, and CIU is #2 in the state for Best College Campus. CIU also consistently ranks among the Top Regional Universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report. Request information on enrollment at CIU and Columbia Biblical Seminary or call (800) 777-2227, ext. 5024.