INTEGRATED Learning

Followers of Jesus know that service is a way of life; why should college be any different?

Service Practicum is a unique opportunity that allows students to take what they have learned in class and apply it to the community in which they live. Over the course of their first two years at Columbia, students will participate in a minimum of 115 hours of supervised volunteer experience. At the beginning of the academic year, students will attend the Service Fair, which provides an opportunity to connect with various organizations in the community. This program encourages students to get involved in their community as they gain hands-on experience in their field of interest.

Service Practicum placements involve volunteering as an experience of personal growth, vocational discernment, and community engagement. Placement types vary depending on student interests and program major. Students who already volunteer their time with an organization may be eligible to continue this work as their Service Practicum. Mature students (25yrs+) who have extensive previous experience may qualify for an exemption, please contact the Integrated Learning Associate.

Information for Placement Supervisors

We welcome all placement supervisors and organizations to be involved with this unique learning experience. If you have further questions please contact the Integrated Learning Associate.

Handbook

Placement Supervisor Manual (PDF)
This manual explains what is expected of both the student and the Supervisor in Service Practicum and contains information around Risk Management. All supervisors should be familiar with its contents.

Supervisor Forms

Supervisor Agreement Form
A form outlining the agreed-upon service and mentorship commitment must be completed by the placement supervisor at the beginning of the Fall or Summer semester for each practicum student. As students are expected to remain in the same placement from September through to April, in the Winter semester, Supervisor Agreement forms are typically only necessary for students starting Service Practicum mid-year or who are changing placements due to course conflicts.

Supervisor Evaluation Forms
This form must be completed by the placement supervisor at the end of every semester for each practicum student. Note: 35% of the student’s final grade is gained directly from the Supervisor’s Evaluation. Timely submission is imperative.

Service Fair

The Service Fair is an annual event in early September. Local organizations and churches can share the various volunteer opportunities that they have to offer as new students are seeking a practicum placement. If you and your organization are interested in participating, please complete the Service Fair Reservation. Please note there are limited spaces available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Service Fair Reservation »

Internships enable all four-year degree students to practice key areas of learning within their program major. The internship placement facilitates knowledge and skills practice, personal and social development, along with opportunity to pursue vocational direction. Students develop personalized learning objectives that are met with 300 hours (75hrs/credit hour) of supervised work alongside a series of reflective assignments. 

The Integrated Learning department oversees the following program internships:

• Applied Leadership
• Biblical Studies
• Counselling
• Worship Arts
• Youth Work (4-credit option)

Please note that Intercultural Studies and the third-year Youth Work internships are supervised by the respective departments directly.

Prerequisites
Before a student can begin their internship, they are required to have completed the following:

• 60 credit hours
• Service Practicum I, II, III, and IV
• LDRS 201 Intro to Leadership Studies or equivalent (can coincide with the start of internship)

Internship placements provide students with opporunity to practice key areas of learning from within their program major under the direction of an approved supervisor. In consultation with their Program Director and the Integrated Learning department, students are responsible to find a placement that fits with their program major and personal interests. For more information please contact the Director of Service Learning.

Information for Students

Internship Learning Contract | PDF
Interns and supervisors must complete this form before beginning the internship assignment.

Intern Progress Reports
Intern progress reports 1-5 must be completed during the internship.

Intern Comprehensive Evaluation
Interns must complete this evaluation at the end of their internship.

Course Information
Internship Overview
Internship Manual
Internship Syllabus - Current Semester
Internship Syllabus - Upcoming Semester

Information for Supervisors

Internship Placement Posting Application
To be completed by any organization wishing to have a Columbia student as an intern.

Supervisor Progress Reports
Supervisor progress reports 1-3 must be completed during the internship.

Supervisor Comprehensive Evaluation
Supervisors must complete this evaluation at the end of their internship.

Course Information
Internship Overview
Supervisor Manual
Internship Syllabus - Current Semester
Internship Syllabus - Upcoming Semester

Every first-year student at Columbia participates in UC: Urban Connection. Students spend a semester engaging various social issues in Abbotsford and the surrounding area, such as poverty, addiction, and homelessness. In a group setting, students learn about these issues and get to know people impacted by them. Students serve alongside long-term organizations who are committed to seeing Jesus' kingdom come and to loving people who are often deemed outcasts. 

Our goal for UC is for students to grow in their worldview in their own backyard. We hope and pray that through this unique experience, students gain a greater perspective of what is happening in our world and begin both dialogue and action in connecting with people in the everyday. The first step to world change is a change in ourselves.

Exemption Request

The intention of UC is to create awareness of the contemporary urban situation in our world. It facilitates theological reflection, sociological insight and practical ministry awareness. The students who attend UC grapple with key issues confronting the church in its ministry in an urban setting. In some special cases, exemption from the Urban Connections weekend may be given. Please download and complete the Urban Connections Exemption Form. For more information please contact the UC Coordinator.

David Warkentin

Director of Integrated Learning 
  Email David