Community Values

Spiritual Vibrancy 

Spiritual vibrancy that is developed by cultivating a personal relationship with God is a key value of the CBC community. To that end, students have the responsibility to set aside time in their day for intimacy with God through spiritual disciplines (i.e. prayer and Bible reading). 

Chapels 

Gathering as a community for worship and discipleship is a priority at CBC. Student led worship and input from various faculty, students and guests challenge and inspire us to deepen our walk with Jesus. Chapel meets on Thursdays from 10 am- 10:50 am. It is expected that those who are on campus at this time will attend chapel.  

Local Church Engagement 

Although Columbia is a faith community that offers fellowship and great ways to serve, our community isn’t meant to replace participation in a local church. We expect you to expand your community beyond CBC by becoming part of one of the many diverse and dynamic congregations in and around Abbotsford. If a service practicum placement is carried out at a local church, the student is encouraged to attend that church.

Respect for Others 

All students are expected to pursue healthy relationships marked by selfless love, forgiveness, honesty, respect and the fair treatment of all human beings. At CBC we are committed to seeking to address issues of disagreement and conflict with others in love and peace. Each member of our community is asked to contribute to the best of their ability to their own learning and the group effort of learning, avoiding the competitiveness that places their own self-interest above the needs of others. 

Dress 

It is expected that a student’s dress should give evidence of a gracious Christian lifestyle. Appropriate apparel, including footwear and shirts should be worn at all times in public buildings, including the Dining Hall.  

Harassment 

CBC is a place for belonging. This sense of belonging is meant to be inclusive of all, and therefore, harassment of any kind (including that of a sexual nature) is prohibited. Harassment is a form of discrimination based on personal characteristics (e.g. race, gender, physical disability). We view harassment as a failure in our responsibility to honour the dignity of each member of our community. CBC’s full harassment policy can be found here.

Healthy Sexuality 

CBC acknowledges sexuality as a gift from God and encourages healthy relationships in both dating and marriage. CBC recognizes sexual intimacy as a blessing of human sexuality and affirms marriage between a man and a woman as its proper context. Students are expected to act with maturity in both public and private, treating one another with honour and respect. 

Students are expected to refrain from immodest public displays of affection and from sexual intimacy outside of marriage. Cohabitation by individuals who are engaging in a romantic relationship is not permitted. 

Sexual Violence 

CBC is committed to creating and maintaining a learning environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, free from sexual violence. While consent represents a minimum standard for healthy intimate relationships, we see sexual violence as betraying our calling to love and respect one another and to pursue Christian integrity in sexual behaviour. Consent is present when clearly understandable words or actions manifest a knowing, active, voluntary, present and ongoing agreement to engage in specific intimate conduct. CBC’s full sexual misconduct policy can be found here.

Alcohol 

CBC rejects drunkenness or impairment from alcohol as an acceptable behaviour and expects community members to abstain from or engage with alcohol in a healthy, Christ-like manner. The possession/consumption of alcohol, possession of empty alcohol containers, and alcohol intoxication is prohibited in residences and for sanctioned Columbia events or programs (onsite or offsite). 

Cannabis, Tobacco, Vaping 

CBC is a smoke free campus. Possession/use of smoking, vaping, and e-cigarette paraphernalia is prohibited anywhere on the Columbia campus including all Columbia buildings as well as outdoor spaces, parking lots or any vehicles on Columbia property. 

Drugs and Illegal Substances 

The use of illicit drugs, or the abuse of prescription drugs is unacceptable for members of the Columbia community. To possess, use, produce, sell, exchange or otherwise distribute any illegal drug on campus, including in Residence or otherwise is strictly prohibited. 

Entertainment and Gaming 

CBC students will not participate in activities or the use of materials, whether digital or in print, that are dehumanizing, degrading, exploitive, hateful or gratuitously violent. Students are to consider these restrictions in their gaming practices.  

Pornography 

CBC views pornography as a distortion of the blessing of human sexuality, believing it harms one’s relationship with God, others, and oneself. Students at CBC are expected to refrain from viewing pornography and are encouraged to seek accountability and support in this area. 

Self Care 

Each student at CBC is expected to treat themselves with care and dignity- physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. If a student presents a risk of harm to self (or others) in these domains, CBC reserves the right to address these concerns in a caring and confidential manner.  

Appropriate self-care is the responsibility of each student. As members of a learning community, students should be able to live and function without causing risk, harm or disruption to the community or its members. Students are encouraged to prioritize their health and safety and take steps toward recovery, even if academic progress must be delayed. The college will support sustainable student-initiated self-care plans, and/or initiate actions that consider the welfare of the student, to ensure students are free from harm and able to fully engage in the educational process while at the same time consider the limited capacity of staff, faculty and other students.  

If self-care expectations are not met students will be held accountable for their behaviour and the impact on the community. Accountability may include a requirement to move out of residences and/or withdrawal or suspension from the college.

Respect the Space and Property of Others 

Every member of the CBC community plays an important part in maintaining a safe and respectful living and learning environment. Students are expected to receive permission before entering another’s room/home or using or borrowing possessions. Members of the opposite gender may only enter dorm rooms during Open Dorm (see the Resident Handbook for Open Dorm hours). Roommates and housemates should not be disturbed by noise or intrusive actions.  

Care and Stewardship of Facilities 

Community members respect the operating hours of all facilities, and therefore do not enter campus facilities without authorization or during unauthorized times. Students will take care to not damage, deface or destroy the facilities or property of the College. They will not use the College property, facilities, equipment or materials for unauthorized purposes. 

Dangerous Objects 

To ensure the safety of all members, students will not possess firearms, explosives or other weapons on campus. The use of firecrackers, paintballs, air-soft or paintball guns are not permitted on campus or at College-sponsored events.