SUPPORTING YOUR STUDENT
Dear Parents and Guardians
A message from Columbia President Dr. Steve Brown
Dear Parents and Guardians,
As your student begins this new chapter at Columbia Bible College, I imagine you’re experiencing a swirl of emotions—joy, gratitude, perhaps a little sadness, and maybe some nervous anticipation. I’ve been there myself. When I moved each of my daughters into residence at Columbia, I felt all of those things and more. It’s a significant milestone—for them, and for you.
Let me begin by saying thank you for entrusting your student to this time at Columbia. We count it a sacred privilege to come alongside them—and you—during this important season.
This year, as Columbia celebrates 90 years of God’s faithfulness, our theme is From Generation to Generation, based on Psalm 145:4: “One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts.” As I think about that verse, I think about parents/guardians like you. Long before your student arrived at Columbia, you were already helping shape this next generation. Now we have the privilege of joining you in that work.
There is something I pray almost every morning as I drive onto campus: “Lord, may everything we do on this campus today stir a deeper awe of Jesus in and through this next generation.” That simple prayer captures my heart.
It is our desire that every student would know Jesus more deeply, build their life on the truth of God’s Word, and leave Columbia with a foundation for a lifetime of faithful discipleship and joyful service.
As your student settles into campus life, one of the greatest gifts you can continue to offer is your encouragement and, if you are a person of faith, your prayers. Please know that we are regularly praying as well—for every student, including your student, by name.
With eyes fixed on Jesus,
Dr. Steve A. Brown
President
“When I first came to CBC fresh out of high school, I was shocked that everything I was learning was directly applicable to my everyday life. Not only that, but my teachers were living examples of their lessons. This authenticity and practicality have profoundly changed how I experience and follow the living God every single day, from spiritual disciplines to relationships with my peers. CBC is great!”
—Michael F, QUEST
“I came into Columbia as someone who lacked conviction and didn’t even really know where I was headed in life- or why. At the same time, I desperately wanted to appear like I had it “all together”, so I often kept others at arms-length. The greatest growth I have experienced is in the fact that I now have a very solid sense of purpose, and I no longer live in a mindset of having to solve every problem by myself. This capacity to accept help and guidance has also allowed me to experience a greater sense of connection in my relationships, and to be more vulnerable. By God’s grace I was nudged out of my comfort zone and drawn into classes, roles, and relationships that allowed me to grow. Of course, I’ve had failures along the way, but there was always support to get back up and keep at it. It has truly reshaped how I see myself and others.”
—Donnel S, Psychology Program
Your Support Team
Our staff and faculty are here for you and your student every step of the way.
Student Development
Dean of Students
Adrian Warkentin oversees the Student Development Department and is responsible for the overall coordination and quality of Student Services which includes Athletics, Counselling, Chapels, and Residence and Commuter programming. With a heart for mission and ministry, Adrian brings a pastoral presence to campus and is a great resource for emotional and spiritual support.
Associate Dean of Students
Shar Warkentin leads the Campus Life Team, provides primary oversight of student leadership and orientation programming, as well as Spiritual Formation on campus (including Chapel and Vespers), and gives additional leadership support across the Student Development department.
Women’s Residence Director
Annakke Elliott oversees all female students living on campus. She lives in Redekop Hall and brings experience, creativity, and an intentional approach to residence life, serving as a valuable resource for emotional and spiritual support. Annakke is also certified in first aid. Her primary focus is to provide leadership and support to the Resident Leaders while building meaningful relationships with the women living on campus.
Men’s Residence Director
Ben Smith oversees all male students living on campus. He lives in Redekop Hall with his wife and two children. As a Columbia alumnus, Ben Smith brings a deep understanding of the college community and a passion for supporting students. He is a valuable resource for emotional and spiritual support and is also certified in first aid. His focus is to provide leadership to the Resident Leaders and build meaningful relationships with the men living on campus.
Commuter Director & Academic Support Supervisor
Chloe Plett is a Columbia alumna who oversees Commuter Services, providing leadership to the Commuter Hosts and building meaningful relationships with commuter students. In her role as Academic Support Supervisor, she assists students with learning challenges, time management, and developing the skills needed to meet college-level academic expectations. Students can access appointment bookings, drop-in hours, and academic support resources through our website. Academic Support also offers helpful tutorials and workshops throughout the year.
Academics
Additional Support
Student Accounts & Financial Aid Administrator
Does your student have or need a student loan? Are they eligible for a grant or bursary? Did they receive a scholarship? Financial Aid is here to help! Angela Hutchinson will help your student get set up to make financial payments and process all scholarships and awards. She’s also your go to person for student accounts. She makes sure that bills are accurate, up-to-date and sent out on time
Pray with Us
Sign up to receive prayer updates from CBC, and commit to praying with and for our students and community.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I get information about my student?
We can’t give out any information, so we recommend reaching out to your student directly to ask them to provide the information. Our student handbook helps guide them in the right direction.
When are tuition payments due?
Payment deadlines and other information is available on our website on the Payment Information page. Please contact Anglea Hutchinson for any questions about payment info!
Where can I find the bill for each semester?
Students can log into their myCBC SONIS portal to see billing and transaction history.
How can tuition be paid?
Tuition payment information is available on the Payment Information page. Please contact Angela Hutchinson for any questions about payment info!
Where can we request a statement for a bank withdrawal?
The student can send Angela Hutchinson an email or a message on Teams, and she’ll pass along a semester statement PDF, usually via email.
How can I send a letter or parcel to a student?
Every student in residence has their own mailbox for letters. Please ask your student about their mailbox number. Add the students full name and mailbox number on the envelope along with Columbia’s address: 2940 Clearbrook Road, Abbotsford BC, V2T 2Z8.
Packages and letters that are too big for the mailbox can be picked up at Reception.