One of the distinctives about being at TWU – in addition to the high quality academics – is the vibrant community life and the many opportunities to thrive spiritually, and as a leader.
“There are so many different ways that you can grow and learn,” said Richard Taylor, Vice President of Student Life. During a Campus Life session at this year’s Orientation Week, he introduced all the ways that students can get engaged, and make the most of their TWU experience.
Leadership development, spiritual growth, and overall wellbeing
Within TWU’s vision to see every student equipped, Student Life provides the opportunities for leadership development, spiritual growth, and overall wellbeing – and fosters students' development within a diverse, Christ-centered, global community.
Taylor notes that for TWU, being a global Christian university is not just an aspiration. TWU currently has close to 5,000 students studying in its undergraduate, graduate and degree completion programs. Of the total student population, almost 50% are from outside of Canada.
Taylor describes the campus' global context, “We have people who come from many different countries…(with) different backgrounds and views, and we learn how to live together in a Christ-centered community.”
Friendship and belonging spark community connection
Students have expressed to Taylor that they value friendship and belonging as the basis for community connection. As such, Student Life aims to help students build this strong social foundation.
“We want to help, so that before you dive into your classes and the stress of the semester, you really have a sense of connection and belonging,” he said to students.
Faith-forming curriculum, mentoring relationships, and formative experiences
Student Life helps students find connectedness through faith-forming curriculum, mentoring relationships, and formative experiences.
Andrew deGroot, Assistant Director of Community Life, said to students during Orientation Week, “We want to make sure that you are invited into this community. We have staff who are dedicated to serve you, and help you engage.”
“We are here to care for you. We want to help you get connected to the right resources, and to find the right ways to feel confident in your ability to excel here at Trinity.”
— Andrew deGroot, Assistant Director of Community Life
Students who commute to TWU's Langley campus can join the Collegium Program, which offers lounge and study spaces throughout the campus for the commuter community. De Groot describes the Collegiums, “They are fun places that are living-room style.”
The Trinity Commons is another welcoming space. Both the Collegiums and the Trinity Commons are staffed by Community Assistants who are dedicated to help students.
Within residences, Resident Directors and Resident Assistants are available to help ensure that students “are equipped to do life on campus.” Residence programming includes events, community care, and various opportunities for students to get involved.
De Groot describes how Student Life extends an invitation to students to join the TWU community.
“We are here to care for you,” he said. “We want to help you get connected to the right resources, and to find the right ways to feel confident in your ability to excel here at Trinity.”
“We are here to support international students and bring about awareness of the diversity within our wider community.”
— Sarah Lee, TWU Intercultural Programs
Helping international students feel at home
Sarah Lee is a student leader with TWU’s Intercultural Programs, or ICP. She said to students during Orientation Week, “We are here to support international students and bring about awareness of the diversity within our wider community.” ICP offers cultural and community engagement through several programs, including the Global Connections Club and the Community Dinners program. Lee says that these programs provide a platform for international students to “not only share their culture, but for other students to come and experience cultures that are different from their own.”
Lee encouraged TWU students to get involved, adding, “Learn some new perspectives, and have free food and games.”
Chapel and spiritual life
Revered Dr. James Ellis III, University Chaplain and Director of Student Ministries, directs TWU’s Chapel program. During the academic year, Chapel takes place every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 11:00am-1:30am, in the David E. Enarson Gymnasium (Langley campus).
See the Fall 2021 Chapel Calendar.
Chapel is also livestreamed in real-time and archived on the TWU Chapel YouTube channel, providing convenient access.
To further develop students’ spiritual growth, TWU offers discipleship groups in various languages.
"...We’d love to sit with you and talk to you about whatever your questions may be. If you just need to process things with someone, even if it’s not a spiritual question or topic, we’d love to learn more about where you’re from.”
— Revered Dr. James Ellis III, University Chaplain
During the previous academic year, participation in TWU’s discipleship groups grew by 60%. As Taylor reports, “We had people learning from around the world. We had people from Korea, China, and other areas, who wanted to be engaged in discipleship.”
For anyone seeking personalized care and support, TWU also provides one-on-one pastoral care. As Rev. Ellis says, “If you just want to have a conversation with someone else...we’d love to sit with you and talk to you about whatever your questions may be. If you just need to process things with someone, even if it’s not a spiritual question or topic, we’d love to learn more about where you’re from.”
Hundreds of student leadership opportunities
One of the best things about attending TWU, is the chance to develop one’s strengths and passions, through leadership involvement.
As Taylor said to students, “We want to help you discover a sense of belonging and purpose, and to discover what you’re gifted at, and to be able to engage in formative experiences and leadership opportunities during your time here at TWU.”
There are close to 300 student leadership opportunities available every year, along with a wide range of ministries, clubs and recreational activities. The Student Life Expo, which takes place on September 14, will be a time when students can learn more about the many co-curricular opportunities available, which will all contribute to a rich and rewarding experience at TWU.
See also — TWU welcomes students and families to the 2021-22 academic year during Orientation Week:
TWU News
About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is Canada’s premier Christian liberal arts university dedicated to equipping students to establish meaningful connections between career, life, and the needs of the world. It is a fully accredited research institution offering liberal arts and sciences, as well as professional schools in business, nursing, education, human kinetics, graduate studies, and arts, media, and culture. It has four campuses: Langley, Richmond-Lansdowne, Richmond-Minoru, and Ottawa. TWU emphasizes academic excellence, research, and student engagement in a vital faith community committed to forming leaders to have a transformational impact on culture. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn.