In accordance with the mission statement, community development focuses on fostering an environment of spiritual growth and the development of each student's connection within the Washington Bible College/Capital Bible Seminary community. Although each person's experience of community may differ, it is expected that certain experiences will be similar. Initially, it is our intention that all students be known. This means others meet the individual and seek to understand him or her. The student is then accepted and valued for who he/she is. A third significant experience in community is involvement. Initially, this may primarily refer to a person being included in the community. However, over time it also refers to one investing in the community. Thus, "involvement" is comprised of receiving and contributing. Finally, one is committed to the community, and often takes an active role in assisting others as they proceed through these experiences. There are primarily six ways in which we seek to achieve this goal; including Activities, Prayer Groups, Missions Conference, HelpDesk, Student Organizations, and Residential Life.
activities
Student activities exist to build community among resident and commuter students. Various activities are scheduled to regularly throughout each semester. These activities include concerts, coffeehouses, movie nights, trips to Washington D.C., picnics, tournaments and various other events. Day excursions to other cities, including NYC, are available to students at Washington Bible College/Capital Bible Seminary. Each Spring semester the College and the Seminary hold Spring Banquets to honor the graduating Seniors. These events connect you with great people and will provide many fond memories. Click here for more information on activities and attractions in the area.
missions conference
The Office of Student Life and Development assists in planning and implementing the yearly Missions Conference. This event brings part time, full time, resident, and commuter students together with the goal of increased awareness of and involvement in God's work around the world.
The yearly missions conference is a significant part of the student's training in ministry. It provides the student with insights into God's working around the world and the role of the student and the local church in that process. Numerous experts in the areas of home and international missions are present at each conference to interact with the students.
HelpDesk
The Student HelpDesk is available between the hours of 9:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. to help you with whatever needs you may have. If you are in need of a student ID, need a password for CougarNet, have questions about chapel, or need to schedule an appointment with one of the Student Life and Development personnel, stop by the HelpDesk. It is located in the Office of Student Life and Development.
The HelpDesk is open Monday-Thursday from 9:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m., and Friday from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.. You can also reach the HelpDesk by email or by calling 301.552.1400 ext. 1236.
Washington Bible College/Capital Bible Seminary has a variety of student organizations including Student Council, Student Missions Fellowship, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. These organizations exist for a variety of reasons, but the primary purpose of each is to focus more on God as a community.
Student Council
The Student Council plays a vital part in college/seminary life. This student organization exists at both the college and seminary level. It purposes to: (1) Develop close relationships between students and administration, faculty, and staff; (2) Communicate student opinions and suggestions to administration, faculty and staff, (3) Promote student unity, morale, and spiritual growth. In addition to these responsibilities, the Council assists in planning and directing many activities, including chapels, special missions projects, faculty-student fellowships. The Council consists of five-six members, elected annually by the student body, plus a faculty advisor.
Student Advisory Committee
Virginia seminary students are supported by a Student Advisory Committee (SAC) that is elected annually. The leader of SAC is the Virginia student representative on the Capital Bible Seminary Student Council. SAC participates each semester in providing an open house/orientation day, coordinates student involvement in missions and social events, and serves as a conduit for keeping students aware of Virginia services, activities, and information. In addition, Virginia students may participate in all student activities on the main campus in Lanham, MD.
Global Outreach Fellowship (GO Fellowship)
Global Outreach Fellowship (GO Fellowship) is a student organization led by the Missionary in Residence. The organization offers opportunities for student involvement in prayer for global missions, in short term ministry outreach, in focus on intercultural involvement at home and abroad, and in preparation for and facilitation of the annual World Mission Conference held each year on campus. Students experience Christ-centered fellowship that promotes practical application of the Great Commission. GO Teams serve in different ways to offer students an effective experience in every aspect of mission outreach.
Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA)
FCA is an international organization that exists to bring Christian athletes together and to use sports to glorify God. There are several activities that FCA plans on campus each semester. In the past, these activities have included cookouts, softball games, and baseball player Jamie Carol sharing how he holds onto his christian testimony while being a sports star.
residential life
Living in the residential halls has made Washington Bible College/Capital Bible Seminary an amazing experience for many students. From ordering pizza at 1:00 a.m. to playing video games all night, from heart-to-heart talks to wrestling matches, the residential halls contain many memories. The people you live with become more than just roommates, they become your best friends and close confidants; they support you, challenge you, encourage you and by the time you leave, you will be amazed at how many ways you've grown.
Secured single-sex residential areas for full-time, single students without children and limited, efficiency housing for full-time, married students are available on campus. As a general rule, students who are or have been married should not expect to live in the residence halls except by special permission from the Dean of Students. Inversely, full-time, single students who are under the age of 21 should expect to live in the residence halls, unless they are able to live with immediate family in the area. Incoming students over the age of 29 should have an interview prior to moving into the residence halls. Special needs or questions regarding campus housing can be directed to the Dean of Students.
The Residence Halls are open during Fall and Thanksgiving and Spring Break, however, they will be closed over Christmas Break. Students are asked to leave campus by the last day of Finals. All students must officially check out with their Residential Community Leaders. Students who have registered for Spring classes may leave their belongings in their room until returning for the Spring semester.