Global and Cultural Engagement

At Corban University, we value the richness of God’s ongoing work in a global context. Our community anchors our understanding in the Scriptures and the picture of the Global Kingdom of God clearly articulated in the text. Our University leadership, faculty, and Board of Trustees, drafted a clear statement on what we believe the scriptures teach related to God’s Kingdom and the diversity we should expect as we seek to pursue our shared mission in educating Christians who will make a difference in the world for Jesus Christ.

Rooted in biblical principles, this statement reflects Corban’s vision for engaging with cultures around the world. We believe that the Church, as portrayed in Scripture, is a global body of believers. From God’s promise to bless all nations through the seed of Abraham to the united gathering of worshippers in Revelation, His people represent the breadth of humanity brought together in the truth of the Gospel. For this reason, Corban seeks to reflect the beauty of God’s creation in its many expressions.

Theology of God’s Kingdom Diversity

At Corban, we celebrate God’s beauty as expressed through cultural diversity. We aim to flourish as an eclectic Christian community, multiethnic, multicultural, and multinational in scope (Revelation 7:9-10), happy in the knowledge that all people are created in God’s image (Genesis 1: 26-28, 9:6) and that God’s redemptive purposes extend to all (Galatians 3:28; Romans 11: 17-24). In everything we do, locally and globally, we strive to meet each other with a humble disposition (Acts 10:28), mindful always that we are saved by grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). And, in everything we do, we hope to demonstrate love, informed by the biblical mandate to love our neighbors as ourselves (Numbers 15:14-16; Mark 12:31), knowing that we are—otherwise—clanging cymbals (1 Corinthians 13:1). Corban’s mission is to educate Christians who will make a difference in the world for Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:19-20). To this end, and for God’s glory, we extend gratitude to all our brothers and sisters in Christ, and together—unified in purpose—we share the gospel with a broken world.

As with any commitment, articulating a vision is only the beginning—we must also live it out daily. Corban integrates this vision throughout its academic programs, chapel services, campus life, leadership opportunities, special events, and partnerships that equip students to engage meaningfully with others.

Cultural Engagement at Corban

Corban equips students with the knowledge and critical thinking skills necessary to thrive in an interconnected world. Beyond Salem, Oregon, Corban partners with organizations across the globe, prepares second-language learners for university study, and provides opportunities for students to broaden their perspectives through immersive international experiences.

Student Life and Community

Students at Corban have the opportunity to serve in leadership through a variety of roles, including Resident Assistant (RA), Student Activities Board (SAB), and Student Government Association (SGA). A unique role within residence life, the Cross-Cultural Resident Assistant (CCRA), provides mentorship and support to students navigating cross-cultural experiences. CCRAs foster relationships, facilitate discussions, and create spaces for students to explore the unique ways in which different backgrounds shape faith and learning. The Office of Student Life seeks to model Christ’s Kingdom by equipping students for leadership that reflects wisdom, hospitality, and unity in purpose.

Academics

Students at Corban engage in coursework designed to deepen their understanding of historical and contemporary global perspectives. Required general education courses include:

  • Intercultural studies electives
  • Worldview Seminar
  • Humanities electives
  • American History Survey
  • History survey electives
  • Social science electives

Additionally, students may choose from courses such as Minority Authors, Cultural Intelligence for Future Leaders, Cultural Anthropology, and Intercultural Communication, among many others. These courses equip students with insight into different cultural contexts and encourage thoughtful engagement with diverse perspectives.

At Corban, students and faculty engage in meaningful conversations inside and outside the classroom, fostering an environment where individuals grow in their understanding of themselves, Scripture, and the world around them.

Study Abroad

Corban students have access to multiple opportunities to study in cross-cultural settings, gaining firsthand experience in various global contexts. All students are encouraged to engage in study abroad programs and faculty-led short-term international study tours that enable students to explore their academic disciplines through a broader lens. These experiences enrich their education, challenge assumptions, expand their understanding of global Christianity, and strengthen their faith in new ways.

Global Engagement

Through global partnerships, members of the Corban community participate and share in discussions and collaborations on global issues affecting Christian education, the Church, and ministry organizations worldwide. Through partnerships that equip Christian educators, pastors, and missionaries—from Indonesia to Uganda to Israel—Corban remains committed to strengthening the global Church in its mission to make a difference in the world for Jesus Christ.

NWCCU ACCREDITATION

Corban University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) and completed a Year-Seven Comprehensive (Evaluation of Institutional Effectiveness (EIE)) in 2022 for continued accreditation. The comprehensive self-study was followed by an onsite evaluation in October 2022. In February 2023, Corban received reaffirmation of its accreditation for 7 years. Corban University’s last Mid-Cycle Evaluation was fall 2018, and its Policies, Regulations and Financial Review (PRFR) was completed in fall 2021. As of our most recent evaluation, Corban University is compliant with the Standards, Policies, and Eligibility Requirements of the NWCCU.