At Corban University, we value multicultural diversity—so much so, that the following Theology of Multicultural Inclusion statement was drafted and approved by our faculty, and endorsed by the Cabinet and Board of Trustees. Based on principles and truths in God’s Word, the following statement outlines Corban’s vision for multicultural diversity. We believe a multicultural view of the Church is vastly superior and inherently biblical. From God’s promise to bless all nations through the seed of Abraham to the cross-cultural choir around God’s throne, His people always represent the vastness of our world united in the truth of the Gospel. For that reason, Corban seeks to reflect the multi-hued splendor of God’s people.
Theology of Multicultural Inclusion Statement
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 every initiative, it’s one thing to articulate it in words, and another to live it out in daily life. We hope you have the opportunity to explore the myriad of ways Corban seeks to live out its theology of multicultural inclusion each day, whether through the classroom, chapel programming, residence life, student leadership, special events and workshops, or community life.
Multicultural Diversity at Corban
Corban engages multicultural diversity from a variety of perspectives. Corban is equipping each of our students with the critical thinking skills and diverse perspectives they need to thrive in a multicultural world. In addition, Corban’s reach extends beyond Salem, Oregon, as we partner with organizations across the globe, prepare second-language learners for university study, and provide opportunities for students to thrive in a study abroad context.
Student Life
Students at Corban have the opportunity to experience leadership at the University through a variety of roles including Resident Assistant (RA), Student Activities Board (SAB), and Student Government Association (SGA). The Multicultural Resident Assistant (MRA) is a unique position that serves alongside RAs on a team in each residence hall area to give voice to diverse perspectives and challenge assumptions. The MRA provides support to multicultural students attending Corban by extending friendships, leading affinity groups, planning events, and giving space for conversation about multicultural experiences and concerns. The Office of Student Life seeks to embody the multicultural flourishing of God’s Kingdom with leadership positions on campus and by empowering diverse leaders who serve in their communities.
Academics
Students at Corban are required to take the following general education courses, which serve to expand their understanding of the multicultural, multiethnic world in which they live:
- Intercultural studies elective
- Worldview Seminar
- Humanities elective
- American History Survey
- History survey elective
- Social science elective
In addition, students have the opportunity to take courses such as Minority Authors, Cultural Intelligence for Future Leaders, Cultural Anthropology, Intercultural Communication, and a variety of other communications, literature, and history courses that help students expand their understanding of the world outside of their own lived experience.
In addition, Corban’s focus on relationships encourages students and faculty to dialogue both in and outside the classroom about students’ questions and discoveries as they learn to see themselves and understand God’s Word in a multicultural, diverse world.
Study Abroad
Corban students have multiple opportunities to study in a cross-cultural environment and explore their discipline in a rich, culturally-informed way. These opportunities include any of the BestSemester study abroad programs offered through the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU), a Semester in Spain program, and short-term study tours led by Corban faculty to Indonesia, Morocco, Israel, England, and other countries. No matter which program students choose, these study abroad experiences help them round out their education, challenge their assumptions about others, further their life experience, and enhance their understanding of their faith in a non-American context.
Center for Global Engagement
Corban University Center for Global Engagement (CGE) provides a place for Christians to work together to discuss and address global issues affecting Christian education, the church, and other Christian organizations working to further the gospel in international contexts. From equipping Christian teachers in Indonesia to pastors in Uganda to Bible translators in Israel, Corban continues to partner in equipping the global Church to “make a difference in the world for Jesus Christ.”