Helping Your Student Thrive at TWU: A Guide for Parents
At Trinity Western University, we believe that community is foundational to student flourishing. Our commitment to whole-person development means we encourage students to engage not only academically, but also socially, spiritually, and emotionally. One of the most powerful ways students grow during their time at TWU is through active involvement in campus life—from clubs and recreational programs to leadership opportunities and service initiatives.
As a parent, you play a vital role in supporting your student’s journey. Below are some strategies to help you encourage meaningful engagement:
Strategies for Encouraging Student Involvement
1. Discover Their Interests
Ask your student what excites them—whether it's sports, music, social justice, faith, or leadership. Understanding their passions can help you guide them toward opportunities that align with their values and strengths. This conversation can open doors to new experiences and help them feel more confident about stepping into campus life.
2. Understand What Motivates Them
Every student is unique, and their journey into campus life begins with understanding what makes them tick. Some thrive in social settings, others find fulfillment through achievement, creativity, or service. As a parent, you can play a key role by gently encouraging your student to reflect on what energizes them and where they feel most engaged.
Educational researcher Alexander Astin’s Theory of Student Involvement reminds us that students grow most when they invest their time and energy in meaningful activities—whether that’s joining a club, attending campus events, or taking on leadership roles. The more students connect with their environment, the more they benefit from their university experience. Your support in helping them identify these opportunities can make all the difference.
3. Help Them Explore Programs and Events
TWU offers a wide range of co-curricular opportunities. You can support your student by helping them navigate these options and encouraging them to try something new—even if it’s just attending a dorm meeting or joining a game night. Sometimes the first step is simply showing up, and your encouragement can help them take that step with confidence.
Ways Students Can Get Involved at TWU
At TWU, the journey of student involvement is deeply personal and richly varied. While the university provides a vibrant framework for community, each student’s path into that community will look different. Some may dive into campus life right away, while others may take time to find their rhythm. As a parent, your encouragement can help bridge that gap—whether it’s through conversations about their interests, gentle nudges toward trying something new, or simply affirming their place in the TWU story. This guide offers practical ways to support your student as they explore the many avenues for connection, growth, and belonging.
Residence Life Programs
Living in residence is often the first and most impactful step toward building community. TWU’s residence programs are designed to foster connection, spiritual formation, and personal development. Through intentional programming, shared living spaces, and mentorship from residence leaders, students are encouraged to form meaningful relationships and participate in events that help them feel at home. These programs are especially beneficial for first-year students adjusting to university life.
Each residence community holds weekly dorm meetings, which provide a consistent space for students to gather, reflect, and engage in meaningful conversations. These meetings often include spiritual encouragement, community updates, and opportunities for students to share and connect. In addition to dorm meetings, building-wide events—such as themed socials, service projects, and recreational activities—help foster a sense of belonging and fun.
TWU also offers the Community Facilitator Assistant (CFA) program, which empowers upper-year students to serve as peer leaders within the residence halls. CFAs play a vital role in mentoring residents, planning events, and cultivating a supportive and inclusive environment. Their presence helps ensure that students feel known, supported, and encouraged throughout their time in residence.
Learn more: https://www.twu.ca/life-twu/connect-twu/residence-programs
Chapel and Campus Ministries
Spiritual life is central to the TWU experience. Chapel services provide a space for worship, reflection, and communal gathering. Held every weekday in the gym, the chapel is a cornerstone of campus life, bringing students, faculty, and staff together to pause, reflect, and engage in shared spiritual rhythms. These daily gatherings are not only a time for worship and teaching, but also a vital opportunity for the TWU community to connect and grow together.
In addition to regular chapel sessions, students can attend special events like Sunday Night Alive, a relaxed evening service that blends music, prayer, and teaching. These gatherings offer a more intimate setting for spiritual exploration and connection, and are especially meaningful for students seeking deeper engagement outside of the classroom. Whether attending daily chapel or participating in discipleship ministries, students are invited into a vibrant spiritual community that supports their faith journey.
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Recreation and Fitness
TWU offers a wide range of recreational programs that promote wellness and community. Students can participate in intramural sports, group fitness classes, and outdoor adventures through the Outdoor Centre. These activities provide a fun and low-pressure way to stay active, relieve stress, and meet new people. Whether your student is a seasoned athlete or just looking to try something new, TWU’s recreation options are inclusive and welcoming.
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Discipleship and Faith-Based Groups
For students seeking spiritual growth and deeper relationships, TWU offers a variety of discipleship opportunities. Gender-specific ministries provide spaces for men and women to explore faith and identity in community. Discipleship groups meet regularly for prayer, study, and encouragement, helping students build lasting friendships rooted in shared values. These programs are ideal for students who want to grow in their faith and be mentored by peers and staff.
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Student Government and Clubs
TWU’s student government, known as TWUSA, provides leadership opportunities and represents student voices on campus. Students can run for elected positions, serve on committees, or participate in campus-wide initiatives. TWUSA also oversees a wide variety of student clubs that cater to interests in faith, culture, academics, service, and hobbies. Joining a club is a great way for students to meet others with similar passions and contribute to campus life in meaningful ways.
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Student Media and Creative Expression
Students with a passion for writing, photography, or design can get involved in TWU’s student media outlets. Mars’ Hill Magazine offers opportunities for journalism, commentary, and creative storytelling, while the Pillar Yearbook captures the memories and milestones of the academic year. These platforms allow students to express themselves, build portfolios, and contribute to the campus narrative.
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Global and Intercultural Engagement
TWU’s Global Engagement Office provides students with opportunities to connect across cultures and serve both locally and internationally. Programs include intercultural events, global outreach trips, and partnerships with community organizations. These experiences help students develop empathy, leadership skills, and a broader worldview.
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Arts and Culture
TWU’s School of the Arts, Media + Culture (SAMC) offers students opportunities to engage with the arts through gallery exhibitions, performances, and creative workshops. These events showcase student talent and provide a platform for artistic expression and cultural dialogue.
Learn more: https://www.twu.ca/life-twu/arts-media-music/samc-gallery-exhibitions
Travel and Experiential Learning
Students can expand their horizons through TWU’s Travel Studies and the Laurentian Leadership Centre in Ottawa. These programs combine academic coursework with hands-on experience in international or political settings, offering students a chance to learn in dynamic environments beyond the classroom.
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Student Employment and Career Development
TWU supports students in gaining work experience through on-campus employment and career development services. The Centre for Calling and Career Development helps students explore vocational interests, prepare for job searches, and connect with employers. These resources are especially helpful for students looking to build their resumes and gain practical skills.
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Health and Wellness
TWU’s Community Wellness Services and WELL program offer holistic support for students’ mental, emotional, and physical health. Services include counseling, wellness workshops, and peer support initiatives. Encouraging your student to access these resources can help them navigate challenges and maintain balance during their university journey.
Learn more: https://www.twu.ca/life-twu/health-wellness/community-wellness-services/well
International Student Resources
TWU provides dedicated support for international students, helping them adjust to life in Canada and thrive academically and socially. Services include orientation programs, cultural events, and advising tailored to the needs of international learners.
Learn more: https://www.twu.ca/life-twu/student-services/international-student-resources
Commuter Programs
Students who live off-campus can still enjoy a vibrant campus experience through TWU’s commuter programs. These initiatives help commuter students stay connected through events, lounges, and peer support, ensuring they feel part of the community.
Learn more: https://www.twu.ca/life-twu/connect-twu/commuter-programs