At its best, the university serves as a vibrant ground for the development of knowledge and wisdom, personal and social transformation, and deep engagement with the questions of meaning and purpose. Higher education’s ability to fulfill this mission is currently challenged by skyrocketing student loan debt, the corporatization of the university, the advent of massive online courses, and the marginalization of low-income students.
Against this backdrop, contemplative educators ask:
- How can a meaningful, affordable, and impactful university education be fostered for everyone?
- How can our changing demographics that diversify student populations become opportunities for creative change?
- How can we cultivate wisdom at the heart of our educational enterprises through creative technologies, innovative curriculum, and visionary leadership?
- How can our institutions of higher education actively contribute to building a more inclusive, just, compassionate and awakened human society?
Naropa’s March 18-21 conference, ‘Mindfulness, MOOCs, & Money in Higher Ed’, will explore core questions about the place of college in American life, and examine how mindfulness, contemplation and compassion might bring greater well-being, resilience and creativity to students and educators alike.
Designed for educators—educational leaders, administrators, and policy makers—as well as faculty and students, and anyone interested in these key questions, this gathering will offer inspiration, methods, and practical insights that will inform your daily work and/or teaching, and create ongoing networks of dialogue. The conference format includes keynotes, panel discussions, hands-on workshops, and contemplative practice sessions.
Presenters include:
Daniel Barbezat, Mirabai Bush, Gaylon Ferguson, David Germano, Arawana Hayashi, David Korten, Rhonda Magee, John Pryor, Laura Rendon, Judith Simmer-Brown, Susan Skjei, Adam Yukelson, and others.
Learn more about the conference here.