What Is the University for Integrative Learning?

For more information please also visit www.universityforintegrativelearning.org

From its beginning, the Association for the Integration of the Whole Person (AIWP) has fostered innovative educational programs that promote its philosophy and values. The University for Integrative Learning (UIL) is the latest generation of a pioneering effort in alternative higher education that began in 1968. We consider UIL to be several decades old even though its name is new. A foundation for the University for Integrative Learning was laid in 1964, when the elementary and secondary departments in Harvard’s School of Education and the Union for Research and Experimentation in Higher Education began to develop innovative and alternative programs. As these programs expanded, The Association for the Integration of the Whole Person, the umbrella organization for UIL, joined forces with the movement and has been active in it since 1975.

Our Mission Statement sums it up this way: “The University for Integrative Learning serves a spiritual learning community in ways consistent with humanistic educational philosophy and psychology. UIL places individuals at the center of their own learning processes in relation to all aspects of life.” In other words, the University for Integrative Learning (UIL) is devoted to personal wholeness and the educational freedom that comes from honoring each individual¹s uniqueness within the context of lifelong learning. UIL interfaces with AIWP, a non-denominational religious organization, and follows its philosophy and values while maintaining a completely non-sectarian perspective. We are proud to award Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate degrees. If you are excited by the prospect of a degree program that upholds these ideals, then UIL is the right choice for you. The following are some examples of what we have to offer:

• We facilitate Learners to identify and chronicle all learning; previous academic learning, non-university studies and/or relevant life-learning.

• We assess and validate prior learning as well as studies while enrolled.

• We evaluate Thesis and Dissertation projects completed by our Learners for the conferring of degrees.

• We support active and experiential learning rather than passive learning.

• We honor and encourage the use of the community as a learning resource.

Guiding Principles and Values

* Every individual is a unique and complete being: spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical.

* Freedom of individual expression is an inherent intellectual and spiritual birthright.

* Learning is a lifelong process.

* Lifelong learning is both a right and a responsibility that cannot be ignored without denying life at its root.

* Active, cooperative, interdisciplinary learning is encouraged throughout life.

* Everyone deserves equal access to advanced educational degrees.

* Equality and diversity are actively fostered in regard to race, sex, class, age, ethnic background, sexual orientation, and different abilities.

* The community is honored as a valuable resource for learning.

* Relevant life experience is a valid, credit-worthy part of academic degree programs.

* Lifelong learning allows shorter enrollment periods for each degree level.

* Theory, practice, and critical understanding must be integrated to provide a holistic assessment of learning experiences.

* The relationship between learners and mentors functions best in an atmosphere of safety, trust, and respect, including power-balanced dialogues that nurture individual and interpersonal growth.

* Academic degrees, learning, and life itself are essentially spiritual/religious experiences, in harmony with each individual’s personal beliefs.

* Human diversity, pluralism, and all nonviolent belief systems are honored in accordance with the credo of UIL’s parent organization, the Association for the Integration of the Whole Person (AIWP).

UAIWP – Divinity Degrees/Religious Study

UAIWP also interfaces with the Association for the Integration of the Whole Person (AIWP), but is solely concerned with Religious Study and Divinity degrees. As our second learning institution, with a specialized focus, UAIWP offers higher learning in the area of spirituality and/or religion, both broadly understood. As a non-denominational organization, AIWP holds that learners have the right to choose their own path and that each learner holds unique views. Therefore UAIWP celebrates and encourages diversity and is  known for creating an environment that supports each learner’s personal ideals, so long as they are in keeping with the AIWP credo and mission statement.

Aside from this special focus, UAIWP is almost identical to the University for Integrative Learning. Each university has the same learning guidelines, fee structure and policies. Our Learners at both institutions meet regularly with their Provost and pursue the same Thesis and Dissertation requirements. We recommend an interview with our staff to help you determine which university may be best for you. This can be arranged by calling our offices, or by sending us an e-mail at the contact information that appears on this page. We will be happy to speak with you, and to send you our Learner’s Handbook or any other information.