A self-directed learning (SDL) version of Compassionate Integrity Training (CIT), developed by the Life University (Life U) Center for Compassion, Integrity and Secular Ethics (CCISE), has been recommended for all university students in India by its Ministry of Education, according to CCISE Associate Director Dr. Michael Karlin.

CIT is a resiliency-informed program that helps cultivate human values as skills, so we can thrive as individuals and a society, within a healthy environment. By learning to calm our body and mind, become more emotionally aware and practice compassion for ourselves and others, we learn compassionate integrity: the ability to live one’s life in accordance with one’s values with a recognition of common humanity, our basic orientation to kindness and reciprocity.

The recommendation was made by Rajnish Jain, Secretary of the University Grants Commission (UGC) of India’s Ministry of Education, Dr. Karlin said. The UGC is responsible for setting standards for and overseeing all institutions of higher education in India. CIT-SDL was developed through a partnership between CCISE and UNESCO’s Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Education of Peace and Sustainable Development (UNESCO-MGIEP).

Jain noted in his letter to all Indian university vice chancellors and college principals, “Looking at the objectives of this course, the Vice Chancellors of all Universities and Principals of all colleges are requested in making the details of the course available to their students, as developing emotional intelligence skills is critical to leading more fulfilling and successful lives.”

CIT aims to cultivate compassion, integrity and wisdom in both individuals and communities to engender a flourishing world practicing common humanity and interdependence. CIT begins with a multi-part integrative training program that teaches self-compassion, compassion for others and how to effectively create more compassionate societies. CIT continues as a community of practice to help alumni of the program embody the skills as they go forward.

Life University strives to empower its students to succeed both professionally and personally. Life U advances a leading-edge approach to higher education while also remaining true to the University’s philosophical commitment to produce informed leaders who exemplify humanistic values in their professions. To achieve this goal, Life U recognizes and demonstrates its dedication through three official University Values: Lasting Purpose, Vitalism and Integrity.

LIFE’s 110-acre campus just northwest of Atlanta is home to more than 2,800 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students who come from all 50 United States and more than 45 countries.

To learn more about Compassionate Integrity Training, please visit CompassionateIntegrity.org.

For more information on Life University, please visit LIFE.edu.