Melvin Suhd ( http://www.loveisthesolution.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=48), the acclaimed “father of individualized reading,” founded UIL. He helped design the first Head Start classroom in the US and developed his theory of pluralism in education. In the 1970?s, he co-designed and directed the country’s first external master’s degree program, at Goddard College, then the first University Without Walls. This kind of university (like Antioch, Sarah Lawrence, etc.) lets you do your course work independently, at your own desk, your own computer. Mel never sought accreditation for the universities he founded, precisely because he did not want to perpetuate the male-dominated, white-only canon of academic learning. He wanted to offer a non-traditional, individualized, creative and spiritual approach to education.

UIL’s mission statement sums it up: “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 individual’s uniqueness within the context of lifelong learning. “

A unique concept

It’s important to me to make this unusual school known because I am impressed by the brilliance of the concept and have seen it at work from many angles. I chose to become a provost of UIL some time after my graduation — one of many excellent provosts who can guide you along this magical path toward a degree and keep you on track until you hold your diploma in your hands. (One of them is the new director of UIL, Libby Adams, Ph.D., who took over from Mel Suhd. Another is author Kim Chernin, Ph.D. (See Kim Chernin’s “Life’s Long Learning” in Tikkun Magazine: http://www.tikkun.org/article.php/Chernin-Life)

I have been the guide and way companion for a number of students who found the challenge exhilarating. Some of them published their essay work; one published the children’s book that was her major study; one student went in for the pure love of learning; another is finishing a Ph.D. she was not able to complete more than twenty years ago… All the students I accompanied through the progam saw their professional life and career enhanced by their degree. (See Testimonials below.)