Wisdom University

Wisdom University is a private graduate school headquartered in San Francisco. Founded in 1996 by theologian Matthew Fox and previously known as the University of Creation Spirituality, the school offers spiritual education of a mystical or New Age nature. Classes are held in San Francisco and several other U.S. cities, as well as certain overseas locations such as Chartres, France, which was chosen for its spiritual energies.
Its predominantly part-time faculty include a number of well-known figures, including Stanislav Grof, Raymond Moody, Barbara Marx Hubbard, Bruce Chilton, Rupert Sheldrake, and Alex Grey. The school was approved by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education but is not identified as accredited.
Wisdom University is not to be confused with Ageless Wisdom University (Scottsdale, Arizona), or New Wisdom University (Chicago).
History
For many years, Matthew Fox taught through the Institute for Culture and Creation Spirituality, which he founded and directed. From 1977 to 1983, this institute operated under the auspices of the Mundelein College (a now-defunct Roman Catholic women's college in Chicago), after which it relocated to Holy Names College (a Catholic institution in Oakland, California). The program was shut down in 1991 by the order of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who would later become Pope Benedict XVI. In 1996, Fox and his faculty supporters founded a new institution in Oakland, the University of Creation Spirituality.
Wisdom University adopted its present name in 2005. The name change was the initiative of incoming president James Garrison, who felt that "Creation Spirituality" reflected specifically Christian preoccupations, and was therefore a poor match for the school's global, ecumenical outlook.
Spiritual philosophy
Although Wisdom University "does not discriminate on the basis of religion," the school adheres to a certain spiritual perspective which its literature calls "emerging wisdom culture" (after a phrase from sociologist and WU faculty member Paul H. Ray). and aims at "personal and professional transformation" Accordingly, the school seeks to juxtapose "intellectual rigor, artistic expression, and mind/body development." .
Two types of ecumenical spiritual practice are required of all students: "Body Prayer" (thirty minutes in the morning) and "Art as Meditation" (offered afternoons). In addition, students end their day with a "process session" (intimate group discussion). Doctoral dissertations must demonstrate "subject / object synthesis" (i.e., show that the student has engaged on an inner spiritual journey).
Program
Method of tuition
Some residence is required. For example, Ph.D. students must complete 12 five-day intensives. Most teaching takes place in the form of such intensives. "Pilgrimages" (tours) are another method. The school states that "Because of its commitment to integrated learning, Wisdom University does not offer any distance learning opportunities."
Degrees
Wisdom University offers the following degrees:
*the Doctor of Philosophy in Wisdom Studies
*the Doctor of Ministry in Wisdom Spirituality
*the Master of Arts in
::Wisdom Spirituality
::Indigenous Mind
::Art and Healing
*Certificates in
::Archetypal Studies and Projective Dream Work
::Art of Spiritual Direction
::Art and Healing
::Nature, Trauma and the Soul
For doctoral students, the university suggests the following concentrations:
:*Advanced theology
:*Conscious evolution
:*Emerging wisdom culture
:*Energy medicine
:*Holotropic Breathwork / transpersonal psychotherapy
:*Indigenous mind
:*Social artistry
:*The art of spiritual direction
:*"Wisdom Studies" (i.e., more than one of the above)
Partners
Wisdom University has entered into "partnerships" with several institutions, for the purpose of limited mutual credit recognition. Four are organizations founded by Wisdom's chair professors:
*Caroline Myss
*Stanislav Grof
*Jean Houston
*Lauren Artress
Other institutional partnerships include:
*The Sophia Foundation
*The Chaplaincy Institute
*One Spirit Interfaith Seminary
In 1999, the school established an educational partnership with Naropa University (Fox then being the co-director of its Oakland branch), and offered an (accredited) Master of Liberal Arts in Creation Spirituality. This relationship with Naropa no longer exists, nor does the degree.

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