Becoming a student in Naropa University's Religious Studies Department means becoming an educational partner in a collaborative learning environment.

Traditionally speaking, to learn the kind of spiritual knowledge or wisdom offered by the Religious Studies Department, there must be a meeting and opening of minds. Teacher and student must come together to create an environment where knowledge and wisdom is available to all.

This is also true for all the students, faculty and staff who participate in the contemplative educational journey taking place at Naropa University and specifically within the degree programs of the Religious Studies Department.

While it is true, of course, that academic instructors are responsible for fostering this environment of a learning community (defining areas and methodologies of study), it is vitally important for the student-learner to recognize and embrace their role in this mutual exchange in the learning process. See Faculty/Student Relationship.