Media ResourcesPress ReleasesNaropa Launches Pioneering Psychedelic Minor

Naropa Launches Pioneering Psychedelic Minor

New Program Prepares Undergraduate Students to Support Emerging Need for Psychedelic Therapy Facilitation in Colorado and Beyond

BOULDER, COLORADOMarch 28, 2024. Naropa University (Naropa), the birthplace of the modern mindfulness movement and one of the nation’s only higher educational institutions to offer a postgraduate certificate in psychedelic-assisted therapies, is now launching one of the first psychedelic minor programs in the country for undergraduate students of all majors. 

Launching in the Fall of 2024, the 12-credit BA Psychedelic Studies Minor provides a humanities and social science-based approach to studying psychedelics. The minor is designed for students who want to explore the historical and contemporary applications of psychedelics and natural medicines as well as the emerging use of these medicines in clinical practice. The curriculum explores the clinical application of psychedelic medicines, but importantly, also emphasizes religious and ceremonial contexts, cultural practices, policy implications and healing justice frameworks.

“Psychedelic minor graduates will be well prepared for a career in psychedelic-assisted therapy, with both Naropa University’s rigorous academic education and our singularly unique contemplative pedagogy woven throughout the curriculum,” said Naropa University President Charles G. Lief, J.D. “Naropa is a higher education leader when it comes to incorporating justice, equity, anti-oppression, and understanding lineage and indigenous community relationships with plant medicines.”

This new minor will present foundational education for Naropa undergraduates to apply the mindfulness and compassion skills that are essential to a successful career involving the therapeutic application of psychedelics. Moreover, it will support equitable learning access for students with fewer economic resources, who may be from marginalized communities, or underserved geographic locations to ultimately create a more diverse field of practitioners.

“The emerging field of legal psychedelic-assisted therapy will require trained facilitators to meet the demand for these services,” said Joseph Harrison, M.S., Executive Director of the Naropa Center for Psychedelic Studies (NCPS). “Naropa’s psychedelic studies minor will provide foundational education for students interested in working in this emerging field.  We are creating a pathway for students that begins with the BA Psychedelic Studies Minor.  Serious students can further their learning through our postgraduate training programs to become licensed practitioners in states such as Colorado and Oregon.”

“Naropa students are thoughtful, justice-oriented, critical thinkers prepared to embark on a serious course of study related to psychedelics in our world,” said Dr. Sara Lewis, Director of Training and Research at NCPS.

On the heels of Colorado’s Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) releasing draft rules for psilocybin facilitation training and licensure, Naropa is also preparing to launch a new psilocybin facilitator training certificate program. 

For more information on the minor or to inquire about enrolling, visit naropa.edu/academics/undergraduate-academics/psychedelic-studies-minor-at-naropa-university/.

About Naropa University

Naropa University, nestled in Boulder, Colorado, was established in 1974 by Tibetan Buddhist teacher Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche. Drawing its name and inspiration from the teachings of the 11th-century Indian Buddhist sage Naropa, this private university stands out distinctly among America’s higher education landscape in its effort to integrate eastern wisdom with traditional western scholarship. Recognized as the pioneering force behind contemplative higher education and the start of the modern mindfulness movement, Naropa University is the sole institution to integrate a university-wide contemplative pedagogical approach. At Naropa, education transcends the ordinary; the institution embraces the entirety of its students—mind, body and spirit—augmenting traditional methodologies with practices like meditation. Since receiving its accreditation in 1986, Naropa University consistently upholds the exacting standards for quality and accountability set by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Learn more at naropa.edu.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Media Contact: 

Leland Radovanovic
Grasslands: A Journalism-Minded Agency 

leland@mygrasslands.com 

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Naropa Campuses Closed on Friday, March 15, 2024

Due to adverse weather conditions, all Naropa campuses will be closed Friday, March 15, 2024.  All classes that require a physical presence on campus will be canceled. All online and low-residency programs are to meet as scheduled.

Based on the current weather forecast, the Healing with the Ancestors Talk & Breeze of Simplicity program scheduled for Friday evening, Saturday, and Sunday will be held as planned.

Staff that do not work remotely or are scheduled to work on campus, can work remotely. Staff that routinely work remotely are expected to continue to do so.

As a reminder, notifications will be sent by e-mail and the LiveSafe app.  

Regardless of Naropa University’s decision, if you ever believe the weather conditions are unsafe, please contact your supervisor and professors.  Naropa University trusts you to make thoughtful and wise decisions based on the conditions and situation in which you find yourself in.