Admission Requirements
Application Deadline Extended Until March 15
- Academic coursework (1 course per quarter) that may be completed at the Stanford University campus or online
- Quarterly projects that can be completed independently
- 2 3-day residential retreats at an educational retreat center and sanctuary in Woodside, CA, and 1 5-day professional intensive course at Stanford University.
- 3 day intensive retreat, September 7-9, 2012, at Stillheart Institute in Woodside, CA. http://www.stillheart.org/
- 3 day intensive retreat, January 18-20, 2013, at Stillheart Institute in Woodside, CA. http://www.stillheart.org/
- 5 day intensive retreat, June 26-30, 2013, at Stanford University.
Students in the Teacher Certification Program are required to take either the 9-week Compassion Training Course, or a 3-day intensive version of the course, by September 2012. This pre-requisite may be completed following acceptance in to the Teacher Certification Program. See live course listings here http://ccare.stanford.edu/education/academic-courses
Retreat at Stillheart Institute in Woodside, CA. September 7-9, 2012
Academic Coursework: The Science of Compassion. This class will explore the latest scientific thinking on the evolution of compassion; the psychology, biology, and neuroscience of empathy, compassion, and altruism; and how early life experiences, social forces, and culture shape our responses to others’, as well as our own suffering.
Independent Project: Daily practice of the compassion-focused meditations taught in the Compassion Training Course, along with a journal of observations and questions.
Winter 2012 (January 7-March 22, 2013)
Retreat at Stillheart Institute in Woodside, CA. January 18-20, 2013
Academic Coursework: Philosophical Perspectives on Compassion. This class will explore how various religious and philosophical traditions understand suffering, compassion, and altruism; and how individuals can draw on and respect different traditions when interacting with diverse groups.
Independent Project: Retake or virtually view the Compassion Training Course, with a focus on analyzing classroom dynamics and teaching strategies.
Spring 2012 (April 1-June 12, 2013)
No Retreat.
Academic Coursework: Perspectives on the Practice of Compassion. This class will address practical strategies for offering compassionate presence and service in a wide range of settings, from hospitals to prisons, and how to avoid compassion fatigue and burnout. A wide range of guest speakers will share their professional and personal experiences.
Independent Project: Complete and report on a service project (volunteer or professional) that involves offering compassionate presence and/or action.
Summer 2012
Professional Intensive at Stanford University, CA. June 26-30, 2013
During this intensive, practical/oral exit examinations will be completed.
No Academic Coursework.
Supervised Teaching. Candidates who wish to be certified to teach the Compassion Training Course will teach the 9-week program under the supervision of a senior instructor. Candidates will have up to 1 year (Summer 2013) to complete this requirement. Undergoing the supervision process does not guarantee that candidates will be certified; however, every effort will be made to support the candidate through the process.
