NEWS AND EVENTS OF LIFE UNIVERSITY
inform others about their experiences in order to serve as catalysts for positive change .
The Chillon Project currently has two oncampus Work-Study students hired as Re- Entry and Advocacy Leaders working toward their bachelor ’ s degrees , Kimberly Pugh and Kareemah Hanifa . These ladies help pave the way for those coming onto campus and / or graduating from the program , as well as advocate with the larger public about the importance of this program and the need for similar resources elsewhere . Not only that , but they are trailblazers in their own right , with Hanifa leading the No Taxation Without Representation campaign with the Inner-City Muslim Action Network to restore voting rights for people on probation and parole and Pugh starting her own non-profit . Hanifa and Pugh participated in the first-ever Chillon cohort and enjoyed the opportunity along with fellow students to speak with program developers about the kind of education they would receive .
“ Life University and the Chillon Project has changed my life dramatically . [ It has changed ] how I view myself in connection to other individuals , finding my place and understanding different systems because everything we are part of is a system . I am able to use the tools , the education and the knowledge that I have gained dealing with other individuals , especially dealing with my kids ,” said Pugh .
Pugh attributes the Chillon Project as a motivating factor than has helped her and her family to succeed , as she now has two daughters currently pursuing college degrees and “ competing to make better grades .” She has found the transition from studying while incarcerated to studying on campus at Life U to be a simple one , enjoying the freedom of in-person classes as well as distance learning to accommodate her busy work schedule .
One task that she has taken on , with assistance from Dr . Fabisiak , is creating resources for people coming out of Chillon and the greater Georgia Prison system so that they have references for where to find housing , job opportunities and other needs . As part of that process , Pugh regularly reaches out to potential partners that can provide assistance and growth opportunities to those who need it .
Similarly , Hanifa expressed how her experience with Chillon gave her the tangible chance to look beyond her circumstances as an incarcerated individual at that time and to think about how she could better herself and create positive change . Close to the end of her associate degree program , Hanifa recalled preparing a Ted Talk-style presentation , and though she had been very nervous about it at the time , she went back to her cohort and said “ I ’ m going to give a Ted Talk one day .”
“ Life University and the Chillon Project has changed my life dramatically .… I am able to use the tools , the education and the knowledge that I have gained dealing with other individuals , especially dealing with my kids .”
Surprisingly enough , in 2019 she did get the privilege to present a Ted Talk with TEDx Decatur titled “ Never Give Up ! I don ’ t . I didn ’ t ”, which details the resources needed for at-risk female youth as well as incarcerated women and girls , as well as the challenges they face . She also serves as a board member for GACHEP in order to continue this conversation of how best to address systemic issues .
But before Hanifa could fully grow into this empowering presence that could lead effectively and give such a compelling talk , she first experienced formative moments of empowerment through Chillon . Most notably , Hanifa pointed to the first time she was able to walk across a public stage in an auditorium at Life U and accept her diploma from president Dr . Scott with pride , as opposed to previous private educational milestones that received recognition within prison walls . That public achievement and acceptance made a powerful impression on her and gives her motivation as she continues with her personal goals .
Today Hanifa enjoys being able to live near campus and engage on campus and in academics in a more hands-on fashion than before . As a Work-Study student , one big part of Hanifa ’ s job is serving as the welcome wagon for new Chillon students transitioning onto campus , showing them around and getting them connected to helpful people and resources .
“ It ’ s a surreal moment , to see the clock or the two hands under the clock , these things that you have only seen pictures of . And then to go into the Life U shop , get some SWAG and go in the Library . And to go into [ Socrates Café ] and be like ‘ This is my community . I belong here ,’” said Hanifa .
Degree Curriculum offered through The Chillon Project
The Chillon Project at Life University provides credit-bearing classes and degrees to people in prison and formerly incarcerated people in Georgia . It creates learning communities grounded in compassion and conflict transformation and shares resources and builds skills that enable people to thrive , benefit others and build the world they wish to see , no matter where they are .
The degree programs offered at the facility aim to empower students to be compassionate leaders and agents of social change . Courses emphasize critical analysis of systems , understanding of our interdependence and common humanity , and development of inner strengths such as resilience , compassion , emotional intelligence and ethical mindfulness . Courses offered in these programs are also offered at the main campus of Life University , and degrees are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools ( SACS ).
“ In practice , students in this program are taking courses that are at least equal in rigor and content to what they would be taking at the main campus . It is taught by the same faculty that would be teaching them on the main campus ,” said Dr . Fabisiak , Director of the Chillon Project .
The Associate of Arts in Positive Human Development and Social Change provides an interdisciplinary liberal arts education . Alongside traditional courses such as English Composition , College Algebra or Biology , the curriculum includes Creativity and the Artful Life , Environmental Ethics , Conflict Transformation , Compassion and Secular Ethics , Identity and Otherness , Spiritual Autobiography , and other courses that build creativity , ethical reflection , effective communication and critical analysis .
In the Bachelor of Science in Psychology , students take classes ranging from Research
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