INTRODUCTION TO CEU

Chicago East University is a nonprofit and international institution of higher education sponsored by Bultasa Buddhist Temple of Chicago affiliated with the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism in Seoul, Korea. The University provides a classroom-based traditional instruction, undergraduate and graduate level educational opportunities for lay-women and men pursuing the priesthood study and/or attaining the Dharma Nature to achieve wisdom enabling herself and himself to help others for their peace throughout the world by teaching Buddhism, Liberal Arts and Computer Science to serve the mission for the good of the human families and the peace of the world.

History

Reverend Hyeonseong PhD. has been appointed on August 4, 2002 as the Abbot of Bultasa Buddhist Temple of Chicago. On March 5, 2003, he started Academy of Meditation Butasa teaching Vipasanna and Samatha meditations, introduction and doctrines of the Buddhism. December 7, 2005,  the name of the school 'Academy of Meditation Butasa' was changed to 'College of Buddhism Bultasa' and expanded its teaching programs including Buddhist cannons and discourses. December 17, 2006 the Board of Directors was formed. There were 17 members registered as Members of the Board of Directors and elected Edward K. Rim as the Chairman of the Board. Under his Chairmanship, Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws were adopted. 'Chicago East University' was selected as English school name and '시카고 동방대학교(東邦大學校)' as Korean name, and add its Liberal Arts Program. Officers were elected according to the By-Laws. Reverend Hyeonseong has been elected as the President of the University to pursue missions of the University and reorganization of the School to meet the requirements of the Illinois Higher Board of Education.

Educational Philosophy

Chicago East University is a community of scholars committed to the search for truth and the pursuit of academic excellence. Students of all races, and cultural backgrounds are welcome to join us in our intellectual quest. The University is dedicated to the ideals of liberal education which emphasize the potential of men and women to grow intellectually and culturally through the integration of a broad base of knowledge and experience in Buddhism. Specialized study in the individual disciplines and in the professions builds upon a general education program so students can examine the inter-relatedness of knowledge and experience, and explore the relevance of their studies to contemporary issues. Chicago East University seeks to preserve and enrich the dignity of every person who becomes a part of this community. It offers the opportunity for sharing ideas and values from many different traditions. Increased understanding of relationship with others should lend to the awareness of advantages of differences and to possess capacious mind and wisdom for the benefit of all humankind.

Campus Location and Facilities

Chicago East University is located at 4360 W. Montrose Avenue, Chicago, IL 60641. The University houses classrooms, offices, a lounge, and a conference room.

Institutional Purpose

Chicago East University is a non-profit, international, and independent institution of higher education in Buddhism, Liberal Arts and Computer Science. The University was established on December 17, 2007 to teach Liberal Arts and the Buddhism to the qualified students who wish to prepare for ministry and who desire to study the Buddhism and arts for the personal growth of spiritual health.

Institutional Mission and Program Objectives

The Buddhism believes in that the entire universe is one flower. The flower will grow well and prosperous only with unselfish together action of its components. It teaches how we can achieve the benefit of oneself as well as others for the happiness of everybody settled in the Flower.
Chicago East University is to teach such Buddhism to the students who wish to be ordained to be a skilled Buddhist minister or just to learn Buddhism for harmonious and peaceful life as lay-person. The University will teach the philosophy, doctrine, practices of Buddhism, its traditional Bnddhist culture in fine art, music, literature, craft work, Buddhist psychology to develop and propagate therapeutic effects on mental and physical stresses and uncomfortableness by mind control practices, computer science to help follow up modern life style, and English for foreign students to help adapt American system, customs, history and culture at ease and settle down themselves to learn passionately for better quality life in the United States of America.
The University is committed to carry high-quality with affordable programs which fulfill the educational and career needs of middle aged, low income bracket Korean community and other people who might be interested in Buddhism and Korean culture. Presently, all the students are part time students. We will work on recruiting full time students as CEU become known to the community.  
It is to train missionary students of Buddhism for their successful ministry work providing superior education enabling students to develop critical, analytical, and imaginative thinking and make well-founded ethical decisions to meet the contemporary needs of the Korean community and students who desire to study the Buddhism and Korean culture for the personal growth of spiritual health.
In five years, the University plans to have about 4 graduates of Master and 2 Doctor of Chaplaincy in Buddhism and 2 each M.A. and B.A. Degrees in Liberal Arts.
The University is financially capable of supporting its programs as shown in the Financial Statement and Table 4 Planning and Budget Information.   

Educational Objectives

The Educational objectives of The University are:

To provide the student with a fundamental knowledge of all aspects of Buddhism which include Fundamental Buddhism, Mahayana Buddhism, History, Culture, Meditation, Art, Music and Psychology.
To provide the student with the ability to incorporate Buddhism theory to Meditation Practice in order to attain mind control ability, thereby release stresses occurring during daily life for happiness and peace of the family and the society.
To prepare the student to conduct counseling for those who might need help to ease their mind and teach them appropriate mind control techniques to help themselves.
To foster humane and compassionate ministers of Buddhism and to instill a desire for life-long learning in the healing arts of the Buddhism.
To promote academic achievement in the field of the Buddhism.

Authorization

Chicago East University is to file Operating Authority Application and Degree Granting Authority Application to the Illinois Board of Higher Education for Master and PhD Chaplaincy Degrees, B.A, M.A. in Liberal Arts and PhD in Philosophy.
The University will seek an accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Higher Education in five years as it become ready for the Accreditation.

Compliance with Legal Requirements

Chicago East University in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, operates in a nondiscriminatory manner with regard to race, color, age, or natural origin. Furthermore, as required by Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments, Chicago East University School of Buddhism does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs, activities, or employment policies. CEU also provides equal opportunity for qualified handicapped persons in accordance with the acquirements of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Instructional and other facilities (including an elevator to second story) are readily accessible to handicapped students. Inquiries and appeals regarding compliance should be directed to the University Dean of Students.