Maharishi International University was founded by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in 1971 to make education complete, so that every student enjoys great success and fulfillment in life. By integrating academic excellence and development of consciousness, education at the University unfolds the creative genius of its students, and prepares them to be national leaders, competent to create a prosperous, progressive, and peaceful world. The University’s unique Consciousness-Based system of education has also created a high quality of life on campus, characterized by good health, happiness, harmony, enthusiasm for knowledge, and free from the problems and stress that trouble other universities.
A structured daily routine is integral to our unique Consciousness-Based approach. Please see the Student Handbook for more information on these policies.
- All students in the Computer Professionals Program learn the Transcendental Meditation Program® —a simple, natural, effortless technique for reducing stress and developing an individual’s full potential. The technique allows the mind and body to settle down and gain a state of deep relaxation, and has been validated by over 700 published, peer-reviewed scientific studies. The Transcendental Meditation technique is not a religion or philosophy, nor does it involve moral training, belief, or worship of any kind. Students from all cultures and backgrounds have found this ancient, time- tested technology to be a valuable adjunct to their daily routine, and complementary to their cultural and religious beliefs. To help guarantee effectiveness, the Transcendental Meditation technique is always taught in a structured, systematic way. This includes several short lectures and personal instruction. During personal instruction a short traditional ceremony is performed in which the teacher honors the tradition of this knowledge. The Transcendental Meditation program is an integral part of the curriculum and an academic requirement at Maharishi International University because of the practical personal and professional benefits that have been enjoyed by our students and alumni and verified by the experience of millions of people throughout the world. TM is usually practiced twice a day for 20 minutes each time—once in the morning and again in the late afternoon. When classes are in session, as part of the academic routine in our Computer Science graduate program, students come together in Dalby Hall of the Argiro Student Center in the morning to participate in the group practice of the Transcendental Meditation technique (TM), which usually requires about 20 25 minutes per session, and which also includes a simple stretching and breathing exercise. The afternoon sessions are held in the Computer Science classroom. Students also practice the Transcendental Meditation technique for an additional ten-minute period in class at the end of the morning lecture, just before lunch.
- The use of drugs and alcohol is not permitted on campus and smoking is not permitted on any part of campus by state law. At the Argiro Student Center, students can enjoy a rich and wholesome vegetarian diet. No meat, chicken, or fish is served on campus, except for eggs at breakfast. The Campus Dining Hall has received widespread recognition for pioneering delicious, organic vegetarian campus dining. The menu is almost entirely organic and is cooked fresh daily. Entrees include pizza, enchiladas, Chinese stir-fry, and Indian peas with panir. The dining hall always offers a salad bar, organic fruits, teas and milk. Students are free to bring their own condiments. Fairfield, Iowa has a higher number of restaurants per capital than almost any other city in Iowa. Mediterranean, Turkish, Jamaican, Italian, Japanese, Mexican, Chinese, Indian, and Thai restaurants are available. Please not that any off-campus meals are not a part of the program and would be at the student’s own expense. Iowa State Fire Safety regulations strictly forbids cooking in dormitory rooms. (Refer to Student Handbook).
We encourage students to dress in a manner appropriate to a professional work environment. Dressing professionally allows us to reflect well on ourselves while also expressing our appreciation and respect for the knowledge and quality of life we have at Maharishi International University. Dignified, semi-casual during classes is fine.