The DiUlus Institute Student Handbook perhaps can be counted on by DiUlus Scholars to be the shortest document they are required to read and understand during their time at the Institute. Assuredly, it is among the most important. What follows are three short sections. Each section of this handbook has to do with an important aspect of the Institute and its relationship with its Scholars.
The Handbook is a lot like a stool with three legs. If any one of three does not hold up, the stool cannot stand on its own. Yet, with all of them in place, it is solidly on the ground. The three legs of this Student Handbook, are The DiUlus Scholars, The Diulus Institute Faculty, and the management of the Institute itself. Together all three must be solidly grounded to help capture the goal of the school, its faculty, and students to eliminate ignorance in the world and address head-on the needs of the poor of the world.
It is therefore essential that the student learn a new way of describing the "poor". It is one that has been lost over the centuries and with the word "poor" taking on a very narrow meaning, a meaning that was not intended originally. The historical definition of "poor", in the sense that the Institute uses it, does not mean the description of one who is economically deprived although it is the one most commonly used.
However, what the Institute means by "poor" is in a very real sense much more broad and dates back to the early Christian era. It is a definition that is far more inclusive and goes back to a time when it meant something entirely different than today; a definition that is over 2000 years old.
The Institute "poor" includes all economic levels and describes a person who is humble of spirit and/or one who is without power, a power that is derived from political or economic circumstance, This "poor" person thus evidences a rock solid spirituality without pretense where all humans are treated with respect and their strong values keep them always in deference to the needs of their fellow human beings. Such moral traditions are found at the grass roots of all major religions today. This fundamental truth has unfortunately been overlooked and discarded by those who would find the ways of 'terror and mayhem' as their way to either salvation or peace.
The "poor" as described here in our adaptation of the expanded meaning show moral traditions and fortitude that evidence a strong desire to do no harm yet they are driven and propelled by their own desire to do good in the world. Their humility is not false nor hidden behind the facade of piety. These value convicted individuals have no real power, nor do they particularly seek it. By their lives and their contributions, we find they will often surface as non-power seeking people who, by their strength of character and humility, are endowed by society as "quiet" leaders. Their one overriding attribute is that they "see", and then, they "do". Thus power,if any, that falls to them, comes from no human authority or is it granted from a political referendum. Their influence will, never the less, bring good to the world. If they indeed do this, then as Mother Teresa said, the PEACE will come. This is the Ideal DiUlus Scholar.
The first thing about being appointed a DiUlus Scholar is that it carries with it a serious responsibility. That responsibility is identified as everything a DiUlus Scholar does and everything they say will reflect one way or the other back on the Institute. Other than being a student who will be expected to study hard and excel, you are also an Ambassador for Change. When we place our faith in you, we expect you will have the faith to do all that you can to give back to your community the many benefits you will derive from being an importrant part of the DiUlus Institute.
As a DiUlus Scholar, you are expected to observe the Institute's eight points of international character education development and to be able to discuss and teach them as you matriculate through the Institute.
They are:
Respect - Self explanatory. it starts here.
Fair - Being fair in all that you do and undertake.
Responsible - Act responsibly with all tasks big or small.
Trustworthy - Be honest in all that you do or undertake.
Caring - Regardless of a persons station in life.
Faith - Have Faith in God, country, and family.
Courage - Remain steadfast in your beliefs..
Commitment - Once you commit, see it through, .
Three C's, two F's, two R's and a T.
As a Scholar, you are being asked to contribute to the improvement of higher education both by your participation in online classes and also through your suggestions on how to improve the technology, methodology and pedagogy. The future of virtual education in many ways will improve only by the consistant and direct involvement in those changes by learners and faculty alike. In an arena where change is often instant, the DiUlus Scholar is expected to stay up with the latest developments and to suggest ways that may not only improve the current experience but those of students yet to come.
DiUlus Scholars are asked to contribute at least 1000 hours of volunteer time over the course of their study toward the improvement of their community. This is servant leadership and expected of Scholarsin the hope they will contribute their talent and experiences accordingly in worthwhile endeavors that bring credit on themselves and the DiUlus Institute.
The faculty of the DiUlus Institute are charged with one purpose regarding DiUlus Scholars - To provide the best education to each and every DiUlus Scholar in their charge.
Each faculty member is donating their time, talent and personal resources to the DiUlus Scholar success. Each, in at least 90% of the cases, has a PhD in the area and field you are studying. Take advantage of the knowledge power.
The faculty is charged to see that you get your assignments done on time, have a clear ability to communicate both verbally and in writing and that your school work reflects an advancing skill in both areas. While you are learning, the faculty is learning what methods are the most effective in teaching you and in turn you should be observant of what methods the faculty uses that influences your learning.
The DiUlus Institute is first and foremost an online research university and you are as much a part of the research teams contribution and development as are the faculty or staff. You should expect more than ample opportunity to submit research papers for publication and distribution to journals and online publications.
The faculty indicates on your transcript the satisfactory manner in which you completed your role as a research colleague and student while under their tutelage. This should always prove to be an invaluable asset for you.
In today's world, higher education is not cheap. In addition there are few opportunities to achieve a free high quality education unless one is possessed of a full scholarship, attends a military academy or Seminary, or has someone pay for it. In the case of US students that would be the government through the student guarantee financial aid program. Approximately 80% of all US college students are receiving such aid. This aid is not available to non citizens, at least not yet.
DiUlus Scholars are very special and being provided an opportunity few will have; a tuition free higher education. In addition the Institute, its faculty and staff stands ready to assist DiUlus Scholars with assistance in job acquisition and placement as well as the opportunity to go on to further study once graduated.
It should be clear that the DiUlus Institute expects to ensure that the legacy of Alfonso DeIuliis (DiUlus) lives on through its DiUlus Scholars.