Why go back to school to study integral?

I assume that part of the motive for having formal integral educational programs would be to help further develop the integral level and to serve the World. I assume that part of the motive for this community would be the same. My question is why do these school's current students, graduates, and teachers seem to contribute so little to our community here?

Don't get me wrong. I really believe that Integral's presence in Academia is a necessary thing. It may be a necessary evil, but it is necessary nevertheless. Academia is so weighed down by the modern and post-modern agendas and systemic inertia of the last two centuries that it cannot respond fast enough to what the needs of the planet and this society are today. It does not even come close to operating "at the speed of business". And right now, "business" is fucking up the planet at instant-coffee-in-the-microwave speeds. 

"The questions are not designed to be evasive but..."

...you evaded the original questions nevertheless.

You admitted that you get questions like that often. You used it as a title to the post in such a way that it intimated that an answer may be forthcoming. So why are you not answering it?

Answer the question, Mr. Trebus. 

-oOo-

I realize that Integral has to somehow engage the economy if it is going to survive. Why not just say that? Just say it. Integral needs money. Come on. Say it. I know you can do it. It doesn't exactly answer the title question, but it gives us a place to start because it is exactly what the economy is all about. Not coming out and saying it is a way of not allowing Spirit to be present in business the way it really is, and we all know that's not Integral. Business is an exchange of value. We give you what you want in exchange for what we want. Integral wants money. Plus, I'm guessing that Integral wants to make an impact in Academia from the inside by its mere presence - not to mention demonstrating both economic and intellectual viability. Say it. Then tell them straight out what you offer in exchange.... in the name of all that's Good, True and Beautiful. 

But instead of answering their question, which is a very straight forward "what-are-you-offering?" type of thing, you are putting words in their mouths and changing the question into one you feel more comfortable answering. That is not "reflecting back". They are asking these questions because their money - plus the money they will have to be making the the future in order to pay of their student loans - is getting more and more precious and limited. They are in charge of making the decision about what to do with it. That's not only their right, it's their responsibility. Money is a vote for what consumers want the economy to produce for consumption. Integral consumers actually want to vote responsibly and in order to do that they have to be properly informed. They need to know if what they are buying from you will be re-sellable back into the economy once they're done with school, esp. if they are going to acquire debt to do it. If it isn't, then your products/services are not sustainable. 

When you answer their questions with more questions, you're only acquiring the opportunity to paint lovely pictures for them of their dreams coming true or make promises to them that you may or may not be able to keep. They asked for a list of products/services, not pretty pictures or promises. If you're selling something, put the product/service right out front where they can examine it and put the price tag right on top of it where God and everybody can see it. Is God in this or not? If so, there is no reason to do a bait and switch here. 

The risk to you of doing this is as follows: if you just list your services as they are, they may realize that you don't have what they want or need and walk away. 

Oooooh. That's scary. 

Deal with it. 

Here are some suggestions: 

No more of this "If you have to ask, you can't afford it" bullshit. List degree programs according to price. Under the names of those degrees list the classes/hours required to earn, etc. 

Have an A-la-carte menu as well with their prices clearly marked. 

State clearly that if they don't see what they want/need here you need to hear about that (even if they decide not to buy it!) so that you can create a product/service that people actually want/need. So state that you are willing to make every effort to accommodate them by adjusting various things to meet their needs as well as the needs of your fiscal responsibilities. And if you can or can't make adjustments to the price, make sure that is clearly indicated. If they are Integral and understand so much about the map, then they will recognize this as a worthy reality. 

Do not charge extra for custom fitting. That's just not practical in today's economy. Taking the extra time will tell you more about what customers want and need than any amount of market research that you normally have to shell out $$$$ for. 

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