Florida International University (FIU) is south Florida's first public, four - year research university. With more than 40,000 students, 1000+ full time faculty members & more than 135000 alumni, FIU is recognized as one of the 25 largest universities in the country based on enrollment. FIU offers more than 200 bachelor, master, & doctoral degree programs in its colleges & schools. It has developed Medical school & FIU's Law school is accredited. The university has achieved several notable milestones, including the establishment of Bhagawan Mahavir Professorship of Jain Studies in the Department of Religious Studies.

Since 2006, Jain Nuns (Samanijis) are offering undergraduate courses in Jainism & Asian Religions. The courses have been well received and are growing in popularity. The courses are oriented towards Jainism, meditation, nonviolence, healthy living, and cultural values. Samaniji also kicked off  a Preksha Meditation Club in FIU to promote spiritual vibe in the campus. Students are going green & voting for Vegetarianism. Students are looking forward to not just practice but also guide meditation. University for students is not mere intellectual nurturing but now is also a time to discover one's own identity. 

BENEFITS TO COMMUNITY

• Provide the community with access to a permanent academic center for Jain education and research.
  
• Dissemination of knowledge about Jainism through online and certificate courses.
  
• Establishment of an academic forum to promote similar Jain programs at universities worldwide.
  
• Promotion of Jainism into North American social movements such as vegetarianism, environmentalism, anti-war, and meditation.
  
• Spreading benefits of Jain teachings and values for health, spirituality, and the environment.

FIU RESPONSIBILITIES

• Continue in perpetuity the position of named professorship.
  
• Conduct an international search and hire a professor who is competent in Jainism and speaks at least one Indian language.
  
• Professor must specialize in religions of India and is able to expand Jain studies and offer thematic courses at graduate and undergraduate levels.
  
• Provide annual reports of all activities and services under the agreement such as teaching research and programming to endowment donors.