BIHS Consciousness Studies — Questions & Answers

This page answers the most common questions about participation, recordings, certificates, scheduling, and scholarships.

1) Are sessions recorded? Can I participate on demand?

Yes. All live sessions are recorded and posted in Canvas. You can watch them on your own schedule, return to the lectures anytime, and participate through the discussion spaces.

Canvas access is available from January 12, 2026 through December 10, 2026. Within this time frame, you may take your time and learn at a pace that fits your life and service commitments.

2) I cannot attend Saturdays live. Is that a problem?

Not at all. Live attendance is encouraged but not required. Many participants follow the course through recordings due to time zones, work, or service.

Those who attend live can ask questions directly. Those who watch later can post questions in Canvas and receive faculty responses there.

3) How long is each session?

Each Saturday session is 2 hours. If it begins at 10:00 AM (EST), it ends at 12:00 PM (noon) (EST).

4) How much homework is there each week?

The weekly workload is designed to be meaningful but manageable.

A typical week includes:

• Live session (2 hours) or watching the recording
• Light reading or short preparatory material (when assigned)
• Optional reflection or short knowledge check

Most participants spend about less than one additional hour per week outside the live class unless they choose to go deeper.

5) Is there an exam? Do I need to do quizzes?

The course includes short quizzes and reflections.

Certificate track: Quizzes and assignments are required for those who want to earn a BIHS Certificate of Completion.
Audit (learning-only) track: You do not need to complete quizzes unless you want to check your understanding.

These assessments are meant to support learning, not create pressure.

6) Can I miss a session and still earn the certificate?

Yes. Because recordings are available, you can catch up by watching the recording in Canvas and completing the required activities for the certificate track.

7) Is the course self-paced or fixed pace?

The course follows a weekly schedule for the live sessions and group rhythm, but access is flexible because recordings and materials remain available in Canvas for the full access window.

In practice: structured course + flexible participation.

8) Can I join by unit? How many units are there?

Yes. Many participants join on a unit-by-unit basis.

There are five units in total, each taught by a different instructor. Each unit has its own focus and can be taken on its own while also contributing to the full program.

9) Is Unit 5 $30?

Yes. If the pricing model is $30 per unit, then Unit 5 costs $30 for that unit. Additional discounts or scholarships may be available.

10) I have no income right now. Are scholarships available?

Yes. We have limited scholarship support available through donors and sponsors.

How it works:

• You submit a scholarship request (short form or email)
• We review requests as quickly as possible
• Scholarships may be full or partial depending on available sponsorships

Scholarships depend on donor-designated funds, but we do our best to support sincere participants whenever possible.

11) How are scholarships evaluated?

Scholarships are typically based on:

• Financial need
• Sincere intention to participate
• Ability to engage respectfully and complete the course (especially for certificate track)

We keep the process simple and may ask a brief follow-up question if needed.

12) Is this course university-accredited?

This course is offered by the Bhaktivedanta Institute for Higher Studies and provides a BIHS Certificate of Completion for those who complete the requirements.

It is not a university-accredited course and does not provide official university credit.

13) Do I need a background in science, philosophy, or cosmology?

No. The course is designed to be accessible to participants from many backgrounds. Instructors explain concepts clearly, and Canvas discussions allow you to ask questions whenever something needs clarification.

14) Do I need to buy any books or materials?

No required purchases are needed. Any readings required for the course will be provided in Canvas or clearly listed in advance.

15) Can I use my phone instead of a computer?

Yes. You can download the Canvas Student App on your phone or tablet to access recordings, materials, and discussions. A computer is recommended for longer writing, but it is not required.

16) Who is this course for?

This course is designed for devotees, congregational members, academics, and thoughtful seekers. It supports serious inquiry into consciousness while remaining accessible and respectful of different backgrounds.