Open Society University Network (OSUN)

Open Society University Network

Adding Light Where There’s Heat: A Discussion with Mary Ruiz of AltLiberalArts

Mary Ruiz talks about her work with the nonprofit education initiative, AltLiberalArts, that offers alternative and online learning programs to fill the gaps created by current government bans and censorship in higher education institutions in the US.

Mission statement

Through rigorous liberal arts and sciences education, the Open Society University Network (OSUN) prepares students from diverse geographies and backgrounds to address global challenges as thoughtful and engaged citizens. It advances global learning, promotes academic freedom, fosters civic engagement, and expands access to higher education.

“Education for refugees is like water and we are very, very thirsty.”
— Kocho Ibrahim, Student at Hubs for Connected Learning, Kakuma Camp, Kenya

— Begayim Esenkulova, Faculty, American University of Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan

“Integrating students from multiple geographies and educational backgrounds is an excellent way of encouraging open, critical discussion of various issues pertaining to the field.”
— Begayim Esenkulova, Faculty, American University of Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan

— Ashesi University student on “Documenting African American and Youth Voter Suppression”

“Learning in a multicultural setting was refreshing. I got to learn about people's diverse experiences and that was beautiful. The course exposed me to the harsh realities that some people have faced and that has somehow transformed the way I think.”
— Ashesi University student on “Documenting African American and Youth Voter Suppression”