Effective University-Community Collaborations


 By Lee Han-na, Head Student Editor
Ryu Seung-hyi, Student Editor


During summer vacation, the CNU Press and Broadcasting Center dispatched overseas coverage teams to prestigious foreign universities and colleges located in the U.K., the U.S. and Japan to learn about their advanced programs and resources other leading colleges have developed in order to establish a successful relationship with the community, to create their distinctive qualities and to support student government associations and organizations. Chonnam Tribune will report the findings of this coverage in the article entitled “Feature” in this and the next two issues. As the first part of the series, this issue deals with their community-linked collaborations. –Ed.


In the 21st century society, it is important for universities to strengthen intellectual versatility and sense of civic obligation. There also needs to work for the good their surrounding communities through community-collaborated activities. We have to serve the development of the individual, the university and the community. Chonnam National University (CNU) also aims to enhance and support collaborations between the university and various organizations in the local community. With regards to this situation, we need to examine some examples of good practice in the cooperation between universities of the world and their surrounding communities.


Public Service Programs of British University

David Meyer, Deputy Events Manager of Conference and Events, waches photos of speakers of Public Lecturesa at LSE.

The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) has operated free “Public Lectures” that are open to every resident and cover a variety of fields such as social science, economics, politics and international relations. Many celebrities such as ministers and diplomats have given lectures and debate on subjects with participants. The Public Lecture series has given a place for communication and discussion and delivered a lot of knowledge and diverse opinions. David Meyer, Deputy Events Manager of Conference and Events, said, “I can not check exactly how many public lectures have contributed to the development of London and England, but I believe it has a positive influence on these areas through active discussions.” LSE has provided transcripts and podcasts service of lectures respectively on its website since January 2007 in order to make more people be able to take lectures in easily.


Innovation Network Event at Cardiff University

Cardiff University (CU), located in the center of Cardiff, the capital city of Wales has been an important player in developing this regional prosperity. Innovation Network (IN) is a good example to contribute to the economic development of Cardiff. Cardiff had been in financial difficulties since World War I. Although multinational companies came to Cardiff and gave benefits to Cardiff, most Cardiff head officials did not think these corporations would provide continuous profits to Cardiff. “In those days, the president of CU thought CU should help for the growth of small and medium size businesses and IN was established in 1996" said Michael Wright, Business Service Manager. IN, firstly, established contacts between businesses and CU. IN holds 10 events each year and CEOs of local companies and experts participate in the events where they discuss some sample businesses and many CEOs learn a lot from them. “Most participants are satisfied with the events IN undertakes to develop the economy of Cardiff” said why they succeeded or failed with Michael Wright. 


Outreach Programs of American Colleges

Middlebury College (MC) has operated a Mentoring Program designed to provide information, encouragement and support to college students and teenagers in the region, which is an example of a college-community collaboration in the U.S. MC students and teenagers can participate in the program as a mentor or as a mentee. Parents and teachers of elementary, middle and high schools apply to MC for participation and request that their child could be assigned to a mentor of the area which their child has interested in.
Following their demands, a suitable college student is designated to a mentor. Peggy Bucns, Deputy Chief of Alliance for Civic Engagement at MC, said, "Not only are college students mentors, but also teenagers’ parents who have participated in the program are satisfied with this program in respect of contribution to our community. Also, Middlebury residents are satisfied with having the opportunity their children can receive mentoring from college students." About half of the freshmen class of MC participates in the Mentoring Program.

Amherst College (AC), located in the state of Connecticut, has administered a variety of civic engagement programs to provide well-organized public service and inculcates citizenship to its students. AC has reciprocal partnerships with local organizations that will provide community service opportunities and maintain the spirit of public service in a variety of areas. At the same time it has committed to preserve the ecological system by establishing programs to promote resource conservation and minimize environmental impact, and investing in energy conservation projects. The college is even constructing a cogeneration plant to generate electricity and steam. AC is carrying out a project called “Green Amherst” for the sustainability of its region and the world on campus and beyond. Many students have participated in environment campaigns among the residents.


Community-linked Practices of Japanese University

Students who participated in "Aizu IT Nisshinkan" at the University of Aizu

The University of Aizu (UA) is the first university found in this area permitted by Fukushima Prefecture. UA has facilitated comprehensive contacts for university-industry cooperation between the University, local communities and industry through the University-Business Innovation Center (UBIC). UBIC has conducted various spheres of activities including providing technical and managerial advice to many companies and entrepreneurs, finding and matching business partners for collaborative research, and coproducing products. Since last year, UBIC has promoted the special program authorized by the Ministry of Education in Japan, "Aizu IT Nisshinkan" that aims to foster young students with strong interests in creating business ventures and professional capabilities to promote innovation, thorough cooperation between UA and local venture companies, for the renovation of old properties including the traditional spirit taught at an old clan school in Aizu, "Nisshinkan". Mizuo Kansen (Professor of UBIC) said, "Many entrepreneurs that UBIC supported financially make a great contribution to economic growth of the Aizu area." He also added, "Aizu IT Nisshinkan can revive regional culture as well. On the whole, UBIC is committed to meet the needs of university, local communities and regional industry."

The 3E Forum at the University of Tsukuba

The University of Tsukuba (UT) is established as the core educational institution of Tsukuba Science City has played an important role to make effective cooperation with research institutes, communities industries, and government of this region and tried to solve regional problems like global warming. Last October, the 3E Forum (Environment, Energy, Economy) was started by UT in cooperation with the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, National Institute for Materials Science, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Ibaraki Prefecture and Tsukuba City. Through six rounds of the 3E Forum, they are committed to finding solutions to environmental problems. Besides holding this 3E Forum, Promotion Committee for Environmental Model City was founded to make Tsukuba City an environmental city. Now, the new conception of Tsukuba City as a Biomass Town is in progress.


Conclusion

CNU, as the primary institution for higher education in the southwestern region, has constantly made efforts to improve its educational and academic capabilities and provide diverse community-related service opportunities and practices. The university needs to provide commitment to its surrounding community because it cannot be developed without the development of the community. A better relationship between the university and the community is very important and the development of both should be guided by mutual respect and shared responsibility. Although CNU has also provided diverse community services as well as developing partnerships with local organizations, it ought to endeavour all the more to enhance and maintain community-collaborative initiatives with local communities in Gwangju Metropolitan City and Jeonnam Province. It is expected that CNU can obtain good information in this article about the advanced resources and practices of the leading universities and colleges in the world.

***** Widening Access

 Partiscipants in a program of WA in Cardiff University

British universities operate a special program, Widening Access (WA) to provide opportunities for people from a diverse range of backgrounds to benefit from higher education. WA universities educate poor high school students selected by the UK government about basic knowledge related to studying in a university, and invite teenagers and let them know about university life. It aims to motivate teenage students who cannot even conceive of the idea of studying at a university due to their poor economic surroundings. Annie Mitchell, Director of WA at Cardiff University, said, “Many university students have currently participated in the programs operated by WA. They help the juveniles as well as understanding the importance of public service and enhancing their sense of civic responsibility from these activities.” Besides, they can have the opportunity to take an enrolment interview if they satisfy the minimum qualifying conditions.

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The story of American colleges is written by Kim Su-ji, Head Student Editor of the CNU Press and translated by Ryu Seung-hyi, Student Editor of Chonnam Tribune.

 

 

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Do You Know Freshmen Globalization Course?


By Kim Ji-eun, Student Editor

Many freshmen have experienced foreign culture and learned English in the Philippines last summer vacation to improve their English skills by participating in an English Course as part of the Freshmen Globalization Course (FGC), which the International Center at Chonnam National University organized for freshmen this year. The Philippines is known as an attractive country to students who want to enhance their English competence. Chonnam Tribune visited the participants for the course and heard their stories.

The participants learned English eight hours a day with native speakers at the University of the Philippines in Iloilo. The daily schedule of the program was separated into three parts; TOEIC class, Group Study class, Man to Man class. The students chose Man to Man class as the best class for improving their English ability. Kang Jin-kyu (Freshman, Faculty of Mathematics and Statistics) said, “It is the merit of Man to Man class that a native speaker can correct my errors in detail in comfortable conversation. And I can confidently speak with a teacher because there is no one next to us.” They enjoyed their own free time every weekend. Thus they could make a weekend trip with friends and teachers. Kim Ha-neul (Freshman, Dept. of Economics) said, “I made a trip to a beach nearby in company with my friend and teacher. It was an impressive experience for having a chance to use English in real situations.”

The FGC is a great opportunity for freshmen who want to spend a well-composed vacation. The English Course in the Philippines is the most recommended program especially for beginners who just start to study English skills. Many participants have been satisfied with this course because its high quality daily lesson program was systematic. If you are interested in this program, DO NOT hesitate to apply for the FGC!

Participants in Freshmen Globalization Coures
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