平成25年度　秋季入学式・外国人短期留学プログラム開講式（2013年10月1日）

I would like to give some remarks for Fall 2013 opening ceremony. Today, new students enrolled in the International Undergraduate Programs, degree programs in our graduate schools, and the JTW and JLCC programs are gathered here. I would like to extend my sincere welcome to all new students.

In addition, on behalf of Kyushu University, I would also like to express my gratitude to Mr. Ken Tei from the Consulate-General of the Peoples Republic of China in Fukuoka, Ms. Francine MEOULE and Mr. Jean-Charles SCHENKER from Institut fran?ais du Japon - Kyushu who has been kind enough to join us today, and Ms. MEOULE will deliver a congratulatory address to our new students.

At Kyushu University, we have implemented a fall enrollment in the International Undergraduate Programs under the G30 Project since 2011. We also started holding a joint opening ceremony for other students enrolled in our university in fall, including international students enrolled in degree programs in the graduate schools and short-term programs such as JTW and JLCC, in addition to the International Undergraduate Programs. Today marks the second of such joint opening ceremonies.

Kyushu University had its start in 1911 as Kyushu Imperial University. Since then, various reforms have been made, including the establishment of various schools and faculties, the change of its name to Kyushu University, and the merger with the Kyushu Institute of Design that took place just ten years ago.

Kyushu University has been growing as one of the leading universities in Japan, with 11 undergraduate schools, various programs and courses, 18 graduate schools, 4 professional graduate schools, the Faculty of Arts and Science, 5 research institutes, and the University Hospital.

Kyushu University has established the Charter of Education, in order to contribute to promoting higher education that meets the expectations of all people, both in Japan and abroad. The University declared five principles, namely “humanity”, “social responsibility”, “global citizenship”, “advancement of knowledge”, and “unity”.

It also has established the Charter of Research, in order to promote research activities that will contribute to mankind and society, as the center of the pursuit, creation and development of better knowledge.

Furthermore, on the occasion of its 100th anniversary, Kyushu University declared its basic philosophy including the 9 principles such as "a university that responds to societal issues" and "a university that leads the global society as well as the local community".

Kyushu University carries out its educational, research and medical activities in accordance with these policies.

Also taking the opportunity of its 100th anniversary, Kyushu University fundamentally reconsidered its liberal arts education, and established a new education system named the Faculty of Arts and Science. After making careful preparations for two years, this new faculty will start the basic learning programs from next April.

The core of basic learning lies in the effort to help students “learn about learning” and become “active learners” who keep learning throughout their lives. Whatever path students choose and whatever unfamiliar problems they will encounter after graduation, they will at least know how to learn ways to find solutions.

This is what we aim for by developing the basis or backbone of learning in our students. I would encourage you to take those basic learning classes starting next April.

I would like to encourage postgraduate students to take an interest in participating in the Program for Leading Graduate Schools. “The Advanced Graduate Course on Molecular Systems for Devices” and “the Advanced Graduate Program in Global Strategy for Green Asia” already started last year in Kyushu University. This year, new programs which cover such areas as “Decision Science”, “ Mathematics to Lead Key Technologies”, “Future Asia”, and “Cohort-based Omics” will be launched using national and/or our own budget.

All courses provided or being provided under this program have raised or will raise the bar, but I hope that you will give them a try. I also hope that new undergraduate students work hard so that they can join this program.

As I have just explained, Kyushu University now provides a wide variety of educational programs and courses compatible with a global society, so I would recommend that all of you take as many of those as possible. I would also recommend to students in the International Undergraduate Program that you take classes in Japanese when you move up to the third year, which will give you an advantage in finding employment in Japanese companies after graduation.

I also hope that you will develop your interactions with Japanese students and local residents in Fukuoka, and learn about the language, culture, ethical views and kindness of Japan and the Japanese people, while sharing your own cultures and views with the Japanese people.

Opportunities to learn the Japanese language and culture are incorporated in the curricula of JTW and JLCC programs. It would be great to see you take these short-term programs as just the beginning of your studies here at Kyushu University, and to have you come back here as regular students after finishing your short-term programs.

I imagine that it is not easy for international students to live in Japan, with a different language, culture, customs and economic conditions. To support our international students, Kyushu University provides consultation centers on each campus, including the International Student Center, the International Student and Researcher Support Center, and the Counseling and Health Center, as well as your faculty office. So please feel free to visit such centers.

In closing, I would like to express my sincere wish that all of you have a meaningful experience, and achieve your own objectives of learning at Kyushu University.

Thank you.

Setsuo Arikawa
President, Kyushu University