On September 2nd, the Office of Student Affairs held a "New Student and Parent Orientation Meeting" on the 7th floor of the Shao-Mo Memorial Gymnasium. The meeting was presided over by President Huan-Chao Keh and attended by Academic Vice President Hui-Huang Hsu, Administrative Vice President Chun-Hung Lin, Vice President for International Affairs Hsiao-Chuan CHen, deans of various colleges, and first- and second-level supervisors of relevant units. Nearly 700 students and parents participated, and through face-to-face interactions, the event aimed to help new students better understand campus life.

President Keh first introduced an overview of the school, explaining that Tamkang University has four campuses: Tamsui, Taipei, Lanyang, and the online campus. The university has a long history of promoting the "Three Objectives of Education,” designing the “Three Circles of Curricula,” deepening the Five Educational Disciplines, and cultivating students with eight essential qualities to become outstanding Tamkangians with excellent souls. In terms of academic achievements, the university has consistently ranked among the top in various national and international rankings. According to the 2024 QS World University Rankings and the 2023 THE (Times Higher Education) World University Rankings, Tamkang University ranked 18th nationwide. It also achieved the 15th position in the U.S. News & World Report's Global Best Universities ranking. Tamkang University has ranked No. 1 among private universities for 26 consecutive years in the Corporate Favorite Graduate survey by Cheers magazine. In Global Views Monthly magazine's Taiwan's Best Universities Rankings, Tamkang University is also the top private university. Therefore, the university's performance is superior to most national universities. Furthermore, the university's vision for academic development, "AI+SDGs=∞," has received certification from the Intellectual Property Office of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and has become a registered trademark of Tamkang University. The university will continue its efforts to promote this vision, aiming to cultivate students with interdisciplinary competence in "AI and sustainability."

During the discussion session, parents and students raised questions regarding military service, course selection, accommodation, study abroad exchanges, as well as minors and double majors. The supervisors of various units provided individual responses and explanations. Dr. Hsiao-Chuan Chen explained that the university offers various avenues for students to participate in international exchanges. Apart from studying abroad, our partner universities also provide short-term or summer courses, and the International Affairs Office organizes numerous overseas exchange activities during the semester. All students are encouraged to actively participate. Dean of Academic Affairs, Dr. Tzong-Ru Tsai, encouraged students to explore second majors through the interdisciplinary learning system. He also reminded students with disabilities that they can request special exams and academic assistance through the Academic Affairs Office. Dr. Ruey-Shiang Shaw, Dean of General Affairs, explained the university's parking fee policy. Dr. Shih-Jung Wu, Dean of Student Affairs, explained that students in need of housing can find suitable rental accommodations through the Housing Service Center, operated by the Military Training Office, ensuring a safe and comfortable living environment.

After the orientation meeting, students were taken to various campus buildings by their respective departments for department-specific activities. Each department chair introduced the unique features and provided relevant information about their department, fostering discussions. Chen-Yu Wu, a first-year student majoring in International Tourism Management, shared that he had already researched information related to course studies online. However, after attending the event and listening to explanations on campus today, he gained a deeper understanding of minors and double majors. Chen-Chun Yang, a first-year student of Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, mentioned that after participating in the orientation meeting, he now have a clearer understanding of various aspects of campus learning.

SDGs #SDG04 Quality Education #SDG17 Partnerships for the Goals

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