Soka to launch Faculty of Nursing in 2013
2012.01.18
|
Soka University is presently in the process of earning government accreditation for the opening of its Faculty of Nursing in April 2013, joining the six undergraduate programs the school is already administering. Among the objectives of the new faculty are to encourage students to take the initiative in their studies; promote their capacity to coexist with a diverse array of cultures; and apply what they learn in school to life after graduation. Not only will nursing majors master conventional nursing expertise and skills, they will also be expected to communication and teamwork skills, as well as problem identification, analyses and solution development. While graduates must pass the national nursing examinations, they will be eligible to work as registered nurses in both Japan and abroad, working at hospitals, nursing homes and other agencies, including nongovernmental and nonprofit organizations. A Faculty of Nursing building is currently under construction. |
|
|---|
International students take part in New Year’s party
2012.01.04
Soka University hosted its annual New Year’s dinner party for international students at the New Loire cafeteria from 4 p.m. on January 1. Some 160 students and visiting faculty, along with their families, attended the dinner. Board of Trustees Chair Yasunori Tashiro also took part in the event.
The evening’s main courses were sushi, the traditional osechi New Year’s dishes and nabe pot stew. Following the dinner, the students and visiting faculty took turns in song and dance performances.
The idea of a dinner party for foreign students who could not return to their home countries over the winter semester break was suggested by Soka University founder Daisaku Ikeda and has been held annually since 1999.
Soka University is currently partnered with 133 academic institutes in 43 countries and territories and serves as host to some 300 international students every year.
New Year’s Greetings from Chairperson of Board of Trustees Tashiro
2012.01.01
|
I offer my heartiest greetings on the New Year and pray that 2012 will be a most rewarding year for all of you. I will always remain grateful to those who have so generously extended their support and counsel since Soka University’s dedication in 1971, enabling Soka to celebrate in 2012 its 41st anniversary and the Soka Women’s College to mark its 27th anniversary. As a result of your heartfelt assistance, some 9,000 young men and women are able to devote themselves to learning today, while more than 70,000 alumni are excelling in their respective professions around the world. To reach the next developmental phase, Soka University is upgrading its educational and research environment as we set forth toward our golden anniversary in 2021. Under this initiative, construction of a major classroom complex for the Faculty of Education is underway. Located near the heart of our campus, the complex consists of three wings and a three-floor basement, and is slated for completion in 2013. It will feature classrooms equipped with the latest facilities, as well as a 1,000-seat multi-function hall and centers to provide students with healthcare and counseling services. Moreover, construction of a classroom building to house the Faculty of Nursing Care, which will be launched in 2013, has also begun. Meanwhile, we improved our scholarship program in fiscal 2011, establishing a special fund for economically needy students as a result of contributions from our Souyu-Kai alumni association and other private benefactors. Soka University and Soka Women’s College will continue to abide by university founder Daisaku Ikeda’s mandate to uphold the needs of our students as our paramount concern as we set forth toward the 50th anniversary of our founding with the aim of making our schools the foremost seats of higher learning. Yasunori Tashiro Soka University Chairperson of Board of Trustees |
Soka University Chairperson of Board of Trustees Yasunori Tashiro |
|---|
New Year’s Greetings from President Yamamoto
2012.01.01
|
I wish to extend my heartiest greetings on the New Year. I hope 2012 will be a most rewarding year in which you enjoy the best of health and happiness. Soka University ushers in its 41st anniversary this year, operating under the founding principles to be the highest seat of learning for humanistic education, the cradle of a new culture and citadel for the peace of humanity. Today, Soka consists of six undergraduate faculties in economics, law, letters, business administration, education and engineering, as well as four graduate schools and two professional graduate schools. We are also partner to academic exchange programs with 133 universities in 46 countries and territories, making our foreign exchange student program among the finest in Japan. In addition, an initiative launched in 2011 to commemorate Soka’s golden anniversary in 2021, Discover Your Potential aims to develop both the intellect and humanity of our students, enabling them to lead lives that are as creative as they are contributive. As part of this ambitious initiative, new educational programs are being adopted and developed, while our academic environment and research facilities are being upgraded. In fiscal 2012, for example, students majoring in the Faculty of Letters will be able to choose from 11 different minors, providing them with a broader range of academic options and opportunities. Our Global Citizenship Program, English instruction programs in economics and law and the Dual Degree Course—which we co-developed with Beijing Language and Culture University in 2007 and in which Buckingham University of the U.K. became a partner in April 2011—are widely recognized to be among the best in their class. Soka is currently moving to launch its seventh undergraduate faculty in nursing and nursing care from April 2013 as well. On the day of Soka University’s dedication in 1971, founder Daisaku Ikeda posed this question: “For what purpose should one cultivate wisdom? May you always ask yourself this question!” I believe our students have responded. In the days following the devastating earthquake and tsunami of March 11, 2011, many served as volunteers to engage in assistance activities for communities stricken by the calamity. And they continue to shine in their respective fields of study, in the effort to bring light to an era eclipsed by uncertainty and turmoil. The administration, faculty and student body will be working together to create Soka University as a global hub of humanistic education, committed to the task of opening new pathways to the future in the service of a more peaceful society and for the betterment of humanity. Toward that end, I look forward to and fully appreciate your continued support and counsel. Hideo Yamamoto President Soka University |
Soka University President Hideo Yamamoto |
|---|
Soka University duo places second in English speech contest
2011.12.17
|
On December 17, two Soka University literature majors—Kimiko Hanazono and Kohei Sasaki, both juniors—won second prize in an English speech contest organized by the Kyoto University of Foreign Studies Department of British and American Studies and sponsored by the nationally circulated Mainichi Shimbun newspaper, the City of Kyoto and The Consortium of Universities in Kyoto. The contest, in which two presenters introduce Japanese culture in English, began with 57 pairs being whittled down to ten finalists representing ten universities. The theme of the Hanazono-Sasaki pair’s speech was “Initiating Citizens’ Diplomacy from Hachioji.” |
Hanazono (right) and Sasaki proudly bear runners-up citations |
|---|
Soka launches new safety verification system in times of disasters
2011.11.11
A special system to ascertain the safety of students, faculty members and administration staff is now in operation at Soka University. The system, launched in October, sends a notice to pre-registered individuals via cellular phone or email (both PC and mobile) in times of disasters; users can verify their safety by replying to the notice.
It was tested for the first time during the school-wide disaster drill held on October 21. The system is believed to highly survivable because it relies on two widely separated servers, with one housed in the Kanto region, the other in Kansai.
World Language Center hosts ‘What You Can Do for the World’ lecture
2011.11.09
|
On October 28, Soka University’s World Language Center (WLC) organized and hosted “What You Can Do for the World,” a lecture by Dr. Toshiharu Yamamoto, M.D., representative of the nonprofit organization, Earth the Spaceship. Dr. Yamamoto shared global perspectives on such issues as overpopulation and waste disposal, and said it was imperative for corporations engaged in socially oriented businesses and corporate social responsibility initiatives to reform society. The event, in which some 200 students participated, included a Q&A session. Founded in 2004, Earth the Spaceship engages in initiatives to facilitate peace building, international cooperation and sustainable development. Dr. Yamamoto has served in various medical humanitarian assistance programs around the world, including Afghanistan and South Africa. He concurrently serves in an executive position with the Medecins Sans Frontieres (Medicine Without Borders) in Japan. Established in 1999, WLC manages all of Soka University’s language programs and aims to “promote global citizenship through the development of foreign language and multicultural competence.” It also offers programs to assist students in English conversation and composition, while providing consultation services as well. |
|
|---|
Soka professor wins top prize in Japanese art competition
2011.10.24
|
Soka University Department of Primary Education Professor Yoshiro Shimizu won the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award in a competition sponsored by The Japan Art Institute, a nonprofit organization for the promotion of Japanese artists and their creations. Prof. Shimizu’s work, “Shido (first movement),” was chosen among the works submitted by 35 artists. He was presented with the award in Tokyo on September 7. To view the award-winning work, please click here: http://nihonbijutsuin.or.jp/96/shimizu_yoshiro/index.html |
|
|---|
Soka conducts its first full-scale disaster drill
2011.10.21
Soka University carried out its first full-scale disaster response exercise with some 4,000 students, as well as members of the faculty and administration on Friday, October 21. It was held with the full support and cooperation of the Hachioji Fire Department and aims to evaluate disaster management guidelines and upgrade contingency programs.
The drill was held under the premise that a magnitude-6-level earthquake struck central Hachioji just before noon Friday. It began at 11:50 with an emergency public-address broadcast, followed by a mass evacuation of university facilities and assembly at the No. 1 athletic ground.
The Hachioji fire department staged a mock search-and-rescue operation, while providing instruction on the use of AED heart defibrillators and on ways to avoid smoke inhalation in a fire, among other demonstrations. Also, as part of the exercise, the campus cafeterias offered emergency rations for lunch.
Soka University, Women’s College hold make-up graduation ceremony
2011.10.08
|
The 41st Soka University and 27th Soka Women’s College graduation ceremony was held at the Ikeda Auditorium on Saturday, October 8. The ceremony was originally scheduled to be held in March this year, but was delayed due to the giant earthquake and tsunami that struck northeastern Japan on March 11, 2011. Student representatives and their guardians, faculty members, administration staff, and donors attended the event. In his message of felicitations, Soka University founder Daisaku Ikeda said that as long as the graduating students kept the light of learning burning brightly in their hearts, no impasse could ever prevent them from achieving unlimited progress and development. In conjunction with the graduation ceremony, Soka University presented an honorary doctorate to Tu Weiming, Research Professor and Senior Fellow of Harvard University’s Asia Center and Lifetime Professor of Philosophy and founding Dean of the Institute for Advanced Humanistic Studies at Peking University. Professor Tu then delivered a commemorative lecture on Confucianism and the significance of what it means to be human. |
Prof. Tu speaks to graduating Soka students on Oct. 8 |
|---|
Full-scale disaster drill to be conducted on Oct. 21
2011.10.06
Soka University announced that it will conduct its first disaster response exercise that will include participation from the student body, faculty and administration. The drill, which will take place on Friday, October 21, will be held with the full cooperation of the Hachioji Fire Department. It aims to evaluate existing disaster management guidelines and upgrade preventative programs.
In addition, a new electronic system to ascertain the safety of students in times of disasters will be tested on that day. The system, which relies on telephone calls and emails, was launched in October 2011.
The drill assumes that a magnitude-6-level earthquake has occurred in central Hachioji and will be canceled in the event of inclement weather.
Time/Day of Exercise: 11:50-13:20, October 21, 2011
Participants: Entire student body, as well as faculty members and administration staff
Second-period class will be shortened by 25 minutes, ending at 11:50; third-period class will be held from 13:20 and end at 14:35.
An emergency broadcast will be made at 11:50; students should follow their instructors and gather at the No. 1 athletic ground.
The Hachioji Fire Department will stage several demonstrations at the No.1 athletic ground, including a helicopter rescue operation, use of AED heart defibrillators, and an earthquake simulator.
The campus cafeterias will only be offering emergency rations for lunch that day. Students are encouraged to try the food packages as part of the exercise experience.
Soka econ majors extend ERE streak to eight consecutive wins
2011.09.23
|
The Soka University team of nine economics majors captured first place in the 15th university-level Economics Record Examination (ERE) organized by a national association of economics education. Held on July 3, 2011, the examination pitted 16 teams from 11 universities, including Kyoto University, Keio University and Meiji University. The examination gauges the level of undergraduates’ comprehension of micro- and macroeconomic concepts and applications. Keiko Nobukuni, a senior, led the winning Soka team, with fellow senior Hideyasu Sato earning top individual honors. With the latest victory, Soka University extended its record-breaking ERE championship streak to eight, doubling the number championships won by its closest rival, Waseda University. |
Members of the victorious Soka ERE team |
|---|
15% power reduction target for summer achieved
2011.09.12
Soka University has cleared its goal to reduce electricity consumption for July and August by 15%, the numerical target set by the government in the aftermath of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, and the nuclear power plant accident in Fukushima prefecture. The university consumed 21.6& less electricity in July than it did in the same month last year; it did even better in last month, when its power use fell by 26.5% versus August 2010.
Among the factors contributing to the major power savings were raising the air conditioning thermostat to 28 degrees Centigrade; relaxing dress codes for summer wear; strategically removing light bulbs; and limiting the use of elevators.
In statement released by Soka University, Board of Trustees Chair Yasunori Tashiro expressed appreciation to the students, faculty and administration for surpassing the government target and called for their continued cooperation in conservation measures as the shortage of electric power is expected to continue through the winter and into 2012.
Soka students take part in March 11 calamity volunteer program
2011.09.08
|
The Consortium of Universities in Hachioji (TCUH), a nonprofit association comprised of 23 junior colleges and universities in the western suburbs of Tokyo and represents some 110,000 students, organized an eight-day volunteer program to Iwate prefecture. Iwate was among the four prefectures devastated by the giant earthquake and tsunami that struck northwestern Japan on March 11. A total of 76 students, including 34 from Soka University, took part in the program. The volunteers were assigned to provisional housing areas in several cities, including Rikuzen-Takada and Ofuna-minato, where they engaged in moral support activities for residents, provided learning assistance to children, and took part in local community services. The volunteer program was a collaborative venture between TCUH and Iwate Prefectural University. |
|
|---|
Soka judoists win 1st, 2nd, 3rd place in Tokyo contest
2011.09.04
The three-member team of Soka University women judoists won first, second and third places in a Tokyo regional championship held at the Nippon Budokan hall on September 4, earning the right to compete in the national championships that will be held in October.
The regional championship is based on weight classes. Soka’s Miwa Sato won first place in the 78-kilo class, while Houko Nishibe placed second in the 63-kilo class; Airi Akiyama placed third in the 57-kilo class.
Faculty of Letters to offer new dual degree
2011.08.30
|
Soka University’s Faculty of Letters recently announced that it would be offering a dual degree (DD) in English Studies for Teaching from the University of Buckingham in the United Kingdom. Under the DD program, Soka students can earn a bachelor’s degree by spending their sophomore and junior years studying English at the UK institution, earning 124 credits (or 149 credits in the master’s degree teachers training program). Program applicants must meet several requirements, including a score of 80 or more points in a TOEFL-iBT exam 11 months prior to the September start of the program before eligibility will be established. The University of Buckingham is the only independent university in the U.K. with an enrollment of some 1,000. It features a student-to-academic staff ratio of 8:1, and boasts a remarkably diverse student body composition, with some 90 different nationalities represented. This is the second DD program that the faculty has established. The first, offered in collaboration with China’s Beijing Language University, was launched in fiscal 2007. The Faculty of Letters also announced that it would be increasing the number of majors from seven to 11 from fiscal 2012. Among the new majors that will be available are foreign language instruction and special education. |
|
|---|
Soka law faculty hosts mock citizen judge trial
2011.07.21
|
Soka University Faculty of Law Prof. Nobuyasu Kojima’s General Jurisprudence class conducted a mock citizen judge trial on June 29 and July 1. Some 360 first-year law majors took part in the simulation. The citizen judge system was adopted in Japan for the first time in 2009. It aims to enhance public participation in the legal process and facilitate adjudication from a broader, citizens’ perspective. Graduates of Soka’s law program who have become certified attorneys played the roles of judge, prosecutor and defense counsel, while students served as citizen judges in a robbery case that resulted in bodily injury. |
Courtroom scenes of Soka’s mock trial |
|---|
Soka hosts annual disaster drill
2011.07.21
|
Soka University hosted the 44th annual disaster training exercise at its main field on Thursday, July 21. Some 130 participants in 46 teams took part in the drill, which was organized by the Hachioji Fire Department and disaster management training committee of the city of Hachioji. Judges evaluate and assign points for a series of exercises, including usage of fire plugs, emergency first aid techniques and other disaster response skills. Soka University fielded two teams, each comprised of three staff members; its women’s team won third place. The school has hosted the exercise since 1997. |
Teams conducting firefighting drills at Soka University main field |
|---|
Soka holds completion ceremony for international students
2011.07.21
|
On July 21, Soka University held a ceremony for a contingent of 50 international students from 30 universities and institutes who completed their one-year study abroad program at the Japanese school. President Hideo Yamamoto and Board of Trustees Chair Yasuhiro Tashiro attended the ceremony. In his speech, President Yamamoto thanked the students for choosing Soka among the many schools in Japan and praised them for completing their studies despite experiencing the great earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan on March 11. University founder Daisaku Ikeda also contributed a message of felicitations for the occasion. The students who have completed their year-long program at Soka, he noted, must return to their respective countries and bear the weight of society’s expectations and shape its future. “Because your lives assume such great purpose, you will undoubtedly face more difficulties than most,” he wrote. “Nevertheless, I call on you to embrace your many challenges as a privilege and source of pride, and continue with your scholarship.” Soka University is partner to academic exchange programs with 125 universities and institutes in 45 countries and territories, with some 350 international students studying at Soka every year. |
International students received certificates of completion on July 21 |
|---|
Nine Soka groups to travel abroad this year
2011.07.21
|
Nine groups of Soka University undergraduates will take part in special summer exchange sessions to be held at universities abroad this year. The groups met for the first time on July 21. Among the universities that will play host to the Soka students are the University of Southern California in the United States; Griffith University in Australia; the University of Hong Kong; Kyunghee University and Jeju National University of Korea; the University of Buckingham in England; and Shanghai Normal University of China. |
Soka students leaving for summer study abroad program |
|---|
