After the Soka University Grand Design
In 2010, Soka University announced its first medium- to long-term plan as the "Soka University Grand Design.” In order for Soka University to continue to be a university of choice in a competitive environment in an era of declining birthrates and diversification, we strategically outlined our goals and plans, and announced our overall vision for the university and specific initiatives toward the founding 50th anniversary.
During the past ten years, based on the grand design, the university has expanded its educational strategy to eight faculties, five graduate schools, and two professional graduate schools with the establishment of Faculty of International Liberal Arts, Faculty of Nursing, Faculty of Science and Engineering Department of Science and Engineering for Sustainable Innovation, Graduate School of International Peace Studies, and the Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Department of Bioscience. In addition, the School for Excellence in Educational Development was established, and the Global Citizenship Program (GCP) was launched. In terms of research strategy, we have introduced an internal research grant system and next-generation collaborative research projects to improve our research capabilities. In the area of student support, we developed an international student dormitory where both Japanese and international students reside together and implemented various career support programs to achieve a 90% career decision rate. In the area of international strategy, we were selected for the "Super Global University Project" by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) in 2012 and the "Top Global University Project" in 2014, which accelerated the dispatch of Japanese students to study abroad and the acceptance of international students.
The Distance Learning Course has also expanded the doors of learning by establishing the Faculty of Letters and utilizing e-learning.
Students made the most of the various educational programs, educational and research facilities mentioned above, and demonstrated the results of their activities in many areas, including various business contests, international conferences and competitions, qualification examinations and career paths, and community contributions. In particular, on January 2nd and 3rd, 2021, they won the outward leg of the Tokyo-Hakone relay university Ekiden race and placed second overall, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the founding of the university. The greatest achievement of the past ten years has been the success of the students, which was unimaginable before the implementation of the grand design.
With the construction of the Central Education Building, Global Square, and the Faculty of Nursing Building, the education and research environment on campus have improved. Many students are able to devote themselves to their academic thanks to the people who support our university. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to them. I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the faculty, staff, students, and all others who have been involved in promoting the Grand Design initiatives over the past 10 years.
With the construction of the Central Education Building, Global Square, and the Faculty of Nursing Building, the education and research environment on campus have improved. Many students are able to devote themselves to their academic thanks to the people who support our university. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to them. I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the faculty, staff, students, and all others who have been involved in promoting the Grand Design initiatives over the past 10 years.
Click here for "Soka University Grand Design 2021-2030," which started in FY2021.