Soka University underwent a university evaluation (accreditation) conducted by Japan University Accreditation Association (hereinafter referred to as the Association) and was certified that it “meets” the university standards set by the Association. The accreditation period lasts for seven years, from April 1st, 2022, to March 31st, 2029.

Accreditation is a system required by law in which third-party institutions (accreditation institutions) certified by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology evaluate various aspects, including education and research, of all universities every seven years (five years for professional graduate schools). Soka University had undergone an evaluation in 2014 and was accredited (period: April 1st, 2015 to March 31st, 2022). 

Before applying for the accreditation this time, the university set up the “Soka University Internal Quality Assurance Committee” in April 2019, to strengthen its internal quality assurance system, and promoted education/research activities based on its founding spirit, educational goals as well as three policies, and further pursued self-inspection and self-assessment. Furthermore, in order to increase the objectivity and fairness of self-inspection and self-assessment, the university set up an “External Assessment Committee” constituted of intellectuals from the world of higher education, industrial circles as well as the local society, and had various aspects of operation assessed.

Out of the criteria set by the Association, the accreditation results showed that the following are the six “Notable Strengths” of the university: “Mission and Purpose,” “Educational Program and Learning Outcomes,” “Faculty and Faculty Organization,” “Student Support,” “Education and Research Environment,” and “Social Cooperation and Contribution.” We believe we were able to achieve such results because we have incessantly pushed forward our educational reform with our slogan, “University for Students.” Although there were no “Recommendations,” there were two “Suggestions for Improvement.” We intend to further develop our strengths, take ”Suggestions for Improvement” seriously, and work to make improvements and reforms.

We will take this year’s accreditation results into account and strive to further improve the quality of education and research.