Summary of Achievements and Highlights
The university is built on a foundation of excellence in teaching and social engagement, demonstrating the public value of higher education. By enhancing industry collaboration, cultivating international talent, and continuously supporting economically and culturally disadvantaged students, the university leverages sustainable strategies to boost international competitiveness and social impact. Key highlights of our 2023-2024 Higher Education Enhancement Project (高教深耕計畫) are as follows:
Advancing Teaching Innovation
- From 2022 to 2024, the number of faculty members approved for the Teaching Practice Research Program increased from 10 to 15. Outstanding faculty received performance bonuses, while those not approved were provided funding for pilot projects, encouraging teaching innovation.
- Faculty development communities launched 32 initiatives in 2023–2024. A total of 178 industry-cooperative dual-instructor courses were supported, involving 120 industry experts, enhancing interdisciplinary knowledge and teaching effectiveness.
- Microcredit courses were expanded to 36, with 18 initiated by students, covering the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and core competencies of Taiwan's 2019 curriculum guidelines. Student satisfaction for these courses averaged 4.72 out of 5, with 100% expressing a willingness to continue with other microcredit courses.
- Teaching assistants supported 533 courses, guiding over 3,050 students. Course satisfaction ratings reached 4.79 out of 5, highlighting the positive impact of the assistant system on both teaching and learning outcomes.
- To meet teaching needs, the university developed two multifunctional teaching spaces and upgraded classrooms and digital equipment, laying the groundwork for teaching innovation.
Fulfilling Social Responsibility
The university promotes diverse social responsibility programs, showcasing its impact on society.
- Community Volleyball Teams: Led by students, a team of 20 players was established. A new base, "Lien-Yihua Community Volleyball," was added in 2024. In collaboration with the Taichung City Government’s Social Affairs Bureau, the university organized rural volleyball development programs and established the Central Volleyball League using resources from the National University System to promote grassroots sports culture.
- Lohas Academy Senior Fitness Classes: Participation increased from 62 in 2023 to 115 in 2024, marking an 85% growth.
- Indigenous Community Services: Programs in the Heping District provided exercise classes for 20 elderly individuals and collaborated with junior high schools on sports protection education, achieving high student engagement and effectiveness.
- Dance Together Program: The initiative conducted 16 sessions, including dance instruction, performances, and stress-relief workshops, enhancing community cohesion and senior citizen participation.
Strengthening Industry-University Collaboration
The university has enhanced industry-academia collaboration through various projects:
- Ski Sports Program: The university sent 31 students to Japan for internships, 11 of whom obtained ski instructor certifications. Collaboration agreements were signed with businesses in Japan and Taiwan, and three graduates were employed as ski instructors at international resorts, creating global career opportunities.
- Sports Media Maker Program: Students created virtual influencers and won awards such as "Best Video" in the university category and accolades like the Art & Beauty Award.
- Scientific Sports Programs: In partnership with Formosa Biomedical Technology, over 300 elderly participants received exercise training, and 20 swimmers from Dongshan High School underwent functional testing and rehabilitation.
- Professional Sports Event Management: The university organized major events, including the National Intercollegiate Athletic Games, completing 12 industry-academia projects and establishing standardized event management processes for sustainable and efficient operations.
Enhancing Access to Higher Education
The university promotes diverse admission and learning opportunities, offering economically or culturally disadvantaged students scholarships and support programs, such as self-study grants, language tutoring, and academic progress incentives. In 2023–2024, over 437 students benefited, including 58 who received academic progress awards, improving their learning outcomes.
Advancing Internationalization
To enhance internationalization:
- Dedicated staff were appointed to manage international affairs, while bilingual administrative systems, Chinese courses, multicultural activities, and joint programs with the National University System supported international students’ learning and adaptation.
- Collaboration agreements were signed with universities in the United States, Thailand, and other countries, funding 32 faculty and students for exchange programs, international conferences, and short-term overseas study.