Higher Education SPROUT Project

 

I. Advancing Teaching Innovation

A. Cultivating Students' Key Competencies in "Information Technology and Humanistic Care"

1. VAR Teaching Application Courses

In 2023, a standout course in this project was "Ceramic Forming Techniques," led by Professor Li Jianping from the Department of Visual Arts. This course integrated VR technology, which not only enabled students to pre-visualize and foresee their final creations but also significantly enhanced their creativity. This approach addressed a traditional teaching challenge—difficulty in determining final shapes during the forming stage—making the instructional process more fluid and effective.

The most remarkable feature of this project was the innovative breakthroughs experienced by both teachers and students. The application of VR technology not only increased the course's appeal but also boosted student engagement and enthusiasm during learning. Consequently, teaching evolved beyond the mere transmission of knowledge, offering an interactive and creative new learning experience.

2. Special Information Technology Application Courses in the Academy

With the principle of "less theory, more hands-on, and self-directed learning," micro-credit courses on information-related topics are offered each semester. These courses are designed around current trends and the specialized fields of the College of Information, allowing students to explore the fundamentals of information technology and enhance their IT competencies.

In response to the growing popularity of AI in 2023, the course theme was updated to focus on "Generative AI."

3. Teaching Practice Pilot/Support Program

This program encourages teachers to address practical issues encountered in the classroom by leveraging relevant literature and observations to propose suitable solutions for teaching challenges. Through the application of effective teaching methodologies, classroom issues are addressed and improved. Examples include constructing case-based learning approaches to enhance students' motivation and hands-on skills, implementing biomedical and health education, and integrating gamified teaching in advanced physical chemistry courses.

Teaching strategies such as cooperative learning, action research, and survey methods are utilized to critically evaluate teaching research data and respond to identified research questions. At the end of the course, results are presented and shared to showcase learning outcomes. Teachers participating in this program are required to apply for the Ministry of Education's Teaching Practice Research Project for the following academic year.

4. Innovative Practice Program for Chinese Literature Teaching

Through the implementation of the 2023 Chinese Curriculum Reform Project, the program's focus centered on "collaborative teaching," "course lectures," and "creative outcomes." The key objectives include:

50. Innovating teaching methodologies and broadening instructional perspectives through collaborative teaching.


50. Hosting academic course lectures to enhance humanistic literacy and expand knowledge horizons.


50. Encouraging continuous reading and creative writing, compiling collections of written works to facilitate dissemination.

A major highlight of the reform is the renaming of Chinese courses across the university to "Chinese Reading and Critical Thinking," serving as the cornerstone for the 2023 program. Additionally, initiatives such as the "Shanhai Pingtung Chinese Teachers' Community" and teacher development seminars aim to empower and transform teaching practices from the educators' perspective.

B. Cultivating Students' Key Competencies in "Interdisciplinary Studies"

1. Interdisciplinary Credit Programs

To address the needs of societal and industrial development, the university promotes interdisciplinary learning by utilizing its teaching resources to provide an environment conducive to cross-disciplinary studies. This initiative aims to help students develop a secondary specialization, foster diverse learning opportunities, and enhance their employability.

50. Organizing promotional activities for interdisciplinary credit programs/micro-programs to deepen students' understanding of interdisciplinary learning and increase their motivation to enroll in such programs.


50. Conducting annual evaluation meetings for interdisciplinary credit programs, inviting internal and external interdisciplinary experts to provide feedback on various aspects, including student applications, course participation, course offerings, class records, and the effectiveness of students and instructors. These evaluations aim to improve the quality of interdisciplinary credit courses.


50. Completing the 2023 academic year's interdisciplinary credit program evaluation meeting, with the results used as the basis for refining course content and evaluating related outcomes. In the second semester of 2023, a total of 123 interdisciplinary courses were offered, taught by 87 instructors, with 3,039 students enrolled. In the first semester of 2024, the number of interdisciplinary courses increased to 133.

2. Interdisciplinary Learning System – Micro-Credit and Micro-Programs

50. Self-Directed Micro-Credits:
    
    Designed by various university departments and full-time faculty, these theme-based lectures or hands-on workshops emphasize "hands-on learning and self-directed exploration." The goal is to popularize academic expertise, practical skills, and unique features, offering students pathways to "explore" self-directed learning and enhancing their interdisciplinary learning abilities.


50. Micro-Credit Framework:
    
    Positioned as an exploratory phase for self-directed learning, micro-credits are organized by colleges or full-time faculty, providing an environment for students to engage in self-directed learning and develop interdisciplinary skills. Students accumulate learning hours, and once they complete 20 hours, they may be awarded one credit.


50. 2023 Themes:
    
    A total of seven themes were offered in 2023, comprising 92 sessions:
    
    
    
    1. "English Communication in Progress"
    
    
    2. "Pingtung Revitalization IV"
    
    
    3. "Pingtung Industry Studies"
    
    
    4. "Youth Curator Training II - Action Design Display Box"
    
    
    5. "Indigenous Power: Immersive Cultural Experience and Practice"
    
    
    6. "Generative AI"
    
    
    7. "Interdisciplinary Integration x Digital Adoption x Humanistic Innovation"
    
    
    
    

3. Collaborative Teaching with Interdisciplinary Experts and Scholars

In 2023, the hands-on, industry-focused collaborative teaching initiative significantly boosted students' motivation and practical skills, laying a solid foundation for their future development.

A standout course was "Virtual Store Management" offered by the Department of Business Automation and Management. The course involved co-teaching with the Planning Director from Linghan Creative Industries Ltd. and included four major teaching themes:

50. Fundamentals of Product Photography and Planning


50. Techniques for Product Photography


50. Practical Product Photography


50. Image Editing and Website Uploading

The course was guided by Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory (1984), emphasizing knowledge internalization and skill enhancement through four stages: active experimentation, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and practical application.

The program resulted in:

50. Increased Student Engagement: Students showed heightened interest and dedication, spending more time to understand and master the course content.


50. Enhanced Practical Skills: Participation in activities such as product photography, website planning, and implementation strengthened students' operational skills and their ability to apply theoretical knowledge to solve real-world problems.

C. Cultivating Students' Key Competencies in "Self-Directed Learning"

1. Summer Self-Learning Mechanism

To promote self-directed learning and guide students in utilizing the summer for online learning, the "2024 Summer Upgrade: Kaiju Self-Learning Competition" was organized during the summer of 2023. The program featured ten carefully curated Coursera courses, focusing on topics such as "Career Development," "Academic and Professional English," "Generative Artificial Intelligence," and "Learning How to Learn." The competition encouraged students to engage in sustained and self-paced learning, fostering self-directed learning capabilities and improving learning efficiency.

Key outcomes of the competition included:

50. Submission deadline: September 10, 2023.


50. Total participants: 68 students, with 52 completing all courses (164 hours).


50. Rewards: 33 students (including ties) received awards, with a total prize of NT$78,000.

2. High-Quality Distance Learning Materials

The Second Phase Distance Learning Digital Materials Support Program aimed to develop high-quality multimedia materials for online learning. The program provided subsidies for:

50. Recording fees, material costs, and digital teaching assistant (TA) stipends for creating online digital courses.


50. Supporting teachers in producing online teaching materials and assisting with course activities, facilitating online discussions, offering online guidance, and conducting other digital teaching-related activities.

Highlights included:

1. Digital Material Design and Production Workshops:
   
   
   
   
   • Held during the summer of 2023 by the Teaching Development Unit, including the "Dancing with AI: A Fantastical Journey into Learning Strategies" on August 21, which saw participation from 31 faculty members and 12 staff members. The activity achieved a satisfaction rating of 4.96 out of 5. Participants explored AI-driven digital learning strategies through lectures and hands-on activities, generating practical recommendations and innovative ideas for digital education.
   
   
   
   


2. Experience Sharing Sessions:
   
   
   
   • "Gentle Guidance: Insights into the Digital Learning Master's Program at Chung Cheng University" was organized on August 27, 2023, attended by 62 faculty members and 39 staff members. The event achieved a satisfaction rating of 4.76 out of 5. The sessions included lectures and experience sharing, providing actionable advice and creative perspectives for the future development of digital education.
   
   
   
   

These initiatives aim to encourage more educators to transition from traditional classroom teaching to online digital formats while fostering innovative and practical strategies for the evolving digital education landscape.

 

3. Student Self-Media Research Community

To achieve the 2023 Ministry of Education Higher Education Sprout Project's annual goal of "Enhancing Students' Self-Directed Learning Abilities," students interested in self-media video production were recruited to form the "NPTU-Care Student Self-Media Research Community." As the university lacks a department or faculty dedicated to mass communication, the community aimed to improve members' media expertise and self-media production capabilities. To this end, outstanding hosts and industry professionals were invited to conduct training sessions.

The Teaching Development Unit organized the "1st NPTU-Care Visual Storytelling Workshop" from March to June 2023. The workshop included 12 sessions, with a total attendance of 167 participants. Emphasizing the spirit of self-directed learning—"initiative, interaction, and collaboration"—the workshop aimed to cultivate students' core competencies, including "self-initiative," "communication and interaction," and "social participation."

Key achievements included:

• In May 2023, two self-media project groups (Group A and Group B) completed their video productions, which premiered on NPTU Plus TV. From May 27 to November 7, 2023, the videos garnered 3,316 views.


• Through the workshop, students learned the entire production process—from planning, task allocation, filming, to post-production—enhancing their self-directed learning abilities and embodying the "learning by doing" philosophy.

For more details, visit NPTU Plus TV on YouTube.

D. Cultivating Students' Key Competencies in "International Mobility"

1. Promoting Dual Degree Programs

The university currently offers dual degree programs in collaboration with Hyogo University of Teacher Education (Japan), Middlesex University (UK), the University of North Alabama (USA), RMUTT University (Thailand), and PSU University (Thailand). In 2023, one student was admitted to the RMUTT University master's program in Applied Physics for a dual degree. Additionally, efforts are being made to establish new partnerships:

50. Ongoing negotiations with Prince of Songkla University (Thailand) for dual degrees with the university's New Media Creative Application Graduate Program at Dawushan College.


50. Discussions with Virginia Commonwealth University (USA) for dual degree programs with the College of Education.


50. Ongoing negotiations with Kent University (Vietnam) for dual degrees with the College of Management.

2. Student Overseas Exchange Programs

The university actively promotes international exchanges and internships for faculty and students, achieving significant results with 121 participants in various overseas activities, advancing the university’s internationalization. Key highlights include:

50. Participation in Overseas Camps:
    
    In 2023, 13 students participated in academic and cultural exchange camps hosted by universities abroad, including BSRU University (Thailand), TRU University (Thailand), and Japan University of Economics. Students designed programs to promote Taiwanese culture, showcasing their ability to adapt and engage with local cultures, thereby enhancing their international mobility.


50. Exchange Student Programs:
    
    The university encourages students to apply for short-term overseas exchanges, supported by programs such as "Sea of Learning," "Elite Cultivation," and government-funded financial aid. In 2023, 27 students participated in exchange programs in countries including the Czech Republic, Italy, the USA, Australia, Japan, and South Korea, demonstrating a strong demand for international mobility.


50. International Internship Opportunities:
    
    In 2023, 29 students participated in overseas education internship programs, while 39 joined the "Sea of Dream" and "New Southbound Sea of Dream" internships, totaling 68 participants. These programs provided students with early exposure to international job markets, allowing them to gain valuable experience in multicultural work environments and enhancing their competitiveness.


50. Expanding International Collaboration:
    
    Faculties actively pursued international partnerships in 2023, visiting universities and companies abroad to explore opportunities for collaboration:
    
    
    
    • The College of Management visited universities in Vietnam and Japanese trading companies.
    
    
    • The College of Education visited universities in the Czech Republic and the USA.
    
    
    • The College of Humanities and Social Sciences visited universities in the Czech Republic, Japan, and Singaporean enterprises.
    
    
    • The College of Science visited universities in Thailand.
    
    
    • The College of Information also engaged with Thai universities.
      
      These efforts laid the groundwork for multi-lateral cooperation, increasing overseas resources and internship opportunities for students.
    
    
    
    

3. Overseas Immersive Teaching Programs

The university is committed to integrating local revitalization, geographical features, and cultural elements into teaching, linking academia, government, society, industry, and international networks to fulfill University Social Responsibility (USR) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Through the support of the Higher Education Sprout Project, the university promotes "overseas immersive teaching" initiatives, combining innovative teaching models with courses at partner institutions abroad.

In 2023, three faculty members and 24 students participated in the program. Notably, Professor Huang Wenshe from the Department of Chinese led the "Teach Beyond Borders, Learn Southward: Chinese Teaching and Cultural Studies in Malaysia" project. This initiative, conducted from June 20 to July 2, integrated the "Chinese Society and Culture" course and involved visits to UTAR Kampar Campus and Pei Yuan Independent High School in Malaysia. Fourteen students immersed themselves in local Chinese communities, experiencing multicultural life and expanding their global perspectives.

The program outcomes include:

50. Enhanced cultural awareness and diversity perspectives.


50. Improved language proficiency.


50. Strengthened practical life skills.


50. Broadened academic horizons.


50. Established foundations for international collaboration and networking.


50. Increased confidence and adaptability.

4. Promoting International Internships for Students

In 2023, the university implemented overseas education internship programs for 29 students, along with the "Sea of Dream" and "New Southbound Sea of Dream" overseas internship programs for 39 students, totaling 68 participants. These international internship opportunities provided students with a deeper understanding of foreign education systems and teaching practices, fostering their interest in global education and laying a solid foundation for their future careers in education. Additionally, the overseas internship programs offered students valuable insights and pathways for pursuing international employment opportunities.

5. Master Research Teams Attending International Conferences

To enhance international academic exchange, the university's Master Research Team actively supports faculty and students in participating in international academic conferences. Through financial aid programs, faculty and students presented research papers in diverse fields such as education, artificial intelligence, and physics at conferences held in Japan, the Philippines, South Korea, Chongqing (China), and Seattle (USA). These activities not only enhanced the university's academic reputation globally but also broadened students' international perspectives.

Key achievements:

50. 11 projects supported, involving 5 faculty members and 15 students.


50. As of December 20, progress on the initiative included ongoing completion of expense reimbursements and submission of project reports.


50. 8 reports have been successfully submitted, involving 3 faculty members and 12 students, demonstrating the project's effectiveness and active progress.

These efforts illustrate the university's commitment to advancing international academic collaboration and enriching the global competence of its students and faculty.

 

6. Expanding International Recruitment

The university actively broadens its pool of international students through various channels, including general international admissions, separate admissions for overseas Chinese and students from Hong Kong and Macau, and joint overseas admissions. In 2023, a total of 32 students enrolled for the spring and fall semesters. Additionally, the university participated in overseas recruitment events, such as the Sarawak-Brunei Taiwan Higher Education Fair, targeting graduates from East Malaysia and Brunei to study at the university.

7. Short-Term Exchange Programs for Partner University Students

The university designs tailored courses for international students visiting Taiwan for short-term study. These programs focus on local culture, enabling participants to explore educational topics, experience the beauty of Chinese language and culture, and immerse themselves in Taiwan’s unique cultural environment. In 2023, three groups comprising 59 students from Muroran Institute of Technology (Japan), BSRU University (Thailand), and Waikato University (New Zealand) participated in educational training and Chinese language programs at the university.

8. International Specialized Workshop Programs

The university organized the "DHP Three-School English Forum Camp" in 2023, involving 52 participants: 17 from Daegu University of Education (South Korea), 19 from Hyogo University of Teacher Education (Japan), and 16 from the university. This collaborative program, co-created by the three institutions, rotates annually, each year focusing on a unique theme. After a hiatus due to the pandemic, the forum was reinstated from August 1 to August 6, 2023, with the theme "Post-Pandemic Educational Challenges." Students exchanged insights and presented their observations on post-pandemic educational models and teaching practices, fostering international dialogue and collaboration.

9. Practical Chinese Language Courses and Support for International Students

To promote Taiwan's Chinese language education policy, the university’s Chinese Language Teaching Center offered practical Chinese language courses integrated with Pingtung University International Day activities. This included credit-based Chinese language courses tailored for international degree-seeking students, exchange students, and language learners. As of October 2023, 35 international students participated in cultural and language learning programs, including 6 degree-seeking students, 13 exchange students, and 16 language learners. These programs provided effective support for international students to learn Chinese and immerse in Taiwanese culture.

10. Asian/Global Presidents' Forum

The university hosted the 11th Asian/Global Presidents’ Forum on November 24, 2023, with the theme "The Cross-Cultural Integration of University Social Responsibility and Regional Revitalization." The event brought together 34 participants from 14 universities across 8 countries, including Canada, the Czech Republic, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, the United States, and Vietnam. During the forum and related activities, participants discussed higher education issues, shared insights on university social responsibility, and explored collaborations on student exchanges, internships, research, dual degree programs, and multinational employment opportunities.

11. TED Training Courses for International English Presentation Skills

In 2023, the university held three TED training courses with 30 participants, equipping students with essential skills for presenting at international conferences. Key events included:

• A workshop on TED presentation techniques led by Lin Yi-Ping, Director of the Language Center at Shih Chien University, on June 8.


• A session on international etiquette and cross-cultural communication by Associate Professor Chang Shu-Ying from the Department of English.


• A TED presentation practice workshop conducted by Director of International Affairs, Professor Chen Huang-Zhou, on July 26.

These courses enhanced students' focus on presentation skills and public speaking confidence, preparing them for the "DHP Three-School English Forum Camp" in August, where they successfully engaged in discussions and exchanges with students from Japan and South Korea.

 

E.Academic Centered Approach

The university places a strong emphasis on fostering students’ self-directed learning and professional knowledge. This semester, 133 modular courses were offered, covering a wide range of topics to allow students to choose courses aligned with their interests and develop interdisciplinary knowledge. In addition:

• Research Community Activities: Facilitated knowledge exchange between faculty and students, sparking interest in academic research.


• Specialized and Practical Courses: Offered 257 courses with project-oriented and hands-on approaches, engaging 314 students in self-directed learning and projects.


• Industry Internships and Social Participation: This semester, 21 students completed industry internships, and 16 completed social participation courses, gaining real-world experience aligned with industry demands.

The university also actively encourages students to participate in dual degree programs, international conferences, and academic exchanges. For example, a student from Thailand’s RMUTT University joined the dual degree program, further strengthening academic cooperation and providing more international learning opportunities.

 

II. Fulfilling Social Responsibility

A. Integrating Social Responsibility into University Development Plans

Since its establishment, fulfilling social responsibility has been a cornerstone of the university's development strategy. Efforts have been made to actively involve faculty and students in practicing university social responsibility (USR). The university has also initiated a "Local Revitalization Project", integrating local development with USR initiatives.

To implement social responsibility effectively, the university has enacted institutional reforms, including:

• Adjustments in faculty evaluations.


• Reduced teaching hours for social responsibility activities.


• Flexible salary structures.


• A selection mechanism for outstanding service-oriented faculty.

The establishment of the Dawushan Social Practice and Sustainable Development Center and the development of the "Pingtung Studies" curriculum demonstrate the university’s commitment to embedding the concept of social responsibility into education. These initiatives aim to instill social responsibility and ethical obligations across the university community.

Guided by the principles of UGSI → USR → USSR → USRF, the university’s 2023–2024 USRF blueprint focuses on "Cultivating talent for sustainable teaching and research while enhancing international influence." Key objectives include:

50. Integrating social practice and sustainable development goals into university operations.


50. Promoting research and solutions aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).


50. Empowering sustainable citizenship to support local development.


50. Establishing connections with external organizations to foster local and international dialogue.

B. Action Plans to Support Faculty and Student Social Responsibility Initiatives

1. Mandatory "Pingtung Studies" Course

To deepen local engagement and social responsibility, the university established "Pingtung Day" on Fridays, creating a localized teaching environment. Since 2023, "Pingtung Studies" has become a mandatory course for all daytime undergraduates and a university-wide initiative.

• In 2023, the university organized 4 Pingtung Studies lectures and 5 events showcasing Pingtung's unique features, enriching students’ learning experiences with local culture and interdisciplinary applications.


• Courses offered include "Introduction to Pingtung Studies" (Humanities and Social Sciences College), "Pingtung Studies MOOCs", and "Pingtung Studies Lectures" (Dawushan College), with a total enrollment of 1,062 students in 2023.

2. Social Practice Courses

Social practice courses encourage faculty to integrate teaching and research with community engagement. Activities include observation, interaction, practice, and reflection, enabling students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings and prepare for diverse learning environments.

• In 2023, three courses were conducted, such as:
  
  
  
  
  • "Folk Festivals and Events", exploring the significance of cultural celebrations.
  
  
  • "Traditional Territory Surveys and Community Mapping", fostering interest by using alternative teaching environments and methods.
  
  
  • A theater program titled "It’s All the Red Boy’s Fault", performed for children in nine kindergartens across Pingtung County, providing a rich cultural experience and inspiring a love for the arts.
  
  
  
  

The "Social Enterprise and Public Welfare Innovation" interdisciplinary credit program further empowers students to participate in social actions, project planning, and workplace experiences. Combining classroom teaching with fieldwork, the program enables students to harness their potential and creativity to address diverse social welfare needs, enhancing their sense of responsibility and citizenship.

Additionally, students are encouraged to conduct academic research on topics such as renewable energy, social participation, and local governance. This resulted in three successful applications for National Science and Technology Council undergraduate research projects in 2023.

These initiatives underscore the university’s dedication to linking academic efforts with social responsibility, fostering meaningful connections between the institution, its students, and the local community.

3. Local Practice in General Education Courses

The university's General Education Local Practice program integrates "general education, interdisciplinary learning, and local practice" to combine academic study with practical application. In the 2023 academic year, courses related to local practices in Pingtung involved 632 students. These courses encouraged students to understand community needs, participate in local development, and contribute to revitalization projects. For instance, the "Pingtung Studies" program emphasizes local research and community contributions as part of its hands-on approach.

4. Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Co-Learning in Pingtung Studies

Efforts to promote Pingtung Studies include hosting the 4th Pingtung Studies Academic Conference and organizing the 2024 Paiwan Studies International Conference, aimed at enhancing the academic capacity of Pingtung literature and strengthening local studies.

Through public-private partnerships and community empowerment models, the program fosters collaborations across institutions, including:

• Domestic universities such as National Chi Nan University, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, and Chihlee University of Technology.


• International partnerships with institutions like the Barrier-Free Tourism Center of Yamagata, Japan, and Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), Malaysia.

Key initiatives include:

• Building a local studies cross-disciplinary dialogue platform.


• Establishing collaborative networks between universities and local communities.


• Co-organizing the 4th Nagoya University-Pingtung University Cultural Exchange and Paper Presentation Conference with Nagoya University’s Graduate School of Humanities in Japan.


• Publishing the inaugural edition of the Nagoya University-Pingtung University Cultural Exchange Academic Conference Proceedings.

These collaborations aim to deepen academic engagement, foster regional development, and build stronger ties between academic institutions and communities both locally and internationally.

5. Learning Assistance Dog Communication Training Service Program

The university, leveraging its expertise in special education and teacher training, has integrated resources to implement a communication training service-learning mechanism. Faculty members guide and lead students to elementary and secondary schools in the Kaohsiung and Pingtung regions, as well as rural areas, community libraries, and service centers for adults with disabilities and seniors, to promote reading activities.

In 2023, the university organized two weekend parent-child reading sessions with a total of 50 participants. Additionally, it collaborated with Pingtung Shengli Home to conduct a series of 22 activity sessions. In recent years, the university has partnered with local education bureaus in Kaohsiung and Pingtung to train seed teachers for learning assistance dogs.

In 2023, the Counseling Center and Resource Classroom hosted "My Time with Learning Assistance Dogs," conducting 48 sessions. Communication training services were provided to 24 children with special needs, resulting in 224 service interactions. The program helps children with special needs and individuals with disabilities to enhance their learning motivation and achieve a sense of accomplishment. Through interactions with learning assistance dogs, the initiative also promotes life education.

6. Developing a Resilient and Sustainable Campus

(1) Developing a Resilient and Sustainable Campus

- Empowering Talent for Sustainable Development

The university organized six USR (University Social Responsibility) and SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) empowerment workshops and lectures, covering diverse themes with a total of 335 participants, including faculty and students. These activities aimed to strengthen the integration and accumulation of USR benefits as a foundation for future projects. By sharing research outcomes, the events promoted cross-disciplinary integration of ecological and humanistic development and deepened participants' understanding of the SDGs.

In 2024, the university will host the international conference "Pathways to Sustainable Development: Cross-Disciplinary Co-Creation and Local Practice", exploring theoretical foundations and international experiences to provide policy and practical strategies for sustainable development education. Activities such as exhibitions, awards, and co-training further expanded the impact of promoting a sustainable campus and enhanced the university's influence in USR implementation.

Under the "Teacher Training USR" initiative, the "Teacher Training USR Arts Education" Forum was held, emphasizing localized education, partnerships between universities and schools, and cross-departmental collaboration within the university. These efforts fostered interdisciplinary and inter-unit professional cooperation, aiming to inspire diverse educational innovation and creativity. The initiative provides forward-looking practical pathways for future teacher training, contributing to sustainable development goals.

-Implementing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

-Actively Promoting Fair Education, Low-Carbon Campuses, and BiodiversityThe university has actively promoted fair education, a low-carbon campus, and biodiversity, earning the 2024 Taiwan Sustainable University Award and the Excellence Award in Comprehensive Performance. This recognition highlights the university's outstanding achievements in environmental sustainability, social welfare, and university governance.

In the 2024 Best Universities in Taiwan Rankings by Global Views Magazine, the university ranked first place in the Green Energy University Evaluation. It also received the Model Award for Collaborative Learning in the USR University Social Responsibility Awards, honoring its contributions to fostering talent and community co-learning.

At the TSAA Taiwan Sustainability Action Awards, the university excelled, winning 1 gold, 2 silver, and 1 bronze award in 2024, ranking among the nation’s top universities in both quality and quantity of accomplishments. Additionally, the university demonstrated exceptional performance in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, showcasing its leadership in sustainability and social responsibility on an international level.

7. Supporting High School Education

The university promotes high school strategic alliances and implements the following strategies to support high school teaching:

50. Support for the 108 Curriculum Guidelines focuses on courses such as "Diversified Electives" and "Flexible Learning." In 2023, the university provided teaching support to four high schools, totaling approximately 350 hours, with 68 students from these schools enrolling at the university.


50. For shared courses across high schools and vocational schools, classes are offered in formats such as collaborative preparation and teaching or online instruction.


50. Continued provision of additional incentives or subsidies for teachers involved in the 108 Curriculum Guidelines high school teaching support program.

8. Interdisciplinary Collaboration and International Development of Pingtung TED Talks

In 2023, the event evolved further with the establishment of its proprietary branded platform, "ACTIONS x Pingtung." This initiative centers on the core philosophy of actionable practice, with "ACTIONS" symbolizing Pingtung's diversity and vitality. It emphasizes promoting local culture and sustainable development issues while showcasing Pingtung's unique cultural characteristics by integrating its natural and human resources.

The platform aspires to create a hub for gathering diverse resources, advancing collaboration with entities such as the Pingtung County Government, and shaping a distinct cultural exchange platform for Pingtung. It aims to foster increased attention and participation, jointly driving sustainable development in the region while facilitating interdisciplinary talent exchange and collaboration.

C. Mechanisms and Practices for Linking External Resources

1.Local Revitalization: Since 2019, designated as the first year of local revitalization, the university has actively assisted communities in planning development projects and applying for government funding to advance local revitalization efforts. These initiatives have successfully connected local resources and encouraged faculty and student participation. To date, the university has supported seven townships in securing funding for local revitalization projects from the National Development Council, totaling NT$310 million.



2. Alumni Association: The university's Alumni Association donates funds annually to support institutional development. These contributions are redirected to strengthen the university's efforts in encouraging faculty and students to fulfill their social responsibilities.



3. Corporate Sponsorships and Collaborations: The university actively collaborates with businesses to integrate corporate resources into social responsibility initiatives. Through the "Social Enterprise and Public Welfare Innovation" interdisciplinary credit program, comprising 30 courses, students gain knowledge and skills related to social welfare practices.

Encouraged by project managers and faculty leaders, many students annually draft proposals and participate in competitions, securing funding from central and local government agencies as well as public welfare foundations. These efforts enable students to undertake valuable social action projects during summer vacations.

For instance:

• In 2024, students participated in the Sinyi Realty Foundation’s Social Creation Action Plan.


• The 15th Chunghwa Telecom Foundation "Spotlight Taiwan" Project sent two students from the Department of Communications to conduct a 20-day community documentation and action project in Jingpu Community, Hualien.

D. Anticipated Resource Allocation and Future Commitments

The university aligns its efforts with large-scale government initiatives, planning matching funds to co-implement projects. For example:

• During the first phase of the Higher Education Sprout Project, the university contributed 40% of matching funds to supplement government grants.


• For the second phase, 45% of the main project funds were allocated as matching contributions.

Moving forward, the university aims to invest more in teaching and financial support, including:

• Enhancing "Pingtung Studies" and USR courses.


• Providing VR equipment and technology.


• Increasing subsidies for field research and service-learning activities to lower participation barriers.

The university will also expand collaborations with local governments, community organizations, and businesses to offer students diverse opportunities for internships and social practice. By deepening the integration of courses with local needs, the university plans to:

• Gradually expand the coverage of USR projects.


• Establish a student performance tracking mechanism to monitor their development in areas such as local culture and social engagement.

Incorporating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into its initiatives, the university will continue to broaden international collaborations to enhance both local and global perspectives among students.

Through these efforts, Pingtung University aims to cultivate future talents equipped with social responsibility, local identity, and a global vision.

III. Industry-Academia Collaboration

A. University-Wide Promotion of Industry-Academia Collaboration: Mechanisms, Measures, Strategies, and Incentives

1. Student Off-Campus Internship Courses

The university has achieved significant results in promoting student off-campus internship courses. In the 2023 academic year, 20 internship courses were offered, involving 488 students. Partnerships were established with 231 internship organizations, including 92 new collaborators, reflecting an expansion in both the scope and depth of internship opportunities.

Student and organization satisfaction ratings further highlight the success of these programs:

• Student satisfaction: 4.52 out of 5 for courses.


• Organization satisfaction: 4.43 out of 5 for student performance.

Moreover, UCAN assessments show a significant improvement in students' problem-solving abilities:

• Pre-internship: Average score of 3.72.


• Post-internship: Average score of 4.38.

These results demonstrate the program’s effectiveness in developing key competencies among students.

To further enhance the internship courses, the university is committed to implementing incentive programs for off-campus internships, ensuring the best interests of student learning and encouraging more organizations to participate. This approach aims to deepen students' practical learning and application capabilities in real-world workplace environments.

2. Internship Course Mechanism Recognized by the Ministry of Education

In 2017, the university established an Internship Management System, followed by the creation of a comprehensive internship course operation mechanism in 2018. This system provides clear workflows and procedural guidelines to support departments in managing off-campus internship courses and safeguarding the rights of interns. Through self-assessments, satisfaction surveys, and graduate career tracking, the university continually enhances the quality of its internship programs.

In the 2023 academic year, the Ministry of Education commissioned the Taiwan Assessment and Evaluation Association (TAEA) to conduct a "Documentary Review of Internship Courses for the 2022 Academic Year." Due to the university's exemplary implementation of its internship programs, it was invited to share its mechanisms and practices for promoting high-quality internship courses.

3. Career Exploration and Transition Counseling

In 2023, the university further enhanced the application of UCAN career counseling, achieving a testing rate of 98% for first-year students and an increase to 81.44% for third-year students, reflecting steady progress. The number of career counseling activities reached 36 sessions during the year, with an overall satisfaction rate of 99% and 96.32% of students expressing satisfaction with the benefits of these activities.

Student feedback has been overwhelmingly positive:

• First-year students reported gaining a clearer sense of direction for their future after participating in activities. They also expressed gratitude for the guidance provided by instructors, which helped them recognize the importance of life planning.


• Third-year students noted a better understanding of their personal traits and market trends through these activities. They expressed increased confidence in enhancing professional skills and adapting to future workplace environments.

These results demonstrate the university's ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality career exploration and counseling services that effectively prepare students for their academic and professional journeys.

B. Integrating Real-World Contexts into Teaching to Help Students Synthesize Knowledge and Skills

1. Practical Courses

In 2023, all colleges actively promoted practical courses by integrating professional academic features with industry needs, achieving significant results.

• College of Humanities and Social Sciences: Through required courses like "Introduction to Pingtung Studies", the college collaborated with external non-profit organizations and local resources to help students gain a deeper understanding of Pingtung’s culture. Courses on topics such as historic space preservation, local revitalization, and community tourism fostered sustainable urban-rural development and multidisciplinary cooperation. These initiatives enhanced students’ adaptability and competitiveness in the workplace.


• College of Science: A total of 157 professional and interdisciplinary practical courses were offered, covering areas like big data, engineering design, and technological applications. Students engaged in practical projects to strengthen their ability to solve real-world problems, building a solid foundation for advanced research or career development.


• College of Information: Offering 109 practical courses, the college focused on subjects like programming, smart robot development, and APP software design. Students collaborated on projects that bridged theory and application, deepening their professional and practical skills.


• College of Education: Responding to the integration of digital technology in education, the college aligned digital practical courses with departmental development focuses, extending these courses to communities and elementary schools. Students used courses in technology-assisted learning and teaching media applications as a foundation to develop innovative digital learning tools such as counseling apps and AI-based math and cultural teaching materials. These projects garnered numerous accolades, including recognition in the AI Educational Robot Innovative Lesson Plan Competition and the Best Paper Award at the Digital Learning Symposium.

These practical courses not only improved students' digital and interdisciplinary capabilities but also inspired a sense of humanistic care and local engagement, offering robust platforms to cultivate talents with both professional skills and a strong sense of social responsibility.

C. Talent Development and Industry-Academia Collaboration Aligned with National Priority Areas and Six Core Industries

1. Implementing Core Competency Courses and Enhancing Employment Competitiveness

The university has achieved significant results by aligning core competency courses with practical industry needs across various colleges:

• College of Education: Through the Higher Education Sprout Project, the college launched workshops for childcare skills certification, equipping education students with essential skills for 0–2-year-old childcare. The program also helped students obtain Level C Childcare Technician Certificates, enhancing their comprehensive employability in early childhood care institutions. In 2023, students who participated in the course achieved a 93% certification rate, far exceeding the national average of 63%.


• College of Humanities and Social Sciences: The college integrated internships and practical courses with industry, public sector, and non-profit organization partnerships. Examples include:
  
  
  
  • The Department of Applied English collaborating with the hotel and convention industries.
  
  
  • The Department of Applied Japanese partnering with Japanese tourism hotels and cultural organizations.
  
  
  
  

The college also promoted overseas internship programs, expanding students’ international perspectives and workplace experience. These initiatives enabled students to adapt to industry demands early, foster interdisciplinary learning, and enhance social engagement.

• College of Science: The college focused on encouraging students to participate in academic activities such as competitions, certification exams, journal submissions, and research projects, thereby enhancing their professional skills and innovative competitiveness. Supported by the Higher Education Sprout Project, scholarships were offered to motivate students to engage in self-directed learning and diverse professional development opportunities.

These courses and activities enable students to transform their academic knowledge into practical skills. By leveraging internal and external resources, the university provides robust support and assurance for students' career development and employment competitiveness.

IV. Enhancing the Public Role of Higher Education

A. Admissions for Economically or Culturally Disadvantaged Students

The university actively promotes diverse support programs to enhance access to higher education for economically disadvantaged students, helping them overcome financial barriers.

1.Support for Economically Disadvantaged Students:

• 
  
  
  
  • Interview Subsidies: The university provides transportation and accommodation subsidies for economically disadvantaged high school students attending admission interviews. This reduces the financial burden on families and increases the likelihood of these students securing admission.
  
  
  • University Fairs: Each year, the university participates in university fairs at 15 high schools and vocational schools nationwide. These events include admission briefings that allow direct engagement with students and families in need, raising awareness of the university’s educational resources and support policies to encourage enrollment.
  
  
  • "Vision Plan" Program: In alignment with the government’s 5+2 Industry Innovation Policy, the university has increased professional training quotas for 10 departments across the Colleges of Information, Management, and Science. The program includes two admission pathways: "Special Talent Selection" and "Application-Based Admission," offering a total of 70 slots for economically disadvantaged students. For the 2023 academic year, the program approved 2 slots for Special Talent Selection and 68 slots for Application-Based Admission.
  
  
  
  

Through these targeted recruitment measures, the university not only provides fair access to higher education but also actively promotes equality in educational resources, ensuring opportunities for all.

2. Dream Wings Program

The Dream Wings Program aims to empower economically disadvantaged students through three key initiatives: counseling courses, scholarship distribution, and external fundraising.

50. Program Planning:
    
    
    
    
    • In the first semester of the 2023 academic year, the university held two informational sessions to introduce the program to economically disadvantaged students. These sessions emphasized the importance of scholarships and encouraged students to actively participate in academic and skill-development counseling.
    
    
    
    


50. Scholarship Application Rates:
    
    
    
    • While the number of scholarship applicants has increased in recent years, only 30% of eligible students apply for scholarships. The university plans to intensify its promotion efforts among eligible economically disadvantaged students to increase the application rate.
    
    
    
    


50. Incentives and Counseling:
    
    
    
    • A new "Active Learning Award" has been introduced, resulting in increased participation and frequency in tutoring programs.
    
    
    • In collaboration with the Information Network Center, the university offered 20 basic and advanced professional information skill certification courses, providing counseling and support for economically disadvantaged students to obtain certifications.
    
    
    
    


50. Achievements:
    
    
    
    • As of this year, the program has disbursed:
      
      
      
      • NT$3,790,900 for scholarships, including Academic Excellence Awards, Academic Improvement Rewards, Active Learning Awards, Skill Development Assistance Scholarships, and Learning Assistance Scholarships.
      
      
      • NT$335,913 for certification-related subsidies.
      
      
      
      
    
    
    • External fundraising efforts have raised NT$1,413,478, further supporting program initiatives.
    
    
    
    

This program reflects the university’s commitment to fostering equitable education and creating opportunities for disadvantaged students to achieve academic and professional success.

B.Support and Counseling Mechanisms for Economically Disadvantaged Students

The university employs a multifaceted approach to provide educational support for economically disadvantaged students through learning assistance mechanisms, scholarship expansion, special funds allocation, fundraising, and sustainable financial aid mechanisms. These efforts include establishing a performance tracking system to ensure the effectiveness of the initiatives.

1. Financial Aid and Counseling Mechanisms for Economically Disadvantaged Students

50. Revised Scholarship Application Requirements:
    
    
    
    
    • In response to the Ministry of Education’s requirement for non-single application scholarships, the Dream Wings Program implemented a new application structure in 2023.
      
      
      
      
      • Category A: Academic performance.
      
      
      • Category B: Multidimensional development.
      
      
      
      
    
    
    • Applicants must now complete at least one criterion from both categories to qualify for scholarships. This adjustment has significantly increased the number of applicants, as students who previously applied for a single scholarship per semester are now completing additional counseling or activities to meet eligibility criteria.
    
    
    
    


50. Encouraging Professional Certification:
    
    
    
    • The university motivates economically disadvantaged students to obtain professional certifications by offering 10 information skill certification courses.
    
    
    • To date, 94 students have applied for certification-related rewards.
    
    
    
    


50. Comprehensive Support Programs:
    
    
    
    • Organized 100 academic counseling sessions, 50 career-related workshops, and 20 certification preparation courses.
    
    
    • Appointed five academic tutors per semester to provide tailored academic counseling for disadvantaged students, resulting in 387 participations.
    
    
    • Scholarships awarded include:
      
      
      
      • 129 students receiving Academic Excellence Awards.
      
      
      • 58 students receiving Academic Improvement Awards.
      
      
      
      
    
    
    • In total, 458 economically and culturally disadvantaged students have benefitted from financial and living assistance programs.
    
    
    
    

These initiatives reflect the university’s commitment to reducing barriers to education and ensuring equal opportunities for academic and professional growth among disadvantaged students.

2. Promoting Universal Indigenous Education

(1) Cross-Unit Collaboration and Campus Activities

The university continues to promote universal indigenous education in collaboration with various internal units. In 2023, partnerships with the Office of International Affairs, Information and Network Center, and Counseling Center were established. Activities included courses, lectures, interactive games, and immersive cultural experiences such as a Deep Cultural Exploration Camp, staff training sessions, general education courses, and cross-unit collaborations. A total of 12 events with 516 participants were held, with plans for 11 additional activities. These initiatives aim to:

• Increase the visibility of indigenous culture on campus.


• Provide opportunities for staff and students to engage with indigenous culture.


• Reduce stereotypes and microaggressions.


• Foster cultural inclusivity and tolerance within the university.

(2) Indigenous Resource Center and Social Media Engagement

The university actively manages the Indigenous Resource Center's social media channels to disseminate important information quickly and strengthen student interaction and event promotion. The center's hallway is designed with indigenous motifs to create a welcoming environment that encourages students to gather, discuss, and participate in cultural exchange activities.

(3) Academic Support and Study Groups

Appropriate instructors are matched to specific academic subjects to assist students through study groups. The university leverages its tutor system to monitor academic progress and provide resources as needed.

• 12 study group sessions focused on teacher certification and educational programs have been conducted, with 181 participants.


• Future plans include 13–15 sessions for English language and software design study groups.

(4) Student-Led Courses on Indigenous Culture

Students are encouraged to develop and conduct their own courses. Two courses were organized:

• "Traditional Weaving of the Atayal Tribe"


• "Bunun Culture and Practice"
  
  These courses engaged 20 participants, allowing indigenous students to learn project planning and execution while giving all students the opportunity to experience indigenous culture through informal education. This initiative fosters a more culturally friendly and inclusive campus environment.

(5) Peer Support and Interdisciplinary Networking

The university facilitates regular small group meetings for students with diverse backgrounds to promote mutual support and co-learning among indigenous students and their peers. These gatherings enhance interdepartmental friendships and interdisciplinary exchanges, creating opportunities for professional growth while fostering a supportive atmosphere for academic and social stability. Collaborating with the Counseling Center ensures timely care and assistance.

• To date, 17 activities such as self-growth workshops, Kivala Gatherings, and orientation programs have been held, engaging 267 participants, with 10 additional activities planned.

(6) Career Counseling and Networking

Collaborating with internal and external career development units, the university invites indigenous professionals and technical instructors to share experiences and provide career counseling. These sessions help students better understand their strengths and plan their career paths.

• 5 career-related events including lectures, workplace experiences, and visits have engaged 188 participants.


• Plans are underway for 3 additional career counseling sessions.

Through these comprehensive initiatives, the university continues to promote indigenous education, cultural inclusivity, and professional development for its students.

 

C. Improving Faculty Structure, Reducing Student-Teacher Ratios, and Supporting Faculty Development

1. In the 2023 academic year, the proportion of full-time faculty members at the university increased to 67.26%, compared to 66.6% in the previous year. Concurrently, the proportion of part-time faculty members decreased from 33.4% to 32.74%.


2. The "Dawushan Scholars Flexible Salary Program" rewarded three outstanding faculty members in 2023, reflecting the university’s core strategy for talent retention and recruitment. Additionally, the university implemented the "Guidelines for Reduced Teaching Hours for Faculty," allowing faculty involved in research projects to reduce their teaching loads, thereby enabling greater focus on advanced research and innovation, ultimately enhancing academic productivity.

D. Strengthening Accountability and Transparency through Institutional Management

1. The university’s Institutional Research and Development Center updated the "Institutional Research Information" platform on its website, consolidating annual data into an Accountability Report. This report summarizes educational performance and outcomes, providing accessible and analyzed institutional data.
   
   
   
   
   • The university hosts the Southern Region Higher Education Institutional Research Alliance Annual Exhibition to advance institutional research capabilities and foster inter-university academic exchanges.
   
   
   
   


2. Key institutional research topics for 2023 included:
   
   
   
   • Campus greening surveys conducted among faculty, staff, students, and external partners.
   
   
   • Analysis of self-directed learning competencies.
   
   
   • Feedback from interdisciplinary second-major graduates and non-graduates through post-graduation surveys.
   
   
   • Evaluation of the impact of scholarships and counseling measures on the post-graduation performance of economically disadvantaged students.
   
   
   • Optimization and expansion of the Institutional Research Data Warehouse System.
   
   
   
   

Additional efforts included training institutional research personnel and promoting inter-institutional exchanges. Relevant information is publicly available on the Institutional Research Analysis Website: https://iro.nptu.edu.tw/p/403-1063-2365.php?Lang=zh-tw.

E. Student Participation in Institutional Governance

1. Students serve as representatives in key university meetings, including:
   
   
   
   
   • University Council
   
   
   • Administrative Meetings
   
   
   • University Fund Management Committee
   
   
   • Academic Affairs Meetings
   
   
   • College and Department Curriculum Committees
   
   
   • Student Affairs Meetings
   
   
   • Student Grievance Committee
   
   
   • General Affairs Meetings
   
   
   • Gender Equality Education Committee
   
   
   
   


2. Each semester, the Student Parliament organizes the "Meet the President" Forum, during which student representatives collect feedback from campus-wide surveys. These forums provide a platform for students to voice their suggestions and receive responses to their concerns regarding university governance.