Under the Ministry of Education's Higher Education Sprout Project, National Ilan University (NIU) has significantly enhanced its capacity in teaching innovation, social responsibility, industry-academia collaboration, and the public nature of higher education. The university has achieved concrete outcomes, particularly in nurturing talent for the future, enhancing students' competitiveness, fostering deep care and diverse practices, and promoting social mobility and participation. These efforts have positively impacted individuals, society, and the environment. Highlights of the initiatives include:
1. Integrated Learning: Pioneering New Horizons for Borderless Education
NIU leads the "Food and Health Happiness Alliance," partnering with other universities to design innovative courses centered on food technology and healthcare. This initiative incorporates "one university supporting another," "international co-design and co-teaching," "blended learning," and "AI-driven digital integration" to advance digital and innovative development in health education. Additionally, the "SCoT Alliance" offers a "Sustainable Study Tour: Campus Sharing and Cross-disciplinary Practice" course, promoting cross-campus and cross-disciplinary interactions. This approach fosters creative thinking, social responsibility, and competitiveness while creating a boundaryless learning environment.
2. Unleashing Innovation Potential: Enhancing Future Competitiveness through Creativity and Entrepreneurship
The "Four-Year Unlock" series emphasizes experiential and collaborative learning, equipping students with problem-solving and teamwork skills essential for employment and entrepreneurship. NIU students have excelled in competitions, such as winning the top prize in the "Smart Internet of Things Innovation" category at the 29th InnoServe Awards. Additionally, the university supports Indigenous student entrepreneurs through the "U-start Indigenous Program," securing NT$6.55 million in scholarships and successfully assisting eight Indigenous enterprises in obtaining resources and improving operational capabilities.
3. Preserving Local Culture and Showcasing Innovations: Creating NIU's Memory Bank
NIU integrates its "Memory Bank" with campus cultural resources, combining century-old campus memories, the Kavalan Cultural Corridor, archaeological sites at Wanbin Hall, and ten historical landmarks to construct a diverse learning space. Students engage in experiential learning to deepen their understanding of local history and culture, fostering cross-disciplinary perspectives and historical identity while integrating cultural heritage into educational practices.
4. Global Mobility and Cross-Boundary Collaboration: Advancing Sustainability and International Connections
Participation in international mobility programs, such as overseas teaching, volunteering, academic exchanges, and internships, has nearly doubled, demonstrating the effectiveness of NIU's internationalization strategy. By collaborating with overseas partner institutions and integrating sustainability topics into programs like the "Shennong Volunteer Team," NIU promotes cross-border, cross-disciplinary, and cross-institutional collaborations, advancing the Lanyang Sustainability Initiative and expanding students' global perspectives.
5. Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration and Local Practices: Fostering Innovation and Skill Development
NIU has established experimental fields in Chengnan and Wujie, significantly enhancing the quality of greenhouse cultivation, drone operations, and livestock farm internships. For example, drone research and applications have secured five research projects, and over 30 students have obtained various levels of drone operator licenses. These initiatives integrate talent cultivation, academic research, and practical applications, benefiting both students and faculty through problem-solving and collaborative growth.
6. Increased Funding and Comprehensive Support: Empowering Economically Disadvantaged Students
By strengthening fundraising and creating a scholarship platform, NIU has increased scholarship funding by 17% between 2022 and 2024, providing robust financial support. Guidance programs for economically disadvantaged students have shown remarkable results, with recipients achieving an average academic score of 81.31, significantly higher than the general average of 74.14. Participation rates in career workshops and social service activities have exceeded expectations, promoting academic, career, and social development while alleviating financial stress.
These initiatives highlight NIU's commitment to fostering innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity, achieving both academic excellence and meaningful societal impact.