National United University Higher Education SPROUT Project Implementation Results and Highlights of the Second Phase, First Stage (2023–2024)
[Teaching Innovation and Enhancement]
1. Promotion of Competency-Based Courses
The university has actively promoted courses in information technology fields. Students from information-related programs improve their professional skills through courses such as "Computer Vision and OpenCV" in the Department of Computer Science and "Front-End Web Programming" and "JavaScript and C++ Programming" in the Department of Information Management. For non-information majors, courses integrating practical applications, such as "DaVinci Resolve Video Editing Experience" in the Department of Culture Creativity and Digital Marketing, enhance their IT application capabilities.
In 2023–2024, over 90% of students took programming courses, with an increasing number of non-information majors participating annually. According to the UCAN "Information Technology Application" competency diagnosis, students' performance in this area has steadily improved, demonstrating enhanced digital literacy. This progress lays a solid foundation for future AI education development and equips students to meet the challenges of the AI era.
2. Implementation of Diverse and Innovative Teaching Practices
Cross-disciplinary learning and teaching innovation have been promoted by reducing professional credits and requiring at least nine cross-disciplinary credits for day program undergraduates starting in 2024. By 2024, 22 credit programs were established, with an increasing number of students completing these programs each year. Teachers engaged in expert mentoring and teaching development communities, launching numerous problem-based and interdisciplinary courses in 2024 to foster innovative teaching practices.
The university facilitated college-specific teaching highlights projects, allocating resources and providing teacher training to advance information, STEAM, and humanities education. These efforts have enhanced students' cross-disciplinary abilities, problem-solving skills, and critical thinking. Students were also encouraged and guided to participate in domestic and international competitions, achieving significant awards, such as the first prize in the "2024 National Research Institute Cup Smart Machinery Competition" by Mechanical Engineering students (media coverage). More records of competition achievements can be found on the university's website: https://fju.nuu.edu.tw/p/406-1087-15156,r830.php.
Figure 1 NUU "Robot's Golf Journey" team won the championship in the 2024 National Research Institute Cup Smart Machinery Competition.
3. Strengthening Autonomous and Interdisciplinary Learning
Focusing on concepts of refinement, innovation, and practical application, the university has encouraged student-led learning communities outside the classroom. From 2023 to 2024, 29 groups were established, including the "Technology-Driven Humanistic Care Innovative Learning Community - AI Technology Innovation" group from the Department of Information Management. This group applied technology to provide personalized sign language learning for hearing-impaired children, winning first place in the AI category and second place in the IP category at the 2024 InnoServe competition.
In 2023, the university assisted two faculty members to launch "Python Programming" and "Advanced Component Process Integration" online courses on NTHU MOOCs and the Ministry of Education's MOOC platform. These courses, available to students inside and outside the university, combined external resources and the university’s specialized equipment to comprehensively enhance learning outcomes and lay the groundwork for future AI education.
4. Enhancing International Mobility and Global Integration
Through deep cooperation with partner universities, NUU developed opportunities for international exchange, broadening the global perspective of faculty and students. Various cultural exchange activities, including cultural tours, international academic conferences, and guest lectures, were organized.
Faculty and students are encouraged to participate in overseas exchange and collaboration programs, providing students with more opportunities to understand different cultural backgrounds, academic developments, and professional fields, while fostering cross-border intellectual exchanges and cooperation. These activities not only enhance students' global competitiveness but also help them develop a deep understanding of and respect for diverse cultures, cultivate cross-cultural communication and collaboration skills, further promote the internationalization of the university, and create an academic environment with greater global vision and influence.
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Figure 2 "Advanced Component Process Integration" course interface on NTHU MOOCs.
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Figure 3 The Information Management Department's "Technology-Driven Humanistic Care Innovative Learning Community - AI Technology Innovation" group demonstrates facial movement recognition.
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Figure 4 A visit and exchange program in 2024 featuring representatives from a Japanese partner university.
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[Fulfilling Social Responsibility]
1. Collaborating with Local Communities
From 2023 to 2024, NUU conducted eight community visits and counseling services, assisting in revitalizing unused community spaces, participating in or co-organizing community events, and establishing local brands, thereby deepening cultural connections with local communities.
The university organized six Hakka cultural experience events and developed related teaching materials, utilizing databases such as Hakka cultural research literature and specialized Hakka publications to write Hakka vocabulary entries, contributing to the preservation and transmission of language and culture.
2. Deepening Social Innovation
Since 2015, the university has hosted the "Miaoli Youth Returning Workshop" for ten years, fostering the creation of numerous small and medium-sized enterprise teams. A total of 173 teams and 379 participants have engaged in local revitalization initiatives in Miaoli. In 2023 and 2024, the university selected Sanyi Township and Gongguan Township as practical implementation sites. Students applied their diverse expertise and creativity to assist with local revitalization through business planning, product development, and promotional videos, boosting local visibility and enhancing the cultural value of local industries.
The Department of Architecture integrated topics such as net-zero emissions, circular economy, and ESG into the "Introduction to Sustainable Architecture" course, guiding students to understand sustainable architectural development from international trends to Taiwan's current status. In 2023–2024, five projects were carried out at local elementary schools and factories, involving environmental quality assessments and proposing solutions to optimize local buildings from a sustainability perspective. These efforts allowed students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world projects and nurtured sustainable green collar talents.
3. Practicing Social Care
From 2023 to 2024, the university held four educational programs for new immigrants, including two months of online Mandarin courses and two themed workshops. Participants improved their Mandarin speaking, listening, and reading skills through practice.
Faculty and students from the Department of Information Management developed projects focused on smart healthcare, exploring how technology can promote healthy living. One notable project, "Emotional Recognition Applications and Muscle Rehabilitation for Elderly Caregivers," reached the finals of the 2023 AI Youth Innovation Hackathon hosted by the Ministry of Digital Affairs.
4. Promoting University Social Responsibility (USR)
To encourage faculty and students to actively engage in USR initiatives, the university implemented diverse incentive mechanisms, including derivative project rewards, public recognition, promotion opportunities, and flexible compensation. From 2023 to 2024, six faculty members received a total of NT$288,000 in flexible compensation.
The university focused on local needs to establish strong partnerships with local communities. In 2023 and 2024, USR visits to Yuanli and Xihu were organized, involving faculty, students, and community members. These visits allowed participants to observe local industries, culture, and ecology, raising stakeholder awareness of regional issues.
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Figure 5 Faculty and students from the Department of Industrial Design conducting visits and providing counseling services in Fuh-ji Community in Gongguan.
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Figure 6 Joint Presentation for the Youth Returning Workshop and University Social Responsibility Initiatives.
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Figure 7 Faculty and students from the Department of Information Management in the finals of the 2023 AI Youth Innovation Hackathon by the Ministry of Digital Affairs.
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[Academia-Industry Collaboration]
1. “Strengthening Intellectual Green and Orange Technologies” Industry Research Competencies
NUU, centered on institutional development as its core focus, has promoted specialized research and interdisciplinary collaborations among industry, government, and academia. From 2023 to 2024, nine key development projects and eight joint projects were implemented. Additionally, the university actively facilitated interaction and interdisciplinary exchange among industry, government, and academia, establishing the "Guidelines for Incentives and Subsidies for Promoting Industry-Government-Academia Collaboration." From 2023 to 2024, a total of 69 faculty members and 81 students received incentives and subsidies for participating in and executing industry-government-academia collaboration projects.
2. Enhancing Industry-Academia Links
The university actively facilitated interaction with industries by organizing events such as engineer lectures, industry forums, and special topic presentations. From 2023 to 2024, a total of 50 events were held, with over 1,600 students participating.
To promote local industrial development and create added value, the university supported projects like the Academia-Industry Alliance Project, providing over 30 instances of professional consulting and technical guidance for industries during this period.
3. Strengthening Industry-Academia Training
To meet industry demands and future trends, the university organized site visits to industrial facilities. From 2023 to 2024, a total of 16 visits were held, involving over 150 faculty and students.
Additionally, to cultivate problem-solving skills among the university's students, they were encouraged to work on practical projects addressing industry challenges, brainstorming solutions and implementing them through project-based practices. From 2023 to 2024, over 20 students participated in such initiatives.
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Figure 8 Industry-Academia Forum Series – "The Future of the Semiconductor Industry in the AI Era."
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Figure 9 Industry Talent Training Workshop Series – "Electric Bicycle Design and Development."
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Figure 10 Industry Demand Seminar – "Current Status and Talent Needs in Forward-looking Biotechnology Industries."
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[Enhancing Public Access to Higher Education]
1. Improving Support for Disadvantaged Students
NUU reduces examination burdens through diverse admission channels, application fee waivers, and transportation and accommodation subsidies. It also organizes exploration activities to enhance admission willingness. During their studies, students receive tuition and fee waivers, financial aid, and scholarships to alleviate economic pressures that might affect their academic performance. Students are also encouraged to participate in cross-disciplinary courses and career activities, strengthening career counseling. The university integrates internal and external resources to provide individualized support and collaborates with enterprises to improve workplace adaptability and employment opportunities. It continuously refines support mechanisms and fundraising resources, ensuring students can focus on their education and development with peace of mind.
2. Promoting Inclusivity and Prosperity Across Diverse Groups
Through the establishment of a second-generation empowerment center, NUU implements multicultural courses and cross-disciplinary development programs to enhance cultural pride and group integration. The Indigenous Student Resource Center offers cultural literacy courses, tribal visits, and career counseling to improve Indigenous students’ academic achievements and cultural identity. Additionally, it produces promotional videos and peer campaigns to address stereotypes. The "Learning Without Distance in Remote Areas" project provides online learning resources for rural schools, expands library collections and e-books, and organizes multicultural and sustainability promotion activities. These efforts reduce disparities in reading resources and create a friendly, cross-culturally inclusive campus environment.
3. Fulfilling Institutional Transparency
NUU has produced and released 10 campus videos on topics such as the school anthem, student clubs, gender equality, dormitory centers, and key administrative information. These efforts improve transparency and promote understanding of campus culture. Simultaneously, in-person promotional events such as "Discover the Beauty of NUU" enhance interactions and connections with students and parents. By complementing videos with activities, the university improves its image, attracting greater attention and encouraging more participation in campus affairs.
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Figure 11 Cultural Exchange Visit in Taichung for second-generation immigrants in 2024.
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Figure 12 Indigenous Student Resource Center hosting exchange visits with Indigenous students from partner universities in 2024.
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Figure 13 NUU videos introducing key administrative information to new students and parents.
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