Higher Education SPROUT Project

In the second phase of the Higher Education Sprout Project, Shih Hsin University centers its development strategy on “digital communication across disciplines” and “data intelligence integrated with professional domains.” The university continues to advance teaching innovation, strengthen cross-disciplinary capacity, and enhance AI literacy. In response to industry digitalization and generative AI trends, the university adopts evidence-based institutional research to design strategic curriculum maps. Through curriculum reform, upgraded professional facilities, resource integration, and continued investment in high-performance computing equipment, students are equipped with interdisciplinary integration, problem-solving, self-directed learning, and social engagement competencies. The second-phase plan (2025–2027) will continue to promote governance and talent cultivation through four major objectives, elevating overall educational quality and social impact.

I. Advancing Teaching Innovation: Cultivating Students’ Cross-Disciplinary and Self-Directed Learning Abilities

1. Faculty Recruitment and Retention
   Based on curriculum planning and future industry needs, the university continues to recruit new faculty with expertise in new media, multimedia technologies, visual journalism, and cultural content management. A flexible salary system helps retain talents with outstanding research or teaching performance, thereby elevating instructional quality and innovation.
2. Faculty Professional Development
   Teacher learning communities are organized around PBL, USR, EMI, and AI, enabling interdisciplinary teaching observation and exchange. The university promotes Teaching Practice Research Program development workshops, invites department conveners to share experiences, and strengthens training such as academic ethics seminars to cultivate seed teachers—leading to increased proposal submissions and approval rates.
3. Upgrading Teaching Facilities and Professional Environments
   Building upon the university’s signature strengths in digital communication and data intelligence, teaching resources have been integrated and enhanced through the establishment of the LED Virtual Stage 2.0, improved professional equipment, and enriched learning spaces. A high-performance PC lab equipped with Nvidia RTX-5080 GPUs has been constructed, and the M306 computing lab is now open during evenings to provide more study hours.
   
   
4. Strengthening Cross-disciplinary Learning Pathways
   The university encourages students to pursue minors and double majors, and continues to revise and expand interdisciplinary micro-credential programs. Policies such as easing major-required credit loads, increasing the acceptance of external credits, and implementing guidelines for self-directed learning credits broaden students’ opportunities for interdisciplinary and autonomous learning.
5. AI Competency Development
   The “AI Five-Mile Road”（AI五哩路） initiative introduces a required first-year course, “AI Cross-Disciplinary Applications and Programming Collaboration,” to build foundational computational thinking and AI skills. The College of Journalism and Communications launched the two-year MOE “The XPlorer Projec” creating a new AI literacy and communication skills course required for all eight first-year programs. AI literacy has also been integrated into required courses in Journalism, Graphic Communication, and Public Relations & Advertising, resulting in five redesigned courses.

II. Fulfilling Social Responsibility: Cultivating Students’ Capacity for Social Engagement

1. Environmental Sustainability
   The university builds a resilient campus through infectious disease prevention measures, an energy-saving management system, and a 24-hour eco-monitoring system, aligning with the national “2050 Net-Zero Emissions” goal.
2. Social Sustainability
    The Department of Social Psychology’s program, “Care Through Scenery: Jingmei Elder Well-Being Project（「景覺關懷，耆妙人生：景美銀領幸福計畫」）” supports mental health and positive companionship for local seniors. The Department of Tourism’s project, “Tracing the Matchmaker’s Footsteps: Dadaocheng Literary Tourism and Memory Preservation（「月老牽繫的神祕足跡：大稻埕旅遊文學與記憶保存」）” promotes sustainable tourism with low-waste and low-carbon action.
3. Media Social Responsibility
   Projects include the Department of Speech Communication’s “Health Narratives: Body Hot-and-Sour Soup（「健康敘事：身體酸辣湯」）” podcast initiative, fostering public dialogue through audio storytelling, and the Department of Journalism’s “AI and Media Industries: Ｄisinformation Identification Project（「AI與媒體產業：假訊息辨識宣導計畫」）” which produces anti-fraud short videos. Through hands-on engagement, students strengthen their social participation abilities.

III. Industry-Academia Collaboration: Cultivating Students’ Problem-Solving Abilities

1. High-End Media Facilities for Talent Development
   With the  LED Virtual Stage 2.0 and the Omni-Media   Building , the university integrates resources across industry, government, and academia to support all-media talent cultivation and experiential internships, empowering students with diverse learning pathways and cross-domain development.
   
2. Original Media Production and Practical Training
   Through original programs such as “Ｎew & News(新。聞之間)” and “Emerald Valley Celebrity Podcast Studio(「翠谷名人播客室」)” and through popular music talent courses, students gain hands-on experience in video production, storytelling, and creative application. The College also offers a micro-drama production series open to first- through third-year students.
3. Co-Production in Film and Television
   The university promotes an integrated industry-university co-production framework, inviting alumni to co-design coursework and provide professional guidance. With advanced facilities and filming venues, students participate in real projects showcased on media platforms. In 2025, two variety programs—“Drama Taste Studio(「戲戲品味」)” and “Retaking Love Course (「戀愛重修中」)”—were launched, both involving cross-department collaboration between faculty and students to achieve true learning-by-doing.

IV. Enhancing Higher Education Public Value and Providing a Supportive Educational Research Environment

1. Student Financial Support
   Through the “Dreams in Emerald Valley” and “Leap Forward in Emerald Valley” initiatives, support for economically disadvantaged students has been strengthened. External fundraising has been increased to NT$5 million, enabling monthly stipends to rise from NT$8,000 to NT$10,000 starting in 2025.
2. Indigenous Student Support
   Scholarships and comprehensive services are provided through the Indigenous Student Resource Center, including academic advising, cultural programs, community connections, talent development, and career counseling—advancing the university’s mission of multicultural learning and development.
3. Recognition of Student Excellence
   The “Shewo Scholarship” rewards students who rank in the top three academically within their class, enhancing motivation and a sense of honor. Additional awards encourage participation in international, national, and regional competitions, performances, and service activities to build confidence and competitiveness.
   
4. Strengthening Institutional Research
   Through collaboration between the   Center for Big Data and Institutional Research Center and academic units, the university analyzes student learning patterns, curriculum needs, and career trends to refine curriculum maps and talent cultivation strategies. Evidence-based policymaking ensures more effective and transparent resource allocation.