2022 is a significant year to greet the 75th anniversary of Yeungnam University’s founding. Choi Oe-chool, YU’s President completed his first year in office. The Yeungnam Observer met President Choi to discuss the future of YU. President Choi devoted his first year to educational innovation and is trying to make YU an innovation leader.
YU is reacting sensitively to the reduction in student number. President Choi focused on recruiting first-year students over the last year. As a result, the 2022 rolling admission competition rate was the highest in the last five years. Also, the regular admission recorded the highest competition rate ever.
YU suggests securing over twice the number of international students to respond proactively to reducing student numbers. President Choi remarked that a reduction in the number of students is a ‘constant’ trend that will continue to be a concern. Therefore, YU recently signed an agreement with some departments for international students. YU plans to run joint degree courses with more departments. President Choi said recruiting international students is essential to a competitive and sustainable university.
Programs for international and Korean students alike decreased due to the pandemic. Students experienced a lack of opportunities to build global capabilities. The Observer asked about the programs that promote cultural exchanges. President Choi responded that the separation between Korean and international students should be eliminated. Education programs will be carried out without the classification of Korean and international students.
In closing, he offered this message to YU’s first-year students: Choosing YU is an excellent choice for the future, and YU will guide you to brighten your future and realize your dreams. He offered the following advice for continuing students: The future dreams and hopes make you change your mind and act yourself. You must trust yourself, have a goal, and do your best. At the end of the interview, he emphasized, “The efforts until yesterday make my status today. Efforts from today define a new status for tomorrow.”
