Interviews with Global Provosts｜Korea University

环太平洋大学联盟，简称APRU，是由环太平洋地区各国大学组成的高校联盟。4月，在2022环太平洋大学联盟教务长论坛举办之际，ASIC与部分参会教务长分别进行了对话，围绕教育理念、师生互动、未来机遇与发展等方面展开坦诚而深入的交流。

交流内容将以系列推送的形式呈现。以下是第三篇，与高丽大学教务长 Dr. Ku Hikyoung Lee的对话实录。

Dr. Ku Hikyoung Lee

Dr. Ku Hikyoung Lee is the standing vice president of Korea University from the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering.

01

Could you describe the educational philosophy of your university? 

“

Korea University has two mottos that adequately capture the founding spirit of the institution and continue to support its fundamental orientation within Korean society.

The first is “National Salvation through Education,” which expresses the value of education as an essential means of social progress and development. When Korea University was founded in 1905, it was not immediately clear that investing in education would prove to be an essential and necessary social driver. But drawing upon the strong Korean cultural value in favor of education, Korea University was prophetic in perceiving education as not only a primary asset for business and economic development but also for facilitating equitable social mobility after the Korean War.

Another import sentiment of Korea University is the motto “Public Good before Private Interest.” This slogan implies the practical utility of education and how those fortunate enough to receive a higher education should use it for the public interest. In this regard, Korea University’s alumni have contributed significantly to the economic and social progress of Korean society, particularly during the pro-independence and pro-democracy political movements.

”

02

How often do you interact with students?

In what form?

“

As Vice President for International Affairs, I do not have a teaching role at the moment. University administrators may be exempted from classroom teaching when they take on an administrative role. 

However, this does not mean that I am limited in interacting with students, rather I meet with students through a variety of events organized by the Office of International Affairs, such as orientations, information sharing sessions and program interviews. 

In particular, my role as Vice President for International Affairs enables me to meet and interact with international students more directly than in the past, especially through my office’s support services and international student recruitment.

”

03

What is an example of an effective student-led initiative at your university？

“

Some examples that immediately come to mind, due to my role as Vice President for International Affairs, are the Korea University Buddy Assistants (KUBA), Korea University International Student Assistants (KUISA) and our YEOUL Student Ambassadors. 

The KUBA and KUISA groups are student led initiatives, supported by my office, that work to support the integration of international students on campus. KUBA focuses on short-term exchange and visiting students, helping them to make the most of their limited time at Korea University, while KUISA also addresses the unique needs of long-term degree seeking students. 

The YEOUL Student Ambassadors are another example of a student-led group that promotes Korea University through assistance at university ceremonies, events and celebrations. They also provide orientations and tours for prospective Korea University students (both domestic and international), while working closely with our Communications Team in filming student promotional videos and advertising projects.

”

04

In the past 10 years, what has been the biggest change in students at your university? 

What kind of factors led to these changes?

“

I would say that one immediate change over the past 10 years is the level of English language competency of our incoming students. This is a result of the increased focus on English language education at the elementary through high school levels in Korea along with private educational resources.

In addition, we have seen changes in students’ awareness and attitudes of study abroad. In the past, language education was a major driver of study abroad but we are seeing changes in trends moving from language training, and academic courses to internships and service-learning. In addition, short term theme-based study abroad opportunities are increasing in popularity, particularly those related to the UN SDG’s and other environmental issues.

”

05

What are some examples of measures that your university has taken to improve the student experience?

“

Prior to the COVID pandemic, Korea University was at the forefront of fostering entrepreneurship experiential educational opportunities in Korea. Through the creation of an “Ecosystem for Entrepreneurship” providing students with opportunities to participate in projects moving from idea generation to market launch, Korea University was helping to expand student’s employment aspirations beyond the corporate conveyor-belt to self-employment. Unfortunately, these programs, which necessarily included group work and in-person activities, were postponed during COVID, but we have relaunched them this spring and hope to increase student participation in these extra-curricular opportunities going forward.

Similarly, we completed construction of the SK Future Hall. Considered to be Korea University’s first student facility with no traditional classrooms, the SK Future Hall features rooms for conferences and debates, group projects, research and individual study spaces. It also provides students with a variety of innovative classroom technologies to enhance their study experience.

Another example, in relation to my administrative portfolio, is the relatively new establishment of an office called the “Global Services Center”. This administrative unit is devoted to addressing the needs of international students from the moment they receive acceptance to the university, to when they arrive in Korea and return back to their home countries. In the past these support services were provided by a variety of staff in different offices, but to improve the quality of our services and enhance efficiencies we established this center to ensure our international exchange and degree-seeking students are well taken care of and their unique needs are addressed enabling them to derive the most from their experience at Korea University and in Korea.

”

06

What are the future challenges and opportunities for education outcomes at your university?

“

Universities in Korea, and indeed all over the world, experience a number of challenges in helping students to maximize their potential, both through the education they provide and through fostering students’ talents and character during their years on campus. Foremost among these challenges is helping students to achieve their career goals and developing relevant and useful skills for employability. Korea University is unique as it has a long tradition of cultivating excellent students who are highly sought after by large corporations and organizations both in Korea and around the world. 

However, as the job market continues to change, the university must keep apace of these shifts by creating effective educational opportunities both virtually and in-person, helping students to improve their technological literacy and competitiveness, and providing the ethical and philosophical context for them to understand and navigate rapid social and cultural changes in Korea.

Regarding educational outcomes, I think the best indicator of this is the many important and significant positive contributions made to society by our alumni scattered throughout Korea and the world.

Through positions of responsible leadership in business, politics and social life, Korea University alumni continue to make our university proud and reveal to us the value of the educational experiences we provide.

”

Interviews with Global Provosts｜Korea University

Editor: Liu Zhaoxi

Designer: Xia Yifei

Pictures: https://www.korea.ac.kr/mbshome/mbs/en/subview.do?id=en_050403000000