Our development is sustainable.
In April of 2021, the School of Engineering and the School of Environmental Science and Technology at Okayama University underwent a reorganization and integration resulting in the establishment of a new School of Engineering. This newly born "School of Engineering" operates under a single academic department that enables interdisciplinary learning beyond the traditional framework of several departments. Additionally, a new sub-track for architectural education, which was previously unavailable in either the School of Engineering or the School of Environmental Science and Technology, has been introduced, along with an enrichment of education in mathematical and data sciences. Under the guidance of Professor Kengo Kuma, a specially invited professor at Okayama University, a new learning space for the School of Engineering named "Okayama Visionary Commons" has been constructed and has been in operation since January 2023. This aesthetically pleasing building is made of wood-based materials that are locally manufactured in Okayama Prefecture, and please take a look at it when you visit the campus. While the architectural education program has started out officially in April 2023, the Okayama Visionary Commons is also utilized as an active teaching resource in the architecture specialization sub-track.
In May of 2023, the classification of COVID-19 was downgraded to the fifth level, and we have returned to almost the same learning environment as before the pandemic. The School of Engineering has recommenced its own overseas exchange programs, and the number of students accepted as well as sent is increasing. Since a long time ago, the School of Engineering has incorporated many experiments and practical training courses into its curriculum. This approach aimed to facilitate students not only to acquire skills, but also to logically contemplate the process leading to the results through oral presentations and discussions, and to deepen mutual understanding among the students. In the future, we will proactively introduce education systems that can achieve higher learning effects by leveraging the knowledge and expertise accumulated during the pandemic, such as the utilization of information and communication technologies. In addition to in-depth learning in the engineering field, we will provide opportunities for interdisciplinary and practical learning. Through this approach, we aim to foster engineers who can create crucial innovations to achieve the SDGs and realize Society 5.0 by playing an active and influential role on a global scale.
As a new initiative, in February 2023, we have implemented pre-enrollment education through schooling for the students who will be admitted via the exam for the candidates recommended by high school principals and the International Baccalaureate entrance exam. Along with explaining the assignments to keep the study habits, we also provided an opportunity to foster friendships through group work and dialogue with senior students. This was the first attempt for us, and we will continue to improve upon the issues that have been found. We will continue to support the studies of the students in the School of Engineering through various initiatives.
Why don't you come and study at the sustainably developing School of Engineering at Okayama University?
Dean of the School of Engineering Tokuro NANBA