University of Tokyo (UTokyo) president Teruo Fujii reechoed an important lesson during this global crisis—higher education institutions must rediscover the true value of listening to the voices and feelings of even those beyond their campuses, regions, and national borders.
As Fujii assumed the presidency in April, it was the time when the COVID-19 pandemic continued to worsen the situation of the students since they are compelled to adjust to their classes delivered online. It was also a trying time for every institution since academic activities and access to campus are restricted.
Key Takeaways:
- The University of Tokyo President highlighted an important lesson for higher education institutions amid the pandemic.
- The UTokyo president said that institutions need to rediscover the true value of listening to voices and feelings beyond their campuses and borders.
- The university president prepared a vision statement to be called “UTokyo Compass” to build an inclusive, emphatic, and diverse community.
For Fujii, the worldwide public health crisis has revealed more clearly the “paradox of globalization,” disintegrating human society along the lines of race, gender, nationality, religion, and income.
He said that some more voices and feelings need to be heard, apart from those around higher education institutions, so he is determined to establish a campus community where every member acknowledges the value of others and engages in dialogues for the betterment of the institution.
The university president highlighted that research and education must be premised on this embrace of others and the appreciation of diversity.
Similar to other institutions that celebrate and bridge the diversity gap, the University of Tokyo has struggled to attract talented female students and faculty. This is why the institution is happy to welcome progressively increasing numbers of international students to make up their student body.
In recent months, it can be recalled that the University of Dayton, among other universities, has achieved a record high and most diverse student body in their history. Meanwhile, Adelphi University’s Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program/Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP/STEP) has been recognized in the 2021 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award for bridging diversity gaps.
To achieve its vision of attracting more students to its campus, Fujii has laid out a vision statement to be called “UTokyo Compass” that will not only tackle issues on education but also the university’s commitment to establishing a diverse, empathetic, and inclusive campus community for its students.
Abcodo is an MSM company that serves as the in-house recruitment partner of MSM Unify, a student recruitment and marketing platform that connects partner schools to top-tier agents and their students worldwide. Sign up now to get the latest updates and information on international student recruitment.
