Domestic Study Programs: National Chi Nan University Collaborates with Four Universities to Launch the SCoT Shared Campus Platform

In the new wave of educational innovation, National Chi Nan University (NCNU), in collaboration with Taipei National University of the Arts, University of Taipei, and National Ilan University, has embarked on a historic educational reform: the creation of the Shared Campus of Taiwan (SCoT) platform. This initiative signifies the close cooperation among the four institutions and allows students to take cross-university courses, embodying the essence of a borderless university education.

Yesterday, a signing ceremony was held at the University of Taipei. President Wuu Dong-Sing of NCNU and the presidents of the other three universities attended, marking the beginning of this innovative collaborative project. The Memorandum of Understanding includes several key elements: the establishment of inter-university micro-credit courses, the creation of a cooperative platform across universities, sharing of equipment and resources, and other collaborative exchanges. These measures will significantly enhance the friendly relations between the four universities, promote diverse integration, and experiment with interdisciplinary courses. Additionally, the universities will jointly offer online courses and relocate teaching during the summer break, with 1-2 weeks of physical classes at each campus. This integrated virtual and in-person learning approach allows for domestic study experiences in Taiwan, combining the central geographical location and Taipei's political and economic hub.

Notably, the "Shared Campus" initiative, originally aimed at bringing together students and faculty from around the world for interdisciplinary exchanges in arts and culture and fostering academic exchanges between different countries and institutions, has been adapted by the four schools for the SCoT platform. Focusing on cross-cultural issues and interdisciplinary collaboration, the platform aims to create a wide range of education, research, and culture activities, including regular semester programs, summer learning, courses, seminars, and other enriching activities.

This collaboration will further integrate the unique strengths of the four universities, such as University of Taipei's expertise in sports, education, and urban planning, National Ilan University's specialization in agricultural technology and environmental issues, and NCNU's leading role in the USR (University Social Responsibility) projects among all universities in Taiwan, together building the SCoT platform. Moreover, the launch of the "Inter-University Micro-Credit Program" will offer students a more diverse and extensive range of learning options. The program, requiring a minimum of eight credits, includes core courses (2 credits, jointly taught by all four universities), cross-university/interdisciplinary elective courses (4 credits), and project-based courses (2 credits), with these credits also applicable as general education credits.

The four collaborating universities are actively preparing and establishing a "Cross-University Coursework Task Force" to facilitate course development and recruitment promotion. In the 2024 academic year, this program is expected to open for enrollment officially. This collaboration, following the joint efforts of eleven universities in the central and southern parts of the National University System of Taiwan (NUST), represents another innovative step by NCNU and the three northern universities, showcasing the limitless possibilities of interdisciplinary, inter-town, and cross-domain cooperation.