Korea University 'Conversation with the President'
Chonbuk National University 'Communication Day' and more
Direct communication through various methods
Exhibiting friendly and approachable leadership
On the 12th of last month, at the International Remote Conference Room in the Baekjoo Centennial Samsung Hall at Korea University, President Kim Dong-won personally stood before the students. This was a session called ‘Conversation with the President’ planned by President Kim to communicate with the students. President Kim engaged in sincere dialogue with the students on various topics including the university’s future and vision, facility management, and student events.
During the impromptu Q&A session, students expressed a variety of requests. In response to a student’s suggestion about the severe unevenness near the back gate of the Law School building making it difficult to navigate with an electric wheelchair, President Kim immediately requested repairs from the management office. Regarding questions about expanding large lectures, he replied, "We increased them out of necessity because too many students flock to certain colleges," and stated that they do not pursue large-scale lectures. At this event, President Kim also mentioned expanding faculty recruitment during his tenure.
President Kim said, "Since my inauguration, I have been listening to the voices of university members through various meetings and striving to make a better school," adding, "Among the university members, I believe students are the most important. I will continue to create opportunities to be together and listen carefully to the students’ voices."
President Jeon Young-jae of Konkuk University is sharing pizza with students. [Photo by Konkuk University]
Recently, university presidents leading their institutions have been directly communicating with students, making this a ‘trend’ in the university community. This reflects a desire to strengthen communication with students, who are one of the main stakeholders of the university, and to promote school development through a friendly and approachable leadership style rather than an authoritarian one.
University presidents are increasing their points of contact with students in various ways. Jeon Young-jae, president of Konkuk University, visited the ‘Cozy Zone’ event held on the 3rd and 4th by the student council, where he personally handed out pizza to students. This event was organized with the intention of sharing the spring campus atmosphere. Students enjoyed picnics on the spacious lawn in front of the administration building and participated in various recreational activities. President Jeon said, "It was a joyful and pleasant time to share the beautiful spring campus with the students," and added, "I hope it became an unforgettable and enjoyable memory of their university life."
President Park Sang-gyu of Chung-Ang University taking a 'President's Four-Cut' photo with students. [Photo by Chung-Ang University]
Park Sang-gyu, president of Chung-Ang University, took ‘President’s Four-Cut Photos’ with students. This was part of the spring cultural event ‘Youth More Beautiful Than Flowers’ held on the 3rd and 4th at the Da Vinci Campus, themed around ESG (Environment, Social, Governance) and SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals). President Park took instant photos with students on the themes of ESG and SDGs and spent time communicating while touring the event venue.
Yang Oh-bong, president of Jeonbuk National University, emphasizes close communication with students. Since his inauguration last year, President Yang has increased meetings with students through events such as Hope Day, 1,000 Won Breakfast, and midterm exam snack sharing. On the 4th, he held a ‘Communication Day’ event to comfortably listen to student opinions. He shared beer with about 50 members of the student council at a nearby restaurant and directly heard suggestions related to student welfare. President Yang said, "I intend to make this year the inaugural year of a ‘student-centered university’ and to face students more closely to listen to as many of their stories as possible."
Yang Obong, former president of Jeonbuk National University, held a 'Communication Day' with students. [Photo by Jeonbuk National University]
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