Possibility of Spread to Other Universities
The College of Medicine at Seoul National University is processing students' collective leave of absence applications in bulk, raising the possibility of this spreading to other universities.
According to the education sector on the 2nd, Seoul National University approved the first semester leave of absence applications from medical students in bulk on the 30th of last month. Medical professors stated, "Even if students who did not attend first semester classes return, it is educationally difficult to teach a year's worth of courses within the short period until February next year." The scale of the leave of absence is known to be around 700 students. The final authority to approve leave of absence at Seoul National University lies with the dean of the college, not the president. While the presidents agreed on the need to increase medical student quotas, the medical college deans have been concerned about the decline in the quality of medical education.
The Ministry of Education formed a 12-member audit team that afternoon and immediately began an investigation. The Ministry stated regarding Seoul National University's handling of the leave of absence, "This is a very unjust act that betrays the university's fundamental responsibility to educate and nurture students as medical professionals," and added, "If serious faults are confirmed, strict disciplinary action will be taken and any mistakes will be corrected immediately."
The National Association of Medical School Professors (Jeonui Gyohyeop) pressured for the suspension of the Seoul National University audit. Jeonui Gyohyeop said, "The Ministry of Education should immediately stop its overreach that infringes on university autonomy and its disruptive actions that destroy education. The deans and presidents of the other 39 medical schools should also approve leave of absence applications to prevent harm to students," and emphasized, "Remaining silent despite knowing that education is impossible is an act that betrays the conscience of educators. It is time to make a decision against oppression."
The Ministry of Education will hold an online meeting with presidents of 40 universities nationwide on the 4th. Although the agenda is confidential, it is expected that the Ministry will request not to approve collective leave of absence and urge careful academic management.
On the same day, the Ministry sent an official letter titled 'Request for Cooperation Regarding Academic Operations' to 40 medical schools operating medical colleges. The letter stated, "Collective leave of absence as a form of collective action cannot be considered a legitimate reason for leave," and "If large-scale leave approvals occur in the future, inspections may be conducted regarding the university's decision-making structure and process, preparations for curriculum operation considering future return situations, and other related matters."
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