Checking the Implementation of 'Glocal University' Integration... Discussing Effective Promotion Measures

The Ministry of Education is reviewing the implementation status of the 'Glocal Universities' among the universities undergoing integration.

On the 12th, the Ministry announced that it will hold the 'Glocal Integrated University Implementation Review Meeting' chaired by Vice Minister Oh Seok-hwan.

At this meeting, attended by the presidents of the seven Glocal integrated universities, the implementation status of key initiatives of each Glocal university will be reviewed by sector, and customized support strategies and methods to spread achievements to other universities will be discussed. The universities involved are Kangwon National University-Kangneung Wonju National University, Pusan National University-Pusan National University of Education, Chungbuk National University-Korea National University of Transportation, Wonkwang University-Wonkwang Health Science University, Changwon National University-Gyeongnam Provincial Geochang College-Gyeongnam Provincial Namhae College, Mokpo National University-Jeonnam Provincial College, and National Kyungpook University.

The first topic to be discussed is 'university integration.' University integration is regarded as a strong innovation measure to respond to social changes such as the decline in the school-age population and rapid changes in industrial structure, but there is a perception that it is difficult to promote because it is not easy to reach consensus among internal university members.

However, the Ministry of Education explained that the 'Glocal University 30 Project' is acting as a catalyst for discussions on university integration.

For example, Andong National University and Gyeongbuk Provincial University, designated as Glocal universities in 2023, were the first national and public universities to receive integration approval last June, and they launched as 'National Kyungguk University' in March this year. The Ministry of Education evaluated, "This has led to the announcement and promotion of integration between four public universities and national universities, spreading the achievements."

The Ministry of Education and the Glocal University Committee are actively supporting Glocal universities pursuing integration with bold financial support, amendments to laws for realizing various integrated universities, and regulatory exemptions.

Vice Minister Oh said, "University integration is a core task of the Glocal University project, and we will provide customized support such as applying regulatory exemptions and expert advice. Integration is a promise made publicly to students and parents, so it must be fulfilled, and strict management procedures will be applied to ensure implementation."