Sahmyook University Launches TA and SU-PREME Mentor Programs to Guide Freshmen Through Campus Life

Strengthening Support for Freshmen in the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies

On May 27, the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies at Sahmyook University announced that it operates an innovative customized academic assistant system to support freshmen in adapting to their majors and achieving academic success. This system consists of the TA (Teaching Assistant) and SU-PREME (Sahmyook University Pre-Major Exploration) Mentor programs.

The Department of Interdisciplinary Studies at Sahmyook University operates an innovative customized academic assistant system to support freshmen in adapting to their majors and achieving academic success.

Launched in earnest in March, this program pairs upperclassmen with freshmen in the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies for one year, serving as close supporters for those struggling with choosing a major and adjusting to university life. The program goes beyond simple orientation, offering substantial academic support as well as emotional care.

The TAs and SU-PREME mentors are composed of sophomores to seniors from the 15 departments that students in the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies can enter. Each TA or mentor is responsible for guiding about 10 freshmen. They participate in preliminary workshops and orientation sessions to deepen their understanding of their roles and strengthen their practical skills before beginning their official activities.

The TA acts as an "academic assistant." They participate as teaching assistants in project-based classes to support major-related practical training, and also take part in student council activities and promotional group operations. In particular, by completing the "Glocal Leadership" micro-degree program, they develop leadership skills while providing practical assistance to juniors in all aspects of their studies.

The SU-PREME mentor is a senior who closely supports freshmen in all aspects of university life. They meet with freshmen regularly each week to provide one-on-one customized counseling. In addition to helping freshmen explore majors and consider career paths, they offer advice and empathy on all aspects of student life. They also run chapel communities to help freshmen develop a sense of belonging to their department and the university, and to adapt stably.

Kim Yongseon, head of the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies at Sahmyook University, said, "They are not just assistants, but companions who listen to each freshman's story and grow together. The 'power of going together' is our department's core value, which means achieving greater growth within the community by sharing each other's strengths."