As we approach the end of the year, what plans are you considering for your successful 2010? Under the HIGHER & BROADER slogan, KMU is preparing for a big spring to develop in various ways. The Kookmin Review focused on the different aspects of the KMU 1010 Development Plan to be carried out in 2010 and listened to the opinions of students about the proposed changes.

Global KMU

KMU will begin a freshman English Proficiency Certification System next year. Before adapting to that system, senior students should pass through the graduate examination by writing a graduation thesis, taking a final examination or giving a presentation. Some students from specific departments need to submit their authorized language ability certification (TOEIC, TOEFL, TEPS). These days, having a good command of English is essential. So KMU will introduce this system to produce students who have a certain level of English proficiency upon graduation. Science students have expressed some concern about this system, however. Lee Cheol Won (Senior, Dept. of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering) said “Although English language proficiency is a prerequisite for graduates, there is no need to rate students’ ability. It’s a heavy burden for me. English ability is necessary for students in the Dept. of English Language and Literature, but I think it’s not a matter for all undergraduates.” Kookminians have always had to take English conversation as a required course. It is necessary to have a more multifaceted approach to English education, however, which will support the development of students’ English skills. Students want to receive a wider education at KMU. The certification system will create a more diversified English education and so should be welcomed.

In addition, next year KMU will operate an RTES and have exchanges with more overseas universities to enhance Kookminians global learning. This year, the RTES was initiated and trialed with UC Davis University and Kuwait University on the basis of a previously-contracted science cooperation agreement. On October 29th, the university signed an MOU with Banaras Hindu University and is currently discussing the construction of a RTES to be used with them next year. Chang Deok Joon, Dean of the Office of international & Public Relations said “We are making an effort to have exchanges in various fields with overseas universities and make the best use of the RTES.” Moreover, KMU is promoting the exchange of professors with overseas universities as a part of its plan to increase the number of foreign professors by 2013.

Developing Specialties

From next year, the Dept. of Entertainment Design and Dept. of Advanced Fermentation Fusion of Science and Technology will get their first freshmen. The Dept. of Advanced Fermentation Fusion of Science and Technology has been established with the goal of contributing to the globalization of Korea’s traditional fermented foods through the investigation of ingredients and food storage engineering. This is the first attempt in ‘academic convergence’ at KMU ― the fusion of technology and fermented food. Under the charge of Prof. Ha Jun Su, the Dept. of Entertainment Design is leading the new video communication industry through the advanced integration of education, cultural information and video design. These examples show that the university’s role in producing creative talent is becoming more important with the times. In 2011, KMU will also construct a graduate school in a new area according to schedule.

The KMU1010 Development Plan was declared earlier this year and has passed through its formation stage. With the aim of being one of the top 10 universities in Korea, KMU will introduce systems for the most part and carry them into effect from next year. The growth of KMU cannot be achieved without Kookminians ― the main members’ participation and strong interest. Let’s take some time to help implement a one-year-plan for a successful 2010 with KMU.

THE KOOKMIN REVIEW No.214