About Toyo University NEWS

Pick up the latest spotlight information about Toyo University

NEWS 01
Toyo University Concluded Comprehensive Academic Exchange and Student Exchange Agreements with Ukrainian Universities, and Organized Special Lectures by the Ukrainian President and Ambassador to Japan

On April 12, 2022, the Ambassador of Ukraine to Japan, Sergiy Korsunsky, visited the Hakusan Campus and signed comprehensive academic exchange and student exchange agreements on behalf of two Ukrainian universities with Toyo University President, Etsuko Yaguchi. The agreements aim to promote academic exchange and the hosting of Ukrainian students and researchers. The two universities Toyo University concluded agreements with on the same day are Borys Grinchenko Kyiv University and National Aviation University, located in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine. Toyo University also subsequently concluded agreements with the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. Under these agreements, a total of 12 students, four from each university, have been studying at Toyo University since mid-May.

● Main support from Toyo University
Transportation costs to Japan: Fully covered
Living expenses: Living expenses provided, dormitory provided free of charge
Educational support: Support for academic fees (full exemption of tuition fees), support for Japanese language education and participation in international exchange events

A special lecture by Ambassador Korsunsky

On the same day, Ambassador Korsunsky gave a special lecture titled “The History and Culture of the Ukrainian Cossacks” in the Inoue Enryo Hall. Around 350 Toyo students, faculty and staff attended the lecture. During the lecture, Ambassador Korsunsuky used photos to introduce the history, culture, and rich natural scenery of Ukraine. The Ambassador explained that “despite being separated by a distance of over 10,000 km, there are various similarities between Japan and Ukraine.” Also, the Ambassador used photos to compare the current state of the areas that had undergone ferocious attacks with the original state of these areas before the war and expressed his appreciation for the support from Japan and Toyo University. In the post-lecture Q&A session, students asked pressing questions such as “What can Japan do for Ukraine?” and “What kind of society should we build in the future?” At the end of the lecture, Ambassador Korsunsky made a strong appeal to the students in attendance, stating, “I want you to interact with the students from Ukraine, as this will be beneficial for the post-war recovery.

A special online lecture by Ukrainian President Zelenskyy

On July 4th, a special online lecture by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was held at Toyo University’s Enryo Inoue Hall. President Zelenskyy wished to send a message to Ukrainian students studying in Japan and Japanese students, and this special lecture was made possible thanks to the cooperation of the Embassy of Ukraine in Japan. In addition to the 12 Ukrainian students and one Ukrainian researcher studying at Toyo University, a total of 350 students, including Ukrainian students from other universities, Japanese students, and international students from other countries, gathered in the Enryo Hall to listen to President Zelenskyy’s lecture. The lecture was broadcast in real time at several locations on campus and 14 member universities of the Japan Association of Private Universities and Colleges. President Zelenskyy spoke about war and peace and appealed to the audience by saying, “Ukraine is fighting for peace. Everyone, please defend peace.” President Zelenskyy thoroughly answered each of the students' questions during the Q&A session and stated, “I want you to use what you learn in Japan to contribute to peace.

NEWS 02
Toyo University Featured in “THE World University Rankings: Japan University Rankings 2022” and “THE Impact Rankings 2022

Times Higher Education is a British magazine dedicated to higher education that annually publishes rankings that evaluate universities from many different perspectives. In the “THE World University Rankings: Japan University Rankings 2022” which focuses on universities’ educational capabilities, published in March 2022, Toyo University was ranked an overall 73rd, climbing four places from last year. Toyo University ranked highly in “Engagement (40th),” which is evaluated by surveying current students and high school teachers. We also faired well in “Environment (41st),” assessed based on the ratio of international students and faculty members. Also, in the “THE Impact Rankings 2022” published in April 2022, rankings that evaluate universities' social contribution using the SDGs framework, there were entries from 1,406 institutions globally and 76 universities from Japan. Toyo University ranked 601-800 globally and 36th in Japan (joint 9th place for private universities). Initiatives are evaluated for each of the 17 SDGs, and Toyo University was assessed in the four categories of SDGs 8, 11, 16, and 17. We take this external evaluation seriously and will continue to engage in activities for education, research, and social contribution.

●Toyo University’s scores and rankings for “THE World University Rankings: Japan University Rankings 2022” and “THE Impact Rankings 2022.”

	Overall	Resources	Engagement	Outcomes	Environment
	49.9 [73rd]	20.3-29.0 [151-200th]	74.7 [40th]	36 [83rd]	73.7 [41st]

	Overall	8. Decent work and economic growth	11. Sustainable cities and communities	16. Peace, justice and strong institutions	17. Partnerships for the goals
	61.0 [36th in Japan]	47.7 [13th in Japan]	61.3 [12th in Japan]	60.3 [20th in Japan]	68.3 [38th in Japan]

NEWS 03
Toyo University Underwent University Evaluation by the Japan University Accreditation Association and Received Accreditation as Being Compliant with University Standards

Universities are required by law to be evaluated by certified evaluation and accreditation agencies once every seven years based on their overall status, including education and research. In AY2021, Toyo University underwent a university inspection (certified evaluation and accreditation) by the Japan University Accreditation Association, a certified evaluation and accreditation agency. We were recognized as having met university standards after a document evaluation and online field investigation. The accreditation is valid until March 31, 2029.
In the evaluation, the following initiatives were commended as outstanding initiatives: The medium-term plan “TOYO GRAND DESIGN 2020 - 2024” based on our founding principles, our educational activities at the Faculty of Information Networking for Innovation and Design, our support for student learning, and individual counseling initiatives, and our social contribution activities led by the Center for Social Contribution.
In addition, another point that was commended was the fact that we are responding to various educational needs by establishing evening courses as an “open university” that values social education, in line with the philosophy of our founder Enryo Inoue.
To realize the university’s philosophy, mission, and undergraduate and post-graduate educational objectives, Toyo University will continue to conduct independent and autonomous self-inspection evaluation activities and make improvements and reforms for the development of all students.

NEWS 04
First Group of Students Moves into the AI-House HUB-4

AI-House HUB-4, one of Toyo University’s international residences located in Akabanedai campus, opened in January 2022. Both domestic and international students have been staying there since April.
Domestic and international students live together in the AI-House. Once residents step out of their room, a global common space where students can interact with one another awaits them. Students learn from each other through communication, and lively and diverse cultural exchange occurs throughout their daily life. Any degree-seeking Toyo University students can stay in the AI-House. Currently, 60 Japanese students and 62 international students* are living at the AI-House. AI-House is a new student residence where students’ living space becomes a place for learning, and where students can cultivate the ability to coexist with others with rich international awareness.
*As of June 2022

Note: Face masks were removed only for the photo shooting. Currently the residential floors are divided according to sex.

INTERVIEW

We interviewed AI-House’s residence managers, David and Minori, a married couple who lived for an extended period in France and has experience operating guesthouses in Japan.

▲ Minori and David

David and Minori worked together at the Athletes’ Village for the Tokyo Olympics. They became managers of the AI-House as they were drawn to the appeal of creating a global community. We were given the opportunity to work for the AI-House at the turning point of our lives. We are grateful for being able to work for this residence.
The management work of the residence includes conducting building management while coordinating with the university and staff members and dealing with suppliers and students. We also support students while coordinating with the RAs (Resident Assistants). International students who have just arrived in Japan often come and ask us questions, but they do so positively. They enthusiastically engage in their new life while being confused by customs and cultures that differ from their home country’s. Domestic students also come and tell us their recent news with lively expressions, and we sometimes talk about their hometowns when handing them packages they have been sent. AI-House has an open environment, and we are trying to create a residence where residents naturally greet each other with “Itte rashai! (see you later!)” and “Konnichiwa!” (hello!)
At the AI-House, a global community of passionate students is coming together. This includes students chasing their dreams and international students who have finally made it to Japan after being made to put their lives on hold by COVID-19 restrictions. Students have different backgrounds and come from 40 countries and regions worldwide, so of course, they have different cultures and values. However, through interacting and living with friends with different backgrounds, we believe residents will foster friendships that will not only make them understand others but also make them to see the world through the eyes of other people. While looking forward to the future that the students who grow at the AI-House will create, we are proud to be able to assist them on their journey.

NEWS 05
The Toyo Rugby Club Is Conducting Support Activities for Children under Long-Term Medical Treatment. An Elementary School Student Joins the Rugby Club as its 80th Member

NEWS 06
Career Support Aimed at Developing DX Human Resources“Toyo University Career Honors Program”

At Toyo University, we have been offering the “Toyo University Career Honors Program,” a new career support program to develop DX (digital transformation) human resources since AY2021. The Program began its second term in May 2022.
The digitalized society of Society 5.0 will require people to obtain additional skills. These skills include the ability to utilize data to find problems worth solving, the ability to deduce effective solutions from trial and error, and the ability to constantly think while detecting changes and updating yourself. 1st year students at all campuses are eligible for the Program. The 40 students chosen from the applicants will learn career ownership and DX business skills over a year through e-learning and 20 online lectures. At the end of the Program, the students will attempt to establish a SaaS*1 venture company. Students will acquire the skills necessary for career development and develop their ability to solve social issues utilizing digital technology.
Students who take the Program are highly motivated to survive in a diversified society. The students’ motivations for taking the Program include, “I want to play an active role in the DX era,” “I want to learn the basics of data science,” “I want to start my own company,” and “I want to work with friends who have the same goal as me.”
*1 Software as a Service.

Students put their learning into words by utilizing an assessment tool for visualizing the development of their general skills called GPS-Academic before and after the Program.
*2 Udemy Business: An online learning platform where students can learn about DX and business skills
*3 doda Campus: A career support service for university students that connects studying with working