President’s Message to All SU Students at the Start of the New Academic Year 2024
Last summer saw record-breaking heat, and the unstable weather continued into winter, alternating
between mild temperatures and cold waves. Finally, as April arrives, we begin to feel the arrival ofspring. This year's entrance ceremony has concluded successfully, and we are delighted to welcome
many new students to our campus. Following the reclassification of COVID-19 under level 5 in May
last year, this marks the first academic year in five years without constraints. With a fresh start, weeagerly anticipate students returning to campus, lectures beginning, and the commencement of club andextracurricular activities as the new semester begins.
Now, as we embark upon the new academic year, I would like to extend the following five messages toall students.
(1) The Use of Generative AI
The emergence of Generative AI, exemplified by ChatGPT released in 2022, has had a profound impact
on society. Because of the emergence of misinformation, dubbed as ”hallucinations,” it is crucial toexercise caution in its utilization. However, it is also a fact that by crafting thoughtful prompts, valuable
insights can be extracted. Recently, following ChatGPT, we've witnessed the release of Gemini(formerly Bard), Claude, and others, intensifying competition among Generative AIs. The advancements
made in the past year are truly remarkable. In response to this evolving landscape, our university has
formulated guidelines for the use of Generative AI, disseminating them to all. However, here, I wish toreiterate a word of caution regarding its usage.
Students are expected to cultivate not only knowledge acquisition but also (1) abstract thinking skills tocomprehend complex concepts, (2) logical thinking skills to structure their thoughts coherently, (3)critical thinking skills to analyze problems discerningly, and (4) creative thinking skills to generate novel
ideas. In essence, it is vital to nurture the ability to think independently and generate new insights—askill crucial for navigating the rapidly changing and uncertain world ahead, commonly referred to as“intellectual acumen.”
To achieve this, diligent study and the accumulation of thoughtful reflections, even if seemingly
circuitous, are imperative. Relying on Generative AI out of convenience or laziness, thereby abandoning
critical thinking, risks squandering opportunities to enhance one's own abilities. Understand that
Generative AI is a double-edged sword for students who have much to learn. I urge you to reflect once
again on the essence of learning at university and to ingeniously utilize Generative AI to enhance yourown thinking abilities. Always remember, “There's no royal road to learning,” and consider Generative
AI with this in mind.
(2) Challenge Support Project
Recently, I have heard that many students aspire to start new activities with friends or groups or aim toembark on entrepreneurship. In order to support such students, we are launching the Challenge Support
Project for students. This initiative will allocate budget to projects conceived by our students, whichmay include activities that anticipate future trends, innovative product development, research-based
recommendations, or preparations for entrepreneurship, among others. We will evaluate and select ideas
submitted by new groups or individuals that do not come from clubs and extracurricular activities.
Applications will be accepted starting from May, so students with ideas are encouraged to prepare andapply. We look forward to the participation of many students.
(3) Please actively participate in new lectures.
As I introduced last academic year, there are project-based classes offered as active learning courses.
These classes involve discussions in small groups and field surveys conducted jointly with professionals
from companies, aimed at proposing solutions to social issues. Such classes, akin to on-the-job training,
also provide an opportunity to connect with students from other departments. We encourage you toproactively enroll in these and other active learning courses.
Furthermore, under the comprehensive collaboration agreement with Saitama Medical University,
extracurricular learning programs are conducted where faculty members from each university lecture
and conduct practical sessions on topics of mutual interest. Although these programs do not offer credits,they encompass a wide range of intriguing subjects from general education to specialized areas.
Additionally, starting from last year, a credit exchange system has been established with Saitama
Prefectural University. Despite geographical constraints, classes related to health and medicine, notavailable at our university, are being offered. If you are interested in these topics, we strongly encourage
you to consider enrolling in these classes.
(4) Student Support
As you may be aware, the legal age of adulthood was lowered to 18 years of age on April 1, 2022. While
this change has made it advantageous for obtaining licenses and qualifications, it has also removed theright of guardians to cancel contracts made by minors, raising concerns about the potential increase inconsumer exploitation, such as scams. When entering into contracts, we warn all students to exercise
caution and careful consideration. Additionally, there is a growing trend of illicit employment
opportunities, including through social media. Rather than being swayed by the promise of quick
earnings, always prioritize your safety and be vigilant in protecting yourself as an adult.
On the other hand, the operation of the Saitama University Shogai Gakusei Shienshitsu (This officeactively promotes reasonable accommodation for students with academic concerns, as well as for theirparents and guardians) began last academic year. Collaborating with the Student Counseling Room, theOffice of Advising Services for International Students (OASIS) and Health Service Center, this officeprovides comprehensive support tailored to students' needs. Life presents various challenges, and while
it is essential to confront them with resilience, it is equally important to remember that seeking assistancethrough consultation when needed is not a sign of weakness. If you encounter any difficulties, please do
not hesitate to reach out to these support channels or to consult with faculty members in your department

or graduate school.
(5) Closing Statement
In addition to the initiatives mentioned earlier, Saitama University offers a variety of unique lecturesand programs, such as those provided by the Diversity Promotion Center and the GY Program. Moreover,there are many students who excel in activities such as studying abroad, serving as Student Public
Relations Supporters, and participating in club and circle activities. The university provides a platform
where a wide range of activities are available for those who seek them. Alongside your daily studies, I
encourage you to explore and participate in activities that align with your interests and passions. It isfrom these experiences that new discoveries and insights will emerge. I sincerely hope that this year will
be meaningful and transformative for all students, fostering further growth and development.

April 2024
Takafumi Sakai
President, Saitama University