Top Global University Project （Type B） Ritsumeikan University
1. Outline[Name of the Project]

Bridging the World and Asia Human development to collaborate across cultures and contribute globally to Asian
communities[Future vision of the university planned in the Top Global University project]

Having “globalization” as the pillar of the university reform since 1980, Ritsumeikan University established westernJapan’s first College of International Relations in 1988. We have carried out various international programs that have
expanded the field of study for students, especially after being selected as a G30 member university in 2009. On thebasis of our experiences, through implementing the TGU projects, we aim at developing our education and research
as well as our organization in order to develop human resources who will collaborate across cultures and contributeglobally to Asian communities. Our future visions are as follows;
1. Enhance the partnerships with universities in Asia utilizing our strength as a comprehensive university to develop
human resources who will collaborate across cultures and contribute globally to Asian communities
2. Improve the quality of education and lead the globalization of Japanese higher education system as an Asian
leading university[Summary of project]Through carrying out the projects mainly in the fast-developing Asian region, we will promote students’ learning
experiences and interaction with people from other countries. We will develop human resources who will collaborate
across cultures and contribute globally to Asian communities; someone who has a deep understanding of “Asia andJapan in Asia”, who has a high aspiration and a spirit that seeks challenge, and who contributes to forming asustainable world through working in a multi-cultural environment.
Nearly 60 % of the entire population of the world live in Asia and we have a variety of languages, religions, manners,
customs, social systems and so on. In spite of its highly anticipated economic developments, there are issues thathas to be tackled together beyond countries and regions such as environmental energy, food, health, safety, andpreservation of peace and order. The key to resolution of the conflicts between nations is to cultivate each individual’s
understanding of different cultures and values, not to just be dependent on international politics. Through our TGU
projects, students at Ritsumeikan University will actively engage with people around the world and cultivate theirabilities to tackle issues and draw a path to the solution.
The Ritsumeikan Trust have designed the mid-long-term vision, “R2020”, with a message “Creating a future Beyond
Borders”. We develop the future and contribute to the global society by developing the universities’ international
viability, transparency, exchanges and creating opportunities beyond various borders.

[Summary of the 10-year plan]
1. Contribution to the global Asian communities – Re-question the existence of the world from Asia

Through each program, we develop human resources who will connect people with people, knowledge with knowledge
bi-directionally between Asia and the world and foster true trust and friendships. We present human resources to thesociety who will overcome conflicts and frictions between different cultures, develop the value of “Symbiosis, Co-creation
and Consonance”, contribute to forming a peaceful, sustainable world, and make a global contribution to Asian
communities.

2. Exploring, establishing, and transmitting the concept of “Asia Literacy”

We pursue exploration and establishing the “Asia Literacy” concept as basic knowledge required in order to understandand learn about Asia. Students will learn from the diversity of Asia in accord with historical, cultural, religious backgrounds
and cultivate their spirits of symbiosis and multi-cultural cooperation. Ritsumeikan University Asian Research Institute(tentative title), Double Degree Program with ANU are scheduled to be established.

3. Hub of Asian advanced human development –Contribution to Asia Science and Technology Community –We will establish a structure for creating Innovative Mind and utilize our scientific technology in order to solve the problems in
Asian countries and enterprises integrating our international deployment, research and educational capacity. We promote
cooperation among government, industry, academia and community (internship programs/ PBL) and establishment of jointlaboratories with universities overseas for development of diversified learning of students in the science and engineering field at“Asia Lab Learning (tentative title)”.

4. Hub of leading innovation human development –Asia Innovative Human Resources-

We will establishing and disseminate a concept of Asia Literacy for all students to deepen understanding of Asia. We
aim at creating a hub of human development to lead innovation in Asia through designing programs targeting undergraduate
students in the art and science field or social science field such as Global Asia Learning Program (tentative title), Japan-ChinaSouth Korea Campus Asia Program, East Asia Global Leader Program (tentative title), Abu Dhabi Business Competency Program.

5. Construction of “Ritsumeikan Learning Model”

With the objective of development of students' specialized knowledge active learning skills beyond borders, we will
construct “Ritsumeikan Learning Model” centered around the committee which consists of members from each college,
graduate schools, Division of Academic Affairs, Division of Student Affairs. We will offer diverse opportunities of learning
outside the classroom such as English programs and multi-cultural programs for both Japanese and international students.

6. Expanding JD and DD program

We will expand joint degree/double degree programs at each college and graduate school with the aim of offering
education specialized in each area in a globalized environment. Through partnerships with universities beyond countries,
we will expand high-quality and value-added learning opportunities as well as becoming a world-class educational
institution.

7. Development of Asian Studies as Top Global University

We will establish Ritsumeikan University Asian Research Institute as we position it one of the Top Global University’s
missions to make our base of Asian studies which lead to the knowledge and the practice of symbiosis in Asia.

8. Establishment of Global PR Strategy and information transmission

We will improve our presence and branding by presenting information overseas including educational contents, researchfindings and student’s extracurricular activities or sports activities. We might retain the services of student staff fortransmission of information positioning it as extracurricular international PBL, and we will utilize it as the opportunity
cultivating media literacy.

9. Infrastructure corresponding to globalization

With the aim of the university’s thorough globalization and improvement of the quality of education and research, we will
upgrade the infrastructure such as globalization of the education/learning system (global quality assurance, reform of theacademic calendar, course numbering system etc.), reform of admissions (IB admissions, international admissions etc.),
networking with the alumni who have global careers (+R Global Career Network), and Global Asia Village (tentative
title)(Dormitory for both domestic and international students).

10. Active development of international cooperation projects and establishment of a global network

Our strength is the contribution to the global society through our international cooperation projects. We will utilize thestrength that we have cultivated through various projects in Asia, Middle East, and Africa including bilateral projects to
expand our global network.

[Featured initiatives (Internationalization, University reform, Education reform) ]○ Globalization : Double degree program with Australian National University (ANU): ANU is a research-intensive university
which is ranked 25th in the QS World University Rankings 2014-15. We will develop our education, research, and also
quality assurance.

○ University Reform : We have established the Ritsumeikan Academy’s vision “R2020” with 8 basic strategies in order tomake constituent members have the common future vision of the academy. Under the cross-item slogan of “Ritsumeikan
Global Initiative”, we have been working on the globalization of the academy by constructing the system which connects
reforms in various fields to our globalization tasks.

○ Education Reform : In order to implement the slogan of “Beyond Borders” in teaching and learning, we will develop

projects which improve Ritsumeikan’s international compatibility (JD, DD etc.), the ones which improve its openness(expanding English courses, enhancing Japanese education), and the ones which promotes interactions with other cultures (multicultural cooperation projects, activities at Global Asia Village (tentative title) etc.).

2. FY2014 Progress■ Common indicators and targets
Internationalization
1. Discussion with ANU about the double degree program

We had discussions with ANU to share ideas about the double degree program and to talk about the possibilities to collaborate
in research, education, and contents of the program. (December 2014, January and March 2015) .

2. Concretization of JD and DD programs

We hold talks at Campus Asia Program partner universities (Japan, South
Korea, and China) about permanent installation of the JD program (November
and December 2014). JD and DD programs with American University had also
been discussed in terms of the commencing period, framework, subjects, andthe name of the degree (February and March 2015).

3. East Asia Global Leaders Development Program

With the purpose of inheriting the concepts of Campus Asia and promoting
globalization of education and research, Tamkang University in Taiwan, Kyung
Hee University in South Korea and Ritsumeikan University will conduct “EastAsia Global Leaders Development Program” in April, 2016.

4. Abu Dhabi Business Competency Formation Program

It was determined to start an internship program at enterprises in Abu Dhabi,
UAE, from 2016 (March 2014). Incorporating the perspective of Islamic culture
and global business, students will acquire global perspectives through working
with people in the cutting-edge energy industry.

Photo 1: International Symposium on
Disaster Mitigation held by Ritsumeikan
University and Gadjah Mada University

5. International Cooperation Projects

Special Training Program for Administrators from Chinese Universities was completed 2 years ago with the completion of the
yen loan project, however, we hold a networking event in terms of medium-and long-term academic research and education
which also was directed at following up the alumni (October 2014). Ritsumeikan University and Gadjah Mada University inIndonesia cohosted a symposium on disaster mitigation where students and faculty from both universities presented theirresearch findings. Many alumni who were sent to Ritsumeikan from the Indonesian government also participated in the
symposium (Photo 1, February 2015).

University reform
1. Establishment of Ritsumeikan GI （Global Initiative) Promotion Headquarters

We have established the Ritsumeikan Academy’s medium- and long-term vision “R2020” with 8 basic strategies directed at
the last half of the period (FY 2016-FY 2020) positioning the strategy of “Promotion of Ritsumeikan Global Initiative” as across-plan strategy. “GI Promotion Headquarters Committee” was set up in order to connect various reforms to the tasks ofglobalization and head the projects. Several discussions were held on the policy of Ritsumeikan’s international development
and progress report from each college and graduate school.

2. Improvement of the ratio of female researchers

We have confirmed that we will work on diversity environment infrastructure which
improves the ratio of female researchers (target: 25% in the FY 2023) and also
allows them to work comfortably. Leveraging our education at our affiliated schools,
we will implement efforts to broaden the base of female researchers and also beganconsideration of the framework in which the maintenance of the environment directly
leads to education and research. (e.g. create more touch points between female
students majoring in science and engineering at our affiliated schools and female
researchers)

3. Recruitment and training programs which focus on Ritsumeikan’s
international compatibility

Administrative staff are required to have international skills as there are more
Photo 2: Discussion between administrative
numbers of international operations. Given that there are also many opportunities
staff from Ritsumeikan and MJIIT(Malaysiafor them to work on globalization projects with the faculty, we have established theJapan International Institute of Technology)
leave of absence system for those who participate in the language / practicaltraining at partner institutions overseas or obtain a degree at overseas universities(recruitment in the FY 2014, commencement in the FY 2015) We have also actively set up the opportunities to expose them tothe international environment in Japan such as interaction with the staff from universities overseas (Photo 2).

Education reform
1. Concretization of Japanese foundation course concept (Ritsumeikan Pre-College * tentative title)

With the goal of establishment in 2017, the cross-sectional organization, which consists of Division of Academic Affairs, Divisionof Admissions, Division of International Affairs, and Division of General Planning and Development, began discussing thecurriculum, completion requirements, and the administrative structure.

2. International Admissions

We planned effective admission strategies and marketing also including the new regions leveraging our overseas offices. We
received applications from new regions which led to the creation of a global environment at undergraduate schools.

■ University’s own indicators and targets
1. Construction of Ritsumeikan Learning Model

With the purpose of concretization of “Ritsumeikan Learning Model” (page 2[Summary of our 10 Year Plan]), globalization of education and learning, reform ofEnglish education, reform of the educational system including academic calendar,
and the development of students’ active learning in the specialized disciplines
beyond borders have been discussed.

2. Cooperation through reconstruction assistance projects

We have been sending students on a continuing basis to the stricken Tohoku area
where mid- and long term support is required after the Great East Japan Earthquake.
18 students from Ritsumeikan, students from Taiwan and some volunteer students
built a makeshift meeting place in the football ground in Laos. This is the same typeof the building, called ODENSE, which students from Ritsumeikan built in Miyako City,
Iwate. We have also carried out projects which people learn from disasters beyond
nations such as a training program we conducted in Tohoku for Indonesianparticipants (Photo 3).

Photo 3: Participants of the Indonesia disastermitigation training program visiting the disaster area

3. Global Human Resource Development Program

We have conducted the program with the assistance of 28 organizations in the FY 2014 aiming at developing global leaders
through cooperation among government, industry, and academia. The participants aspire to work in a global environment in the
future and they address the issues which the enterprises face with in a team consists of students from different colleges andcountries.

■ Featured initiatives based on the characteristics of theuniversity
1. Promotion of globalization of all the campuses, colleges, graduate
and schools utilizing its comprehensibility

We have three campuses and each campus has its own characteristic as follows;- Kyoto (The campus for arts and humanities through traditions and creation)- Biwako Kusatsu in Shiga (The campus of innovation through the fusion of naturalscience and social science)- Osaka Ibaraki (The campus of problem-solving mind under the concepts of creationof the communities, regional/social cooperation, and the Asia gateway)
As we fully use the locations and characteristics of each campus, we connect theirstrengths organically to promote the globalization of the university as a whole.

〈 Ritsumeikan University's 3 campuses 〉

2. Education development through cooperation among government, industry, and academia and our
research capabilities

We carry out research PBL programs in collaboration with the cutting-edge hub of research such as Ritsumeikan Global Innovation
Research Institute (R-GIRO), Digital Humanities Center for Japanese Arts and Cultures (Art Research Center), Institute of Disaster
Mitigation for Cultural Heritage, Research Centre for Paleoclimatology, Ritsumeikan International Research Center for Gastronomic
Science. We also promote global education and research programs with graduate students through research projects.

3. Globalization of administrative staff which leads to globalization of Ritsumeikan University

We position it as one of the pillars of globalization of Ritsumeikan University to globalize our administrative staff. In the FY2014, wesent 4 staff from different divisions to University of York in U.K. for the training program. We will increase the number of staff who
have internationally compatible skills and encourage them to utilize their learnings from the training to their operation when theycome back to Ritsumeikan in order to promote globalization of Ritsumeikan University and staff development.

■ Free description
1. Global Asia Village (tentative title) Concept

We have been working on the arrangement of the environment which allows ourstudents to have experiences that are “Beyond Borders”. As we clarify the positionof the dormitory as a place for education, we will make it a place for multi-cultural
cooperation for both international students and domestic students.

2. Expanding our overseas offices

As of the academic year 2013/2014, we operate Ritsumeikan India Office andRitsumeikan UK Office. We also have established UBC Office at the University of
British Columbia which handles operations related to the joint program. We will open
new offices in Australia, ASEAN countries (Vietnam or Indonesia), the Middle Eastand so forth to build a network and improve our presence through presenting the〈 Location of our overseas offices and potential locations 〉
research findings and student recruitment.

3. FY2015 Progress■ Common indicators and targets
Internationalization
1. Exploring the Possibility of a New Collaboration-Joint Undergraduate Degree Program with American University-

The College of International Relations signed an agreement to cooperateand develop a Joint Undergraduate Degree Program (JUDP) with the Schoolof International Service at American University.

We have already set up Japan’s first DMDP (Dual Master’s Degree
Program) and DUDP (Dual Undergraduate Program) with American
University, which has produced over 400 accomplished graduates in various Provost Bass (American University)
fields such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Department of State and Vice President Ichikawa (Ritsumeikan)
and various international organizations.
Based on our 25-year proven track record, we are launching a plan to establish JUDP in 2018, the first suchbachelor program by a Japanese university.

2. Establishment of the “Asia-Japan Research Institute” and “Asia-Japan Research Center ”

The Ritsumeikan Asia-Japan Research Institute and Asia-Japan Research Center were established in December
2015 to produce and promote future academic research throughout Asia.

3. Newly-built International Dormitory “I-House Taishogun”
In September 2015, I-House Taishogun was built to accommodate
the increasing number of students and researchers coming to
Ritsumeikan University. The dormitory is home to students from 32
different countries and regions.

Student volunteer staff and Resident Mentors live withinternational students to promote a cooperative and internationallyminded study environment while also helping to internationalize
the local community through special events.

I-House Taishogun

University reform
1. Creation of an Action Plan for the Second Stage of R2020 (2016-2020)

In May 2016, an action plan for the next stage of R2020 was formulated under the direction of the Ritsumeikan
Global Initiative Promotion Head Office, led by President Mikio Yoshida. Having set our key challenge to promote
Ritsumeikan’s Global Initiatives, we aim to rapidly accelerate the development of our education and research with
global competency.

2. Enhancing the Global Capabilities of Staff Through a Personnel Development System

Since 2016, we have taken steps to enhance the skills of our staff. Skill development is approached in 4 ways,
language study support, short-term study abroad programs, mid-term study abroad programs and on-the-job
training, in order to help staff improve language proficiency and global knowledge to excel in their work. Suchefforts have already resulted in a steady improvement in staff TOEIC scores.

Education reform
1. New Multi-Lateral Educational Model (Campus Asia)
This is a trilateral program operated by partners in Japan,
China and South Korea, designed to allow students fromthose countries to learn on-site about each other’s history,
culture and society.

In 2015, this program produced 30 graduates fromacrossthe three universities. It will be offered on a regularbasis to students to foster a new generation of humanities
leaders in East Asia. Since 2016, students have also beenable to take a yearly “Asian Community Leadership
Seminar”.

Pilot students of Campus Asia Program■ University’s own indicators and targets
1. Career Support Program -Creating Talented Global Individuals-

We conducted an academic-industrial alliance program, in which domestic and international students learned
together for 7 months and had internships in international companies.

2. Go Match Between 4 Universities

In August 2015, an International Go Match was held at OIC. The
participants consisted of students from 4 universities; BeiHANG University(China), Myongji University (South Korea), Tamkang University (Taiwan)
and Ritsumeikan (Japan). They played exciting matches and were able tostrengthen cultural ties through the game of Go.
Competitors from 4 countries; Japan,
China, South Korea and Taiwan.

■ Featured initiatives based on the characteristics of the university
1. Asia Future Session

In November 2015, an Asia Future Session was held at OIC, inviting Lim
Kah Wai (film director), Tamako Mitarai (Representative Director,
Kesennuma Knitting Co., Ltd), and Kazunari Taguchi (Social Entrepreneur,
Borderless Japan Corporation).

Malaysian Film Director-Lim Kah Wai talked about the importance ofconnecting with others and trying to understand other people's feelings asa means to find clues for various issues in Asia.
Following the lecture presentation, speakers held lively discussions withstudents about how to tackle and solve issues in Asia.

〈 ○○○○○○○ 〉
Active discussions with audience

2. Ritsumeikan Co-hosts Symposium with Embassy of Japan in
the UKIn March 2016, we held an international symposium at the Embassy ofJapan in the UK, titled “UK-Japan Collaboration, The past and Future
Earth – Climate Change and Co-existing Sustainably with Nature”, with
about 75
participants including Mr. Keiichi Hayashi, Japanese
Ambassador to the UK. Various intriguing presentations and speeches
were enthusiastically received and followed by a question and answer
session with the audience.
As always, Ritsumeikan University will strive to continuously deliver fruitfulachievements in the areas of education and research, and promotevarious projects in collaboration with other universities and organizations.

UK-Japan Collaboration Symposium

4. FY2016 Progress■ Common indicators and targets
Internationalization
1. Concept for the Australian National University (ANU) Double Degree Program

RU worked towards the establishment of the “College of Global Liberal Arts (tentative name)”, set to open in
April 2019, and hammered out the concept for the ANU Double Degree Program. Both RU and ANU willcontinue to discuss and develop this program together.

2. Campus Asia Program

From this year, the Campus Asia Program became a permanent program and was selected for the "MEXTFY2016 Re-Inventing Japan Project" for the second consecutive term. A total of 240 students from Japan,
China, and South Korea are expected to participate in this program during the next 4 years. At the core of thisprogram is the effort to expand exchange between Japan, China, and South Korea both on and off campuses
and disseminate academic research resulting from this program.

3. Asian Community Leadership Seminar

The Asian Community Leadership Seminar, an international education(study abroad) program jointly operated by Kyung Hee University (South
Korea), Tamkang University (Taiwan), and RU, was offered. A total of 26
participants from the 3 universities participated in the program, developing
their ability to think creatively, critically, and independently from aninternational perspective based on the concepts epitomized in the
keywords of "Peace", "Asia", and "Future". Students from various countries
came together to build relationships of peace and sustainable developmentin Asia and the wider world.

(Asian Community Leadership Seminar
Completion Ceremony at Tamkang University)

University reform
1. Recruitment and training programs which focus on Ritsumeikan's international compatibility

In order to improve the ability of staff to do international work on a daily basis, we offer many opportunities
such as the leave of absence system to allow them to obtain a degree at an overseas university and participate
in international cooperation projects. A demonstrable result of these efforts is participants' ability to improvetheir TOEIC scores.

2. Ritsumeikan Global Initiative External Evaluation Committee Meeting

With regards to Ritsumeikan's efforts to promote internationalization, we held an External Evaluation
Committee meeting made up of outside experts. The external committee members consisted of 2 industry
professionals and 2 university professors, 1 from Australia and 1 from Japan. They actively exchanged theiropinions with about 20 executive staff and faculty members working under President Mikio Yoshida. At themeeting, although a few things were pointed out that we have yet to achieve, the university received highpraise for its current state of internationalization.

Education reform
1. Establishment of the Information Systems Science and Engineering (ISSE) Program
With the start of the ISSE program in 2017, we conducted the admissions test
for the program’s inaugural term. This program allows students to receive
their undergraduate degree while receiving instruction completely in English.

2. Initiatives to improve students' language abilities

All colleges (14 in total) are involved in English language education that isrooted in each college's aim to develop individuals of great talent. We
investigated methods to clearly verify students' level of achievement inaccordance with each college's aim.

3. Graduate school career paths(ISSE class environment)

In addition to students utilizing skills and knowledge gained through research in a variety of fields, we offer
seminars that cover the general skills and fundamental knowledge necessary to help them develop andachieve their desired career. We also actively invite undergraduate students to participate in these seminars toencourage them to further their education.

■ University’s own indicators and targets
1. Global Human Resource Development ProgramThis extra curricular program aims to enhance the abilities and qualities needed in a global society throughindustry-academia collaborations. We have received support from numerous large and medium-sizedenterprises, and have overcome the barriers between humanities and science students, undergraduate andgraduate students, and Japanese and international students. In the program, students from various countries
study together in teams for roughly 7 months. Up until this point, 7 different classes of students have completed
this program, sending many talented individuals out into the world.

2. Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT)

Entrusted by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), we
conducted training for 10 young faculty and staff members from MJITT.
This being the 4th time we conducted such training, we have received a
total of 40 Malaysian faculty and staff thus far. Through this training,participants were able to gain a deeper understanding of education,
research, and student support work.

3. Global Leadership Training Program(MJIIT on-the-job training)
The leadership training program was co-hosted with Nagoya University.
This program was conducted in both Japanese and English, and had
students working together in search of solutions to the various issues that they presented to each other,allowing them to think about what it means to be a global leader.

■ Featured initiatives based on the characteristics of the university
1. Establishment of the Beyond Borders Plaza (BBP)

We had numerous discussions regarding initiatives to promote exchange and cooperative study between
Japanese and international students of RU, and from the next academic year we will establish an "international
exchange commons" on every campus called Beyond Boarders Plaza. It will be a place that combines the best
aspects of language education and cultural exchange.

2. Increasing the number of exchange students and expanding partnerships

A total of 556 international students (as of March 29) plan to enroll as regular students (363 undergraduates,
193 graduate students) at RU in the coming academic year, a significant increase from the 407 international
students (224 undergraduates, 183 graduate students) the previous year. In addition, a total of 1,730 students
from RU have been sent abroad on programs for which they will receive university credit, a remarkableincrease from the 1,598 students sent abroad in the previous year. As of September 2016, we have increased
our partnerships with overseas universities and institutions by 7, which also included an additional country,
making for a total of 445 partner universities and institutions across 68 countries and regions.

3. International Industry-Academic Collaborative PBL Program

RU is conducting a program with the Indian Institute of Technology (IITH),
one of India's premiere technical institutions, in which teams consisting ofstudents from both universities work together to investigate water,
environmental and energy issues in India. In addition, engineering
professionals participate in the program, allowing students to propose
solutions to such issues from a practical technological and engineering
standpoint. This program gained attention and was featured in a show
broadcast on the BS Japan network.

■ Free Description(RU and IITH students
preparing for their presentation)

1. Abu Dhabi Business Competency Formation Program

Oil business internships were setup in the Middle East. We sent 2 students this year, and we will work tocontinue this program in cooperation with the host company, producing many talented individuals with aninternational perspective.

2. Establishment of New Overseas Offices

As of 2016, we have overseas offices based in New Delhi (India), London (England), and Vancouver (Canada).
Two new overseas offices will be established in Peking (China) and Hanoi (Vietnam) from the following
academic year. Each overseas office actively promotes various integral activities and is in charge of exchange
program development and recruitment, as well as collecting information for our university regarding higher
education in each country. These offices are a powerful driving force for the internationalization of Ritsumeikan.

5. FY2017 Progress■ Common indicators and targets
Internationalization
1. American University - Ritsumeikan University Joint Degree Program
The agreement was signed with American University(Washington, D.C., USA) for implementation of “American
University - Ritsumeikan University Joint Degree Program,”the first of its kind in Japanese undergraduate schools. The
student recruitment, admission, curriculum, administrative
structure, counseling and student-support system werecoordinated and developed jointly between the two
universities. The new program officially began in April, 2018.
(Signing ceremony in September, 2017)(Photo by Jeff Watts, courtesy of American University)

2. Dual Degree Program with Australian National University(ANU)
We signed the undergraduate dual degree agreement with
ANU (Canberra, Australia), which enables students fromeach institution to graduate with two degrees. The program
will be operated by our newly-established College of Global
Liberal Arts (GLA) and ANU Coral Bell School of Asia PacificAffairs. GLA will offer Japan’s first bachelor’s course
incorporating a college-wide dual degree program, and theagreement will lead to Australia's first undergraduate dual
degree with a Japanese partner.
3. Opening of new International House Dormitory(I-House)
Located near Osaka Ibaraki Campus, the new I-House
opened in March, 2018, for both international anddomestic students. The dormitory is comprised of 168
individual rooms with shared units. Each unit has akitchen, living-dining space, and six individual rooms,
and is designed to respect the residents’ privacy aswell as to enhance cross-cultural exchange on a daily
basis in the common area.

University reform(Signing ceremony in October, 2017)(Individual rooms)(Shared unit area)

1. Admission officer
We established the Office of Admissions Strategic Planning in Division of Admissions in April, 2017, with the aimof strengthening our global admission structure. In order to analyze current information related to HighSchool/University Articulation Reforms as well as to properly respond to the increasing number of international
applicants, an admission officer on a permanent employment contract is assigned to the Division of Admissions.
2. Training of administrative staff at International Network Universities (INU)
As a part of capacity development training for staff to incorporate advanced cases of foreign universities into
building future administrative structure, we conducted shadowing program for four staff members. They learned
how the administration is organized in various divisions and offices at INU member universities in Spain and theU.K.

Education reform
1. New English-based course launched (College of Information Science and Engineering)“Information Systems Science and Engineering Course (ISSE)” has began with 16 enrolled students, including
two Japanese, as the first English-based course in our College of Information Science and Engineering.
2. Conference on Test of English for Academic Purposes (TEAP)
As a partner university, we held a conference on TEAP with Eiken Foundation of Japan on our campus. This
helped participating high schools and universities deepen their understanding of utilizing private-sector English
tests as well as our efforts to utilize them for English assessment. The participants could learn thecharacteristics of different private-sector tests, and think about the future potential of utilizing them together
with high school teachers.

■ University’s own indicators and targets
1. Global Human Resource Development ProgramThis extracurricular program aims to enhance the abilities andqualities needed in a global society through industryacademia collaborations. In FY 2017, the 8th batch of
students consisting of 20 Japanese and 20 international
students, participated in the program. Divided into teams ofdiverse countries, they learned with/from each other for 7
months to formulate solutions to the problems presented bycompanies. One student commented: “It was a wonderful
opportunity to interact with motivated students from various(Presentation session in Global Humancountries and faculties.” The average number of students
Resource Development Program)from the last batch of the program who were employed by wellknown companies is higher than that of the whole university; this adds another significance to the program.
2. Extracurricular activity in Micronesia
An overseas interactive activity of a student group, as a part of Ritsumeikan Project in Globalization (RPG),
took place in Micronesia. 12 students, accompanied by a university staff member, participated and interactedwith students of College of Micronesia. It became an opportunity for them to deepen their understanding ofenvironmental preservation problems and globalize their extracurricular activity.

■ Featured initiatives based on the characteristics of the university

1. Global Fieldwork Project
Mainly targeting freshmen without a requirement of language
skills, this short-term project enhances the students’ abilities tolearn independently. The first courses were held in FY 2017 at
Ho Chi Minh City University of Social Sciences andHumanities and University of Science Malaysia for 30
participants each. The unique point of this project is thenumber of applicants from College of Information Science andEngineering is the largest among all of our overseas programs,
which shows the project attracts students in the science field,
and it significantly appeals to their motivation to study abroad.
In the next FY, we will expand the project and organize 4(Global Fieldwork Project in Malaysia)
courses for totally 120 students, which newly includes acourse at Pannasastra University in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Furthermore, we will concretize the development
and establishment of a new assessment method particularly for the participants of this project.
2. Expanding overseas offices
1) Beijing, China
In September, 2017, Ritsumeikan University Beijing Office was established inside JSPS Beijing Research
Office in order to further deepen people-to-people exchange and mutual understanding between the twocountries. The office provides information about the advantages of studying in Japan through Chinese SNS
such as Weibo, work on public relations and support activities of the Ritsumeikan Alumni Association.
2) Hanoi, Vietnam
In March, 2018, we opened Ritsumeikan University Vietnam Office inside Foreign Trade University. The
purpose of this office is to engage in recruitment of Vietnamese students, creating partnerships with
Vietnamese universities, and enforcing the network with Japanese-affiliated companies and members of the
Ritsumeikan Alumni Association in Vietnam. We aim to improve our presence and branding in ASEAN region.

■ Free Description
1. Development of the Official Website of the Top Global University Project (TGU)
As the university in charge of operating the official website of
TGU, we have expanded its content with new topics such as“studying abroad”, “campus life” and “interviews with students
who studied abroad”, as well as “8 core points of the project”
and “specific programs of TGUs” in the Outline/Initiatives
pages. In addition, We have developed a new feature thatallows the universities to individually post news and event
announcements. Furthermore, we opened the website inEnglish to widely transmit information of the project outline,(Top page of TGU official website)
campus life, each university’s programs. We also created two
digital flyers of the project in Japanese and English, which can be downloaded for promotion of TGU.

6. FY2018 Progress■ Common indicators and targets
Internationalization
1. Establishment of American University - Ritsumeikan University Joint Degree Program
In April 2018, in collaboration with American University, the Joint Degree
Program officially began as the first of its kind at an undergraduate level
in Japan. In May, we held an inauguration ceremony at one of ourcampuses, along with a special open lecture by professors from
American University for students from our university and affiliated highschools, followed by a session for officials from other universities tointroduce the system and background of this brand new program.
2. Opening of Beyond Borders Plaza (BBP)In April 2018, we opened a new global commons, “Beyond Borders Plaza(BBP),” at each of our three campuses. Its mission is to overcome
international borders, cultural boundaries, language barriers anddifferences in values, and build ties through mutual discovery, focusing
on international exchange and language learning. By providing a space
where students can develop their global capabilities with each other, we
aim to produce human resources to the world who will collaborate acrosscultures.

(BBP at Biwako-Kusatsu Campus)

3. Further enhancement of research(Signing ceremony
with Cornell University
in June 2018)(Signing ceremony with The
University of British Columbia)
in November 2018)

4. Symposiums coordinated by overseas offices
We held a joint academic symposium at Tsinghua
University (China) under the theme “Culture andCreation in East Asia - The trajectory ofInteraction” in December 2018. We also held aninternational simposium entitled “From London to
Tokyo - the Cutting-Edge Research of Sport &Health” at the Embassy of Japan in UK in February
2019. Both symposiums were held as part of theactivities of our overseas offices and they
contributed to the promotion of research findings ofand academic exchange between researchers.

(Inauguration ceremony in May 2018)

In June 2018, we concluded a memorandum ofagreement with Mario Einaudi Center forInternational Studies of Cornell University with theaim of promoting international academic
exchange. With this, we now take part in researchexchange centered on Meridian 180, aninternational research network headquartered atCornell University. And in November 2018, weconcluded another memorandum of agreementwith The University of British Columbia in order todeepen the existing research exchange which has
lasted for years.

(Joint academic symposiumwith Tsinghua University)in December 2018)

5. Ranked top for the number of Japanese students sent abroad
Japan Student Services Organization announced the results of survey for thenumber of Japanese students sent abroad based on student exchange
agreements for FY2018, and we were ranked at the top (1,543 students) for
the first time in our history. This is the fruit of our efforts to develop overseas
programs attractive to students as well as to enhance students support
system before and after joining the programs, in order to send more students
abroad and develop their international compatibility through various programs.
Furthermore, “The Survey of International Students in Japan” ranked
Ritsumeikan University eighth for the number of inbound international
students (2,446 students).

(International symposium atthe Embassy of Japan in UK
in February 2019)(Pre-departure guidanceon overseas programs)

■ University reform
1. Mid-term plan “R2030 Academy Vision”
With an eye on realizing the ideal shape of the Ritsumeikan Academy for theyear 2030, we formulated the R2030 Academy Vision to serve as the basis forour next mid-term plan for Academy management. In formulating this vision, we
proactively sought the input of our young faculty and staff and external
stakeholders, and the end result is an ambitious document that seeks to overturnconventional ideas about the roles of education and research institutions. With
“Actively Contribute to Global Society” as one of its objectives, the new planpursues further enhancement of global education and research.

(Conceptual diagram of

R2030 Academy Vision)
2. Training for building global capabilities of staff
For our staff to gain a deeper understanding of advanced cases in overseas universities and enhance theirinternational way of thinking which is necessary for conducting work with people in other countries, we held atraining program based on the problems recognized by participating divisions and participants.
Our next step is to improve their global capabilities through tasks such as accompanying students in overseas
programs in cooperation with faculty members, and overseas risk management associated with dispatchingthem.

■ University’s own indicators and targets

1. Global Human Resource Development Program
In order to foster global leaders who will lead the future of Japan and theworld, we conducted Global Human Resource Development Program again
this year, in which 40 students (16 international and 24 Japanese students)
participated. The students worked in mixed teams of both Japanese andinternational in a Project-Based Learning (PBL) program with the cooperationof 5 private enterprises. In addition, they took part in trainings at companies,
which was supported by a total of 12 companies and organizations (6 (Students participating in the program)domestic companies and 6 overseas companies and organizations).
2. “Sustainable Week 2018”
In October 2018, we held an experience-based SDGs event “Sustainable Week 2018” in order to create an
opportunity for participants to start thinking about “Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)” set by the United
Nations. This annual event is organized by a student group, and has been highly acclaimed as evidenced by
its winning a grand prize in “First University SDGs ACTION! AWARDS” from Asahi Shimbun in FY 2017, and“Sustainable Campus Award” from CAS-Net JAPAN this year.

■ Featured initiatives based on the characteristics of the university
1. Support to Strengthen University Administrative Functions of EgyptJapan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST)
Since May 2017, Ritsumeikan University has been entrusted by Japan
International Cooperation Agency to support E-JUST in reinforcement of its
administrative functions. We assigned one of our staff members to E-JUST,and provided assistance in conducting the first independent entrance exams
in the history of Egyptian national universities, in developing manuals foracademic administration, student support and career support system, andoffered advice on job seeking support for undergraduate students, while
focusing on independence and potential for further development of E-JUSTin ensuring their operations become more effective and efficient.

(Entrance exam for undergraduate
courses at E-JUST)■ Free Description

1. Establishment of infographic website
2. Development of the Official Website of the Top
We created an infographic website on our English
Global University Project
website in order to make the university’s general
Continued from the previous year, a new interview
information visually appealing. This infographic will
video of a Japanese student who has studied abroad
be utilized for student recruitment and atand that of an international student studying in Japan
international conferences.
have been uploaded on the website. In addition, we
created a new page to introduce unique research
activities of three
universities in Japaneseand English languages.

(Infographic website (in English))(Introduction of research activities
on the official website)7. FY2019 Progress【Ritsumeikan University】■ Common indicators and targets
Internationalization
1. Opening of College of Global Liberal Arts Offering a Dual
Degree Program with The Australian National University
The College of Global Liberal Arts was established in April 2019, at its coreis the dual degree program with The Australian National University (ANU).
In the first year 65 students enrolled (23 in April and 42 in September). A
joint steering committee from both universities has been set up. Also a
program manager from ANU, based at Ritsumeikan University is
responsible for day to day decision making.

Opening Ceremony (April 2019)

2. The First Cohort of American University-Ritsumeikan University Joint Degree Program Start
their Semester at American University
In August 2019, students of the joint degree program (JDP)
from the College of International Relations started their studies
at American University, Washington D.C., United States.
JDP is a program to study the latest international relations andis based on the jointly designed curriculum by both universities.
Students participate in an exchange program during the course.
The program started in 2018 and there are currently 32
students enrolled in the 2019 academic year.

Induction at American University (August 2019)

3. Research Cooperation Agreement Amongst World Top Universities In July 2019 an agreement with the

Research Cooperation Agreementwith the University of Oxford(July 2019)

University of Oxford was concluded topromote the further advancement ofresearch in the fields of Geology andArcheology. In February 2020, Ritsumeikan
University and the University of California,
Berkeley, signed a new researchcooperation agreement focusing on digitalarchiving.
Ritsumeikan continuously aims to enhance
the quality of research by developing joint
international research activities.

Research Cooperation Agreementwith UC Berkeley(February 2020)

4. New International Exchange Base Wakebayashi International Plaza
Wakebayashi International Plaza and dormitory opened at
Osaka Ibaraki Campus in September 2019. The dormitory
accommodates up to 200 international and domestic
students. The building is designed as a base forinternational exchange and a place to experience Japaneseculture. The campus encourages the study of Japaneseculture and cross-cultural exchange by bringing
opportunities for students to experience this in their day to
day life.

Wakebayashi International Plaza

5. New Overseas Office (Washington D.C.)
In March 2020, the Washington D.C. Office was establishedas our 6th overseas office after Canada, the UK, India, China
and Vietnam. The office supports students who study a joint
degree program at American University. The office also plays
a role in promoting the presence of Ritsumeikan locally andsupporting activities for the alumni association.

Washington D.C.
Office■ University reform【Ritsumeikan University】

1. Skill Enhancement for Administrative Staff(1) Study Abroad Program Accompanied by Administrative Staff

In September 2019, a week-long study abroad experience project called Global
Fieldwork Project was carried out in each of the following destinations; Bangkok,
Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. The project's research theme
was set up by each team. This project also aids as a training opportunity foradministrative staff to gain a global skills. Admin staff accompany every course toprovide support to the faculty member.

(2) Deployment of a Member of Staff to Overseas Offices

We continue to send staff members to our offices in Canada and Vietnam. The aim
is to enhance their global competence by offering an opportunity to have crossculture experiences depending on their ability.

Global Fieldwork Project in Bangkok

2. Establishment of the Office of University Assessment and Institutional Research

In 2019, the Office of University Assessment and Institutional Research, reformed from a former Office of University
Assessment, was set up as an enhancement to IR function.
In September, a symposium was held with the theme ‘To realize an internal quality assurance – prospective from IR andCertified Evaluation and Accreditations’. At the symposium based on an experience from the Certified Evaluation andAccreditations audited in 2018, an achievement point of internal quality assurance has been publicized, and a panel discussion
themed ‘A role of IR and internal quality assurance at university based on global standard’ was held.

3. Global Initiative External Evaluation Committee Meeting

In March 2020, with the attendance of outside experts, a Global Initiative
External Evaluation Committee Meeting was held to receive an assessment forour promotion on globalization. Two industry professionals and two university
professors were commissioned to audit our progress from 2016. They examined
our logic model, a self-sufficiency plan after the subsidized period, and it’soutcomes and tasks. The evaluation concluded that it is considered possible toachieve the objectives by continuing the current effort.

■ Featured initiatives based on the characteristics of
the university
Promotion of Diversity and Inclusion

The ‘Research-Life Support Division for Promotion of Gender Equality’ wasestablished (under the direct jurisdiction of the president), to raise awareness andcreate a more diverse environment. The establishment of the division has so far
achieved the following; The appointment of 'Research Support Staff’, the opening ofCampus Daycare Center (on Kinugasa Campus and Biwako-Kusatsu Campus), theassignment of female professors in all colleges, promoting the employment of tenured
female faculty and an increase in the number of grants-in-aid secured by female
researchers. This has led to Ritsumeikan University being given the highest possible
rating of 'S' (outstanding) on the recently conducted mid-term evaluation for MEXT’s
New window ‘Initiative for Realizing Diversity in the Research Environment (DistinctiveFeatures Type)’, part of the Science and Technology Human Resource Development
Support Program. We have re-confirmed to work as a whole academy, withcollaboration from each organization and structure a new promoting system tomeasure progress.

■ Free Description
1. Renewal of the Study Abroad Program Website

Global Initiative External Evaluation
Committee Meeting(March 2020)

Research-Life Support Division for
Promotion of Gender Equality Website

2. Enhancement of the Top Global University Official
Website (As the Website Host University)

Content has been added to the Top Global University (TGU)
The study abroad program website has been renewed as part of official website to publicise the unique activities of the selected
universities. Examples of this include projects to meet the SDG’sa review of the internal public relations. The aim is for studying
abroad to be recognised as another possible learning opportunity and case studies from the study abroad program. This content
for our students. The website allows students to apply online for has been added to raise awareness of the social significance of
the SDG’s and to publish information about the study abroad
the short-term programs.
program from the perspective of the students.

Study Aroad Program Website

Introduction of SDGs by Participating Universities(TGU Official Website)

８．FY2020 Progress【Ritsumeikan University】■ Common indicators and targets
Internationalization
1. Implementation of joint degree programs
during the COVID-19 pandemic
With the global spread of COVID-19, the American
University - Ritsumeikan University Joint Degree
Program (JDP) and other joint/dual degree programs
had to suspend exchange activities involving physicaltravel, but detailed support, such as revised learningschedules and flexible options, were provided by
Ritsumeikan and partner universities.
The development of an environment for online exchange andconsultation accelerated multifaceted exchange with our JDP
partner, American University, including new styles of student
support and exchange programs as well as joint participation ina research consortium.

Online Exchange Hosted byAmerican University (October 2020)

Joint Participation in a ResearchConsortium “Global Insight”

2. Launch of online outbound/inbound programs
To ensure learning and study abroad opportunities for students despite the COVID-19 crisis, Ritsumeikan
University developed new study-abroad programs for both inbound and outbound students throughconsultation with partner universities. These new study-abroad options, which have been tailored to thenew digital era, have been collectively named “Smart Global Learning.”
To give an example, a new program was jointly developed with the University of California Davis to offer
two courses: one aimed at acquiring academic skills necessary for learning at overseas universities andthe other to learn about various issues faced by the US and Japan related to the UN sustainable
development goals.
College-specific online programs have also been developed. The College of Pharmaceutical Sciences offered the Toronto Clinical Training
Program (TCTP), an exchange program with the Toronto Hospital for Sick Children and the University of Toronto. We are working to further
enhance online exchange programs and planning to cooperate with eight overseas universities to offer online programs in the summer of 2021.
Online inbound programs are also being developed. A 10-day program was held mainly for learning Japanese and engaging in international
exchange with Ritsumeikan students in both January and February of 2021.

Program with the University of California Davis(February 2021)

Toronto Clinical Training Program (TCTP)(February 2021)

Short Online Inbound Program(February 2021)

3. Conditions for participation in an online exchange program
In response to the COVID-19 situation, a university-wide policy has been clarified on conditions (enrollment, scholarship, credit transfer, etc.) for
participation in an online exchange program, in lieu of physical travel abroad. Students in an online exchange program shall, in principle, takecourses provided by the host institution. However, as an exception, registration for courses at Ritsumeikan University may be approved up to acertain number of credits in addition to online courses registered at the host institution, as a remedy for cases in which courses offered online
are limited or when other difficult situations arise.
4. Support for foreign students coming to Japan
We set up a special website in both Japanese and English to provide information necessary for foreign students entering Japan andappropriately updated information in accordance with the border control measures imposed by the Japanese Government. The site also
provides an inquiry form for foreign students to use. The international student support coordinators appointed at each campus responded toinquiries and consultation requests from foreign students. When new foreign students were allowed to enter Japan, we arranged fortransportation from the airport and secured accommodation and health monitoring during the quarantine period as appropriate. Rather thanclosing our international dormitories where foreign and Japanese students live together, infection control measures were thoroughly
implemented to provide an environment in which students can safely and securely continue to live together.
For regular international students who could not enter Japan due to border control, course guidance was provided online to support their course
registration.

【Ritsumeikan University】

5. Promotion of online international exchange and joint learning

Restriction of campus entry and other infection control measures imposed during the COVID-19 crisis have been extensively limiting
opportunities for students to interact and learn together on campus. However, many online events have been organized at the Beyond
Borders Plaza (BBP), a global commons focusing on international exchange and language learning , mainly by peer support organizations .
A total of 1,825 participants took part in BBP events organized during AY2020.
6. Agreement on helping international students find a job in Japan signed with Hello Work Umeda
In March 2021, Ritsumeikan University entered into an agreement on helping international
students find a job in Japan with Hello Work Umeda (“Osaka Foreign Employment Service
Center ”). It was the first agreement reached in Western Japan between a Hello Work office anda university to support international students. The agreement will step up government-academia
cooperation to support the job search of international undergraduate and graduate students,
including provision of guidance throughout the process from Response to the COVID-19
pandemic job offer has been received.

■ University reform

Agreement with Hello Work Umeda(March 2021)
Based on the Basic Outline of Risk Management established by the Ritsumeikan Trust, Ritsumeikan University established The Ritsumeikan
Trust Crisis Response Task Force (Chairman: Chairman of the Board of Trustees) in response to the spread of COVID-19 to ensure agile crisis
management. In April 2020, an emergency support package totaling ¥2.5 billion was announced and executed in sequence. The packagefeatured support for preparing the necessary environment for taking online classes; aid for students whose families had suffered suddenchanges in household finances; and support for online learning, campus life, and other activities . As part of the package, the Ritsumeikan
University Emergency Student Support Fund was established in June the same year to financially support students who are not able to work attheir part-time jobs or whose allowance from their families had decreased as a result of sudden changes in the household financial situation due
to the COVID-19 outbreak. The number of international students who received this support amounted to 472. The results of the recipientquestionnaire proved that we were able to help students continue their learning. In addition, the University provided economic support of 30,000
yen each to international students in the fall semester, and financial aid was offered to support students entering Japan in relation totransportation from the airport and accommodation during the quarantine period.
1. Response to the COVID-19 pandemic

2. Practical FD Program for New Faculty Members received program accreditation
In June 2020, Ritsumeikan University’s Practical FD Program for New Faculty Members became the first program to receive program
accreditation (complete accreditation) from the Japan Association for Educational Development (JAED). JAED is the only organization in
Japan that is a member of The International Consortium for Educational Development (ICED), which promotes educational and academic
development in higher education with member organizations from 26 countries worldwide. The accreditation received from JAED shows that,in addition to being highly evaluated for its systematized program and detailed support from consultants as well as the high completion rate
and participant satisfaction, our training program for new Promotion of diversity and inclusion framework of basic educational skills required ofa university teacher as specified by JAED.

■ Featured initiatives based on the characteristics of the university
Promotion of Diversity and Inclusion
We upheld the ideal of “An academy dedicated to realizing diversity and inclusion” as an ideal shape of the academy in R2030 Ritsumeikan
Academy Vision and established the Office of Diversity and Inclusion Promotion (D&I) in June 2020 as a new unit dedicated to promoting
diversity and inclusion. The following December, the Chancellor’s Statement “Toward the Promotion of Diversity and Inclusion ” wasformulated and announced to provide guidelines for developing concrete measures to promote such values.
In addition, in October 2020, Ritsumeikan University was selected for the “Initiative for Realizing Diversity in the Research Environment(Advanced Type),” a MEXT Subsidy Program for Human Resource Development for Science and Technology. Having been adopted for the“Advanced Type,” we will set higher targets than those established when we were adopted for the “Distinctive Features Type” in AY2016. We
will also support efforts to actively recruit and promote female researchers to senior positions to enhance diversity in the research environment
and produce outstanding research outcomes.

■ Free Description
1. Hosted the 2nd The Top Global University Project
Online Symposium
Representing the institutions adopted as a Top Global University,
Ritsumeikan University hosted “the 2nd Top Global University
Project Online Symposium – “Globalization in Higher Education post
COVID-19 Pandemic” in November 2020. What will be the “newnormal” for higher education? The symposium was held to consider
in a future-oriented manner how Japanese universities should
pursue internationalization, through sharing specific efforts made bynational, public, and private universities. The event gained 250
participants from 22 countries.

TGU Online Symposium (November 2020)

2. Enhancement of the Top Global University Official Website(As the Official Website Host University)
Case examples of how some universities adapted theirinternationalization practices and study abroad programs to thepost-corona era were added to the Top Global University Japan
website. We also expanded the content of the website by adding
comments from MEXT and other experts as well as industry
stakeholders and students, effectively utilizing the content of
Toyo Keizai mooks that featured the project.

Case Study of Internationalization post COVID-19 Pandemic(TGU Official Website)