FY 2006
Results of Evaluation of Project Achievements by the Public University
Corporation, the University of Aizu

August, 2007
The Fukushima Prefecture Public University Corporation Evaluation
Committee

Section 1 [Overall Evaluation]
Regarding project achievements in FY 2006 by the Public University Corporation, the Universityof Aizu (hereafter referred to as the “Corporation”), the Corporation carried out an internal
evaluation of 348 items provided for in its annual plans.
evaluated with a grade of “A”:

In the evaluation, 258 items were“Relevant measures were put into practice and achieved results

better than originally planned” or “B”:

“Relevant measures were put into practice as planned”.

It

can be assumed that the “projects outlined in the annual plans have been carried out as planned”,
taking into general consideration that the following unique characteristics of the Corporation havebeen utilized in its operation.
○

Based on a prompt and highly transparent decision-making system for the Corporation
under the leadership of the Chairperson of the Board of Executives, autonomous andindependent operation with a high degree of freedom has been made possible for a variety ofissues, including organizational, personnel, and budget-related issues.

○

Unique operation of the Corporation taking into consideration a wide variety ofperspectives from specialists and individuals outside the University and also the needs of
local society.

Generally speaking, the Corporation, which consists of two universities (The University of Aizu,
and The University of Aizu Junior College Division), has proactively carried out measures forfostering of human resources, conducting of research, and contribution to local communities, while
taking advantage of the unique characteristics of each of the universities of the Corporation in FY
2006, the first year after incorporation of the University into a public university corporation, towards
realization of the Corporation’s objectives designated in its mid-term goals.

These measures havebeen carried out through close cooperation among faculty and administrative personnel taking partin several organizations within the Corporation, including the Board of Executives, the Management
Council, and the Education and Research Council, under the leadership of the Chairperson of theBoard of Executives, amidst issues which include a severely competitive environment between
universities and globalization, in order to meet the expectations of residents of Fukushima Prefecture
regarding issues such as advancement of academics and scientific technologies, and promotion ofindustry and culture within the region.
However, as there were some items for which it was assessed that further measures are necessary,
there are expectations for progress regarding achievements in relevant areas, which should be
carried out through continued unified efforts by faculty and administrative personnel for steadyprogress in implementation of work to advance achievements in areas of need.
1.

The University of Aizu
The University of Aizu (hereafter referred to as the “University”) has implemented measures
towards contribution to local communities and fostering of excellent researchers and technicians

with the ability to play an active role domestically and overseas in the field of computer scienceand engineering.

These measures include projects regarding reform of the Undergraduate

School’s curriculum adjusted to conform to the most advanced content regarding computerscience and engineering, establishment of a program in the Graduate School for fostering ofleading edge IT human resources, conducting unique research headed by research related to the“Hayabusa” asteroid probe craft, holding of open lectures and conclusion of an agreement on
university-high school cooperation with and a school employing junior high – high school
education, implementation of the High School PC Computing Contest, conclusion of agreements
pertaining to cooperation between IT companies, research institutions, and financial institutions
to promote university-industry-government collaboration and development of related projects,
planning for accumulation and disclosure of university seeds, conclusion of international
agreements with universities overseas and specific exchange projects with the said universities
through the Center for Strategy of International Programs, and employment, etc. of excellent
educators and researchers of global standards from within Japan and overseas.
2.

The University of Aizu Junior College Division
The University of Aizu Junior College Division (hereafter referred to as the “College”) has
implemented measures towards fostering of professionals with specialized knowledge andcontribution to local communities through close communication with local communities, taking
advantage of each of its specialty fields (industry/management, design, information, environment,
nutrition, food products, health, welfare, childcare, and care for the elderly and disabled, etc.).
These measures include provision of attentive care for students through establishment of faculty
office hours (see ※1) , disclosure of class evaluations and improvement of classes throughnotification of faculty of the evaluations, implementation of courses with small class sizes,
implementation of projects related to FD (faculty development – development of faculty members’
skills), research taking advantage of the College’s research regarding specialized fields closely
related to people’s everyday life, cooperation with Fukushima Prefecture in various studies
regarding collaboration towards rejuvenation of local communities, preparation for establishmentof the Center for Rejuvenation of Local Communities, and conclusion of agreements regarding
university-high school cooperation with schools employing junior high – high school education.

Section 2 [Itemized Evaluation]
1.

Measures to Achieve Objectives Regarding Improvement of the Quality of Education andResearch at the University
It has been recognized that it can be generally assumed that the “projects outlined in the annual
plans have been carried out as planned”.

(1)Measures implemented in order to achieve goals regarding education
It has been recognized that it can be generally assumed that the “projects outlined in theannual plans have been carried out as planned”.
[Measures focused on in FY 2006 are listed preceded by a “○”, while pending issues that
require improvement will be preceded by a “●”.](The University)○

In order to foster excellent professional specialists with skills to respond to changes in society,the curriculum for the Undergraduate School has been reassessed to adapt to the newest
developments in science and technology, under the leadership of the Chairperson of the Board
of Executives.

At the same time, a detailed plan regarding restructuring of the academic

departments of the Undergraduate School has been drafted, with the schedule of
implementing the new curriculum starting from April of 2008.
○

It was decided that the Program for Leading Edge IT Specialists would be established within
the Graduate School for fostering of human resources for the IT industry.

○

The Admissions Center was established within the Department for Student Affairs, and an
admissions policy was adopted.

Measures to secure excellent students were carried out

through implementation of dispatched lectures at 16 high schools within and outside of
Fukushima Prefecture.
○

The University has put forth efforts to secure students through programs such as allowing
participants in the final stage of the High School PC Computing Contest to apply to the
University through the admission by recommendation program, and by establishment of asystem for early admission of high school students to the University.

○

External instructors have been invited to the University to teach specific classes for thecourses, “Introduction to Computer Science and Engineering" and “Computer Ethics”, inorder to help instill a wide range of cultural knowledge and ethical perspectives in students
as they prepare to become researchers and technicians.

○

The University offers upper division courses that are conducted in English, as well as having
students write their graduation thesis in English, utilizing the University’s environment
which uses English as the standard language, as many faculty members are of non-Japanesecitizenship.

○

The University provides students with 24-hour access to a computer environment withadvanced, high-performance workstations and networking equipment.

○

In order to improve the educational environment, the University Library has held “library
tours” (for newly-enrolled students), and at the same time, implemented surveys regarding
use of library services, in an effort to gain awareness of the needs of faculty and students.

○

The University has implemented class evaluations by students every academic term via theInternet, for the purpose of improving the quality of education.

○

The “University of Aizu Scholarships for International Students of the Graduate School” wasestablished to support outstanding international students in the Graduate Schoolexperiencing financial difficulties.
○

The quantitative goal regarding conferment of doctoral degrees to 6 to 7 students for theacademic year was attained, as 10 students were conferred doctoral degrees in AY 2006.

●

Consideration of issues such as restructuring of the fields of study at the Graduate School,overall reassessment of the Graduate School curriculum, and unification of academic terms
for the Undergraduate School and the Graduate School should be carried out so thatconsistency with the revised undergraduate curriculum can be ensured.

●An organization should be established to handle issues regarding FD (faculty development)
and to implement relevant measures, for improvement in educational quality.

●

Consideration of the establishment of office hours (see ※1) should be carried out.

●

Efforts should be made to increase the rate of students advancing to graduate school studies
after graduation from the Undergraduate School, as the rate in AY 2006 was 25.1%, which
was less than the goal of 40% designated in the mid-term goals.
(The Junior College Division)○

Measures towards securing of students have been implemented, such as proactive activities
for publicity, creation of a manual for high school visitation so that 69 visits were made tohigh schools in the Prefecture within the academic year, while at the same time, a system foradmission of students who have qualifications that have been designated by the College uponrecommendation to the Department of Industrial Information Sciences was established andimplemented for students admitted to the College in AY 2007.

○

As a result of efforts in the form of provision of advice, etc. to students who aimed to acquire
qualifications, the quantitative goal designated in the mid-term plans of a 100% success ratein acquiring qualifications was achieved for students of the Department of Food andNutrition Sciences who worked towards acquisition of a nutritionist’s license, and forstudents of the Department of Social Welfare Sciences who worked towards acquisition ofeither a childcare license or qualification to take the social welfare counselor examination.

○

In addition to implementation of courses with small class-sizes, all faculty members set aside
at least one session per week for office hours from the second half of the academic year in
2006, in order to be made available to students for consultations regarding their studies,
employment and career plans, and everyday life.

○

As a part of efforts for improvement of classes, student class evaluations were conducted, andresponses to results of the surveys collected from faculty members were posted on theCollege’s website, in addition to implementation of FD workshops.

●

Further efforts should be made regarding progression of measures implemented for FD.
(Points common to the University and the College)○

Both the University and the College have implemented programs in support of student
employment.

Regarding quantitative goals for employment rates (for students wishing togain employment) designated in the mid-term plans, the targeted goals were reached by the
University’s Graduate School and by the College, but not by the University’s Undergraduate
School.
The University (Undergraduate School):
Actual rate: 98.6% (target rate: 100%)
The University (Graduate School):
Actual rate: 100% (target rate: 100%)
The College:
Actual rate: 98% (target rate: 95%)○

Both the University and the College have established positions for placement ofcommissioned career counselors in FY 2007, and the College established the Career Support
Center.

(2)

Measures implemented in order to achieve goals regarding research
It has been recognized that it can be generally assumed that the “projects outlined in theannual plans have been carried out as planned”.
[Measures focused on in FY 2006 are listed preceded by a “○”, while pending issues that
require improvement will be preceded by a “●”.](The University)○

Unique research activities were carried out, such as the cooperative project with theJapanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) regarding the asteroid probe craft,“Hayabusa”, for which an academic paper was accepted for publication in the journal,“Science” (published by the American Association for the Advancement of Science).

○

The Corporation acquired its first patent through an invention in FY 2006.

The patent was

acquired after a joint-application was made in FY 2003 by the Corporation and a privatecompany for the invention, “Method of Direct IP Connection between Private IP Networks”.
○

Efforts were made in further promoting awareness of intellectual property throughbroad-ranging dispatch of an intellectual property management advisor to companies, and in
fostering human resources by holding lectures specializing in IT-related topics.

○

The University has made efforts to provide incentive for faculty to conduct research througha system where faculty can receive significant additional research funds for outstanding
research achievements based on the decision and discretion of the Chairperson of the Board of
Executives.

●

An organized system for conducting research which should include securing of outstanding
researchers and efficient assignment and utilization of human resources should beestablished, so that research can progress to a higher level.
(The College)○

Taking advantage of the College’s specialty fields (industry/management, design, information,
environment, nutrition, food products, health, welfare, childcare, and care for the elderly anddisabled, etc.) the faculty and students at the College carried out research, etc. regarding
preliminary studies for Fukushima Prefecture regarding the “Project for Construction of a
Database for Regional Community Information Including Vacant Housing Areas” and the“Project for Collaboration Regarding Health and Tourism” as a part of graduation researchfor seminars offered at the College.

(3)

Measures implemented in order to achieve goals regarding contribution to local
communities
It has been recognized that it can be generally assumed that the “projects outlined in theannual plans have been carried out as planned”.
[Measures focused on in FY 2006 are listed preceded by a “○”, while pending issues that
require improvement will be preceded by a “●”.](The University)○

A system for lending of books to the general public was started, taking advantage of thetiming of the University’s incorporation, as a measure for further promotion of the use of the
Library by residents of Fukushima Prefecture.

○

Open lectures were held on 17 occasions, and 16 dispatch lectures were held in FY 2006, withfaculty members in charge of each of the lectures.

○

The Center for Language Research holds a training seminar every year during the summer
for English instructors working at junior high schools and high schools within Fukushima
Prefecture, as a project for improvement of instructor quality.

○

An agreement for cooperation was concluded with Aizu Gakuho Prefecture High School (aschool with an integrated junior high and high school curriculum) for university-high school
collaboration which includes content regarding dispatch of faculty from the University to
Gakuho, acceptance of Gakuho students to courses offered at the University, opening offacilities of the University, exchange of information regarding education and research, andgeneral exchange activities between the two institutions.

○Contributions were made towards advancement of skills of high school students, leading tofostering of IT human resources through implementation of the “PC Computing Contest forHigh School Students 2006” the 4th time the contest has been held at the University.

○

In order to proactively promote university – industry – government collaboration, several
agreements were concluded, starting with a fundamental agreement with the Japan Agency
for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) regarding the Earth Simulator, forwhich there are high expectations for its utilization in industries such as agriculture.

Inaddition to these agreements, another activity promoting the aforementioned collaboration
was carried out through creation and disclosure of a collection of the University’s researchseeds, for widespread publicity of research conducted by the University’s faculty members tothe general public.
○

The University had the most university venture companies start-ups in all of Japan for public
universities, as 19 companies had been established as of the end of FY 2006.

○

The University established an independent system for certification of “Venture Businesses
Launched from the University of Aizu, in order to further support promotion of businessventures.

●

The University should consider establishing a satellite office to conduct activities pertaining
to university-industry collaboration, education, and research, in locations outside of the
University campus.
(The College)○

Open lectures were conducted 7 times, and 68 dispatched lectures were held, with faculty
members of the College in charge of each of the lectures.

○

An agreement for high school and university collaboration was concluded with Aizu Gakuho
Prefectural High School.

○

Taking advantage of the College’s specialty fields closely related to the everyday life of
citizens, the College has made preparations for establishment of the Center for Rejuvenationof Local Communities in April of 2007 in order to implement new projects for collaboration by
universities, industry, residents, and government for rejuvenation of local communities, open
lectures and dispatched lectures, seminars, and practical education events planned by
students.

(4)

Measures implemented in order to achieve goals regarding international exchange
It has been recognized that it can be generally assumed that the “projects outlined in theannual plans have been carried out as planned”.
[Measures focused on in FY 2006 are listed preceded by a “○”, while pending issues that
require improvement will be preceded by a “●”.](The University)○

The University has made progress on conclusion of agreements with universities overseas
regarding international exchange through the Center for Strategy of International Programs.
The quantitative goal of 15 university agreements designated in the mid-term plans has
already been surpassed by a wide marging through the end of FY 2006, with 15 university
agreements and 9 interdepartmental agreements concluded, for a total of 24 agreements.

○

Within these agreements, the University has proactively implemented programs in joint
sponsorship of academic conferences, etc. (see note 1), cooperative research (see note 2),
student exchange (see note 3), and faculty exchange (see note 4).
(note 1)The University of Applied Sciences Dusseldorf (Germany), Korea University (Korea),
Huazong University of Science and Technology (China)(note 2)

Pusan National University (Korea)

(note 3)

Kongju National University (Korea), Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology (UnitedStates)(note 4)

Fudan University (China), Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology(The College)
Programs for deepening of international understanding and exchange were implemented○

through offering of special lectures on various situations in China by a faculty member(originally from China) of the University, and participation and offering of statements byinternational students from China and residents of Aizu-Wakamatsu City with Korean
citizenship in courses related to intercultural and international understanding.
2.

Measures Necessary to Achieve Objectives Related to Improvement of Project Management andIncreasing of Efficiency[1 - Improvement of operational systems
organization

2 - Reassessment of educational and research

3 - Ensuring employment of appropriate personnel

4 - Increasing efficiency andstreamlining of administrative work, etc.]
It has been recognized that it can be generally assumed that the “projects outlined in the annual
plans have been carried out as planned, for most part”.
[Measures focused on in FY 2006 are listed preceded by a “○”, while pending issues that require
improvement will be preceded by a “●”.](The University)○

Taking advantage of the opportunity of the University’s incorporation, an employment

policy free of former restrictions of having to conduct selection of faculty on a laboratory-by
laboratory basis was established, and the University proactively conducted selection ofoutstanding, international educators and researchers (7 faculty were employed as of FY 2007
using the new policy).
●

An administrative management system should be constructed in response to the revisionetc. of the curriculum of the Undergraduate School(Points common to the University and the College)○

The “Code of Conduct” was drafted, outlining guidelines and standards for executives andpersonnel in carrying out their duties, based on missions and goals for both of the universities,
as a foundation for internal control.
○

A mechanism was introduced to make allocation of funds possible to reflect the plans of the

Chairperson of the Board of Executives for new projects to be undertaken during the fiscal year,
taking into consideration the state regarding use of budget funds, through reserve of adesignated portion of the original budget of the universities.
○

For the promotion of increased streamlining of administrative work, dispatched staff from a

temporary human resources agency have assisted in administrative work related to payment ofsalaries and travel expenses, etc., taking advantage of the incorporation of the universities.

●Consideration of establishment of systems for limited term employment and personnel

evaluation should be carried out, to take advantage of the merits of a non-public employee
format.
●In order to strengthen functions of the administrative organization and to increase

efficiencyofadministrative

work,

progressregardingwell-planned

employmentofadministrative staff and outsourcing of staff is necessary.
3.

Measures Necessary to Achieve Objectives Related to Improvement of the Content of Financial
Affairs[1 - Increase of self-generated income such as external research funds
expenditures

2 - Cutback on overhead

3 - Improvement of operational management of assets]

It has been recognized that it can be generally assumed that the “projects outlined in the annual
plans have been carried out as planned, for most part”.
[Measures focused on in FY 2006 are listed preceded by a “○”, while pending issues that require
improvement will be preceded by a “●”.](The University)○

The University was able to increase acquisition of external funds over FY 2005 throughconclusion of contracts related to commissioned research and cooperative research throughproactive visitations to private companies and consultations regarding visitations.
(The College)○

The College was able to greatly increase acquisition of external funds over FY 2005 throughimprovement of a support system for applications for research projects.
(Points common to the University and the College)○

Regarding commissioning of work at the universities, overhead expenses have been lowered

while efficiency and effectiveness has been increased, and work for multiple contracts for
related maintenance and repair (machines and equipment, fire prevention equipment, elevators,
and automatic doors) have been integrated, and work on progress regarding procedures for
multiple-year contract bidding for FY 2007 was conducted (for management of architectural
facilities, janitorial services, and security services).
●

In order to improve the financial situation of the universities, further efforts should bemade in acquisition of funds from Kakenhi grants, commissioned research, cooperative
research, and grant donations, etc.
●

The universities should create a mechanism for acceptance of donations from privatecompanies and alumni, etc.
4.

Measures Necessary to Achieve Objectives Related to Internal Examination and Evaluation
Regarding the State of Education/Research and Organization/Operation[1 – Implementation of internal exams and evaluations
evaluations

3 – Utilization of results from evaluations]

2 – Implementation of third-partyIt has been recognized that it can be generally assumed that the “projects outlined in the annual
plans have been carried out as planned, for most part”.
[Measures focused on in FY 2006 are listed preceded by a “○”, while pending issues that require
improvement will be preceded by a “●”.](The University)
An organization for self examination and evaluation was established (the Evaluation Office)○and measures have been taken for management of progress pertaining to self-evaluation.
In order to undergo appropriate accreditation, the University has selected the National○

Institution for Academic Degrees and University Evaluation (NIAD-UE) as the institutionthat will carry out evaluation for the University’s accreditation(※ 2), and this evaluation will
be conducted in FY 2010.
●

Establishment of an organization devoted to faculty evaluation should be considered.

●

Establishment and utilization of an organization devoted to faculty development (FD) and
implementation of FD activities for the purpose of utilization of results of various evaluations
for improvement of the quality of education are necessary.

(The College)
An organization for self examination and evaluation was established (the Evaluation○

Committee) and measures have been taken for management of progress pertaining to
self-evaluation.
Working towards accreditation evaluation by the National Institution for Academic Degrees○

and University Evaluation, the External Accreditation Evaluation Subcommittee wasestablished within the Evaluation Committtee, and necessary consideration of data wasconducted, along with progress made for preparation for undergoing the evaluation.
The Faculty Evaluation Subcommittee was established within the Evaluation Committee,○

and progress was made regarding preparations for faculty evaluation.
(Points common to the University and the College)
Considerations for continued efforts in management of progress for each of the above●

projects, and disclosure of results of each of the evaluations and how the results will beutilized are necessary.
●

Working towards faculty evaluations and accreditation evaluations, etc. in the future,

preparation and utilization of databases regarding achievements in research/education andcontribution to local communities is necessary.
5.

Measures Necessary to Achieve Objectives Related to Provision of Information Regarding theState of Education/Research and Organization/Operation
It has been recognized that it can be generally assumed that the “projects outlined in the annual
plans have been carried out as planned, for most part”.
[Measures focused on in FY 2006 are listed preceded by a “○”, while pending issues that require
improvement will be preceded by a “●”.](The University)
The framework for publicity for the University has been improved through hiring of○commissioned staff devoted to publicity, and as a result the number of campus observation
tours greatly increased compared to that of FY 2005.
In order to publicize the attractive points of the University a model for the project for○

educational trips to the University was carried out in collaboration with the City of
Aizu-Wakamatsu and junior high schools in the region, and junior high school students were
accepted for participation in job experience events.
The full-scale project for acceptance of students for educational trips by schools will start in●

FY 2007, and increased efforts in publicizing the University’s attractive points to junior highschool students and their teachers should be made.
(The College)
Profiles of lecturers for dispatched lectures have been created and disclosed to the public,○

and the Annual Research Report has been posted to the College’s website in its entirety.
(Points common to the University and the College)
A page was created in the University’s website for information regarding the Corporation as○a whole, as a measure to disclose information pertaining to the Corporation.
Improvement of the websites in general should be improved on all levels, in order to ensure●

timely and appropriate transmission of information.
6.

Measures Necessary to Achieve Objectives Related to Other Important Items Related toBusiness Operation of the Corporation[1 – Provision and utilization of facilities and equipment

2 – Management of health and safety]

It has been recognized that it can be generally assumed that the “projects outlined in the annual
plans have been carried out as planned, for most part”.
[Measures focused on in FY 2006 are listed preceded by a “○”, while pending issues that require
improvement will be preceded by a “●”.](The University)
The University has provided use of its athletic field as an emergency heliport for fire○disaster prevention helicopters and Fukushima Prefecture Police helicopters, contributing tosearch and rescue operations.
○

The University has implemented measures such as raising awareness of its policies

regarding prohibition of smoking in general areas through isolation of smoking areas from
common areas and moving the location of the Nurse’s Office to a more convenient location forstudents, and has also implemented basic workshops on AED (automated external
defibrillator ※ 3) and emergency life-saving techniques with instructors dispatched from thefire department.
The University should make efforts to increase the rate of faculty undergoing health exams,●

as a part of health management for personnel.

(The College)
The College installed elevators as a measure to improve universal design, and the layout of○

the Nurse’s Room was improved, based on convenience for users.
※ 1

Office Hours:
Office hours refer to times designated by faculty members as times that they will beavailable in their offices, etc. to students for consultations regarding plans for completion ofprograms and questions about class content.
※ 2

Institution for accreditation evaluation
This refers to institutions which have been authorized to undertake accreditation

evaluations of universities by MEXT.

It is compulsory for all national, public, private(including junior colleges), and technical colleges to undergo evaluations by an institution
authorized

by

MEXT

regardingsituations

pertaining

toeducationandresearch,organizational operation, and facility/equipment every 7 years to maintain and advance theireducational and research standards.
※ 3

AED
Abbreviation of “automated external defibrillator”.

This is a medical device used forattempts to restore a natural heartbeat rhythm to a person suffering from failure of the heart’sfunction to pump blood (ventricular fibrillation) due to heart seizure, through application ofelectric shocks.