President’s Position Paper for 2022
To all staff at Nanzan University
I. Basic Position
Last year, Nanzan University celebrated its 75th anniversary. Although the influenceof the COVID-19 pandemic forced us to make changes and scale back plannedcommemorative events, we had a productive year thanks to everyone’s flexibility. I
would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your cooperation. Let us continue
to work together with a mission to create a new vision for the university as we approachour 100th anniversary.
Over the past two years, the entire world has been gripped by the effects of thecorona-virus outbreak, making it very difficult for us to implement our scheduled (andprojected) plans. During these times, I am reminded of the following Bible verses:“Behold, I make all things new” (Rev. 21:5). This year, it looks like we will finally enter
the post-corona-virus world. And it will not be a return to the pre-corona-virus state,
but a new beginning for humanity. This year, as a New Year's greeting, I introduced a
new work by a young American poet, Amanda Gorman, in my “Epistola” of January. In
one of her passages, she wrote, “So let us not return to what was normal, but reachtoward what is next.” Thus, our task is to strive to realize a better world, worthy ofhuman dignity, after the COVID-19 pandemic period.
Considering current realities, I recall the words of St. Arnold Janssen (1837—1909),
founder of the Congregation of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD), the founding
body of the university, which accurately reflect the current times. He stated that “Welive in a time when much is collapsing, and new things must be established in theirplace.” The founders of the university, which was born in the chaotic times immediately
following the end of the war, embodied the spirit of Fr. Janssen, which continues toguide us today.
Here, I would like instead to focus on two new projects of the university. The first is
the establishment of the Nanzan University Janssen International Residence, named
in honor of Fr. Arnold Janssen. We hope that the new dormitory, to be opened thisacademic year, will become an important place for the formation of young people who
can play an active role in the international arena. The second new project is theestablishment of the Nanzan University Human Dignity Award, which will serve as the
finale to the university’s 75th anniversary celebration and will be presented inconjunction with the university’s foundation ceremony at the end of May to honor those
who have made special contributions to the cause of furthering human dignity. These
two projects aim to further develop the internationality that is a prominent feature of
Nanzan University and deepen its educational motto, “Hominis Dignitati [For Human
Dignity].”1

As matters stand today, this year can be expected to be a very eventful one
requiring us to reconfirm various plans and tasks that have been significantly delayed
due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and push forward in realizing them.
United with the “global concern, our contribution” in mind, which has been our motto
since the 2020 academic year, we will work together for both a better university and abetter world. Let us reach forward to what is next.
II. With/Post-Corona
The previous year was another year affected by the corona-virus. However, we
continued to conduct face-to-face classes whenever possible, while paying close
attention to the health and safety of our students and faculty members. In addition, we
held in-person events in lieu of the March 2020 graduation ceremony and the April
2020 entrance ceremony, which could not initially be held due to the COVID-19
pandemic. From the fall onwards, then, we resumed actively sending students abroad
based on inter-university agreements and exchange programs.
Equally, we gained much experience in overcoming the various difficulties we facedin effectively running meetings and classes in 2021 due to health restrictions related
to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the area of class management, in particular, we gained
a wide range of knowledge on the pertinent questions of how to conduct large-scalelectures, how online classes should be conducted, and how online tools can be used.
Based on this knowledge, I would like to ask you to proceed with positive discussions
and insightful suggestions on the effective use of online resources in university
administration. In addition, while keeping abreast of the situation in Japan and abroad,please consider further deepening international exchange, such as developing
programs that link online communication and study abroad.
Looking ahead to the post-corona world and the 100th anniversary of the foundingof the university, it is also important that we continue to take new steps together towardrealizing a better world worthy of “human dignity.”
III. Vision for the Future
1. Toward the 100th anniversary
With the cooperation of many people, a monograph on “75 Years of Nanzan
University” was compiled in the previous year. Looking back at the history of Nanzan
University, one can clearly recall that from the establishment of its predecessor,
Nanzan Foreign Language College, our university has been characterized by its
internationality. In addition, under its educational motto, “Hominis Dignitati,” theuniversity has endeavored to nurture individuals who can play an active role in diverse
societies, and, in turn, contribute to building a world in which the irreplaceable value ofall people is protected. In this context, the opening of the Nanzan University Janssen
International Residence, with its distinctive educational programs, and theestablishment of the Nanzan University “Human Dignity Award” are nothing less thansteps toward fulfilling our university’s mission. Looking ahead, I cannot but look forward2

to working with all our constituent members toward the further development of theuniversity as we move toward our 100th anniversary.
2. Reiners Central Library
February 2023 will see the completion of a renovation work on the Reiners Central
Library, a library renewal project commemorating the 75th anniversary of the university.
The purpose of the new “Reiners Central Library” is to continue the noble, faithful, andgood intentions of Joseph Reiners (1874—1945), the founder of Nanzan Gakuen, by
dynamically and proactively connecting people to others, books, knowledge, andsociety, hence, promoting the creation of an integrative, and interactive environment.
Thus, the renovated library is required to provide various forms of support to realize
innovations by “meeting,” “connecting,” and “changing” as a unique entity. Only in thisway can the power of the individual understandably become the power of the world.
Acutely aware of the importance and function of the catalytic action that brings about
the chemical reaction of true innovation, our library will certainly be reborn as the“Reiners Central Library,” translating into a special place where users can “meet,”“connect,” and “change.” In addition, it entails a place that demonstrates its presence
as the salt of the Earth and the light of the world. In this respect, I encourage everyone
to strive to publicize and actively utilize the library such that it becomes a true centerof intellectual innovation.
3. Stable financial management
In order to maintain and enhance the appeal of the University, it is essential to build
a stable financial base. Thus, I would invite you to continue making many efforts toobtain grants to enhance education and research. The year 2021 saw the revision of
student fees. Evidently, in this area as well, we need to become more aware of thenecessity to continually implement measures such as the revision of student fees andexpenditure reductions, to be discussed by the Subcommittee for the Formulation of
the Expenditure Reduction Plan, while simultaneously taking care to maintain fullenrollment capacity. Regarding donations, Nanzan University is currently promoting
the Nanzan University 75th Anniversary Fund, the Anti-Corona Student Support Fund,the Graduate School Doctoral Course Scholarship Support Fund, and the Nanzan
University Education and Research Support Fund. Please make efforts to widely
publicize these Funds to alumni and companies, and also consider further
diversification of donations in this regard.

IV. Promotion of Globalization
1. Developmental continuation of the NU-COIL program after the completion of theuniversity’s Capacity to Expand Globally Program (U.S).
The university’s Global Development Capability Enhancement Program (U.S.),
which began in the 2018 academic year, will end this year. In our interim report to the
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), we have set
forth a project plan that can be continued beyond the 2023 academic year for further3

development of the program. To this end, I would encourage you to make efforts
aiming to further expand COIL-type classes in each faculty and graduate school,
including pre- and post-classes for short-term study abroad programs. In addition, we
aim to develop the university into a hub for global COIL education in cooperation with
the International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU), and we will continue topromote online exchanges between students from abroad and the university using
platforms, such as the CJS Online Cafe “Nagomi” and the Modern Japan Discussion
Table. Please continue to promote such a framework. In addition, I would encourage
everyone to keep on promoting the globalization of our university by applying for new
external funds, such as the “Project for Strengthening the University’s Global
Development Capability.”
2. Further revitalization of international exchange within the university in the wake of
the COVID-19 pandemic
The implementation of international exchange was also severely affected by thecorona-virus outbreak. Under these circumstances, international exchange within theuniversity has become even more important. In this regard, the opening of the Janssen
International Residence in April 2022 is of great significance. It will implement an
educational program called the “Diversity and Inclusion Practical Skills Development
Program,” which will ultimately provide a place where Japanese and international
students can work together to foster the ability to play an active role across borders.
Thus, I would invite you to intensely collaborate with faculty and staff across theorganization to further enhance the Janssen International Residence and its
educational program in the future. In addition, please make further use of theMulticultural Lounge (Stella), the World Plaza, and the Japan Plaza to promoteinternational exchange and learning on campus by, for example, implementing
programs that not only go beyond mere international exchange, but that are also linked
to the promotion of education.
3. Expansion and deepening of internationalization through inter-university
collaboration
In recent years, joint programs in cooperation with domestic universities have been
attracting attention as a way to promote globalization. In the 2021 academic year, ouruniversity was selected for two such programs. One is the “Sustainable Global
Innovation Human Resource Development Project Utilizing COIL” under the “Forumfor the Promotion of University Internationalization” project of the MEXT, with the
Ryukyu University as the lead institution. The other is the Tongali Project, adopted by
the “2021 START Program for the Creation of New University-Based Industries(START): Formation of a Startup Ecosystem Support System for the Promotion of
University Ecosystems,” which aims to foster next-generation entrepreneurs and build
a global innovation system in cooperation with universities in the Tokai region. Throughthese projects, please promote mutual offerings, including, of course, online classes.
We also need to continue to promote collaboration among overseas universities witha view to continuing work with or after the coronavirus pandemic. We have concluded
student exchange agreements with 116 overseas universities and institutions in 33
countries and regions as of the end of the 2021 academic year. The “Nanzan University
4Internationalization Vision,” aims to conclude agreements with approximately 130
universities by 2027, the year when the Grand Design will have been completed. We
ask that you continue your efforts to develop new partner universities and devise
attractive programs for them. On the other hand, the external environment haschanged dramatically between the 2015 academic year, when the “Nanzan University
Internationalization Vision” was formulated, and today. In this regard, please begin
revising the vision accordingly.
4. Measures to promote student mobility during the Coronavirus disaster
Please actively promote sending students abroad and accepting international
students after ensuring their safety even during the Coronavirus crisis. Regarding
sending students overseas, students should be carefully informed and briefed on thepolicies of the host country/region, which may require a quick response depending on
their policies. From the early stage, such as guidance at the time of enrollment,
faculties and the International Center should collaborate to conduct efficient
explanatory meetings. It is also effective to utilize Nanzan University’s project called“NaSIP (*),” in which students and faculty members with international experience
support students studying abroad. In this vein, I would invite you to also consider aflexible system that allows graduate students to conduct research abroad through an
exchange program.
Moreover, I would encourage you to adopt diverse measures to accept international
students. This entails an appeal to further promote educational and cultural exchanges
among undergraduate, graduate, and international students through the acceptanceof exchange students into the undergraduate and graduate schools, which started lastyear, and the new Modern Japan Program for international students. In addition, I ask
you to consider developing a long-term internship program to increase the appeal of
the university as a place of study for international students.
(*) The SIPS (Staff & Student Initiative for Promoting Study abroad) is an initiative of the MEXT
promoting the study abroad program through the “Tobitate!” initiative. It is a project sponsored by
the “Study Abroad Japan” office, and is a platform for students who have studied abroad and faculty
members to work together as one team to support many students in studying abroad. The initiative
at Nanzan University is called NaSIP.

V. Education and Research
1. Implementation of the accreditation recommendations
In the 2020 academic year, the university underwent an accreditation evaluation by
the Japan University Accreditation Association (JUAA). As is common knowledge, theevaluation was generally positive, but improvements were requested in areas such as
the method of understanding learning outcomes and the fulfillment of the graduate
school’s capacity. The Internal Quality Assurance Committee should take the lead informulating an improvement plan. In addition, each faculty and graduate school should

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work on reforms toward 2024, when we will submit an interim improvement report to
the JUAA.
2. Development and enhancement of the Nanzan International Certificate
Students who earn 24 or more credits from international courses are issued a
Nanzan International Certificate (NIC) as proof that they have acquired international
competence at the university. However, the NIC is not widely recognized by society,with few requests from students for its issuance. To improve this situation, courses
offered in languages other than English (Spanish, French, and German) have been
added to the international courses in the 2022 academic year. To make the NIC more
attractive to students, we must also interview current students, alumni, and corporate
personnel to examine this system from a broad perspective. Internally, the positioningof the international subject group in the faculty curricula and the content and structureof each subject have not been sufficiently discussed. Please organize and developthese issues from a university-wide perspective.
3. Promotion of open access
The university established the Nanzan University Open Access Policy in the 2020
academic year and the Nanzan University Open Access Implementation Guidelines in
the 2021 academic year. In accordance with this policy, works published after
September 25, 2020 will be open access in principle. In order to contribute to the further
development of academic research by guaranteeing free access to research resultsfrom inside and outside the university, as well as to promote information disclosure,fulfill accountability to society, and effectively and positively return research results tosociety, we further need to work collectively to make a wide range of past university
research results open access as well.
4. Inspection and evaluation of educational methods
The diversification of the various tools that make online teaching possible is one of
the changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. When this epidemic is undercontrol, please begin to consider in detail how to utilize these tools.
In addition, to deepen independent learning, the use of student seminar rooms
began in the 2020 academic year. However, due to the health associated distance
restrictions related to the spread of the corona-virus, these rooms are not being fully
utilized. Here, I would encourage you to discuss again the use of the seminar rooms
to better clarify their basic purposes. Equally important will be your attempts to inspectand evaluate the 100-minute class, the most significant change from the previous year,
in each department.
5. Ongoing efforts to obtain external research funds
External research funds, including Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research (KAKENHI),
are an indispensable foundation for conducting substantial research. I would
encourage you to actively apply for various external research funds this year and aim
to obtain research funding accordingly. I also ask that you make a conscious effort to6

share, through publications and reports, the results of your research with the academic
audience and society.
6. Collaboration among the three research institutes and graduate schools
The university has three independent research institutes (Nanzan Institute for
Religion and Culture, Anthropological Institute, and the Institute for Social Ethic), which
are separate from the undergraduate and graduate departments. Each instituteconducts research activities in accordance with its own mission and has significant
achievements to date.
However, due to their unique nature, they do not have strong ties with theundergraduate and graduate departments. In order to make better use of theuniversity’s resources, a cooperative framework between the three institutes and thegraduate schools could be explored more extensively. Please consider creating aframework to realize collaboration between the research activities of the three institutes
and their respective graduate schools.
7. Transition to a new structure for the Committee on Harassment Issues
As of June 2020, the strengthening of measures to prevent harassment in theworkplace has been legally stipulated. In addition, the content of the consultation tends
to become more complex every year. In order to cope with this situation, we havedecided to establish a harassment consultation system for the entire Nanzan School
Corporation from the 2022 academic year. Please work to ensure a smooth transition
to the new system and steady performance of your duties.
VI.

Admissions and Public Relations

1. Admissions and public relations
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, we took measures to prevent infection andsuccessfully met all the deadlines for the 2022 entrance examination. A total of 18,515
students applied for the general and university-wide standardized entrance
examinations (individual achievement and common test types) in 2022, an increase of
1,153 students compared to 17,362 in the previous year. In addition, the total number
of applicants for the three main entrance examinations, including the one using theCommon Achievement Test (with the first part involving three subjects and the second,
five subjects), was 23,444, an increase of 1,553 from 21,891 in the previous year.
Last year, we held open campus events in a hybrid in-person and online format,
created videos introducing each faculty, utilized web-based advertising, andparticipated in university exhibitions and college counseling sessions to conduct public
relations activities despite the impact of the spread of the infection. Thanks to these
efforts, the number of applicants for the 2022 entrance examination has recovered toa level close to that before the emergence of the coronavirus pandemic (i.e. the 2020
entrance examinations).
Nevertheless, continued efforts will be necessary to attract more students to apply
to the university in the future. As in the past, each faculty and department should offer
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attractive programs and simultaneously consider revising the entrance examination
system. At the end of last year, the final report of the “Working Group for Examining
the Admission System” proposed the diversification of entrance examinations withrecommendations for students who have studied abroad for a long period of time andthose who have high-school-university cooperation agreements. In addition, it isimportant to promote the acceptance of applicants from overseas by expanding thenumber of designated overseas schools.
In terms of publicity related to entrance examinations, please consider, from theperspective of prospective students, the forms of the media that would be the mosteffective in communicating information related to the entrance examinations.
For Nanzan University to develop into a more attractive university, it is essential toenhance research and education not only at the undergraduate level but also at thegraduate level. Please consider a possible refined system that would allow us tojustifiably accept early graduates from the undergraduate into the graduate school,
following the example of the Faculties of Law and Policy Studies. In addition, ascholarship support system for doctoral students in the graduate school will belaunched in the 2022 academic year. This system was established to provide higher–
achievement graduate students with opportunities to study. Please make efforts towidely publicize this system and encourage its active use.
2. University strategic public relations
Public relations activities provide opportunities to make the university known to awider audience. In particular, the dissemination of the research results and educational
activities of faculty and staff, as well as the activities of current students and alumni,
have a significant impact on the university’s social reputation. Thus, I invite eachmember of the University to be aware of the fact that they play a significant role inpublic relations and ask that related departments and offices work together moreclosely to conduct strategic university public relations activities. In particular, as weapproach the 100th anniversary of Nanzan University, we need to further enhance theappeal of our university. The Nanzan University Human Dignity Award, which will bepresented for the first time this year, will be of great significance in communicating theuniversity’s philosophy to the world. I hope that you will strive to strengthen thebranding of Nanzan University based on its distinctive internationality and educationalmotto of “Hominis Dignitati.”
3. International strategic public relations
Strengthening the university’s branding is not limited to the domestic market. To
become a university of choice for outstanding international students from around theworld, we should further strive to develop international public relations strategies byleveraging the internationality of our university. For this purpose, continued efforts will
be necessary in this area to strengthen the system in which related sections and offices
cooperate, and faculties and graduate schools should mutually collaborate to enhance
public relations activities for international students. In this process, there is clearly aneed to become acutely aware of the necessity to make further efforts to disseminate
the internationality of the university through visits to local high schools using the8International Student Alumni Association and overseas offices, as well as the active
use of SNS and other means.
VII. Career Support
The coronavirus outbreak has also brought about changes to the job hunting
process. The best example of this is the introduction of online interviews. Althoughsome companies are reverting to face-to-face interviews this year, students must still
be prepared for both online and in-person interviews. Although the percentage ofstudent job offers is recovering, the number of companies that have stopped hiring due
to the coronavirus pandemic is increasing and cannot be predicted. In this context, I
propose that the Career Support Division makes further efforts to provide guidanceand support to students. In addition, in order to encourage more international students
to apply to our university, it is essential to provide them with substantial career support.
In recent years, “externships,” which are distinguished from “internships” tied to job
hunting, have been attracting attention. Most essentially, externships are learning
activities for university students that place more emphasis on work experience
compared to internships. Incidentally, the university’s Graduate School of Law
incorporates externships and grants credits in this area. Thus, I encourage everyonein this area to start initiating constructive discussions with host companies tocontinually allow various forms of externships and to broaden the range of options forstudents.
VIII. Contribution to Society and Strengthening of Various Types of
Cooperation
Contributing to the development of communities and society is an important stepthat contributes to the “global concern, our contribution,” as stated in the Basic Position.
Last year, in commemoration of our 75th anniversary, we established the Nanzan
University “Human Dignity Award” to honor those who have made significant
contributions to the realization of our philosophy of “For the Dignity of Human Beings.”
Through the awarding of this prize, let us fulfill our mission as a university in society
while returning to our philosophy.
In addition, Nanzan University will be an official partner of “Ghibli Park” for four years
starting from April 2022. This venue, embodying the spirit of Expo 2005 Aichi Japan,
which was held with the aim of communicating the direction of solutions to global
issues and the way of life of human beings, will be a “natural campus” that embodies
the university’s educational motto. Through this space, the constituent members
should cooperate and develop specific programs to establish a system that provides
learning opportunities to not only the students, faculty, and staff of the university, butalso society and, more broadly, people worldwide.
As an industry-university collaborative project in the Nanzan Challenge Project, theuniversity has been working, since the 2020 academic year, with Ieda Confectionery
Co., Ltd. with an alumnus serving as president, to develop and market a “Pongashi”
9confectionery. Although we were not able to access the site directly last year, we
worked together with the company to devise a new way to sell the confectionery andultimately decided to use a portion of the proceeds to purchase and transport themachines for the pongashi to be donated to Ethiopia.
In terms of inter-university cooperation, we concluded a collaboration agreementwith the Aichi University of Education last year regarding the advancement of teacher
training. This provided good news for students aspiring to become teachers, as theagreement established a special selection process for the graduate school of the Aichi
University of Education to train teachers as highly specialized professionals withpractical educational skills. In addition, I would invite you to continually deepen ourpartnerships with Christian universities around the world through the Association of
Christian Universities in Asia (ACUCA), the Association of Southeast and East Asian
Catholic Universities (ASEACCU), the International Federation of Catholic Universities(IFCU), and other organizations.
Finally, let us also work together on environmental issues. Nanzan Gakuen
announced the “Nanzan Gakuen Environmental Declaration” in 2008 and has been
concerned with environmental issues from early on. As part of this effort, Nanzan
University has joined the “Coalition of Universities and Other Institutions Contributing
to Achieving Carbon Neutrality,” which was established last year, and is in the process
of formulating a concrete plan to carry out efforts in this regard. Through the researchand educational activities of our university, we hope that we can create and foresee abetter future together by sharing and discussing ideas for addressing environmental
issues.

Robert Kisala
President
Nanzan University

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