Evaluation summary
Standard 1. Mission and Objectives, etc.
The founding principles are stipulated as being the fostering of women who combine knowledge and virtue, and can contribute to society, while the meaning of the name Shokei (striving to enrich the inner-self without adorning the exterior) is clearly stated as the educational principle of the University's incorporated entity, and subsequently the University's mission and goals, educational objectives of the faculties are also stated in the University Regulations. When the Cross-University Grand Design was formulated in the 2016 academic year, these founding principles and educational principles were reaffirmed, and the status of the mission of the University's incorporated entity, the University's ethos, its mission and goals, educational and research objectives and the educational goals of faculties were all made clear; these are reflected in the Shokei Gakuen Long-Term (future) Vision and Medium-to-Long-Term Action Plan as well as in the three policies of diploma policy, curriculum policy and admission policy. Cross-university initiatives are underway in order to make a reality of these missions and goals. The founding principles, educational principles, mission of the University's incorporated entity, the University's ethos and educational and research objectives, are all widely publicized on the University website and through all sorts of media on-campus and outside of the University. The composition of the educational and research organization and its operations have been established so that the University's mission, goals and educational objectives can be reached.
Standard 2. Learning and Teaching
An admission policy is in place for each faculty, and is made clear in student handbooks, application guidelines, and the University's website etc. Although the faculty and staff work together on student solicitation activities, admissions are a long way below total capacity in certain faculties and departments, and it is hoped that actions to rectify this will pay off in the future. Guidelines for the creation of the educational curriculum of each faculty and department have been put in place, and a systematic educational curriculum arranged. Due to meticulous collaboration between the faculty and the various staff in charge, a system aimed at providing full support for learning and class instruction has been prepared. The standards for awarding credits, promotion to the next school year, and certifying graduation are all clearly and appropriately stated, and made known to students through the University Regulations and course completion regulations. Each faculty boasts a job searching guidance system and a program for supporting those seeking employment, all of which are producing favorable results. In order to inspect and ascertain the extent to which educational objectives are being attained, the University conducts numerous questionnaires such as a tuition reform questionnaire, discloses the collected data, and provides feedback aimed at improvements. With regards to financial support, there are various scholarship systems and systems providing tuition fee reductions or exemptions, and the student support system is being enriched. The University's grounds and buildings adequately satisfy the Standards for Establishment of Universities regarding requisite square space, its equipment, practical training facilities and library etc. are appropriately located and an educational environment fully prepared.
Standard 3. Management, Administration and Finance
The articles of endowment and the Code of Conduct of the Incorporated Educational Institution Shokei Gakuen stipulate the strict observance of laws concerning the establishment and operation of universities, and management discipline and integrity is maintained. Furthermore, the University is making continuous efforts to realize its missions and goals in line with the Shokei Gakuen Long- Term (future) Vision and Medium-to-Long-Term Action Plan. In addition to the Board of Directors, Board of Councilors and Executive Committee, in order to achieve collaboration and mutual checks between the University's incorporated entity and the University itself, a University Council and President, Presidential Aides and Departmental Heads Council have been established, and an appropriate system for the implementation of strategic decision-making is in place. Furthermore, so that the President can exercise leadership in university operations, four Presidential aides have been posted and the requisite system prepared. The jurisdiction of administration among the faculty organization, administrative organization and so on and their responsibilities and authority are made clear and functional, while at the same time there is also a system providing opportunities for the staff to improve their quality and ability through Staff Development (SD) training and so on. Despite the damage incurred by the Kumamoto earthquakes in April 2016, and the subsequently bleak environment under which the University formulated the Medium-Term Financial Plan and has steadily strived to complete it, and appropriate financial operations are underway. Accounting is conducted in line with the Accounting Standards for Incorporated Educational Institutions, and various regulations have been prepared regarding accounting and are appropriately dealt with.
Standard 4. Self-Inspection and Evaluation
Independent and autonomous self-inspections and evaluations pursuant to the University's mission and goals are conducted, and the University is seeking to surpass the education and research standards. The Self-Inspection and Evaluation Repot was first published in the 2000 academic year, and has been created on a regular basis since the 2007 academic year. Using self-inspection and evaluation sheets, evidence-based, highly transparent and objective self- inspections and evaluations are implemented. A system for the collation and analysis of information in order to ascertain current circumstances has been developed, with data that is appropriately collated and accumulated by each of those in charge in the administrative department being analyzed by the University Planning Office, and then utilized by the University Planning Committee. With regards to self-inspection and evaluation, the Self-Inspection and Evaluation Committee produces its Self- Inspection and Evaluation Report through which its results are publicized, and a PDCA cycle is running, which contributes to the reform and improvement of education and research and the University's operations as a whole. In summary, the University is enthusiastically striving to achieve creativity and innovation in its education and research, in line with the founding principles, mission, goals and educational objectives cited by the University's incorporated entity. In its learning and teaching it is doing its best to develop an educational and research organization and educational environment. In the areas of management, administration and finance, management and administration are being operated in an appropriate manner. Self-inspection and evaluation is carried out regularly in a concerted effort involving the entire organization, and ongoing efforts are made towards the reform and improvement of education and research. In addition, the University seeks to foster and send out into society promising human resources who will respond to the demands of the local community. Note that with regard to the University's unique initiatives regarding its mission and goals, the general comments on "Standard A. Community collaboration" should be referred to.