Evaluation summary
Standard 1. Mission and Objectives, etc.
The mission and goals of the University are, in line with the founding principles of the University's incorporated entity, specifically and clearly shown according to its individuality and distinctive quality of harmony between the arts and science. Furthermore, in order to make the missions and goals of the University even more specific four missions pursuant to its founding principles are clearly stipulated and made public on-campus and outside of the University. In 2010 the University made an innovative effort to make Article 1 of the University Regulations more easily understood by reviewing and rewording the text. As an educational and research organization and in line with the gist of the University Regulations, the University has three faculties, seven departments, three graduate schools, and has established the related facilities of the Clinical Testing Laboratory, Education Animal Hospital and Kake Museum of Art. Separate educational objectives are stipulated for each faculty and graduate school, all of which are appropriate in the light of the School Education Act and other laws, and are made widely known through the To Learn in Kurashiki University of Science and other pamphlets as well as on the University website. From the 2017 academic year a medium-to-long-term plan based on the University's 10-Year Vision came into force, and the University is striving to make its educational objectives ad mission concrete through the Medium-term Objective/Medium-term Plan Worksheets
Standard 2. Learning and Teaching
The admission policy for each department and major is clearly shown, and in line with policy the university accepts entrants with various abilities and suitability. However, student quotas in certain departments are not being filled, and the University needs to make more efforts in this area. A curriculum policy is set for each department, and consistency with the diploma policy is maintained. Under a policy that emphasizes liberal arts education the Academic Affairs Committee plays the leading role, a review of operational system for liberal arts education has been carried out and the University strives to improve the educational curriculum. Curriculum trees and course completion models have been set for each department, encouraging systematic learning among students. A student guidance system has been constructed in which the state of attendance in specialist courses and career guidance is ascertained and a mechanism has been prepared for implementing interviews with students who consistently fail to attend classes. The results of tuition evaluation questionnaires are provided as feedback to faculty, and used to tie in with improvements to class instruction. With regard to the posting of faculty, the requisite full-time faculty is appropriately in place pursuant to the Standards for Establishment of Universities.
Standard 3. Management, Administration and Finance
The management of the University's incorporated entity is generally operated in line with the articles of endowment and other regulations established pursuant to laws such as the School Education Act, Private Schools Act and the Standards for Establishment of Universities, although certain areas for improvement are discernible. The Board of Directors deliberates over important matters pursuant to the articles of endowment, and the directors’ attendance record is always good. With regard to the University's decision-making body and its authority, its regulations state that the President will supervise the University and work on its operations. A Vice-President nominated by the President is also present to preside over school affairs, and a system to assist the President has been constructed. The University's operation income and expenditure balance is continuously in the red, however, as the financial state of the University’s incorporated entity is healthy a financial base enabling the stable management of the University for the time being has been established and a fiscal balance secured. Accounting procedures are in line with the Accounting Standards for Incorporated Educational Institutions and the University's incorporated entity's accounting regulations, and are appropriately conducted. The University’s Audit Office conducts the requisite budget execution procedures for the overall administration of the University’s incorporated entity and the schools under the incorporated entity, while implementing audits concerning accounting procedures.
Standard 4. Self-Inspection and Evaluation
In order to attain the mission and goals stipulated in the University Regulations the Kurashiki University of Science and the Arts Self-Evaluation Committee Regulations have been established, and three times a year the Self-Evaluation Committee sets targets for each faculty and department, and graduate school and major. The Committee conducts mid-term and final verifications, and continuously implements independent and autonomous self-inspections and evaluations. The Self- Evaluation Committee is situated as a cross-university body with the President serving as the Chairperson. Since the 2011 academic year external evaluation members drawn from industry, academia and government have been serving on the committee and are striving to make it a practical body. With regard to self-inspection and evaluation, targets are expressed in numerical form with an awareness of evidence, and initiatives are being taken towards highly transparent self-inspection and evaluation such as evaluating degree of attainment according to the data collated. In summary, the University's education is implemented in line with its missions and goals amid an appropriate environment, and the enrichment of support for learning and class instruction and improvements to the educational curriculum are underway. Furthermore, management and administration as well as accounting procedures are carried out in a largely suitable manner, while the utilization of self-inspection and evaluation results regarding the independent education and research of the faculty in a PDCA cycle is leading to a positive are leading to a positive cycle. Note that with regard to the University's unique initiatives regarding its mission and goals, the general comments on "Standard A. Social collaboration" should be referred to.