2. Continuity of Learning in the COVID-19 Pandemic
The global spread of COVID-19 had an immense impact on everyday life and social and economic activities. In the AY 2020 spring semester, Ritsumeikan University had no choice but to make decisions including delaying the start of classes and restricting access to its campuses.
Even in this kind of unprecedented situation, it remains the mission and the responsibility of universities to create the conditions that enable education and research to continue, and to provide students with opportunities for learning, growth, and exchange on an ongoing basis. In accordance with this responsibility, and following much careful consideration, we swiftly (in April 2020) decided on a number of measures in response to the pandemic, committing to expenditure in the order of 4.7 billion yen during AY 2020. This decision, which meant that expenditure exceeded revenue on a single-year basis, was only possible because the university has stable financial foundations in a long-term perspective.
We believe that among the many financial support programs and other measures undertaken in response to the pandemic, the development of educational environments leveraging technology, including DX, pre-emptively put into practice the vision laid out in the R2030 Challenge Design.
Ritsumeikan University’s Own COVID-19 Countermeasures (AY 2020)
| Measure | Outline | Major Expense Items | Expenditure(2) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Development of campus environment for online/hybrid teaching and learning | Development of hybrid teaching and learning infrastructure (audiovisual equipment in classrooms, Zoom and other software/licenses), development of BYOD infrastructure (extension of campus Wi-Fi coverage, more power outlets in classrooms, etc.), development of remote work environment, etc. | Equipment/facilities, consumables, outsourcing, repairs, communications, buildings, etc. | 860 million yen |
| Development environment to prevent infection | Anti-infection coatings in classrooms, cafeterias, etc., increase in ventilation facilities, establishment of fever clinics, replacement of classroom furniture (introduction of individual desks), other infection countermeasures (installation of thermal cameras, no-touch doors and hand wash facilities, expansion of exam venues in regional areas, installation of clear acrylic panels, etc.) | Buildings, equipment/ facilities, consumables, outsourcing, repairs, etc. | 1.50 billion yen |
| Information provision and awareness-raising for faculty and students | Special guides to online classes, online support website, awareness-raising videos and publications, etc. | Outsourcing, miscellaneous, etc. | 40 million yen |
Contents
- Chapter IProgress of Plenary Council Discussions to Date and Positioning of the AY 2022 Plenary Council
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Chapter II.Ritsumeikan University’s Initiatives from R2020 toward R2030
- 1. R2020 Initiatives
- (1) Initiatives to Realize Diverse Learning among Diverse Students (development of student learning environments)
- 1) Enhancement of learning/teaching environments in the undergraduate colleges: the core of university learning
- 2) Creating desirable career pathways that respond to society’s needs
- (2) Advanced Research and Career Support Initiatives in Graduate Schools
- (3) Development of Campus Environments for Greater Amenity and Enrichment of Learning and Student Life
- 2. Emergency Responses to the COVID-19 Pandemic and Future Outlook Based on the Pandemic Experience
- 3. Concrete Initiatives under R2030 Challenge Design
- (1) Approach to the R2030 Challenge Design
- (2) The Meaning of Expansive Recoupling of Research and Education: Seeking to Discharge Ritsumeikan University’s Mission
- (3) Further Enrichment of Student Learning and Growth
- (4) Roles Expected of Graduate Students (the “ideal graduate student” envisaged by Ritsumeikan University)
- (5) Future Advancement of Graduate School Academic Programs
- Chapter III Financial Management in the R2020 Period and Ritsumeikan University Tuition/Finance Policies for AY 2023 and Beyond
- Document