National Chung Cheng University (CCU) was honored with the Ministry of Education’s “Character Education Model University – Southern Region” award. On December 5, Dean of Student Affairs Dr. Lung-Chuan Lu attended the award ceremony at National Cheng Kung University. He shared CCU’s achievements in integrating character education into daily life and academic programs, guided by the university motto: “To innovate with earnestness; be virtuous with altruism.” President Shaw-Jenq Tsai’s leadership in promoting these values was instrumental to this success.
Dr. Lu also acknowledged the dedication of project coordinator Ms. Yu-Hua Tang, who led character education initiatives with creativity and a steadfast commitment to the university’s core values.
Experiential Learning: From Physical Engagement to Understanding and Respect
Over the years, CCU deeply cultivated character development, human rights, gender equality, and sustainability education, fostering a warm and action-oriented campus culture. The university continued to uphold the belief that kindness should become a habit and that actions should reflect one’s character.
CCU encouraged students to learn through diverse experiential activities, such as the Business Ethics Microfilm Competition, canoeing, and the Character Education Table Tennis Cup. These experiences allowed students to practice integrity, respect, fairness, and teamwork, while rediscovering the values of cooperation and empathy.
Human Rights and Legal Education: Learning by Entering Real-Life Settings
Through prison visits and human rights education programs, CCU guided students and faculty into real-life institutional environments. These immersive experiences helped participants reflect on the meaning of freedom and human dignity, leading to deep personal transformation and a non-judgmental view of others' life stories.
Gender Equality Education: Making Respect a Part of Everyday Language
The Center for Gender Equality, Harmony, and Peace brought together experts and students from Taiwan and abroad to discuss gender issues. Through theory and community engagement, the center nurtured awareness and respect, making friendliness a visible and essential part of campus life.
Multicultural and Local Engagement: Connecting the World and the Community
With indigenous studies, community collaborations, and international student engagement as its foundation, CCU fostered a multicultural environment. The university also promoted intergenerational programs and elder human rights, integrating these efforts with University Social Responsibility (USR) initiatives to strengthen students’ sense of social contribution.
Sustainability Education: Seeing the Connection Between Self and the World
By integrating the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into courses and community actions, CCU helped students understand sustainability as a commitment to contributing toward a better world. This award affirmed the Ministry of Education’s recognition of CCU’s long-term efforts in advancing compassion and character.
In addition, Mr. Mao-Ding Cheng and Ms. Chun-Chih Cheng from the Office of Student Affairs were honored as Outstanding Student Affairs Personnel and Outstanding New Student Affairs Personnel in Southern Taiwan, respectively, bringing further honor to the university.