The Center for General Education (CGE) held its annual First-Year Student Week from August 31 to September 1 in conjunction with CCU’s 2026 First-Year Student Orientation. Centered on the theme “Open the Door to General Education, Discover New Horizons,” the two-day event brought together approximately 1,800 faculty members, staff, and students. Through bilingual exhibitions, interactive activities, and student achievement showcases, first-year students were introduced to general education and interdisciplinary learning possibilities. The opening morning featured an awards ceremony recognizing outstanding student achievements and the launch of CCU Nature 3, offering new students a glimpse into the diverse learning experiences awaiting them during their four years at CCU.

Building on CCU’s longstanding commitment to campus ecology and sustainability education, CCU Nature 3 transformed the campus into a living learning environment. Through observation, documentation, and the translation of ecological knowledge into accessible educational resources, the publication encouraged the university community to rediscover nature within their everyday surroundings. The new volume underwent expert review and incorporated AI-assisted editing, adding new content on plant identification by leaf and flower morphology as well as comprehensive coverage of campus flora and fauna. Published in both Chinese and English, the book serves as a vital resource for teaching and environmental education while showcasing CCU’s distinctive campus ecology in international exchanges and sustainability initiatives.

The event brought together campus partners and external organizations, including the Bachelor Program in Interdisciplinary Studies, College of Engineering, Interdisciplinary Learning Center, Language Center, Liwen Campus Bookstore, and the Yunlin-Chiayi Youth Volunteer Center under the Youth Development Administration, Ministry of Education. Alongside details on general education courses and graduation requirements, themed exhibitions and hands-on activities engaged students in self-directed learning, interdisciplinary studies, technology, social engagement, and language learning, connecting them with key resources across and beyond campus.

As a university-wide platform for interdisciplinary learning, the CGE took further steps to empower students in shaping their own educational journeys. A major highlight was CCU’s upcoming University Bachelor’s Degree Program, with applications set to open during the first semester of Academic Year 115 (2026–27) and the program formally launching in the second semester. The new framework will allow students to transcend departmental boundaries and pursue customized interdisciplinary tracks tailored to their personal goals. Interdisciplinary courses and programs were structured to make options easier to navigate, supported by Learning Path Design Mentors who guide students on combining fields—shifting the mindset from merely “choosing courses” to “designing learning pathways.”

Professor Ya-Hui Lee, Dean of the Center for General Education, noted that a university education goes beyond accumulating graduation credits. Equally essential is offering students opportunities to discover interests, explore diverse fields of knowledge, and chart their future paths. She stated that general education provides a critical gateway for students to step outside their majors and broaden their horizons, expressing hope that new students would realize early on that there is no fixed route through university—each student can build a personalized journey through general education, interdisciplinary study, and self-directed planning.

CCU Vice President Shin-Yuan Hung emphasized that the campus itself serves as a valuable learning environment where everything students observe and experience contributes to their growth. He noted that higher education should not only convey domain knowledge but also cultivate observational skills, issue-solving capacities, and environmental responsibility. General education plays a pivotal role by encouraging students to draw from everyday experiences and engage across disciplines. He urged first-year students to stay curious, explore confidently, and actively discover the endless possibilities of university life.

From exploring general education to designing personalized learning pathways, First-Year Student Week marked the beginning of an enriching four-year journey at CCU. Backed by the Higher Education Sprout Project and key partners, CCU remains dedicated to fostering an open, diverse, and supportive academic ecosystem where students can acquire knowledge, build connections, and craft a unique university experience.