In August 2015, Kyonggi University was included among the schools which were subject to a reduction of students as it received a grade C in the evaluation of university restructuring conducted by the Education Ministry. Also, in 2018, the department structure was reorganized by abolishing the department system and transfering many similar departments to governing faculties. However, it was criticized by many students because it was conducted without their agreement. Nevertheless, the system was implemented this year. What do faculty in the university and students think about this?

The track system is a policy implemented by the school administration, which integrated similar subjects and gives students the option of taking courses related to the subjects. To accomplish this, it abolished the department system and changed to a faculty-based system. For example, it converted the individual language departments (Japanese Language and Literature, French Language and Literature, etc.) into a global language department. Kyonggi University announced the system of 63 departments organized within 20 faculties at a public hearing. Under this system, students choose their track by enrolling in a faculty instead of choosing a department. However, students argued that the system is invalid, saying it would naturally weed out unpopular departments. Also, they opposed the system because it would shift responsibility to a small number of full-time professors and produce low evaluation scores with regard to structural reform while also undermining academic identity.

Why are students against the track system? Let’s look at the problem of that policy. First, the most significant problem that students will face is that their diplomas will be granted by integrated faculties, not particular departments. Second, it will also limit students’ right to choose their department. They came to university to achieve their goals and learn what they wanted to, but now they can’t take lessons according to their purposes. These problems stem from the loss of department identity. As mentioned, the track system causes some problems, but there are also positive effects resulting from the change to the track system. Let's hear the opinions of a current student in Kyonggi University.

1) Do you know about the track system?

I heard it operates by including several similar departments in one faculty.

2) Comparing the department system to the current track system, which do you prefer and what do you think about the two systems?

I’m somewhat optimistic as an undergraduate student. I think it is extremely rare for a freshman to enroll in a department with confidence. Therefore, I think the track system gives us a wider range of choices, and we can take classes and make decisions in advance.

3) What do you think is the biggest problem with the track system as it currently operates?

If you have a department that you really want to be a part of, and it is included in the system, I’m not sure if you can become a member of the department. Especially, if popular departments are integrated with unpopular ones, everyone will want to go to the popular departments. Then accommodating students is problematic and this would

inconvenience many students.

4) What do you think has been the most positive effect on students after the introduction of the track system?

I think the most positive effect is being able to attend a wide variety of classes. I know there are lots of people who decided on their majors after taking lessons.

We also listened to the opinions of an assistant from the Department of Japanese, Won Gang-seop, who handles the administrative affairs of the department.

1) After the implementation of the track system, how are diplomas of the integrated departments issued?

As of February 2018, the diploma for each major will be granted by the Global Language College, not by a department, and this will apply to all current students.

2) Are there any changes or problems in terms of administration due to the track system?

To put it briefly, we cannot associate students with their majors in our college. Currently, we have difficulty contacting first-year students because they do not belong to a particular department. Now, the four departments are grouped into one college. Also, things like grades

and scholarships have changed.

3) What do you think the most positive aspect of the track system is?

As they can attend various kinds of major classes, I think it is a good way to develop an interest in various subjects and to have access to various studies.

Like the two sides of a coin, a track system has both strong points and weaknesses. Of course, students’ rights must be guaranteed first. However, as the system was recently implemented, we need to stay focused on protecting these rights. It is important to make the effort to achieve our goals rather than simply to pay attention to a problem. Also, not only freshmen but all students should actively monitor and evaluate the current track system.

Planning Editor•JANG SOHYEON•dbskdkwk@naver.com
71st Cub Reporter•WON YOOHUN•dnjsdbgns123@naver.com