Shaping tomorrow's interdisciplinary talent: University is transforming for modern times

Fu Jen Catholic University (hereinafter 'Fu Jen University') is a Roman Pontifical university directly established by the Catholic Church, and its predecessor was founded in 1925 by the Benedictines from the United States. Along with having 139 sister schools worldwide, it is a highly international university with research agreements with Japanese universities among others.
The Taipei campus, located about 10 km from central Taipei, has a charming, calm and green environment despite its proximity to the city. The vast campus spanning over 400,000 square meters has 44 school buildings, which are undergoing gradual renovations to adapt to evolving learning styles and contemporary needs.
In the winter of 2022, the Jonah Building situated in the North area of the campus, adjacent to the hospital, was partially renovated. Thereby, new spaces have been created where students can interact with each other freely and study in a relaxed atmosphere. We spoke about the renewal with Mr. Ying-Chou Wang, Vice-President for Academic Affairs, who is leading the project.


Dr. Ying-Chou Wang
Vice-President for Academic Affairs, Fu Jen University
Professor, Department of Clinical Psychology

A private university in Taiwan that focuses on 'cultivating interdisciplinary talent'

――Could you tell us about Fu Jen University?

We are a Catholic university with direct links to the Holy See. On campus, students and teachers are very considerate of each other, and we are often commended for that. We hope to convey the spirit of Catholic fraternity to our students through a campus environment where they can concentrate on their studies and be happy.

――What are the University's expectations from its students?

With a rich history spanning over a century, this Roman Pontifical university proudly stands as Taiwan's sole private university, comprising 12 faculties and an affiliated medical hospital. We believe in having students from different faculties and departments study in the same learning environment. Owing to this, they can cooperate with each other, foster teamwork and smoothly integrate into society and the workplace after graduation.
In addition, our university focuses on 'nurturing interdisciplinary talent' to conduct research in 'intermediate areas' between one's own specialized field and other adjacent fields. In other words, in addition to developing and improving their own professional competencies, we want our students to acquire secondary and tertiary expertise.

Renewal project aids to upgrade school building while maintaining its history

――Could you tell us about the renovated Jonah Building?

Originally, this site was home to the university's athletics stadium. In 1992, the Jonah building was constructed here to house the different departments under the Faculty of Medicine. These encompass the Department of Nursing, Department of Public Health, Department of Clinical Psychology, and the expanded Department of Medicine including the Department of Occupational Therapy, Department of Respiratory Therapy, and graduate schools (Nursing, Public Health, Clinical Psychology, Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research Institute). It has been over 30 years since the building first opened its doors. Later, the Paul Cardinal Shan Medical Building was built next door and the buildings were connected.

――In December 2022, 30 years after it opened, Classroom DG308 in the Jonah Building and the communication spaces around it were renovated.
Please tell us about the key points of this renovation work.

Over the past three years, we have renovated 135 learning spaces, including classrooms. We renovated the spaces by deciding themes aligned with their intended use. We wanted to transform Taiwan's traditional education by embodying a new teaching style and a new educational philosophy. One of these changes is the renovation of Classroom DG308.
It took about a year from conception to completion. As Fu Jen University values the development of humanities, we felt that we ought to preserve the historical architecture. Hence, we renovated only the interior to suit the modern age while leaving the exterior of the building unchanged. In Europe, the US and Japan as well, historic universities often renew the interior environment and facilities without revamping the exterior of buildings.

――Yes, that is true. The exterior is quaint with a historic feel, but the interior of the building exudes modern aesthetics.

Right. My specialization is psychology. In my recent interactions with students, I have noticed that face-to-face communication is decreasing and communication via the internet, including social networking sites, is increasing. So we thought about creating communication-friendly spaces in the corridors and corners of the buildings. That way, students could spend their free time there, leading to increased inter-personal interaction. In fact, these places are highly favored as hubs for communication, not only among students, but also among teachers and students.

――I did see a lot of students hanging around there. Those are really wonderful spaces!

Versatile Classroom DG308 - Tailored to suit the modern era

――What are the key points of the renewal of Classroom DG308?

Our university does not have many spaces that can be dubbed as truly multipurpose. So we focused our attention mainly on 'multipurpose application' during this renewal. DG308 can be used not only as a lecture room, but also as a venue for meetings, ceremonies, and student-hosted events.
We also laid stress on creating a proper ambience for the classroom. Before the renovation, the classroom emanated a stiff and strong masculine impression. The ratio of male-to-female students in our university is 3:7. So with more female students, we chose the design and colors of the desks and chairs to impart a softer impression. By blending several neutral earth-gray colors in the interior, we have created a calm environment where students can concentrate on their studies.
Also, the lighting is designed such that the brightness can be adjusted. The light can be altered according to the need of the class or activity, such as soft natural light or brighter light. Depending on the degree of dimming, the cross-shaped beams of the ceiling stand out like a crucifix.
We also replaced the blackout curtains with semi-blinds. This change from a dark, closed atmosphere to a bright classroom space has enabled the students to study while enjoying the weather and campus atmosphere filtering in through the windows. This has made all the difference!

――What are your thoughts about the furniture?

Previously, the furniture here was designed for an office setting. However, to adapt to the diversifying learning needs, we capitalized on the renovation opportunity and replaced it with user-friendly desk seats. After all, classroom furniture must also evolve with the times.
Students nowadays use tablets or laptops, so we chose desks with wider top panels and installed power outlets on them. The seat design makes it easier to hang backpacks on the backrest.
We plan to continue renovating other floors and other buildings.

――Is the renovated classroom available to all students?

Yes, certainly. Any student of this university can use it freely. Mainly, students in the Department of Clinical Psychology of the Faculty of Medicine use the classroom. Modern university education involves not just lectures aimed at acquiring knowledge, but also presentations, team discussions, and exhibitions. This classroom has a teacher's platform, so we plan to use it for a wide range of activities, including important lectures, white coat ceremonies, and capping ceremonies for the people in the Faculty of Medicine.

――So everyone is satisfied with the outcome of this renovation, right? Have any students or teachers shared their thoughts about the renovation?

I conduct lectures in this classroom myself, and many of my students tell me that it is much more comfortable and pleasant now. This renovation seems to have conveyed that the university lays great stress on the learning environment of the students. It feels great to see the students interacting with each other during breaks in between classes. The classroom also seems to be very user-friendly.

――I am glad to hear that. Lastly, what are your plans for the future?

We at Fu Jen University, will continue to endeavor to improve the learning environment in the future. With increased worldwide interest in sustainability, we also intend to contribute to the global environment by actively using eco-friendly materials and green building materials in line with the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals).

――I am eagerly looking forward to the future development of Fu Jen University. Thank you very much for your time today.