The basic principles of education at Nagoya University and the ideal graduate

The Nagoya University Academic Charter (2000) defines its mission thus: “Nagoya University maintains a culture of free and open-minded academic endeavor and aspires to contribute to the prosperity and happiness of all people through research and education in those fields studying human beings, society, and the natural world. Above all, it aims to foster the harmonious development of humanity and science, to conduct advanced research, and to provide an education that encompasses the full range of the humanities, the social sciences, and the natural sciences.”

The main objectives of research and education, as put forth in the basic philosophy of the Academic Charter, are:
1. Nagoya University, through its creative research, shall pursue truth and produce world-leading intellectual achievements; and
2. Nagoya University, through an education that values independent thinking, shall foster individuals who possess intellectual courage, the power of rational thought, and imagination.

Consistent with the basic philosophy of its Academic Charter, and as one of Japan’s core universities, Nagoya University has contributed to building a rich culture and advancing science and technology through its creative activities in education and research. While producing leading world-class research, such as that of our six twenty-first century Nobel laureates, Nagoya University’s free and open academic tradition has cultivated many talented leaders with an enterprising spirit and who cannot be swayed by existing authority. We strive for public accessibility to provide society with talented people and intellectual achievements.
As mentioned, the ideal Nagoya University graduate is an “individual possessing intellectual courage.” Such a person has a global vision and upholds a sense of responsibility with strong ambition to contribute to society; they gain a broad education and a high-level of expertise; and they contribute to solving the various problems that hinder the well-being of humanity and development of a sustainable society. Nagoya University is trying to cultivate this ideal graduate, with genuine courage and intelligence, and the capacity to shape the future. We provide these “individuals possessing intellectual courage” with enough knowledge and skills, activate their creativity, and encourage a challenging spirit of research. For people possessing such excellent qualities and abilities, Nagoya University focuses on training them through multifaceted academic research activities and a sense of spontaneity.

Three Policies for Improving the Quality of University Education

Consistent with our mission, Nagoya University has established three sets of guidelines for administering education:
1) Diploma Policies – Policies for Certifying Graduation and Conferring Diplomas;
2) Curriculum Policies – Policies for Organizing and Implementing Education; and
3) Admissions Policies – Policies for Selecting and Admitting Students.

These three sets of policies exist for both undergraduate and graduate program and are disseminated inside and outside the university. The three policies enable current students to understand Nagoya University’s educational objectives. In the broader society where our graduates seek to make their mark, they provide potential employers with a basis for understanding the abilities and attributes of Nagoya University graduates. The three policies manifest their true value through a close, mutual interconnection. Nagoya University integrates them and takes them as the starting point for the fundamental principles of training and education needed to develop the ideal graduate. When reviewing and assessing the education we offer and when trying to improve its quality, we take these policies into account.