I. Advancing AI Literacy through a Humanistic Vision

 

NCCU is actively advancing artificial intelligence (AI) education through a distinctive Humanities-Driven AI approach. Rather than treating AI as a purely technical field, the university integrates AI literacy with the humanities and social sciences, encouraging cross-disciplinary innovation grounded in ethical reflection and social responsibility.

 

Through its AI Interdisciplinary Curriculum Mapping, NCCU provides a clear and inclusive learning pathway that enables students from non-technical backgrounds to acquire essential AI competencies. To date, this initiative has resulted in 18 integrated courses and more than 800 student enrollments.

 

In parallel, NCCU supports AI-related research through targeted cross-college funding. In the current year, 36 interdisciplinary research teams have received support, many of which have successfully secured funding from the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) and formed partnerships with industry. Research themes include cultural preservation, generative AI and the arts, and the legal and ethical implications of AI.

 

Together, these efforts form a continuous cycle of talent cultivation, research implementation, and societal engagement, advancing NCCU’s long-term vision of Humanities-Driven AI for a sustainable future.

 

II. Pedagogical Innovation and Self-Directed Learning

 

NCCU places students at the center of its educational model by promoting interdisciplinary learning and self-directed education through systematic institutional and curricular reform.

 

This approach is supported by flexible credit recognition, refinements to the 16-week course structure, and expanded cross-disciplinary course offerings. Students are encouraged to design personalized learning pathways through interdisciplinary degree programs, micro-credential modules, cross-university course enrollment, and independent project-based learning.

 

The effectiveness of this modular and flexible framework is reflected in the rapid growth of NCCU’s micro-credential system—from 9 programs at the end of 2023 to 62 programs by October 2024.

 

Experiential learning also plays a central role. For example, the “Shovel Heroes” action-learning project engaged students in post-typhoon community reconstruction, serving as a model for integrating academic learning with civic responsibility. Through these initiatives, NCCU is building a sustainable, inclusive ecosystem that supports lifelong and self-directed learning.

 

III. Building a Sustainable Campus and Advancing University Social Responsibility (USR)

 

NCCU is deeply committed to sustainability, diversity, and social responsibility. In 2025, the university published its second Sustainability Report, reaffirming its long-term commitment to responsible governance and sustainable development.

 

A major milestone was achieved in 2024 with the completion of NCCU’s first organizational greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory for the 2023 fiscal year, covering Scope 1 (direct emissions) and Scope 2 (energy-related indirect emissions). Comparative analysis shows a 14% reduction in total GHG emissions in the 2024 reporting year.

 

Beyond campus operations, NCCU actively promotes University Social Responsibility (USR). In 2025, the university sponsored 10 USR projects addressing community and environmental challenges. One flagship initiative, Integrated Rural Planning Practices, partners with the student-initiated National Land Service Corps to conduct environmental assessments and promote community-based learning.

 

Guided by a structured five-stage USR development framework, NCCU ensures that social engagement is systematic, sustainable, and impactful—reinforcing the university’s commitment to holistic and long-term sustainability.

 

IV. Strategic Industry–Academia Partnerships and Co-Creation

 

NCCU has established a multi-layered industry–academia collaboration network to bridge academic research with real-world application. Through high-impact partnerships and formal agreements, the university promotes meaningful cross-sector collaboration. Key examples include the NVIDIA × NCCU strategic partnership and the NICA × TICA × NCCU tripartite agreement.

 

These partnerships are complemented by innovative teaching initiatives such as the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Workshop, an English-taught course that integrates industry mentorship, case studies, and team-based projects. Students develop skills spanning ideation, problem-solving, and prototype development, preparing them for global innovation environments.

 

In addition, NCCU hosts a Creative Ideas Hackathon, where interdisciplinary student teams work intensively over 48 hours to develop proposals and prototypes under the guidance of industry professionals.

 

Together, these initiatives provide faculty and students with concrete opportunities for joint research, applied projects, internships, co-designed talent development programs, and international collaboration. Through this integrated ecosystem, NCCU positions itself as a forward-looking university committed to co-creation, innovation, and global engagement.

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