Regarding fall semester 2020 courses

To: Registered students and their families

All spring semester courses at Meiji Gakuin University had to be conducted remotely, but we have decided to partially incorporate face-to-face classes for fall semester courses, starting September 21, 2020. It will not be possible to conduct all courses in a face-to-face setting, however, so we will simultaneously implement face-to-face and online courses.

We believe face-to-face classes are the fundamental form for university courses, and therefore wish to implement that format to the extent possible. That being said, we cannot ignore the risk of coronavirus infections. We thus consider providing face-to-face classes, after giving due consideration to the risks involved, to be part of the University’s social responsibility.

We are particularly keen to satisfy the needs of those students eager for close guidance in seminars and practical training, as well as those needing direct instruction regarding completion of their theses. On the other hand, we are also highly aware that risk of infection makes many students hesitant to return to campus. During fall semester, therefore, we will not require students to come to campus to participate in face-to-face classes.

We will limit the number of students coming to campus for face-to-face classes, implement extensive infection prevention measures on campus and in classrooms, and allow face-to-face classes only for those subjects in which risk can be minimized. Further, we will prepare environments allowing class participation either in person or online, and students coming to campus when face-to-face classes are in session will be able use campus facilities to participate online.

In early August, we will post on Port Hepburn (Kyomu Web) course details (whether classes will be face-to-face, online, partially face-to-face, etc.) for each department and graduate course. Please note that registration periods for the fall semester may change, and class start times may be adjusted to avoid campus congestion.

Meiji Gakuin University considers continuance of education, maintaining educational quality, and ensuring the safety of our students, faculty, and staff to be of utmost importance, and made this decision as the best way to achieve each of these goals. We thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Note that the policies described above may change due to changes in infection rates or other developing situations. In such an event we will provide notifications on the University website, etc., so please continue to monitor this information.

Leo Murata
President
Meiji Gakuin University
July 21, 2020