[Message from the President] Fall semester – here we come!
September 25, 2023
Everyone, the fall semester will finally begin next week. I hope that you will recall the memories of the spring semester, which was busy with exams and assignments, and get through the fall semester safely. Today, I would like to make eight announcements.
1. Changes made during the summer semester, Part 1; Tobita Center moved to a new location.
During the summer term, the TUFS Student Mobility Center (Tobita Center) moved to the 2nd floor of the Research and Lecture Building (former Audio-Visual Library). The space has become much larger. In addition to consultations, please join the various events that will be held here.
As a result of the relocation of the Tobita Center, the corridor on the second floor of the Research and Lecture Building now houses the GCC (Global Career Center), the Tobita Center, and VOLAS, as well as the TUFS Academic Support Center on the first floor. We hope that you will make use of these supports to enhance your student life.
However, the DVD lending service in the AV Library will continue, so if you wish to use it, please inquire at the Education Information Support Office.
2. Changes made during the summer semester (Part 2: updating IT equipment, etc.)
New computers are now available for shared use on campus due to the replacement of equipment at the Information Collaboration Center. The computers can be used in places such as the Research and Lecture Building Room 216 and 217, and the library. Although the computers have been removed from classrooms 205 and 206, they will continue to be available as study spaces for the time being. Please bring your own laptop computer.
Also, the co-op's Sabooru cafeteria has been improved a bit. We hope you will enjoy using it.
3. Fire at the TUFS International Residence
A fire broke out in the early morning of September 15th in the TUFS International Residence No. 1 building, destroying one room. Several surrounding rooms were also damaged. We are relieved that no one was injured, as it could have been a very dangerous incident. Whether you are in a dormitory, a boarding house, or at home, please be careful about electrical appliances such as chargers and outlets. Be careful not to increase the electrical capacity used too much, especially if you have extension cords.
4. This year marks the 150th anniversary of the founding of the university
Let’s look back at the last 150 years. Tokyo University of Foreign Languages was established in 1872 as the Tokyo School of Foreign Languages to lead the modernization of Japan. Although there have been twists and turns since then, the university has consistently linked Japan with the world through the gateway of language education. This year marks a major milestone. For example, why not learn about the history of the university in Professor Yoshiaki Kurakata’s GLIP course ‘TUFS in Modern Japan’ (Wednesday 5th Period – Fall Semester). In October, the TUFS Press will publish "150 Years of Tokyo University of Foreign Studies" in the TUFS Archives.
In addition, as part of the 150th anniversary commemorative project, the sports grounds will be converted to artificial turf with funds raised for the 150th anniversary fund. Construction is scheduled to take place between January and March of this year.
Other commemorative projects include a series of 11 citizen lectures, "Learning about the World, Living in the World," co-sponsored by the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper (https://www.tufs.ac.jp/event/2023/yomiuri.html). Lectures for students (December 4th) and other events are also being held. We look forward to seeing you there.
5. 100 yen breakfast
The 100 yen breakfast supported by the Tokyo Gaigokai association will resume on October 2nd. Please wake up bright and early and take advantage of this opportunity.
6. 188 new exchange students arrive
The 188 exchange students who will start in the fall semester are arriving at TUFS one by one. As the name implies, exchange students are students from other universities who come to study at TUFS in exchange for TUFS students studying abroad. Most of them are studying Japanese language programs, but they are also eager to make friends in Japan. We encourage all of you to approach your buddies and students in your major area of study.
A meeting for exchange students and their buddies entering in the fall and a crime prevention workshop will be held on September 29 (Fri.). Those who are eligible will be contacted by the International Student Office. Please come and join them!
7. Fraud targeting foreign students
This is a warning to all international students studying at our university. There have been many cases of fraud by people claiming to be from embassies or public security organizations. There have also been victims of such scams at our university. Please be careful of phone calls and e-mails claiming to be from embassies or public security organizations, and if you receive any such calls or e-mails, please contact the International Student Exchange Division or one of our faculty members immediately. For more information, please click here:
https://www.tufs.ac.jp/student/NEWS/student_life/230807_1.html
8. Excited for Gaigosai
This year, Gaigosai will be held on the same scale as before the Coronavirus pandemic. Finally! However, we should not be defined by the pre-Corona Gaigosai. We hope that you will create your own new Gaigosai. We hope the 101st Gaigosai will be a success.
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That's all for today. One more week to go, please get into the rhythm of your student life and prepare for the new semester. Stay well and see you on campus.
Kayoko HAYASHI
President, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies