SDGs-Related Courses

Since Academic Year 2020, the University has tracked course alignment with SDGs, initially through database keyword mapping and, starting in 2022, through faculty reporting in course syllabi.

In Academic Year 2023, CSU offered 6,914 courses, with 6,526 linked to SDGs (94.4%). These courses cover diverse sustainability topics such as green energy, low-carbon practices, biodiversity, social welfare, and public health—for example, Green Building Technology, Introduction to Marine Ecology and Conservation, Social Responsibility, and Environment and Human Ecology.

The top four SDG alignments were: SDG 4 Quality Education, SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being, and SDG 9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure. This alignment reflects CSU’s educational strategy, and the University will continue strengthening curriculum integration with SDGs to embed sustainability into daily learning.

Course Alignment with SDGs by College

 Note: Data were obtained from the “Higher Education Student Information Database,” including the “Actual Course Structure Tables” (AY 2021–2023) and the University’s internal course syllabus database.

Promoting Sustainability and University Social Responsibility  (USR) Curriculum Development

Micro-Credential Program in Sustainability: Expanding Student Perspectives 

To embed sustainability in campus learning, CSU will launch a Micro-Credential Program in Sustainability in Academic Year 2025. Students must complete 8 credits from liberal education courses across four sustainability-related domains (at least 2 credits each) to earn certification. This program encourages all students to engage in sustainability and social responsibility learning, broadening their perspectives and preparing them for diverse future career needs.

USR Innovative and Community-Engaged Courses:   Applying Knowledge to Local Issues 

SU encourages faculty to design community-engaged courses, guiding students to apply professional skills in serving society and addressing local needs. Since 2017, the University has offered such USR courses; in Academic Year 2023, 78 courses were opened with around 3,420 student enrollments.

Note: In 2023, due to declining student numbers from low birth rates, adjustments were made—based on Curriculum Committee recommendations—to the recognition of professional courses under the USR credit program.

USR Credit Program 

Since Academic Year 2020, the College of Living Creativity has offered the USR Credit Program, requiring 16 credits (8 core + 8 professional) for certification. The program trains students to identify social issues and design feasible solutions through a PBL model, linking to CSU’s USR practice sites. Cross-disciplinary faculty, engaged in community care, local revitalization, and industrial innovation, guide students in applying professional knowledge to real-world actions, fostering service and problem-solving skills.

Each year, five external experts review curriculum relevance to employability, learning goals, and industry needs, ensuring continuous improvement. In the second semester of AY2023, 2,276 students enrolled in cross-disciplinary programs, with 517 (26.4%) in the USR program. Among 153 graduating seniors, 146 completed requirements, achieving a 91.3% completion rate.

Sustainability Faculty Learning Communities

Led by the Teaching Development Center, CSU’s Sustainability Faculty Learning Communities provide professional training, consultation, and funding support to integrate SDGs into curricula and promote practice-based teaching. Faculty are encouraged to form thematic groups, organize workshops, and host seminars to deepen sustainability education and drive educational reform. In 2024, 18 sustainability-focused faculty communities were established.

Sustainability Faculty Learning Communities In 2024

Sustainability Student Clubs

Participation in student clubs and associations is vital for developing workplace readiness and soft skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and resilience. CSU established guidelines to encourage student engagement in these activities.

In Academic Year 2023, student clubs actively supported the SDGs through initiatives in environmental protection and resource reuse, such as beach cleanups, vegetarian advocacy, second-hand charity sales, book exchanges, and recycling workshops in priority education areas. For example, the Environmental Pioneers and Youth Volunteer Service Corps organized a beach cleanup at Wenzi Temple in Jiadong Township and Zhenhai Park in Donggang, Pingtung, with 58 participants.

The Office of Student Affairs regularly organizes leadership camps and training programs for club leaders, strengthening organizational capacity, student engagement, and long-term club development. Through club evaluations and incentive awards, student motivation to participate and serve as leaders is further enhanced. In recent years, CSU’s Student Association and clubs have earned national recognition—for example, the Department of Early Childhood Care Association received the Excellence Award in Self-Governance at the 2024 National University Club Evaluation, while the Student Association won the “Double Governance Award” at the 2024 National Student Association Exhibition.