The Implementation System for University Social Responsibility at Cheng Shiu University
In alignment with the university's "Campus Development Plan" and the "Higher Education Sprout Project: Innovative Practice, Cross-disciplinary Integration, Local Engagement, and Global Connection," Cheng Shiu University has developed a blueprint for University Social Responsibility (USR). This blueprint envisions "Building a Sustainable Campus and Advancing Sustainable Local Living," with the goals of achieving a "Sustainable Campus" and fostering a "Sustainable Community." The plan outlines four key areas of sustainable action: "Education," "Economy," "Culture," and "Environment." Core values for sustainability on campus have been established to integrate regional and university resources in teaching and research, driving community development, supporting regional industrial clusters, and encouraging cultural innovation.
As USR initiatives and sustainability challenges become more diverse and complex, the "Office of Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development" has expanded its mission to include promoting campus sustainability. This office integrates USR efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), undertaking medium- and long-term planning, providing guidance for innovative course implementation, and fostering faculty and partner community networks. Through initiatives like the publication of the Social Responsibility Annual Report and the Sustainability Report, the university highlights its inherent strengths and enhances its connections with stakeholders.
USR Project Execution Outcomes and Support Mechanism
The university classifies the maturity of its projects into three stages based on the scope of the implementation areas and the complexity of the issues addressed: "Nursery Stage," "Seed Stage," and "Germination Stage." The "Office of Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development" is responsible for managing performance assessments and conducting budget audits for these projects. Based on the outcomes achieved each year, projects may apply for advancement to a higher stage in the subsequent year.
Implementation of University Social Responsibility (USR) Projects
Type
Project Description
Ongoing Projects in 2023
SDGs
Germination Phase
The "USR Germination Phase Project," part of the Ministry of Education’s University Social Responsibility Program. This phase involves project teams conducting assessments of resources and challenges, with implementation across regions including Qishan District, Linyuan District, and Qijin District in Kaohsiung City, as well as Xinyuan Township in Pingtung County. The focus is on local community care, industrial linkages, and environmental sustainability, with efforts integrating academic courses and external resources to foster regional development.
"Proud Bananas: Daqishan Model Innovation and Cooperative Production"
"Gathering New Communities: Flagship Qijin"
"Safe Food, Silver Health, and Sustainable Linyuan"
"Fiber Renaissance: Revitalizing Xinyuan Township"
Seed Phase
The "USR Seed Phase Project," part of the Ministry of Education’s Higher Education Sprout Program. This phase focuses on four core sustainability themes: education, economy, culture, and environment. It also plays a supporting role for other USR initiatives within the university.
"Urban Elder Growth and Enrichment Program"
"Heritage of Port City: Kaohsiung's Learning Exchange"
"Agricultural Development in Rural Areas"
"Silver Health and Intergenerational Harmony Program"
"Campus Support for Local Care"
"Sustainable Industrial Cities Initiative
Nursery Phase
The "USR Nursery Phase Project," under the Ministry of Education’s Higher Education Sprout Program, emphasizes small-scale, refined action plans that address the four core sustainability areas: education, economy, culture, and environment.
"Diverse Learning and Sustainable Education"
"Industrial Linkage and Sustainable Economy"
"Local Care and Cultural Sustainability"
"Collaborative Regional Environmental Sustainability"
Areas of Social Responsibility Practice
The university has been actively cultivating its presence in the Kaohsiung and Pingtung regions for many years, building on the success of the Higher Education Sprout Project (2017-2023) and the University Social Responsibility (USR) initiatives. Over the years, the university has expanded both the scope of its social practices and the number of participating teams, effectively advancing the sustainability goals of "Education," "Economy," "Culture," and "Environment." In 2023, the university implemented 4 Germination Stage USR projects, 6 Seed Stage projects, and 17 Nursery Stage projects, involving 27 faculty-student teams and over 200 faculty members leading students in deep engagement within the Kaohsiung and Pingtung areas.
In light of the increasingly severe impacts of extreme climate events and the growing awareness among faculty and students regarding net-zero carbon emissions and biodiversity, the university plans to continue deepening its existing initiatives and field actions in 2024. This effort will be supported by integrating campus energy-saving and carbon-reduction measures, advancing environmental sustainability policies, and related research projects. The primary focus will be on strengthening team development and advancing projects related to "Environment" and "Ecology," thereby fulfilling the university’s commitment to talent cultivation and its leadership role in regional development.
Overview of the USR Practice Project
Project
Proud Bananas: Daqishan Model Innovative Cooperative Production Implementation Project
Project Background
The Qishan area has long faced community issues such as the outflow of young people, difficulties for small farmers to survive, insufficient agricultural innovation skills, and a lack of care systems for both the young and the elderly. It is necessary to address these issues early on through educational initiatives, and to inject resources into industries, community care, and job opportunities, creating an environment conducive to the return of young people.
SDG
Highlighted Achievements
Youth Work Team on the Ground:
Since the establishment of the Pi Youth Work Team in 2021, a total of 5 batches of camp training sessions have been completed, with 56 trainees successfully trained. These trained members continue to provide on-the-ground services in the Daqishan area, offering high-quality community care services.
29 Spirit of Local Revitalization:
This initiative focuses on community cooperative production, with sustainable profits reinvested into community welfare. Through the collaborative efforts of the university, the community, local small farmers, and businesses, the initiative continues to revitalize and develop community human resources.
Qishan Local Study of Hundred Refines:
This initiative imparts local knowledge to community residents, particularly aiming to build intergenerational recognition and memory of the land. It allows local young students to gain a more detailed understanding of community people, events, and issues, laying the groundwork for opportunities for young people to return to their hometowns through foundational education.
▲ Pili Youth Work Team
▲ Barrier-Free Village Classroom
Project
Uniting New Residents: Qijin Empowerment Initiative
Project Background
This initiative aims to address the challenges faced by local new immigrant communities, with a focus on understanding and addressing the difficulties they encounter and the learning and upbringing challenges of their second-generation children. By harnessing the combined efforts of 168 faculty members and students from Qijin, the project seeks to promote the integration of new residents, creating a positive cycle and fully realizing the core spirit of university social responsibility.
SDG
Highlighted Achievements
Vocational Training to Reduce Inequality:
Over the past three years, the university has conducted Level C Chinese Cuisine Certification classes, successfully guiding 52 new residents to obtain their national certification. This effort supports their growth and deepens their entrepreneurial skills in the culinary industry.
Brand Creation with Jindian Fish Sauce:
In partnership with Minxing Fish Sauce Foods, TSMC, and the university's Emerging Contaminants and Environmental Pollutants Research Center, the project has developed the unique "Jindian Fish Sauce." By focusing on precision, technology, and safety, this product has become a source of pride for Qijin’s new residents and a key avenue for employment and entrepreneurship.
Nurturing New Local Talent in Qijin:
This initiative exemplifies university social responsibility by fostering a new generation of talent. A core aspect of this responsibility is reshaping the workforce, allowing faculty and students to apply their knowledge and skills in ways that generate diverse societal value through active social engagement.
▲ Jindian Fish Sauce Product Innovation
▲ Culinary Skills Training for New Residents
Project
Safe Food, Healthy Aging, and Sustainable Linyuan
Project Background
This initiative aims to enhance food safety by supporting the testing of agricultural and fishery products and aquaculture environments in Linyuan District, using scientific data to ensure safety. Simultaneously, it promotes community health and fosters a supportive learning environment through various strategies. The project strives to create a positive impact on both society and the environment, practicing sustainable management that integrates social welfare with environmental stewardship.
SDG
Highlighted Achievements
Responsible Consumption and Production:
The team conducted comprehensive analyses of heavy metals and arsenic in 20 samples from indoor aquaculture systems, using the internationally certified Ultra-Trace Research Technology Center at Cheng Shiu University. They also organized seminars with local fish and shrimp farmers, providing models for improving water safety in aquaculture.
Promoting Health and Well-being:
The initiative repurposed spaces from the old district office into active community hubs, supporting a range of activities. It introduced diverse courses at day care centers in the Wenhsiang, Dingcuo, Donglin, Tantou, Gongcuo, and Shanwei communities to strengthen community bonds and foster a caring atmosphere.
Volunteer Training and Capacity Building:
Through the "University Social Responsibility Practice" credit program, the initiative brought together interdisciplinary faculty, students, and international student volunteers for joint training.
This effort aims to cultivate a strong pool of volunteers dedicated to sustainable community development.
▲ Advocating Environmental Sustainability and Food Safety
▲ Volunteer Development and Community Engagement
Project
Xinyuan Innovation - Empowering Regeneration in Xinyuan Township
Project Background
This initiative leverages internet marketing and blockchain technology to improve the tracking of production processes, ensuring a transparent and complete product history to guarantee quality. Collaborating with local businesses, the project has developed specialty products like pineapple cakes and fruit madeleines, expanding innovative sales channels for agricultural goods. The overarching goal is to create employment opportunities in Xinyuan Township, driving economic growth and sustainable development in this rural area.
SDG
Highlighted Achievements
Driving Economic Development through Product Innovation:
The project plans and supports small farmer markets, nurtures local culinary businesses in Xinyuan, and develops industry-specific talent. To further increase farmers' income and add value to agricultural products, the initiative has helped Linhou Cocoa Farm transition from producing cocoa butter for food to developing biotechnology products for export. This effort has established Asia's first cocoa-based beauty brand, precisely targeting the global beauty market. An idle facility, the Silin Clinic, was also transformed into a sales point for these beauty products and a hub for local revitalization.
Creating a New Production and Sales Model:
By partnering with Weiting Bakery, the project developed "Xinyuan Fruit Madeleines," enhancing the added value of local agricultural products and launching them into the market. This initiative boosts farmers' income and product value by establishing partnerships with local agricultural cooperatives and opening up online marketing channels, thus safeguarding the sustainable development of Xinyuan's agriculture.
▲ Enhancing Product Value through Blockchain Applications