Hokkai-Gakuen University Mission and Vision Statement

September 22, 2021

Since its foundation, Hokkai-Gakuen University's motto has been "pioneering spirit". Stressing independence and autonomy, this motto has universal value as a cornerstone of individual pursuit of happiness and of a democratic society. However, it now needs be reinterpreted in the face of Hokkaido's past and present realities.

We should bear in mind the following historical facts. First, the development of Hokkaido, which gave birth to this pioneering spirit, was carried out on a rising tide of colonialism and developmentalism by plundering the indigenous Ainu people of their land and forcibly assimilating them. Second, women and persons with disabilities were not entitled to become independent, self-reliant citizens at the private educational institutions of the Meiji era. Third, pioneers' self-help philosophy--standing on one's own efforts without needlessly relying on the government--was the product of a time when poverty was seen as one's own fault and when support for the economically disadvantaged was not regarded as a responsibility of the state or society at large.

This pioneering spirit was originally based on two aspects of self-reliance: independence and autonomy. In the twenty-first century, out of deep respect for others, it must also embody the practice of harmonious coexistence, cooperation, and co-creation. We therefore share with our faculty and staff members, students, and alumni our core values: a pioneering spirit; independence and autonomy; and harmonious coexistence, cooperation, and co-creation. Guided by the following mission and vision, we establish and continue to assess our concrete plans for the future

September 22, 2021

Originating from Hokkai English School which was founded in 1885, and established in 1952, Hokkai-Gakuen University is the oldest private institution of higher learning in arts and sciences in Hokkaido. Abiding by our motto of "pioneering spirit", we aim to contribute to the future of Hokkaido, Japan, and the world.

Research Goals:
We encourage our faculty members to exercise their academic freedom to do their own research without outside interference. We expect them to explore the truth with students, to provide new and deeper understandings of the world, and to broaden the horizons of their respective fields of scholarship. We urge each Faculty, Graduate School, and the Center for Development Policy Studies to strive to find solutions to manifold problems facing modern society and Hokkaido in particular.

Educational Goals:
From the outset, we have taken equal opportunity education seriously, and we continue to promote it even further. While respecting their autonomy, we help our students reach their full potential by providing a liberal arts education that cultivates their minds. We produce students with a strong sense of morality and a yearning for truth, who are grounded in academic knowledge and training, and who will cooperate with others throughout their future careers.

September 22, 2021

1. Center of knowledge in Hokkaido
We strive to expand educational opportunities for the people of Hokkaido by creating new funds to expand scholarships and by providing students with a stable learning and living environment. As encouraged by the Organization for Regional Collaboration, we cooperate with the Hokkaido government, municipalities, private companies, other universities, and our alumni, to tackle challenges facing Hokkaido, in particular those due to the aging and decreasing population. We share our research results with the public through various channels such as the Hokkai-Gakuen University Press and open lectures, and we play a leading role in sustaining the vigorous and fruitful development of Hokkaido.

2. Curriculum with endless possibilities
We aim to design curricula that encourage students to study across Departments and Faculties, to pursue a broad education to achieve their potential, and to acquire the intelligence to deal flexibly with the uncertainties of this era. We strive to improve our learning contents and pedagogy on a regular basis through effective management of the educational system. We ensure the quality of educational programs that closely link general education to specialized education in each Faculty. We cultivate students' off-campus learning opportunities by fostering credit transfer systems with other universities in Japan, by increasing the number of study-abroad partner institutions, and by promoting the double degree program with the University of Lethbridge.

3. Campus with a great diversity
We strive to create campuses where people with a variety of social and cultural backgrounds come together to learn. To that end, we aim to draw in diverse applicants by devising appropriate admission procedures; to secure the comfort and safety of all by redesigning the campuses and by upgrading existing buildings to universal design; and to enhance independent and autonomous learning using such methods as peer support.

4. Vibrant community of faculty and staff members
In order to realize the visions mentioned above and to continue to be a valued research and educational institution, we aim to strengthen public relations, international exchange, and student support by significantly reorganizing current committees and administrative offices. At the same time, we strive to make our workforce more diverse by providing necessary support for faculty and staff who have children and/or elderly family members. Under the leadership and governance of the president, all faculty and administrative personnel strive to manage the university appropriately and efficiently, to record their activities, and to establish the Hokkai-Gakuen Archives in which documents will be deposited for future review.