NCHU Launches New 16-Week Semester to Enhance Flexible Learning and International Engagement
2025-09-02
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Source: Office of Academic Affairs, National Chung Hsing University
Starting in the 2025 academic year, National Chung Hsing University (NCHU) is officially implementing a 16-week semester system. This initiative responds to global trends in higher education and the growing demand for autonomous learning, aligning NCHU’s academic structure with international standards. The reform is designed to facilitate overseas studies for local students, smooth transitions for international exchange students returning home, and create greater flexibility for students to explore their academic and personal interests in a more efficient learning environment.
NCHU began exploring the feasibility of adjusting its semester length in 2022. Through cross-departmental discussions, data collection, and phased pilot programs, the university developed a comprehensive implementation plan. Faculty and students were actively engaged through surveys and departmental information sessions, encouraging students to make the most of flexible scheduling options for interdisciplinary coursework, research projects, overseas exchange programs, and career development opportunities — thereby broadening the scope for self-directed exploration.
The Office of Academic Affairs has also completed administrative and system updates to ensure a smooth transition to the 16-week framework. Adjustments have been made to the academic calendar, syllabus format, advisor meeting schedules, and end-of-term surveys. The university will continue to monitor implementation outcomes and collect feedback from faculty and students to fine-tune the system and optimize support measures as needed.
Committed to fostering interdisciplinary learning and talent development, NCHU has, in recent years, introduced various mechanisms such as “Specialization Modules,” “Interdisciplinary Credit Program,” and “Cross-Disciplinary Specialization.” The university has also expanded to offer “College-wide Bachelor's Degree” and “University Interdisciplinary Bachelor's Degree,” giving students diverse pathways for interdisciplinary growth. Complementing these initiatives, the university employs full-time learning planners and designates faculty mentors within each department to guide students in tailoring their academic plans to their interests and strengths.
With the implementation of the 16-week semester, NCHU aims to further empower students with stronger self-directed and lifelong learning skills, nurturing graduates with both deep expertise and broad, interdisciplinary perspectives to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world.
Starting in the 2025 academic year, National Chung Hsing University (NCHU) is officially implementing a 16-week semester system. This initiative responds to global trends in higher education and the growing demand for autonomous learning, aligning NCHU’s academic structure with international standards. The reform is designed to facilitate overseas studies for local students, smooth transitions for international exchange students returning home, and create greater flexibility for students to explore their academic and personal interests in a more efficient learning environment.
NCHU began exploring the feasibility of adjusting its semester length in 2022. Through cross-departmental discussions, data collection, and phased pilot programs, the university developed a comprehensive implementation plan. Faculty and students were actively engaged through surveys and departmental information sessions, encouraging students to make the most of flexible scheduling options for interdisciplinary coursework, research projects, overseas exchange programs, and career development opportunities — thereby broadening the scope for self-directed exploration.
The Office of Academic Affairs has also completed administrative and system updates to ensure a smooth transition to the 16-week framework. Adjustments have been made to the academic calendar, syllabus format, advisor meeting schedules, and end-of-term surveys. The university will continue to monitor implementation outcomes and collect feedback from faculty and students to fine-tune the system and optimize support measures as needed.
Committed to fostering interdisciplinary learning and talent development, NCHU has, in recent years, introduced various mechanisms such as “Specialization Modules,” “Interdisciplinary Credit Program,” and “Cross-Disciplinary Specialization.” The university has also expanded to offer “College-wide Bachelor's Degree” and “University Interdisciplinary Bachelor's Degree,” giving students diverse pathways for interdisciplinary growth. Complementing these initiatives, the university employs full-time learning planners and designates faculty mentors within each department to guide students in tailoring their academic plans to their interests and strengths.
With the implementation of the 16-week semester, NCHU aims to further empower students with stronger self-directed and lifelong learning skills, nurturing graduates with both deep expertise and broad, interdisciplinary perspectives to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world.
