Credit-awarded compulsory student society courses, which began at the start of the academic year, have achieved some noteworthy results. In total, the number of students enrolled in student societies is now 13,000; there have been over 1,000 student society-related activities held so far this semester, with a cumulative total of over 300,000 attendees.

Given the sharp and sudden rise in student club participants, it is little wonder that these courses are the current talk of Tamkang. Yet feedback from students and teachers has been mixed. Concerns and complaints include a lack of space and necessary facilities to accommodate vastly increased club numbers and complex administrative procedures that have led to more work for club leaders.

In response to the former problem, the Section Chief of the TKU Extracurricular Activities Guidance Section, Qu Quan-Yong, noted that at the end of the current semester, the offices of Physical Education and General Affairs will hold a meeting to discuss methods for increased efficiency of the use of sports facilities. As for the quandary of more work for club leaders and administrative staff, the Extra Curriculum section expressed that they are already in the process of creating a related website which is set to simplify the overall administrative process.

Meanwhile, there has also been plenty of positive feedback. Members of clubs and societies have noted how, with the increase in club members, the planning and holding of club activities has become much more efficient. Moreover, as the leader of the English Conversation Club, Tsai Ren-hao, explains “Compulsory student society courses give more shy and passive students the chance to get out of their comfort zones and meet people with similar interests.