Tamkang University (TKU) President Dr. Chang Horng-jinh, Chairperson of the “Private Universities and Colleges Association of the Republic of China (PUCAROC)” called on National Science Council (NSC), Executive Yuan to keep the “private college research capability project”.

Chang presented the proposal at the meeting of the third general assembly of PUCAROC held on March 21, 2003. Participants have unanimously agreed Chang’s proposal. Chang said that the resources of private universities and colleges have gradually reduced and the Ministry of Education (MOE) or NSC could not give favor only to public colleges. All the universities, public or private, should stand on the same line/position to fight for a fair competition, Chang said.

The NSC has subsidized 26 universities and colleges under the “upgrading private universities and colleges research capability project” set by the NSC in the first three-year plan beginning in December 2000. The project will expire in November 2003. In addition to writing a letter to NSC, Chang will call on Wei Che-Ho, Chairperson of NSC, with a date to be fixed later to convey the voice of PUCAROC members.

Liu Chin-lung, Director of General Administration Division of NSC; and Wu Jui-pei, Director of Planning and Evaluation Division of NSC were invited to the meeting. Liu said NSC has always kept in mind the requirement of private universities and colleges. He will convey their proposal to NSC. Liu said that NSC and MOE have budgeted NT$35 million to import 22 periodicals on digital system and 96 databases for the use of universities and colleges around the nation.