Tamkang University held its 2026–2027 academic year opening ceremonies and orientation sessions for incoming graduate and undergraduate students at 10:00 a.m. on September 10 and 11 on the seventh floor of the Shao-mo Memorial Gymnasium. Before the ceremonies, President Hui-Huang Hsu, accompanied by the university’s three vice presidents and heads of relevant academic and administrative units, led new students up the 132-step Slope of Overcoming Difficulty. The walk symbolized the shared spirit of “overcoming difficulties and striving upward” and marked the beginning of the students’ university journey.

The opening ceremonies began with the University Choir leading students in singing the school anthem, followed by student club promotional videos and a series of lively performances. The competitive cheerleading team, Extreme Dance Club, and Popular Dance Club took turns on stage, energizing the audience with dynamic performances.

In his remarks, President Hsu welcomed the new students to the Tamkang family and congratulated them on joining the Tamkang community. He introduced the university’s scenic environment, surrounded by mountains, sea, and river, as well as its distinctive educational features. With a 76-year history and more than 340,000 alumni worldwide, Tamkang has long promoted its “Triple Objectives of Internationalization, Information-Oriented Education, and Future-Oriented Education.” He encouraged new students to change their mindset during their university years—from “being taught” to actively “learning.” He urged them to make full use of the flexible academic system and wide range of interdisciplinary courses, learn to make independent choices, and take responsibility for their decisions.

In an era of rapid AI development, President Hsu reminded students that “questions are more valuable than answers.” He said accessing information and using AI tools have become basic skills, but identifying problems, integrating knowledge, and critically evaluating AI-generated results is even more important. He also stressed that students must use AI lawfully, safely, and ethically. He encouraged students to make good use of university resources, seize opportunities to study abroad during their junior year, and actively participate in competitions, corporate internships, and social engagement programs to apply what they learn in the classroom. In closing, he encouraged students to uphold Tamkang’s motto of “Simplicity, Truthfulness, Firmness, and Perseverance” and, over their four years at the university, find a group of trusted companions, something worth pursuing with determination, and a broad perspective. He also urged them to make full use of Tamkang’s extensive alumni network and build a fulfilling university experience.

The orientation sessions featured presentations by the deans of Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and General Affairs, who introduced academic programs, student life, and campus resources, respectively. Dean of Academic Affairs Li-Ren Yang explained curriculum planning, the general education structure, course registration rules, minor and double-major systems, interdisciplinary learning opportunities, and the requirements of various academic programs. He encouraged students to broaden their academic horizons, develop interdisciplinary capabilities, and strengthen their future employability and competitiveness.

Under the theme “Becoming an Adult in Your Own Right,” Dean of Student Affairs Yen-Ling Lin described the Office of Student Affairs as a “life navigation station” for new students. She introduced student services related to leave applications, student loans, scholarships, housing, health examinations, counseling, and student clubs. She encouraged students to seek help when they encounter difficulties and to gradually gain independence by taking responsibility for their choices and growth throughout university life.

Dean of General Affairs Ruey-Shiang Shaw introduced campus facilities and services from the perspectives of sustainability and environmental maintenance. These included campus shuttle buses, facility maintenance, and emergency call buttons. He also explained that most classrooms are now equipped with smart energy-saving control systems. He reminded students to help maintain the campus environment, follow relevant regulations, and work together to create a safe and comfortable learning environment.

In the afternoon, individual departments and graduate institutes held their own orientation sessions, during which department heads and student associations introduced academic characteristics, learning environments, and relevant regulations. The Sanitation and Fitness Section also conducted health examinations at the Student Activity Center to help safeguard the health of new students.

Tzu-Yun Wu, a first-year student in the Department of English, said that the orientation gave her a clearer understanding of the university’s curriculum structure, including requirements for compulsory and free elective courses. As a student in an English-taught program, she paid particular attention to information about junior-year study abroad opportunities. “I hope I can achieve my target IELTS score and successfully study at my ideal overseas university during my junior year,” she said. A first-year student surnamed Chiang from the Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering said that the orientation helped him better understand the university’s history and academic regulations, particularly systems such as double majors and minors. He was also impressed by the number and diversity of student clubs. He said he looks forward to making more friends during his university years and sharing a fulfilling campus experience with them.