Located in the Hsit'un district some 30 minutes from the city of Taichung, Feng Chia University is representative of the improving quality of Taiwan's private universities. Once considered primarily a business-oriented school, Feng Chia has gradually upgraded its existing facilities as well as embarked on a course of future expansion of its academic offerings. Advocating a combination of practical on-the-job training with in-class theory, the school well prepares graduates for a smooth transition into the island's work force.
Liao Ying-ming, University president since 1973, speaks convincingly of the University's merits. He points out that the school has a much shorter history than other better-known island institutions, and as a private school has certain financial constraints. The school's standards, however, have not been affected. The University, he stresses, is focusing on upgrading research facilities. The students, while perhaps not as academically outstanding as those of National Taiwan University or Cheng Chih University, are honest, dedicated and practical young people who embody the same industrious spirit that has helped fuel the remarkable growth of the Republic of China.
Founded in 1961, the school is named after Chiu Feng-chia, a hero in the war of resistance with Japan and an advocate of educational reform. Chiu Nien-tai, Hsiao I-shan and Yang Liang-kung were the forces behind the founding of the school. On July 5, 1961, the Ministry of Education accredited the school as a college and approved the opening of the following departments: Engineering (Civil and Hydraulic), and Commerce (Accounting and Business Administration). The first formal classes began on November 15,1961 with a total enrollment of 221 students. The college was temporarily located in an elementary school in P'eit'un as the campus was still under construction.
As a private college, the school has had to rely on student tuitions to fund most of its construction. When the school moved to its permanent site at Hsit'un, only 20 hectares of land could be purchased. Of these, three hectares are still farmland. As a result, the campus is relatively small, even though the student body has grown considerably.
Upon his appointment to the post of president in 1973, Liao Ying-ming devoted himself to the expansion of college services. A primary goal was to encourage returning overseas scholars to accept teaching posts at the school. During the early years of his tenure, school construction projects included a new engineering building, a swimming pool, a skating facility and an artificial lake. On June 11, 1980, the Ministry of Education conferred university status on the college. Today the University boasts four colleges, 26 departments, six graduate departments and a total enrollment of over 16,000 students.
The four colleges which constitute the University are: Engineering, Natural Science, Commerce and Management. The College of Engineering's listed courses include civil, hydraulic, architectural, mechanical, textile, industrial, chemical, electrical, aeronautical, and automotive engineering, in addition to four graduate departments.
Textile Engineering is one of the University's most innovative departments. Director Lin T'ung-hwa explains that Taiwan's early industrial development focused on light industry, especially the textile industry. During the years between 1951 and 1961, the industry expanded rapidly and Taiwan became a leading world manufacturer of textiles. The past decade has seen the development of synthetic fibers and their use in garments and other textile products. At Feng Chia, the Textile Engineering program and its graduate department aim to train candidates in the latest research methods, as well as to develop a scientific approach to textile production. Feng Chia graduates will provide the essential manpower for the competitive domestic industry.
The College of Commerce ranks as the University's most renowned. The College contains seven departments including Accounting, International Trade, Banking, Insurance, Finance, Cooperative Economics, Statistics and Economics. There are two graduate departments as well. The College of Commerce was recently listed as the best among private schools and one of the foremost on the island.
The graduate department of the College of Commerce offers a master's degree in Insurance, another unique innovation of Feng Chia. Department head, Fang Ming-ch'uan points out that Chinese are traditionally wary of insurance. Culturally averse to speaking or making associations to death or misfortune, Chinese equated insurance with bad luck. Furthermore, support from the extended family precludes the need for insurance protection. Social changes, the rapid industrialization of the island economy, and the rise of the nuclear family, however, have made insurance a necessary consideration. Today, two insurance companies rank among the top ten businesses on Taiwan.
The graduate courses at Feng Chia offer training in scientific analysis of the insurance industry. Successful candidates will play an important role in the business future of the country.
Another outstanding feature of the business school is the implementation of programs which incorporate practical on-the-job training into the curriculum. Students can gain experience working with existing businesses or through an organization of student businesses similar to the Junior Achievement program offered in North American schools.
The College of Natural Sciences stresses research, especially in the field of ecology. The department has been instrumental in promoting the need to protect Taiwan's environment, while at the same time recognizing the importance of utilizing natural resources for economic expansion. The graduate department has forayed into research projects on such current problems as noise pollution.
One of the University's most exceptional programs is a one and a half year training course offered to overseas Chinese students. This interesting program was developed by the school in order to give overseas Chinese both comprehensive training in such diverse skills as accounting, international trade, data processing, electronics, management and machines, as well as an opportunity to study in a Chinese environment.
Student life at the University is very full. In addition to courses, the school offers a host of activities and clubs for students. From music clubs to athletic intramural teams, the school constantly meets the needs of the student population. Social Service Clubs are an outstanding feature of the University. Organized by the students, these groups provide a number of worthwhile services for the communities both on and off campus. Many orphanages and handicapped people benefit from the students' work.
Presently 4,000 students--all freshmen, and all female students, live on campus. For all students, the University enforces a code of good behavior to encourage better student performance. Specially appointed monitors often make unannounced spot checks of students' apartments or rooms, and off-campus landlords are frequently asked to fill in questionnaires relating to student behavior.
The school, being both small in area and located a fair distance from the city of Taichung, has attracted a large concentration of small businesses which border the campus. This proliferation of restaurants, shops, pool halls and movie theaters has been affectionately dubbed 'University Town'. Former graduates or the parents of present students often invest in these ventures. At night, the streets are alive with bustling crowds of students at leisure after a day of classes.
Combining a relaxing, friendly atmosphere with a complete education, Feng Chia University has made rapid progress in its brief history and promises an even brighter future.
(Gerald Hatherly)
[Picture Caption]
1. Students often take advantage of the early morning calm to study on the beautiful campus grounds. 2. The school's name is boldly displayed on the main gate. 3. The Chiu Feng-chia Memorial Hall, like the University, is named in honor of war hero and educator, Chiu Feng-chia.
1. A blend of old and new: The modern Engineering building and a traditional Chinese structure. 2. Assistant professor Hu T'ai-li, of the Department of Environmental Science uses advanced micro-photographic equipment to analyze the structure of micro-organisms. 3. The University boasts the most up-to-date technology. Pictured are technicians installing magnetic disks into the electronic calculating system. 4. The Department of Textile Engineering utilizes advanced equipment to study fiber structure. 5. The Department of Aeronautical Engineering features several experimental planes. 6. The cooling spray of the library fountain. 7. Engrossed in study, a lone student waits for his friends to finish class.
1 . Relaxing after class, students chat on a terrace. 2. A panoramic view of the University campus from the library. 3. The latest campus news is available on the student bulletin board. 4. The gnarled roots of a Banyan tree. 5. The background silhouette of a young couple seen behind a sprig of fresh flowers. 6. Stately Banyan trees grace the University campus.
1. A profusion of yellow flowers adds a touch of color to the campus lawn. 2.3. Each year the Department of Architecture sponsors a space and dimension design exhibition. Students use various types of materials to produce their designs. 4. University students participate in a folk-song contest. 5. A French horn player takes a moment's break from his duties during a school celebration ceremony.
1. Students enjoy the fierce competition of a rugby match. 2. Students participating in a folkdance routine in front of the University's Hsuehszu Park. 3. Students go to teachers' home for Mother's Day festivities. 4. The popular annual cheerleading competition is often won by the College of Commerce's team. 5. Swimming is another popular activity on campus. 6. A popular after-class destination for students is the bustling nightmarket. 7. The tasty delicacies available at the numerous off-campus food stalls are favorite student snacks. 8. Book stores near the University do a thriving business.
1.2. The Arts and Crafts Exhibition put on by the Overseas Chinese students features artwork from many different lands. 3. The beautiful, delicate leaves of the lotus flower grace a campus pond. 4. Liao Ying-ming, University president since 1973, has actively encouraged returning scholars to remain at Feng Chia.
2. The school's name is boldly displayed on the main gate.
3. The Chiu Feng-chia Memorial Hall, like the University, is named in honor of war hero and educator, Chiu Feng-chia.
1. A blend of old and new: The modern Engineering building and a traditional Chinese structure.
2. Assistant professor Hu T'ai-li, of the Department of Environmental Science uses advanced micro-photographic equipment to analyze the structure of micro-organisms.
3. The University boasts the most up-to-date technology. Pictured are technicians installing magnetic disks into the electronic calculating system.
4. The Department of Textile Engineering utilizes advanced equipment to study fiber structure.
1. A profusion of yellow flowers adds a touch of color to the campus lawn.
2.3. Each year the Department of Architecture sponsors a space and dimension design exhibition. Students use various types of materials to produce their designs.
2.3. Each year the Department of Architecture sponsors a space and dimension design exhibition. Students use various types of materials to produce their designs.
4. University students participate in a folk-song contest.
5. A French horn player takes a moment's break from his duties during a school celebration ceremony.
1. Students enjoy the fierce competition of a rugby match.
2. Students participating in a folkdance routine in front of the University's Hsuehszu Park.
3. Students go to teachers' home for Mother's Day festivities.
4. The popular annual cheerleading competition is often won by the College of Commerce's team.
5. Swimming is another popular activity on campus.
6. A popular after-class destination for students is the bustling nightmarket.
7. The tasty delicacies available at the numerous off-campus food stalls are favorite student snacks.
8. Book stores near the University do a thriving business.
1.2. The Arts and Crafts Exhibition put on by the Overseas Chinese students features artwork from many different lands.
3. The beautiful, delicate leaves of the lotus flower grace a campus pond.
4. Liao Ying-ming, University president since 1973, has actively encouraged returning scholars to remain at Feng Chia.
Liao Ying-ming, University president since 1973, has actively encouraged returning scholars to remain at Feng Chia.
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