Korea University (KU) announced that it is to establish a so-called “Future University” in 2018, a college that manages and processes innovative researches. Some of the innovative studies that is planned to be conducted include the utilization of big data and artificial intelligence. Creative learning, interdisciplinary studies, and reverse thinking to solve problems are planned to be taught.

 

Although Yeom Jae Ho, President of KU, had good intention this project has become a big controversy. As Yeom and approximately 200 KU professors participated in a total of four “Conversations between President and Professor” to discuss about “Future University,” the debate heated up.

 

Many professors opposed the establishment of such college; they argued that Yeom’s decision to found this college did not reflect the opinions of other school constituents. They added that the kind of interdisciplinary studies “Future University” plans to teach is merely superficial, and pointed to the lack of feasibility for economic reasons. “Instead of establishing an utterly new college, it is better to utilize existing policies such as double majors,” said Kwon Seong Woo (Department of Business) at the talks.

 

The school had been planning the establishment of “Future University” since 2015. The specific majors and courses that are to be taught in “Future University” will be discussed within the Future University Establishment Committee until the end of September.