President Jaeho Yeom Delivers a Special Lecture to Freshmen:

“Are Universities Pioneers of our Era?”

At 5pm on April 7, 2016, President Jaeho Yeom hosted a special lecture for freshmen in the International Teleconference Room located in the KU Centennial Memorial Hall. 

President Yeom talked about the true state of 21st century universities under the theme, “Intellectual Pioneers,” which has been emphasized since his inauguration in 2015. The 40-minute lecture was followed by a question-and-answer session. Approximately 100 freshmen who attended the lecture had an opportunity to ask questions.

President Yeom opened his lecture describing the history of KU, founded by a desire to improve the country through education, and the crucial changes that occurred during the 20th century. “The 20th century Industrial Revolution enabled mass production, which emerged with large companies. However, the employment rate has fallen in the 21st century,” he explained as he pointed out employment issues prevalent in current society. 

Based on a conversation with Jeremy Rifkin, an economist, President Yeom predicted, “In our future society, only 10% of those currently engaged in the manufacturing sector will be needed to meet the production demand of the entire population.” He also mentioned the ongoing decline in domestic agricultural production and working hours worldwide.

“You may want to wait for a cruise ship to leave on a journey, but it will never come,” he asserted. “You may think that you can work until your retirement once you are hired. But less than 10% of you will. You will have to change your workplace three or four times and go to college about three more times,” he continued. 

President Yeom also said, “The 21st century requires a knowledge-based society, and thus people should be equipped with professional knowledge. Simply working hard does not guarantee one’s financial security any longer.” He continued talking about other differences between the past generation in a manufacturing-based society and the current generation in a knowledge-based society. Then, instead of encouraging increased employment in large companies, he emphasized the need for a national system that secures a social safety net to ensure the financial independence of lower-income groups. 

He criticized the current large company-centered employment system, referring to cases in the U.S. “Employment in large companies is not based on an employment policy but a welfare policy implemented by the government. Job openings for entry-level workers will decrease even more in the future, and thus having a bachelor’s degree will not be enough to join a large company,” Yeom said.

He continued his lecture, describing a university policy that has been practiced, which eliminates roll call, relative evaluation, and proctoring during exams. “Why do you come to class? It is absurd to come to class to check attendance. It is also absurd to ask for an F instead of C for a future grade, which is based on relative evaluation. Why do we need an exam proctor? If a student cheats, it is not the student’s fault but the exam’s fault. Exams should be designed to test students’ thinking ability instead of ability to memorize,” he insisted.

Yeom also discussed the problems associated with merit-based scholarships. He firmly showed his thoughts on this matter saying, “The scholarship system based on academic grades does not seem right anymore. It is more valid to provide financial support for the needy to enhance their education… There were 230 students who earned the average grade of 4.5 for 18 or more credit hours. But I don’t think that students motivated solely by grades are the intelligent pioneers whom KU seeks,” he added.

President Yeom put an emphasis on the era in which everything changes. He said, “As I talked about earlier at the matriculation ceremony, you will be the first generation to live in three centuries. If you live long enough through these periods while everything changes so quickly, your college degree will not be able to guarantee your financial security. You must keep on challenging yourself and pioneering.”

“KU is planning to construct Pioneer Village (∏ Ville) between the Information Technology & Services Building and the Media Hall. In a container box building built with the pioneering spirit of Silicon Valley, students can chat, discuss, and listen to lectures,” he also mentioned while describing KU’s new project ∏ Ville. He stressed the importance of changes in students’ ways of thinking stating, “Colleges are no longer a place to deliver formal knowledge. They should be changed to a place that trains students to internalize knowledge that cannot be taught.”

President Yeom even talked about his college life to help students give careful attention to his lecture. By the end of the lecture, he described his days studying abroad. He said that, although he was poor, he was able to study in the U.S. thanks to scholarship funds provided by companies. Based on this experience, he encouraged students, “Please do not waste your college life. If you have the courage to attempt something, then you will achieve it. Infinite possibilities are opening up to you. KU will take the lead in creating an environment where students can constantly try something new.”

There was also a question-and-answer session after the 40-minute lecture. A student asked, “I would like to learn how to pioneer and try something new, as you said. Since I am a freshman, I don’t know what to do. Would you please tell us about your experience in more detail?”  President Yeom answered, “That’s a good question. You need a lot of help; you cannot do it by yourselves. KU has established the Student Training Center to assist students. We are also planning to create a list of existing programs in which students can participate and distribute it to students.”  He added, “The most important thing is that you open up possibilities by yourselves.” 

Due to the flood of student questions, the lecture continued past its scheduled time. President Yeom stayed as long as his schedule allowed to answer those questions. He also said, “I always think about how KU can contribute to our society. My dream is to build a base to help each one of our students become a leader and great person in the future. If you find any mistake, feel free to point it out. Let’s open up the future together, and let’s pave the way together.” After a student’s request, he even promised to have a beer with students if circumstances allow it and wrapped up his lecture.