The Fall 2018 Entrance Ceremony for new students of both the undergraduate faculties and graduate schools was held at the West School Building Hall on Mita Campus from 10:00 on Wednesday, September 19.
This fall, a total of 311 new undergraduate students were admitted: 95 at the Faculty of Economics; 2 at the Faculty of Law; 36 at the Faculty of Policy Management; 46 at the Faculty of Environment and Information Studies; and 132 in the Japanese Language Program. Of the 224 students admitted to the graduate schools, 154 will enter master’s programs, 50 will join doctoral programs, and 20 will enroll in the professional degree program. The numbers enrolling in the Japanese Language Program and PEARL (Programme in Economics for Alliances, Research and Leadership), the 4-year all-English degree program at the Faculty of Economics, were high, and the venue was filled to capacity with many new international students from all around the world as well as their family members.
At the ceremony, Provost Tojiro Aoyama gave the incoming class report, which was followed by a welcome address by President Akira Haseyama. In his speech, President Haseyama expressed his hope for the new students to develop a spirit of "jitsugaku," the insight to see the true nature of things and the creativity to devise solutions by empirically unveiling truths, as well as to acquire the spirit of "independence and self-respect," that is, not being swayed by common knowledge but making one’s own judgements, and acting on one’s own initiative. Next, Professor Hajime Yamamoto, a committee member of the Keio University Law School, gave a congratulatory address on behalf of the staff and faculty members of Keio University. Due to the many international students that were present on the day, the welcome and congratulatory addresses were given in both English and Japanese.
Then, representing the incoming class, Hana Nakajima (Faculty of Environment and Information Studies) gave the matriculation address. Nakajima spoke of her experiences of living in several countries and strongly conveyed her desire to learn at university while cherishing the relationships formed between individuals. Finally, all those in attendance sang the Alma Mater "The Juku-ka" and the ceremony reached its conclusion.
On this sunny day, the fresh-faced students embarking on their new student lives brought about a convivial atmosphere on Mita Campus.