On Becoming Dean | Hideyuki Tokuda (Dean, Faculty of Environment and Information Studies)
2007.10.05
As of October 1, I have been newly appointed and have assumed the position of Dean of the Faculty of Environment and Information Studies.
My first duty upon taking office was to attend the wake of former President Tadao Ishikawa. I would like to once again remember Dr. Ishikawa's virtues and express my deepest condolences. All of us at SFC would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to our seniors in the Keio Gijuku Shachu, starting with Dr. Ishikawa, who dedicated their extraordinary passion to the establishment of SFC.
As Dean, one of the new initiatives I have started is a course called "Creation of Environmental and Information Studies" for first-year students who entered in the fall semester. It is held during the first period on Thursdays. The number of students entering in the fall semester is considerably smaller than in the spring, so there are about 70 students in the classroom. In this class, we will introduce a wide range of advanced research projects in the field of environment and information studies (Environmental Design, Human Environment Science, Advanced Life Sciences, Advanced Information Systems, Media Design). Each week, we invite two project leaders to join me, the coordinator, in discussing the paradigms of problem finding and solving in each field, and to consider the history, current state, and future prospects of their research areas. Furthermore, by understanding the problems and issues in each area, I hope to foster an understanding of fundamental concepts and methods, and to discuss the relationships between the areas as well as common problem-solving paradigms and methodologies at a meta-level.
Another thing is that I moved my office. However, it was a simple move, as I had made a point of not bringing many things from my own laboratory during my time as Dean of the Graduate School. Other than a display and a printer for meetings, I only moved a few vases, photographs, frames, and documents. I'm still not used to the new office, so after stopping by the secretary's office, I find myself inadvertently heading toward my old office. The new room is located behind Professor Agawa's office.
Within Keio University, SFC has not only been a campus surrounded by the most greenery and nature, but has also led the way in providing an outstanding educational and research environment based on a state-of-the-art information infrastructure. We intend to continue developing as a hub for advanced education and research that we can be proud of as a pioneering university campus. We also hope to carefully preserve the open campus culture that has been cultivated since our founding, as well as the various events that students, faculty, and staff have continued to hold together.
Keio University will celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2008, and SFC will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2010. Toward the realization of the Miraisozojuku (Institute for Designing the Future), I am determined to work hard with renewed passion, and I look forward to your continued guidance and support.
(Posted on: 2007/10/05)