BACK TO THE SCIENTIST | Masaru Tomita (Dean of the Faculty of Environment and Information Studies)
2007.09.20
My term as dean will come to an end at the end of September. As this will be my last entry in the Dean's Diary, I would like to take this opportunity to summarize my time.
Many high school students study for entrance examinations, are swayed by standardized test scores, and then, once they enter university, study to earn the credits they need to graduate. The mission of SFC is to reform this stifling atmosphere in Japanese higher education. Since being appointed as dean, I have been thoroughly committed to this cause.
Fundamentally, learning should be enjoyable, and academics are interesting. Instead of being given subjects to learn, students should set their own themes. To realize such an ideal educational system, what should be done? After discussions with many faculty members and students, we introduced the new University Regulations, the "SFC Curriculum: On Designing the Future," and also revamped the AO (Admissions Office) entrance examination system. Perhaps as a result, this year's AO entrance examinations saw an unprecedented increase in applicants in SFC's history.
The position of dean was a very enjoyable and rewarding job. I was especially fortunate to have had the opportunity to speak with many students, particularly at entrance and graduation ceremonies.
On the other hand, it is also true that there were plenty of unpleasant and tiring tasks. There were many times I felt like giving up, but I am proud to say that by persevering and fulfilling my duties until the end of my term, I have at least done a better job than a certain country's prime minister.
Since almost all the goals I announced when I became dean have been realized, I will pass the baton to the next dean, Mr. Tokuda, with no regrets. And from October, I will once again stand at the forefront of science, and I intend to devote all my energy to contributing to the Juku through research and education.
Finally, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my partners, Mr. Kojima and Ms. Agawa, who served as Deans of the Faculty of Policy Management; to President Anzai and the Vice-Presidents, including Mr. Murai, for their strong personal support; to the many faculty members, including the Assistant to the Dean, Mr. Kumasaka, and the staff of the administrative and secretarial offices; to my dear students; and to my family.
September 20, 2007
Masaru Tomita, Faculty of Environment and Information Studies, Keio University
A gift from a group of volunteer SFC students to commemorate the end of my term as dean.
It's a parody of the movie "Back to the Future," and their excellent sense of humor is just what you'd expect.
(Posted on: 2007/09/20)