<Education & Perspective> examines the issues in primary, secondary, and higher education amid the collapse of public education, declining school-age populations, and a turbulent college admissions system. It also seeks sustainable alternatives while providing a cold yet warm perspective on our society.
The crisis facing regional universities is now an unstoppable wave. The sharp decline in school-age populations is directly linked to the threat of school closures, making the survival of universities a challenge not just for individual private institutions but for entire regions. The ongoing discussions about the consolidation of national universities are a desperate measure to protect public education in these areas. However, the journey toward integration, which began with the justification of overcoming this crisis, is encountering significant obstacles.
One of the major topics in academia is the integration process between Chungbuk National University and Korea National University of Transportation. The two universities agreed to merge to promote structural reform and the Glocal University 30 initiative, generating high expectations. However, as they delved into specifics such as naming the new institution, restructuring similar and overlapping departments, and determining the placement of the university headquarters and core functions, they faced intense conflicts among faculty, staff, and students.
This issue is not limited to Chungbuk National University and Korea National University of Transportation. In Daejeon and Chungnam, Chungnam National University and Kongju National University took a commendable first step by resolving the challenges of naming and headquarters distribution through compromise. In contrast, Mokpo National University and Sunchon National University in Jeonnam experienced a painful breakdown in negotiations over the location of a new medical school and affiliated hospital, losing a long-awaited opportunity for a national medical school in the region.
One of the major topics in academia is the integration process between Chungbuk National University and Korea National University of Transportation. The two universities agreed to merge to promote structural reform and the Glocal University 30 initiative, generating high expectations. However, as they delved into specifics such as naming the new institution, restructuring similar and overlapping departments, and determining the placement of the university headquarters and core functions, they faced intense conflicts among faculty, staff, and students.
This issue is not limited to Chungbuk National University and Korea National University of Transportation. In Daejeon and Chungnam, Chungnam National University and Kongju National University took a commendable first step by resolving the challenges of naming and headquarters distribution through compromise. In contrast, Mokpo National University and Sunchon National University in Jeonnam experienced a painful breakdown in negotiations over the location of a new medical school and affiliated hospital, losing a long-awaited opportunity for a national medical school in the region.
The Obsession with Privilege and 'Collective Self-Interest'
What are the key factors that determine success or failure in these cases? It lies in whether they achieve a 'chemical integration' that combines hearts and visions, going beyond mere 'physical amalgamation.' The Korean proverb 'Dong Sang I Mong' (同床異夢) illustrates this point: lying in the same bed but dreaming different dreams. While they may outwardly advocate for the survival of regional universities and local development, if they are inwardly preoccupied with fears of losing out or protecting their own privileges, any integration will be nothing more than a sandcastle.
The failed negotiations between Mokpo National University and Sunchon National University will be remembered as a painful example of squandering a golden opportunity for establishing a national medical school, a long-standing aspiration of the region. They became trapped in a 'regional self-interest' battle over resources between the universities and local governments, ultimately sacrificing future benefits.
Furthermore, as seen in the case of Chungbuk National University and Korea National University of Transportation, the real challenges of integration begin after legal agreements are reached. If conflicts over job security and status among staff, as well as interests between faculty and students regarding department mergers and campus relocations, are not resolved, the integration will only lead to superficial struggles. In contrast, the compromise and distribution strategies demonstrated by Chungnam National University and Kongju National University prove that letting go of privileges can pave the way for mutual growth.
The failed negotiations between Mokpo National University and Sunchon National University will be remembered as a painful example of squandering a golden opportunity for establishing a national medical school, a long-standing aspiration of the region. They became trapped in a 'regional self-interest' battle over resources between the universities and local governments, ultimately sacrificing future benefits.
Furthermore, as seen in the case of Chungbuk National University and Korea National University of Transportation, the real challenges of integration begin after legal agreements are reached. If conflicts over job security and status among staff, as well as interests between faculty and students regarding department mergers and campus relocations, are not resolved, the integration will only lead to superficial struggles. In contrast, the compromise and distribution strategies demonstrated by Chungnam National University and Kongju National University prove that letting go of privileges can pave the way for mutual growth.
Communication and Compromise Governance: Key Conditions for Chemical Integration
In the face of declining school-age populations and the threat of regional extinction, university consolidation has become a necessary task rather than a choice. For the merger to yield genuine results beyond mere power redistribution, certain conditions must be met.
First and foremost, 'genuine communication and psychological integration that transcends self-interest among members' is crucial. Agreements on university names and headquarters locations are just the beginning. If self-interest among various sectors and affiliations is not set aside in practical matters such as department restructuring, staff organization integration, and student enrollment succession, conflicts will inevitably resurface.
Additionally, presenting a 'regionally tailored campus specialization vision' is essential. One campus should focus on research, while another should emphasize industry-academia cooperation or specialized academic fields, ensuring that all members of both universities can recognize and agree on these roles to create synergy.
Moreover, establishing a framework for 'breaking down regional self-interest and fostering cooperation' with local governments and communities is indispensable. The perspective of viewing university consolidation solely as a profit-and-loss calculation for specific local governments must be abandoned. The moment they become mired in regional self-interest, both the universities and the regions cannot escape mutual destruction.
First and foremost, 'genuine communication and psychological integration that transcends self-interest among members' is crucial. Agreements on university names and headquarters locations are just the beginning. If self-interest among various sectors and affiliations is not set aside in practical matters such as department restructuring, staff organization integration, and student enrollment succession, conflicts will inevitably resurface.
Additionally, presenting a 'regionally tailored campus specialization vision' is essential. One campus should focus on research, while another should emphasize industry-academia cooperation or specialized academic fields, ensuring that all members of both universities can recognize and agree on these roles to create synergy.
Moreover, establishing a framework for 'breaking down regional self-interest and fostering cooperation' with local governments and communities is indispensable. The perspective of viewing university consolidation solely as a profit-and-loss calculation for specific local governments must be abandoned. The moment they become mired in regional self-interest, both the universities and the regions cannot escape mutual destruction.
Wisdom in Cooperation for a Greater Unity
The historical text 'Zuo Zhuan,' which records the history of the State of Lu during the Warring States period, mentions 'Je Gu Po Sin' (除舊布新), meaning 'to discard the old and establish the new.' This is a virtue desperately needed by our universities and communities today.
In the face of the overwhelming tide of population decline, if we do not shed the old burdens of privilege, attachment to affiliations, and regional self-interest, we will never be able to embrace a new future. University consolidation is not the destination but the starting point for structural reform and innovation.
It is hoped that the merging of universities for survival will not merely result in superficial growth but will serve as a catalyst for genuine educational innovation that brightens the future of the region and its youth. To achieve this, university authorities, faculty, staff, students, and local governments must all transcend self-interest and demonstrate the wisdom of sacrifice and cooperation toward a 'greater unity.'
In the face of the overwhelming tide of population decline, if we do not shed the old burdens of privilege, attachment to affiliations, and regional self-interest, we will never be able to embrace a new future. University consolidation is not the destination but the starting point for structural reform and innovation.
It is hoped that the merging of universities for survival will not merely result in superficial growth but will serve as a catalyst for genuine educational innovation that brightens the future of the region and its youth. To achieve this, university authorities, faculty, staff, students, and local governments must all transcend self-interest and demonstrate the wisdom of sacrifice and cooperation toward a 'greater unity.'
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.