Intro

During the second public hearing for the Kyung Hee University (KHU) Global Campus General Student Association (GSA) election, KHU media outlets, The University Life and Daehakjubo, held a query session with the two candidates, Core and Linkhu. The session lasted 20 minutes per candidate team, with each team answering 11 questions.

Core’s Media Query Session

Q1: There were no candidates in the Seoul Campus GSA election, and elections at four of the 17 major universities in the Seoul metropolitan area were canceled. Why do you think there is a lack of interest in student autonomy, and what should the GSA's role be in this era?

A: I believe this is due to the limited scope of today’s GSA role. University GSAs tend to focus more on festivals rather than on school affairs and student welfare, which has led to a lack of interest in student autonomy.

Q2: Promises like aligning departments and creating convergence majors are challenging. Is there a plan B in case these initiatives fail?

A: “Our ultimate goal with these promises is to establish a well-developed perception of dualization. Continuing the Dualization Advancement Committee is the key to achieving this goal.”

Q3: The current Seoul Campus GSA failed to establish a cross-campus election headquarters, highlighting the need for an overhaul of parts of the system. In light of this, how do you plan to achieve dualization, which seems to be an even larger-scale promise?

A: “As the entire KHU community desires to establish a well-developed perception of dualization, we believe that no one will oppose it.”

Q4: “Why did you mention Yonsei University's system for freshmen studying at the Songdo Campus?”

A: “To establish a system suitable for dualization, this is one of the various measures we came up with.”

Q5: “You were the Central Executive Committee Chair and the Director of Design and Media for the current GSA, Running. Should we consider Core as a continuation of Running?”

A: “We will take on more challenging tasks, and we want to be recognized as Core itself, rather than as a continuation of Running.”

Q6: “The Ministry of Education previously implemented a policy similar to the current non-major admission system. However, this was halted due to challenges such as the concentration phenomenon of students in popular departments and department consolidation. What do you think is needed to prevent the same failure again and achieve the essential objectives of the policy?”

A: “While completely avoiding the concentration phenomenon may be difficult, our priority is to ensure the current system does not become paralyzed. Regulating course registration, managing classroom rentals, and expanding full-time faculty are measures we have considered to address this issue. Furthermore, we will assist students admitted without a major in choosing their future major based on suitable information.”

Q7. “What do you think is the ideal relationship between the GSA and university media outlets?”

A: “I believe the GSA and media outlets should keep each other in check, as this enables both to thrive. This is why we aim to publish media members' scholarship information, encouraging them to write more critical articles.”

Q8: “Your promises include establishing various committees. Have you checked their feasibility?”

A: “We have received positive responses regarding the Dormitory Management Committee, and the Tuition Review Committee already exists. Additionally, for the Dualization Advancement Committee, we received positive feedback from the University Administration.”

Q9: “Do you think the branding for Adelante has been successful?”

A: “We aimed for students to create and enjoy performances under the unified logo of Adelante. We believe these moments reflect successful branding.”

Q10: “You mentioned that the meal provision company at the 2nd Dormitory is problematic. However, at the last meeting of the Student Center Cafeteria Management Committee—attended by the Core presidential candidate as the GSA representative for Running—the Director of Welfare stated that the company had shown surprising improvement. Can you explain this differing perspective?”

A: “We believe that the company's improvement is beneficial for students. We will handle matters with the company in the best possible way for the students.”

Q11: “What do you think is the most important consideration for the new meal provision company operating in the Student Center?”

A: “I think the contract terms should be flexible. Additionally, fundamental aspects like hygiene must be well managed.”

Linkhu’s Media Query Session

Q1: “You stated that you should trust the University 100%. Isn't this a dangerous stance for the GSA?”

A: “The phrase 'trusting as much as possible' was a mistake. We believe we should collaborate closely with the University, but not trust them completely.”

Q2: “At the first hearing, you stated that ‘following the practices of other universities is improper.' What do you think of KHU's decision to expand the non-major admission slots?”

A: “We believe that the University had its reasons for this decision, such as financial benefits, and we respect their decision.”

Q3: “What do you think is the most urgent issue for the Global Campus?”

A: “We believe that the lack of interest in student autonomy is a major issue, and we need to raise student awareness of GSA activities. Additionally, improving student satisfaction with their university life should be our top priority.”

Q4: “The current Seoul Campus GSA failed to expand the number of cross-campus buses. How do you plan to achieve this expansion?”

A: “We believe it can be achieved by conveying students’ demand to the University. We could start by increasing the service during high-demand periods, such as festivals.”

Q5: “What are the solutions to the problems arising from the dualized campus system?

A: “Taking steps forward to naturally change perceptions is necessary. Our promises, such as jointly operating the GSA homepage with the Seoul Campus GSA and holding cross-campus events, will contribute to this goal.”

Q6: “Can you explain the detailed plan of the task force for non-major admitted student to the Global Campus?”

A: “We have planned a newcomers' orientation event and will help freshmen by introducing various majors through videos or information sessions while answering their questions as conveniently as possible. The biggest issue with this admission system is a lack of belonging, which the entire KHU community should address together.”

Q7: “Which promise will take priority?”

A: “The priority depends on the students’ demands.”

Q8: “The promise regarding the establishment of a convergence major seems to be beneficial for future KHU members. How will you ensure this is also beneficial for the voters?”

A: “This will enhance KHU's status in university admissions. Moreover, it will help KHU maintain its position despite the challenges posed by the low fertility rate. Lastly, benefits will arise as companies assist the University.”

Q9: “What is the relationship between the Job Hunting task force and convergence major?”

A: “The Job Hunting task force is dedicated to consistently focusing on establishing convergence majors. If we divert our attention to job-seeking events, our ultimate goal may become harder to achieve, which is why we need a team specifically focused on this objective.”

Q10: “What do you think are the challenges for foreign students?”

A: “We believe that events for them are insufficient. We are not yet ready to hold an event that engages both domestic and international students. Therefore, we plan to create a human rights guide to ensure their basic needs are met."

Q11: “Why did you bring up the agenda from the departmental student associations to your promises?”

A: “We brought it up because those issues were not resolved, and we intend to continue working on them.”

Preparations for Voting Are Complete

Two rounds of in-depth discussions about Core and Linkhu's future operations concluded with the second public hearing. The only step left in the election process for KHU students is voting. The voting period for the Global Campus GSA election runs from November 26 to 28, during which students will decide the direction for the upcoming year with their votes.