Opening Ceremony for the 112th Academic Year - Welcoming New Students to Become Part of the NTU Family

The opening ceremony for the 112th academic year at National Taiwan University (NTU) took place on August 27th, 2023. A total of 4,490 undergraduate students and 5,724 graduate and doctoral students make up the incoming Class of 112. The theme of the ceremony was "The First Day at NTU," featuring a vibrant program that included activities such as teaching the NTU school anthem by the NTU FlyingNotes Acappella Club, a lively Q&A session between faculty and students, performances by the NTU Magic Club and the NTU Wind Band, all aimed at creating an atmosphere of youthful enthusiasm. These activities were designed to offer a warm welcome to new students, allowing them to experience the excitement of their first day in university and to create shared memories of their entry into NTU.

President Wen-Chang Chen of NTU delivered his speech with the company of the robotic dogs "Big Bird (Gorsachius melanolophus)" and "Little Bird (small ball sparrow)." He began by extending a warm welcome to the new students, emphasizing the four essential aspects they should focus on during their time at NTU: 1) strengthening their academic foundation; 2) expanding their knowledge breadth; 3) broadening their international perspectives; and 4) integrating theory with practical applications. These four elements are the fundamental criteria for cultivating future leaders with independent learning capabilities at NTU. President Chen also highlighted three key aspects for success during university life: 1) forming friendships; 2) developing resilience when facing challenges; and 3) having the courage to pursue dreams. He expressed his hope that new students would have a rich university experience and take pride in being part of the NTU community.

The ceremony included an interactive segment titled "My First Day at NTU" and featured club videos showcasing various facets of campus life, encouraging new students to explore diversely. Additionally, a fun and engaging quiz activity called "I Got into NTU!" helped establish a sense of identity among new students as members of the NTU community. Questions were selected for faculty members to answer, including humorous anecdotes shared by the Dean of College of Law Huang-Yu Wang about her experiences with love and skipping classes on campus 30 years ago. The light-hearted conversations created a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, bridging the gap between faculty and students while fostering mutual understanding. Faculty members aimed to inspire new students through their own experiences and encourage them to embrace learning and ask questions during their university journey.

The ceremony also continued the tradition of presenting limited-edition NTU jackets to this year's new students. The design, created by Huang Pin-Hao, a fourth-year student majoring in Nursing, was selected after expert evaluation and a campus-wide vote. The design prominently featured the NTU logo and the word "NTU," symbolizing the commencement of a fulfilling academic journey where colorful dreams would come true, instilling confidence in being part of the NTU community.

In the closing remarks, NTU Student Association President Zhi-Cheng Zhuang encouraged new students to set goals and strive to achieve their dreams. Hong-En Chen, a student from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, shared his experiences with the NTU Racing Team, emphasizing the importance of creating the most exciting and youthful university life alongside academic pursuits. The Office of Student Affairs prepared video messages from popular celebrity alumni and faculty members, extending heartfelt blessings to new students and inspiring them to embark on their educational journey at NTU with idealism.