"Changwon National University Must Advance Innovation" ... Gyeongnam Pan-Citizen Federation Proposes 'Future Development Council'

"The innovation at Changwon National University must not come to a halt."

Amid ongoing conflict between the administration and the Faculty Association at Changwon National University over the university’s management direction, the Gyeongnam Pan-Citizen Social Organizations Federation has called for continued innovation policies at the university, urging dialogue and cooperation.

On July 13, the Gyeongnam Pan-Citizen Social Organizations Federation held a press conference at the Gyeongnam Provincial Government Press Center, stating, "Changwon National University is not just an educational institution but a national flagship university responsible for Changwon's future and a public asset supporting Gyeongnam's industrial competitiveness."

The federation continued, "Amid the major crises of population concentration in the capital area, declining school-age population, and youth outflow, if the university fails to change, the region will also lose its competitiveness. Likewise, without bold innovation, Changwon National University will find it difficult to secure its future."

The Gyeongnam Pan-Civic Social Group Federation is holding a press conference regarding the conflict at the National Changwon University.
[Photo by Seryoung Lee]

The Gyeongnam Pan-Citizen Social Organizations Federation emphasized, "While a range of opinions and criticisms may arise during the university’s innovation process and must be fully respected, the innovation itself must not be halted, nor should the university's future strategies be undermined as a result."

The federation asserted, "A university is not a space for certain members only, but a public institution responsible for students’ futures and a valuable asset for citizens and the nation. The university’s future is a public matter that requires the collective attention of not only faculty and staff, but also the local community, industry, alumni, and all citizens."

The federation added, "We sincerely hope the administration and the Faculty Association will continue respectful dialogue. Conflict must not be allowed to stop innovation."

They further suggested, "The administration and the Faculty Association must engage in genuine dialogue based on mutual respect," proposing the formation of a 'Changwon National University Future Development Council' that would include students, faculty and staff, alumni, local business representatives, and civil society."

Additionally, the federation said, "We urge you to choose the future over conflict, and innovation over division," adding, "We hope Changwon National University will grow into Korea's representative national flagship university and an innovative institution that competes globally. We will continue to actively support its sustainable development and innovation."

The Faculty Association of National Changwon University is holding a sign protest at the entrance of the First Student Union Building (Bonglim Hall).
Photo by Se-ryeong Lee

Currently, Changwon National University is embroiled in conflicts over discussions regarding institutional restructuring, such as transitioning to a science and technology institute and corporatizing the university administration.

Earlier, the Faculty Association had initiated a no-confidence vote against President Minwon Park, citing controversies over the push to convert to a science and technology institute, the move to corporatize the university administration, the refusal to appoint an honorary professor and the dean of the College of Social Sciences, the exercise of personnel authority, and concerns about the allocation of new faculty hires.

Of the total 385 eligible voters, 341 participated in the no-confidence vote. The result was 231 in favor and 110 against. The turnout was 88.57%, with 67.74% of participating voters in favor and a 60% approval rate when calculated based on all eligible voters.

Park Minwon, President of National Changwon University, is holding a press conference regarding internal conflicts over the direction of university innovation.
[Photo by Lee Seryeong]

The appointment of presidents at national universities is carried out through the recommendation of the Minister of Education and appointment by the President of the Republic of Korea; therefore, the no-confidence vote is not legally binding. However, the university administration and Faculty Association have interpreted the result differently.

The Faculty Association argues that since a majority of enrolled faculty participated and a majority of those voted in favor, the no-confidence motion has 'passed.' By contrast, the administration contends that, as the approval rate was only 60% of all faculty members—falling short of the required two-thirds majority (66.67%)—the motion has 'failed.'

In response, President Park said, "I humbly accept the will of our members as reflected in the vote and will strive to communicate more with the Faculty Association and other university members in the future," pledging deliberation centered around a 'Public Deliberation Committee.'

The Alumni Association also released a statement urging, "The university administration and President Park must focus on close public deliberation with university members, and the Faculty Association must refrain from taking excessive actions that destabilize the president, who still has half of their term remaining, simply by refusing to engage in dialogue," calling for an 'open debate' and the formation of a 'Public Deliberation Committee.'

Subsequently, the university administration recently requested the participation of the Faculty Association in forming a 'University Development Public Deliberation Preparation Committee.'

However, the Faculty Association has refused to participate, stating, "Without a clear stance and change in position from the president to abandon any attempt at dismantling Changwon National University, we will reject all public deliberation committees."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.