NEWS

Professor Tatsuo Nunoshiba, Dean of Students, Receives Special Award from the Japanese Association of Student Counseling

Update: June 6, 2016

ICU Dean of Students, Professor Tatsuo Nunoshiba (major: biology and environmental studies) received the Special Award from the Japanese Association of Student Counseling (JASC) at the 34th JASC Annual Meeting held at Seikei University (Musashino City, Tokyo) from May 21 (Sat) to 23 (Mon), 2016.

Professor Nunoshiba always see things from the viewpoint of encouraging student growth. When an environmental student group SUSTENA proposed the introduction of recyclable containers called "Re-repacks" at the University Cafeteria, he provided appropriate support so as not to hinder the students' initiative and spontaneity. The same year, he also helped organize E-Weeks, the ICU Environmental Awareness Week, in which lectures and various other events on environmental issues were held. Since then, E-Weeks has become a regular event held by student groups every year. He also holds "Kids Science Event" during the summer vacation for local elementary students. In addition, he has reported these activities as practical studies through academic conferences and journals. These activities were recognized by JASC as "having shown a model for student support."

Comment from Professor Tatsuo Nunoshiba

When people hear the words "student counselling and student support", they tend to think that it's about helping out students with problems. However the "Enrichment of Student Life in Universities - Development of Universities in Support of Students" announced by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology in 2000 emphasizes the importance of student counselling and student support as part of education to encourage the overall growth of students. This means that student support is not something that should be left up to school counselors but all members of the faculty need to be responsible for supporting each student. Ever since I learned about this 10 years ago, I have repeatedly asked myself the question "what is the best support for encouraging student growth?" and put it to practice. Since my original area of specialty is microbial genetics, I reported my student support activities as practical studies at JASC meetings to seek comments and advice from various people. I am very surprised and honored to receive this award from JASC.

When I first joined ICU, I felt that the institution was already approaching student support as part of its education. Still today, ICU is working hard to provide the most appropriate support for each student through close collaboration and cooperation between faculty and staff of various divisions. In the reasons for awarding it says "...in recognition of your efforts to take leadership of student support activities of the institution..." but this can never be achieved without the support of the entire faculty and staff. So I regard this award as a recognition of the entire student support system of ICU. However, it is no easy task to provide "appropriate support to encourage student growth." We must take care to maintain an appropriate distance with the student, and provide the right support at the right timing, appropriate for each student, or else we may deprive the students of their opportunity to learn. So I must continue asking myself "what is the best support" as I engage with the students.

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*The Japanese Association of Student Counseling (JASC) is a group of researchers and practitioners who assist college students at a crossroad in life and the counselors, advisors, and professors who help them in such departments as counseling services and health centers in Japanese universities and other higher educational settings. Theories and methods in the practice of college counseling are constantly developing to fit the characteristics of students and social demands. JASC was established to help meet these changing needs by organizing various objectives, including the introduction of new knowledge and efforts and the sharing of practical achievements. (Cited from JASC Website)