Feng Chia University Ranked Third Among Private Universities in the 2024 CommonWealth Magazine USR University Responsibility Survey

In the 2024 CommonWealth Magazine “USR University Citizenship” Survey, university governance and teaching commitment were combined and weighted equally alongside environmental sustainability and social responsibility, each accounting for one‑third of the total score. A new mechanism for inter‑university peer evaluation was also introduced to assess how universities fulfill their role as key contributors to society. In recognition of its comprehensive efforts across multiple USR initiatives, Feng Chia University ranked third among private universities.

“Closer engagement with society is essential and a deeply important responsibility of universities,” stated President Wang, Wei. She emphasized that universities must cultivate talent capable of addressing real societal challenges, and students can only develop such competencies through social participation that connects them to real‑world issues. Feng Chia University has long taken root in the field of University Social Responsibility (USR), and in 2023 established the Office of Sustainability, led by Professor Chih‑Chao Wu of the Department of Environmental Engineering and Science. The office simultaneously oversees four major USR projects:

1. “Taichung Cultural City Downtown Regeneration: Living Story Academy”, led by Honorary Vice President Lung‑Shih Yang and Professor Tsu‑Chiang Lei of the College of Construction and Development.
2. “Sustainable and Resilient Indigenous Communities: An Educational Demonstration Project for Secure and Thriving Living”, led by Professor Ben‑Ray Jai of the College of Business.
3. “Rural Carbon Reduction: Green Synergy Linking Global Sustainability”, led by Professor Shih‑Hsien Hsieh of the College of Engineering and Science.
4. “Zhongliao Action: Advancing Social Impact for Rural Community Ecologies”, led by Professor Jih‑Hsin Sher and Dean Hao Wang of the s.School.

Professor Ben‑Ray Jai of the College of Business leads the “Sustainable and Resilient Indigenous Communities” project at the Meixi Tribe Green Life Farm, where hands‑on workshops introduce students to wild edible plants through guided tours and interactive games.

CommonWealth Magazine highlighted Professor Ben‑Ray Jai’s project as a representative example. For nearly 20 years, he has worked with four Indigenous communities across Nantou, Chiayi, and Pingtung, helping to strengthen resilience through livelihood development, improved living environments, and cultural revitalization. Following Typhoon Morakot, he supported reconstruction efforts, promoted Indigenous language education, and helped local students achieve fluency—allowing them to later represent Taiwan in cultural exchange programs with Māori communities in New Zealand. Currently, Professor Jai is planning solar and biomass energy demonstration sites in two communities, using agricultural waste as energy sources to build self‑sufficient, zero‑carbon models.

Another initiative, the Zhongliao Action led by Dean Hao Wang, applies a “Micro‑University Action” framework. Through curriculum design that parallels elementary school modules, university faculty and students develop educational materials in food and agriculture, technology, music, physical education, and ecological literacy—forming five key features of a future experimental elementary school. The project also incorporates Biotope‑based learning and service‑oriented student clubs to ensure continuity. Discussions with cooperatives and partner organizations have also supported the development of local micro‑tourism and related industries.

Aligned with the Taichung Cultural City Downtown Regeneration Project, the Living Story Academy led by Professor Tsu‑Chiang Lei focuses on the human dimension of the old city district. By connecting students with local issues, guiding community revitalization, and transforming cultural assets and historical DNA into storytelling content, the project leverages technology and the Academy’s platform to digitally preserve heritage and link it to contemporary life.

The “Rural Carbon Reduction” project led by Professor Shih‑Hsien Hsieh establishes an ecological‑indicator mountain farm that integrates ESG collaboration with industry to generate economic value. It develops forestry culture and branding, combines woodcraft and wood education with green energy and carbon‑economy concepts, and builds a green circulation network for agricultural symbiosis.

The Green Life Farm PGS Meeting and USR × CSR Exhibition invited stakeholders to participate in community‑resilience initiatives, conduct on‑site PGS inspections, and deepen their understanding of Participatory Guarantee Systems and the farm’s sustainable practices.

Feng Chia University’s performance across university governance, teaching commitment, environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and inter‑university peer assessment reflects its philosophy of maximizing societal impact despite limited resources while maintaining a student‑centered mission. These efforts earned Feng Chia University the distinction of third place among private universities in the 2024 USR University Citizenship rankings—an honor well deserved.

Beyond Ministry of Education USR projects, various colleges and departments at Feng Chia University independently integrate public‑sector, industry, and alumni resources into USR work. For example, the School of Architecture has built over 20 “Mini‑Libraries” in rural and Indigenous communities, supported by alumni from the Feng Chia Architecture Association, as well as long‑term contributions from corporate partners such as the Fuyu Social Welfare and Charity Foundation, Green Furniture, and Baima Ceramics. Sun Moon Pearl Co., Ltd. has donated NT$2 million to collaborate with the s.School on a CDIO‑based course developing proposals for local revitalization.

Feng Chia University also actively secures public‑sector funding. The GIS Research Center leads the National Development Council’s “Central Region Local Revitalization Support Center” with NT$15 million in funding. Professor Hsin‑Chang Lin of the School of Architecture leads Taichung City Government’s “Community Planner Residency Program” (NT$15 million), while Professor Hao Wang of the Department of Cooperative Economics and Social Entrepreneurship leads the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s “Smart Symbiotic Community Program” (NT$29 million). Additionally, the Taipei Alumni Association continues to donate annually to support the University’s sustainability initiatives.

These combined efforts from faculty, students, alumni, and partners demonstrate Feng Chia University’s deep commitment to fulfilling its social responsibility as a modern university.

Beyond its Ministry of Education‑funded USR projects, Feng Chia University integrates public‑sector, industry, and alumni resources across its colleges and departments to advance its University Social Responsibility mission.