After three years of planning and preparation, Tenri University’s new structure officially began on April 1, when 900 new students arrived.
The reorganization was undertaken in an effort to attract students amid intensifying competition due to the nation’s low birth rates. Basing itself on its founding spirit and educational goals, the university reviewed its educational programs and organizational structure.
As a result, the 11 departments formerly belonging to the Faculty of International Culture Studies have now been reorganized into two departments: the Department of Asian Studies and the Department of European and American Studies. The new structure allows students to study two languages, besides English.
In addition, the newly adopted semester system–whereby each course is to be completed within the semester concerned–has greatly expanded the range of courses available to students. The system also considerably lessens the difficulties experienced by students going overseas to study while enrolled in this university.