[Exclusive] Seoul National University Also Delays Semester Start by One Week... Graduation Ceremony on the 26th to Be Simplified

Concerns Over New Coronavirus Spread as Large Number of Chinese International Students Arrive
Ministry of Education Likely to Recommend Universities Postpone Semester Start on the 5th Afternoon

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] Due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia), Seoul National University has decided to postpone the start of the March semester by at least one week. Although there are concerns about confusion caused by disruptions to the academic schedule, it was judged that postponing the semester start is inevitable to delay the return of Chinese international students as much as possible.

The graduation ceremony scheduled for the 26th of this month will also be scaled down in terms of attendees and event size. This decision by Seoul National University is expected to influence other universities nationwide that are also considering postponing the semester start or canceling graduation ceremonies.

According to Seoul National University on the 5th, at a novel coronavirus countermeasure meeting held the previous day with participation from key department heads and institution leaders, the new semester start on March 2 was postponed by more than a week. This measure was taken due to concerns about the potential spread of the novel coronavirus through the influx of Chinese international students.

The semester start date may vary depending on the academic schedules and conditions of each college and graduate school, with the final schedule expected to be coordinated at the academic affairs committee meeting on the 12th of next week.

A Seoul National University official explained, "Postponing the semester start involves adjusting not only the 15-week regular semester schedule but also exams, make-up classes, and seasonal semesters," adding, "We will also consider further measures such as the government's recommendation to postpone the semester start."

Currently, there are a total of 1,146 international students enrolled in degree and training programs at Seoul National University, of which 229 are Chinese. A significant number of these Chinese international students returned to their hometowns last month for the Lunar New Year (Chunjeol) and are scheduled to return to Korea in earnest from late this month to coincide with dormitory move-in and semester start dates.

Seoul National University has also agreed to simplify the degree conferment ceremony (graduation ceremony) scheduled for 2 p.m. on the 26th as much as possible.

Although specific methods have not been decided, it is reported that plans are being considered to reduce both the scale and procedures by allowing only a small number of attendees such as student representatives from each college and omitting invitations to external guests. Many departments have already canceled their undergraduate graduation ceremonies, which are usually held on the morning of the overall graduation day.

Currently, Kyung Hee University, Sogang University, Kwangwoon University, and Chung-Ang University have decided to postpone the semester start by 1 to 2 weeks, while Konkuk University, Kookmin University, Dongguk University, Sejong University, University of Seoul, Yonsei University, Hanyang University, and Hongik University are reviewing plans to postpone the semester start.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Yoo Eun-hye is scheduled to meet with university officials at the Seoul government office this afternoon to discuss additional measures and request cooperation regarding the postponement of the semester start.

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