Honam University Holds Korea's First 'Blended Entrance Ceremony'

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Gwan-woo] Honam University announced on the 2nd that it held the first blended admission ceremony among domestic universities.

A total of 1,482 freshmen for the 2021 academic year took their first step toward university life as ‘Next Champions’ through the admission ceremony.

The ceremony, held under the theme of ‘AI Convergence Talent Changing the World,’ was conducted in a unique way by connecting Zoom sessions set up in the special stage at the auditorium on the first floor of Honam University IT Square and lecture rooms of 40 departments to prevent COVID-19 and protect learning rights.

For parents who could not attend their children’s admission ceremony in person, the event was also broadcast live through Honam University’s official YouTube channel, ‘Honam University TV.’

President Park Sang-chul emphasized in his welcoming speech, “I sincerely welcome you as new members of Honam University, which is celebrating its 43rd anniversary this year, and all university members will do their utmost to ensure that the freshmen’s expectations and hopes lead to brilliant achievements.”

He continued, “Honam University is the only AI-specialized university in Korea leading the 4th Industrial Revolution era, nurturing ‘Next Champions’ who will lead the AI era through continuous educational innovation. Just as the mindset at the starting line of a marathon greatly influences the possibility of finishing, I urge the freshmen standing at the starting line of their four years of university life to carry out the intentions they hold in their hearts today until the end.”

Parent Yang Hee-bong, who enrolled two daughters at Honam University, congratulated the freshmen in his congratulatory speech, saying, “I am proud to have my two daughters admitted to Honam University. Honam University is a well-prepared university where students can grow into future leaders.”

Various cheers from alumni wishing for the freshmen’s energetic start also attracted attention.

Media art artist Lim Yong-hyun (Department of Media, Video, and Performance) opened the ceremony with ‘HU Media Art,’ and soccer dribble designer Han In-seok (Department of Soccer) provided rich entertainment with a ‘Freestyle Soccer Performance’ video.

The admission ceremony, hosted by announcer Jang So-jung and Honam University’s webtoon character Hodeok, was directed by Professor Lee Yeon-soo of the Department of Journalism and Broadcasting, and featured cutting-edge LTE broadcasting equipment from the Integrated News Center and full participation of student reporters. It was colorfully arranged with various academic information videos helpful for freshmen’s university life and a congratulatory stage supporting their energetic start (the music video ‘Deok Flies In’).

Honam University, which has entered the 2021 academic schedule, will conduct face-to-face classes for first- and second-year students for six weeks until April 12.

Kim Moon-ho, head of Honam University’s COVID-19 Comprehensive Countermeasures Headquarters (Dean of Student Affairs), said, “We will do our best to ensure that enrolled students can focus on their studies in a safe educational environment through thorough compliance with quarantine rules and strengthened prevention measures to protect against COVID-19 and safeguard students’ learning rights.”

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