Overview of the Hokkaido University Ambassador and Partner System
1. Introduction
In order to improve the reputation of Hokkaido University (hereinafter “HU”) and build a global network, it is important to seek cooperation from HU alumni, particularly overseas nationals who attended HU as international students. HU has already attempted this through other means, such as involving international students from overseas in its Overseas Study Abroad Fair and holding academic exchange events in cooperation with our overseas offices and overseas alumni associations. However, many countries and regions overseas do not have a Hokkaido University alumni association, which has made it difficult to conduct international alumni activities there.
The Hokkaido University Ambassador and Partner System (hereinafter “the system”) defines the Hokkaido University Ambassadors and Partners (hereinafter “ambassadors” and “partners”) to be appointed, along with their activities. Ambassadors and partners shall work with HU and alumni associations both inside and outside Japan to expand and enliven HU’s community in a wide variety of ways in accordance with the “Hokkaido Universal Campus Initiative”.
2. Position of Hokkaido University Ambassadors and Partners
From 2016, alumni working in industry-academia-government collaborations in a wide range of fields shall be appointed as ambassadors and partners, particularly those working overseas. Alumni in senior positions who have the potential to play a central role in activities in their region shall be appointed as ambassadors. Alumni who have the potential to provide support for ambassadors’ activities shall be appointed as partners. These titles may also be conferred upon affiliates who contribute to the education and research activities and international promotion activities of HU or any of its affiliated organizations. Ambassadors and partners play an important role in the Hokkaido University Community, which supports HU by working with HU to strengthen HU’s ties with its alumni associations, particularly those overseas.
4. Role Expected of Hokkaido University Ambassadors and Partners
The primary roles of ambassadors are to distribute information and form alumni associations in their region. Partners shall be asked to provide support for ambassadors. Hokkaido University Ambassadors and Partners shall carry out activities such as introducing HU to local universities and other organizations, advising Japanese students throughout their stay in the ambassadors’ regions and providing information for local students hoping to study at HU. Ambassadors and partners shall play a central role in the Hokkaido University Community, building a strong PR and human network around the world.
The following specific activities are anticipated to be required of ambassadors:
- Communication and coordination between HU and local visitors to HU
- Communication and coordination in the event of HU visits to the ambassador’s region
- Provision of information to local students wishing to study at HU and HU students wishing to study in the ambassador’s region
- Finding new exchange partners, internship sites, etc. in the ambassador’s region
- Finding local companies and other benefactors willing to provide donations
In particular, ambassadors living in countries or regions with an overseas office of HU or an equivalent education or research base of HU (or where such facilities are to be built in future) will be expected to work with the overseas office, etc. and do their utmost to expand collaborations between HU and institutes conducting education and research activities in the ambassador’s country and surrounding countries, as well as promoting mutual exchange between faculty members and students and building an alumni network. However, particularly close communication with the Public Relations Office and the applicable overseas office shall be required when building new relationships with parties such as new exchange partners. Ambassadors shall report to the Public Relations Office when building new relationships with parties such as new exchange partners in a country or region with no overseas office.
The role of partners is to actively provide support for the activities of ambassadors. They may also need to stand in for ambassadors living in the same country or region to carry out some requests from HU as necessary.
The following specific activities are anticipated to be required of partners:
- Communication and coordination between HU and local visitors to HU
- Communication and coordination in the event of HU visits to the partner’s region
- Provision of information to local students wishing to study at HU and HU students wishing to study in the partner’s region
- Distribution of information about HU in the local language by means such as social media
(the content will be provided by the International PR Team)
- Support work for local events such as informational events about HU
- Support work for ambassadors’ activities
Both ambassadors and partners shall also be paid for some activities requested by respective bureaus and departments of HU. Remuneration shall be paid according to HU’s regulations.