Chapter 7: Facilities and Equipment · 2014. 9. 12. · Chapter 7: Facilities and Equipment (University/ Colleges/ Graduate Schools) 1. Facilities and Equipment 7-1-2 recreational

Chapter 7: Facilities and Equipment

2007AY Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University Self Assessment Report

Chapter 7: Facilities and Equipment (University/ Colleges/ Graduate Schools) 1. Facilities and Equipment

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[Aims]

1. Installation of equipment and facilities to ensure research objectives are met

2. Enhancement of campus amenities

3. Upgrade of handicapped-accessible campus facilities

4. Proper maintenance of facilities and equipment to ensure their safety

[Objectives since Inception]

1. Required facilities and renovations in line with the increased student intake will be

completed in time.

(1) Classroom construction

(2) Research facility construction

(3) Recreation facility construction

(4) Student dormitory construction

2. Ensuring campus amenities and creating space for students

(1) Recreation facility construction and renovation of existing facilities (i.e., facilities for

everyday student needs)

(2) Student dormitory construction

3. Realize a barrier-free campus and facilities to accommodate the handicapped

(1) Transitioning to barrier-free campus facilities

4. Establish disaster management frameworks to maintain safe facilities and equipment

(1) Formulation of regulations for safety management

(2) Cooperation with expert contractor for inspections management

(3) Improvement of systems to ensure safe facilities and equipment

Description of Current Conditions 1. Facilities and Equipment (1) Land and Buildings APU has extensively more land and building area than required by the University

Establishment Standards. Based on the Mid-Term Plan, facilities and equipment shall be

enhanced.

As seen in University Basic Data Chart 36, the area of land owned by the university is

416,317.00㎡, of which 41,810.00㎡ is the sports ground (as of May 1, 2007). Total building

area is 63,976.00㎡.

In preparation for opening in April 2000, the following buildings were initially constructed:

Classrooms I (F), Faculty Offices I (B), Administration Building (A), Media Center (D:

includes the library and IT facilities), Gymnasium (G), Student Union I (E: student


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recreational and extracurricular activity facilities), Millennium Hall (C) and AP House 1

(dormitory).

AP House 2 was built in 2001 in anticipation of the new graduate school to open in October

2003 and in light of a housing shortage for students in and after the 2nd year.

In 2002, Graduate School Classroom (Building H) were constructed in preparation for the

opening of the graduate school in October 2003. These are actually shared with the

Colleges.

In line with plans to boost student intake, Classrooms II (FII), Faculty Offices II (BII) and

Student Union II (EII) were built and additional wings were added to AP House 1 and 2.

With this construction, an additional 10,088.78㎡ of facilities for education and research

were added, along with 8,925.28㎡ of new dormitory space to bring the total are of facilities

to 34,026.96㎡. The cafeteria and student recreational facilities were enhanced and an

additional building (1,876.99㎡) was added.

(2) Lecture Rooms, Seminar Room, IPS Rooms and Self-Study Rooms Since Building FII was erected in 2006AY (20 classrooms, 9 CAI rooms and 3 IPS rooms),

the total number of classrooms including Buildings F and H reached 114 lecture rooms

(including 14 CAI rooms), 15 seminar rooms, 9 IPS rooms and 4 Self-Study Rooms (As of

May 1, 2007. See University Basic Data Chart 37). This also includes 3 classrooms

equipped to handle distance lectures.

As seen in University Basic Data Charts 38 and 39, all practical facilities are shared across

the university with the exception of the CAP Lab. Major facilities in each building are as

follows:

(1) Multimedia Room (Capacity: 167, PCs: 167, Area: 344㎡)

(2) Multimedia Lab III (Capacity: 10, PCs: 10, Area: 211㎡)

(3) CAP Lab (Capacity: 65, PCs: 20, Area: 232㎡)

(4) Information Processing Seminar Rooms (Total 9 rooms, Capacity: 630, PCs: 658,

Area: 1,878㎡)

(3) Equipment All buildings are fully air conditioned, all classrooms are equipped with plasma displays and

projectors and IT jacks are positioned throughout the facilities, not just in the ISP and

Multimedia Rooms. APU aims for a rich IT infrastructure.

The university maintains security with an extensive electronic lock system.

(4) Information Processing Devices As noted on page 70 of the Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University prospectus, Crossroads,

APU has 1954 computers as of March 31,2007. 1600 of those are located in classrooms

and self-study facilities for student use.


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(5) Faculty Offices Additional faculty offices (Bldg. B2) were built in 2006AY in line with the increase in faculty

appointed under the Faculty Organization Development Plan. As seen in University Basic

Data Chart 35, there are 146 faculty offices and 128 permanent faculty for a ratio of 114%

(as of May 1, 2007). The floor area of each room is 23.4㎡. There are also 4 common faculty

rooms.

Faculty office doors and the entrance to each floor of the buildings are glass plated to help

prevent harassment.

(6) Facilities for Extracurricular Activities Facilities for extracurricular activities include the Student Union, Student Union II, the

Gymnasium, the Main Ground, the Multipurpose Ground and the tennis courts.

The Student Union and Student Union II house rooms for music and dance practice, ateliers

and event spaces.

On the Main Ground, the Track & Field team uses the track and the rugby, cricket and

soccer teams used the field.(By application only). All other clubs use the multipurpose

ground.

In addition there is a shop for faculty, staff and students. Both the cafeteria and student

space were expanded to contribute to student activities.

(7) AP House: Student Dormitories AP House, the student dormitory complex, was built on campus.

Through one year of dormitory life, international students are immersed in the Japanese

language, culture, customs and way of life. It was with this aim in mind that AP House was

built and, in principle, all international student freshmen must reside in the dormitories.

Domestic students that passed the AO Examination that express a preference for dormitory

residence are also eligible to live in AP House.

Of 1310 dormitory rooms, 378 are shared by pairs of domestic and international students.

The remaining 932 rooms are individual rooms, 30 of which are allocated to graduate

students.

GSA Doctoral Program students are given priority for the graduate student rooms, and

Master’s students are also housed in the rooms allotted for undergraduate students. Shared

kitchens are accessible from all shared rooms and individual rooms.

AP House serves not only to house students, but it is billed as an international education

dorm, to support student learning. This will be covered in Chapter 10, “Student Life.”

(8) Health Clinic and Counseling Room

1) Health Clinic The Health Clinic is centrally located on campus in the first floor of Building A.


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The Health Clinic is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 to 17:00. It is closed from

13:00-14:00 for lunch. There are 3 full-time nurses on duty, and one part-time psychiatrist

(by reservation). Regarding occupational medicine, health checks are commissioned to the

Head of Tsurumi Hospital in Beppu. Since a physician is not regularly on duty in the Health

Clinic, it handles simple emergency treatments, urinalyses and other simple tests. It also

explains health check results and introduces individuals to other hospitals and clinics when

needed. Further details are outlined in Chapter 10, “Student Life”

2) Counseling Room The Counseling Room is centrally located on campus in the first floor of Building A.

The Counseling Room is open Monday through Friday from 10:30 to 16:30. Further

details are outlined in Chapter 10, “Student Life”

2. Graduate School Self-Study Facilities There are 251 students currently enrolled in the Graduate Schools (as of November 1,

2007). As seen in University Basic Data Chart 37, there are 6 rooms designated solely for

graduate student self-study. These include 5 Common Rooms (with 102 study booths) and 1

Cyber Study Room to assist graduate students in report writing (with 34 PCs).

3. Campus Amenities (1) Earth tones are used in all the buildings to match the surrounding environment. Roads

and sidewalks are clearly demarcated for safety and aesthetic reasons.

Maintenance of campus amenities is conducted by the Trust Office of Finance, the APU

Administration Office and expert contractors.

(2) Since the campus is located outside of the city and there were no eateries or recreational

facilities in the area, a cafeteria and student recreational facilities were put in place from

the beginning. The cafeteria current contains 905 seats. Since APU runs on a continuous

timetable (with no lunch break), the cafeteria crowds at peak times, but not for long

periods of time. In October 2007, a survey of cafeteria patrons by time period was

conducted and the hour of 12:00 was found to be the peak time, with as many as 800

users at once. Concurrent with the increase in student intake, a take-out cafeteria, Pacific

Café, was added in March 2007, adding 120 more seats and expanding floor area for

lunch sales.

(3) APU strives to keep its campus clean to provide a comfortable atmosphere for student

life. There are benches, a fountain, bushes and receptacles for trash and recyclables.

Since smoking is prohibited inside all buildings, designated smoking areas with ashtrays

have been installed. Regular cleaning is conducted.


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(4) Before opening, APU held discussions with citizens that living on the roads that students

would use to commute to school. In order to maintain a safe environment for APU’s

neighbors and avoid automobile accidents, students are not permitted to commute to the

university by car. There is a highway service area next to APU that is also used by many

citizens. APU conducts daily patrols to prevent illegal parking on the service areas access

roads.

4. Considerations (1) Accommodations for handicapped users of facilities and equipment Handicapped access has been implemented since the campus opened.

There are rubber tiles for the blind inside all campus facilities and Braille placards and

handrails in each building to assist the blind and the handicapped. Major buildings are also

equipped with guidance chimes for the blind. The campus is barrier free, and handicapped

toilets are located on the first floor of each building. As of March 2007, all buildings were

equipped with handicapped toilets. Each building is equipped with elevators to aid the

handicapped in moving around within the facilities.

(2) Hours of operation for the Multimedia Room, the Multimedia Labs, the Common Rooms and Extracurricular Activity Facilities

(1) Library

Details will be covered in Chapter 8, “The Library, Books and Electronic Media”

(2) Multimedia Room, Multimedia Lab I & II

The Multimedia Room is equipped with PCs and is open to students and faculty until 12:00

AM.

The Multimedia Labs house PCs and image processing and dubbing equipment.

Multimedia Lab I is for faculty use only (by reservation). It is open until the time applied for.

Multimedia Lab II, for students, may be used until 8:45 PM. Entry and exit is managed by

electronic card readers.

(3) Graduate School Common Rooms may be used, in principle, until 9:00PM. When

applied for, usage times may be extended. Entry and exit is managed by electronic card

readers.

(4) Extracurricular Activity Facilities are open until 8:45 PM. When applied for and deemed

acceptable, usage times may be extended until 12:00AM.

(3) AP House Facility Hours

Use of the internet rooms, the study rooms and the meeting rooms is permitted 24 hours per

day. Recreational facilities and equipment (ping pong table, billiards table, darts, basketball

hoop and the event kitchen) may be used until 10:00 PM.


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(4) Commuting Methods

The APU campus is located in Jumonjibaru, in Beppu, at an altitude of 300m. There are 2

bus companies that handle the bulk of student commuting needs. One company operates

the Beppu Station – Kannawa – Myoban – APU route and the other company offers the

Beppu Station – Kamegawa Station – Sekinoe – APU route via National Route 10.

Students are allowed to commute by motorcycle or moped provided they have accident

insurance.

5. Administrative Frameworks (1) Frameworks for Maintenance Responsibility for the administration of facilities maintenance lies with the Administration

Office and the Media Center. Duties are conducted in coordination with the Division of

Finance at Suzaku Campus, and maintenance for buildings, equipment, supplies and IT

facilities is adequately carried out in accordance with the relevant regulations. Building

inspection and maintenance is contracted out an expert company.

(2) Sanitation and Security Systems As noted above, building inspection and maintenance is outsourced. Duties are conducted

in accordance with relevant laws and include building inspection, daily cleaning and security

patrols. The Administration Office hold regular meetings with the contractor to confirm the

status of the facilities and any measures that need to be taken. In coordinating with the

contractors, a system to confirm safety on a daily basis has been established.

In accordance with the Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University Safety Management Regulations

and the Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University Fire and Disaster Prevention Regulations, the

university established the Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University Safety Management

Committee chaired by the Vice President and the Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University Fire

and Disaster Prevention chaired by the Director-General. Frameworks are in place to

maintain facilities and ensure their safety. Systems are clearly stipulated for emergencies

including emergency contact lists and the establishment of a disaster control task force.

Both day-to-day and emergency systems are in place.

The Central Security Office is located on the 1st floor of Building A to ensure the security of

all campus facilities. The Central Security Office monitors all campus facilities for accidents

and incidents and keeps this information on record. It houses systems to monitor and record

operations and serves as both a security outpost for both daily occurrences and

emergencies. There is an independent Security Office in AP House with monitoring

equipment.

There are 2 automatic external defibrillators (AED) on campus: one in the Central Security


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Office and one in AP House.

(3) Environmental Conservation Measures (1) The central security system manages air conditioning and lighting to eliminate

unnecessary use of energy. Outside lights are run on a timer, and electricity and gas

usage is monitored to ascertain the actual situation. Data is analyzed in an effort to further

conserve energy.

・Lights near windows are equipped with brightness sensors and photochromatic devices

to reduce brightness during the bright daytime hours and in turn, conserve electricity.

・Since the area is prone to fog, high-pressure sodium lamps are used outside to increase

visibility. As such, APU uses 50 to 60% of the electricity typically consumed with

mercury lamps while maintaining the same level of brightness.

・Key switches are installed in each AP House room to control air conditioning and lighting.

With these, the university is able to conserve electricity in the dormitories.

・In addition to past initiatives, the new buildings constructed as part of the New Challenge

were equipped with lightproof film to reduce the burden on the cooling systems during

daylight hours. The film is highly effective. Even when the blinds are not drawn, the

increase in room temperature is still kept to an average of 5 .

(2) APU has implemented “Cool Biz” since 2006AY. In 2007AY, Cool Biz was instituted from

June 1st to September 30th.

(3) Since the university opened in April 2000, smoking has been prohibited inside the

buildings, and smoking outdoors is limited to designated areas.

Assessment Results Achievement levels for the objectives mentioned at the beginning are as follows:

1. Required facilities and renovations in line with the increased student intake will be completed in time. (1) Classroom construction As noted on page 7-1-2, APU has secured the required number of classrooms for its current

intake capacity. Objectives have been met.

(2) Research facility construction As noted on pages 7-1-3 and 7-1-4, research conditions are ensured. Objectives have been

met.

(3) Recreation facility construction As noted on pages 7-1-3 and 7-1-4, equipment is in place. Objectives have been met.


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(4) Student dormitory construction As noted on page 7-1-3, sufficient dormitory facilities have been secured. Objectives have

been met.

2. Ensuring campus amenities and equipment for student life (1) Recreation facility construction and renovation of existing facilities (i.e., facilities for everyday student needs) As noted on pages 7-1-4 and 7-1-5, facilities are in place, but since the following issues

remain, the objectives have not been achieved.

(2) Student dormitory construction As noted on page 7-1-3, sufficient dormitory facilities have been secured. Objectives have

been met.

3. Realization of barrier free campus facilities and spaces (1) Transitioning to barrier-free campus facilities As noted on page 7-1-5, facilities are in place, but since the following issues remain, the

objectives have not been achieved.

4. Establish disaster management frameworks to maintain safe facilities and equipment

(1) Regulations and frameworks for security management As noted on page 7-1-6, regulations and frameworks are in place, but since the following

issues remain, the objectives have not been achieved.

(2) Cooperation with expert contractor for inspections management As noted on page 7-1-6, necessary frameworks are in place. Objectives have been met.

(3) Improvement of systems to ensure safe facilities and equipment As noted on page 7-1-6, frameworks are in place, but since the following issues remain, the

objectives have not been achieved.

Strengths and weaknesses as uncovered by the self-assessment are as follows.

Strengths 1. Facilities and Equipment (1) Land and Buildings Land and building area far exceed the requirements in the University Standards. This poses

no issues.

(2) Equipment In March 2007, classroom aids for the hearing impaired were upgraded (See Chapter 7,

Section 2, page 7-2-4 “IT Infrastructure”). This poses no issues in particular.


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(3) Information Processing Devices There are 1693 PCs installed in 144 classrooms. As of May 1, 2007 there are 5421 students

at APU which makes for a 3.1:1 ratio of PCs to students. This is a very high standard within

Japan.

(4) Faculty Offices Faculty offices have been secured in response to the Faculty Organization Development

Plan for 2006AY to 2009AY.

(5) AP House: Student Dormitories There are no issues with room numbers and standard equipments (bed, desk, chair,

refrigerator, sink, wardrobe, and electric outlets for PCs etc. Individual rooms are equipped

with toilets and showers). In 2006AY the multipurpose hall was renovated, as were the

kitchens on each floor. A common cafeteria was built and recreational facilities increased, all

to enhance opportunities for intercultural exchange and deeper mutual understanding.

2. Graduate School Self-Study Facilities There are 102 study booths and a Cyber Study Room for 251 graduate students, but in

actuality, many students study in the AP House study rooms or in their own rooms, so there

is no immediate need for additional facilities.

3. Campus Amenities (1) Regarding the cafeteria and other daily amenities, a new Pacific Café was built, floor

space was expanded, and the university has been able to respond to the influx in students.

Increased service from university partners has also been realized. University facilities are

also open to the public.

(2) Blessed with gorgeous scenery, the entire campus is an amenity.

4. Considerations (1) University facilities are sufficiently barrier free as judged from the disabled persons

welcomed to date. The campus has been built to be as level as possible. A barrier free

environment has been realized. Equipment to accommodate the physically disabled and

the visually impaired are in place.

(2) Hours of operation and usage policies for facilities are sufficient.

5. Administrative Frameworks

Frameworks are in place in accordance with the Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University

Safety Management Regulations and the Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University Fire and


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Disaster Prevention Regulations, and APU fosters ties with expert contractors to adequately

maintain and manage facilities and allow for proper responses from the university

management. All facilities are monitored by the Central Security Office located in the middle

of the campus. Warning systems are in place to allow for speedy response in the case of

accidents.

Issues 1. Facilities and Equipment (1) Lecture Rooms and Seminar Rooms With the increase in student intake, the curriculum reforms and the estimated future

increase in subject and class numbers, usage rates for lecture room vary widely. Conditions

for lecture room usage are expected to grow more difficult. Curriculum reforms must avoid

placing additional limitations on classrooms. While there is no plan to increase classrooms,

a careful decision on using other non-lecture classroom facilities must be made.

(2) Facilities for Extracurricular Activities (1) Main Athletic Field

Since the grass on the Main Ground is not maintained, its use is limited to 1 group per

week. With the growing number of groups, the grass needs to be maintained and a fixed

number of registered groups must be allowed to use the ground.

(2) Multi-Purpose Field

The Multipurpose Ground has been eroded by wind and rain, and stones are beginning to

surface. Stones can lead to injuries caused by tripping, and normal play is not possible

due to irregular bounces. The ground must be turned and maintenance conducted

regularly.

(3) AP House: Student Dormitories Since the cafeteria run by the University Cooperative (Co-Op closes at 19:30, a store open

at night needs to be opened within the dorm.

2. Campus Amenities (1) Since the campus is long from north to south, the cafeteria is slightly inconveniently

located in relation to Buildings BII, FII and H, and measures need to be taken to solve this

problem.

(2) Since the campus is situated in the wind’s path, it is difficult for shade trees to grow.

Hence the number of outdoor benches for students is small. The Language Lounge on the

1st floor of Building BII serves to facilitate communication, but other indoor

communications spaces need to be increased.


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3. Considerations (1) To improve the current situation for welcoming disabled persons, the university should

make all entrance doors automatic and take steps to lessen the burden on disabled

persons; however, APU needs to establish a set of standards since the level of

accommodation for disabled persons differs per facility.

(2) The interlocking grip near the Media Center and the bus stop is uneven, and students

sometime trip on it. This must be repaired for safety reasons.

4. Organization (1) A day-to-day management framework is in place, but as the facilities age over the years,

a long-term renovation plan will need to be formulated and executed. Safety issues are

not limited to APU alone, they are matters for the entire Ritsumeikan Trust. An effective

linkage with the overarching Ritsumeikan Trust Safety Management Regulations and the

Ritsumeikan Trust Fire and Disaster Prevention Regulations is required. Considering a

cooperative system of checks with the Trust is an issue that remains.

(2) There are 2 automatic external defibrillators (AED) on campus, one in the Central

Security Office and one in AP House, but given the size of the campus this is not enough.

Additional units need to be installed in Building BII, the Media Center, the Gymnasium and

APU House.

[Detailed Measures for Improvement] (1) Maintenance of the Main Ground and the Multipurpose Ground will be implemented from

the Trust-wide budget and/or the APU Reserve Fund in 2008AY. The university will

conduct daily maintenance to maintain conditions for safe play.

(2) The Student Activities Office will establish a shop (Co-Op) within AP House in 2007AY.

For the time being, a dorm room will be renovated and products will be stocked according

to a survey of residents. The shop will be open from 20:00 to 24:00.

(3) The Administration Office will request the Co-Op to establish satellite cafeterias in either

Building BII, FII or H sometime in 2008AY. The shop will offer boxed lunches and takeout

fare.

(4) Uneven interlocking grip will be repaired in 2007AY or 2008AY with the Trust’s APU

budget.

(5) More AEDs will be installed in 2008AY under the direction of the Ritsumeikan Trust

Division of General Affairs. The goal is to install a total of 4 units on campus.


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(6) Expansion of indoor student communications spaces and automatic doors to

accommodate disabled persons will require large amounts of budget money. This will be

considered within the overall APU Campus Facility Plan. Deliberation of this is a goal for

2010AY.

(7) Cooperation with the Trust on safety issues and the consideration of a check system are

issues for the Trust-wide Safety Committee established under the Ritsumeikan Trust

Safety Management Regulations. These will be implemented in 2008AY.

Chapter 7: Facilities and Equipment (University/ Colleges/ Graduate Schools) 2. IT Infrastructure

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[Aims]

To overcome the information gap that exists in Beppu, a regional city, APU will bolster

access to academic information, current information, commercial databases and other

sources of information. At the same time. APU will bolster its information technology

infrastructure by connecting to domestic and international networks, strengthening ties with

the regional information infrastructure (IPR), improving campus-to-campus communication

and promoting multimedia IT education.

[Objectives since Inception]

1. Building educational systems and tools to create a new learning culture for the university

APU aims to achieve a bilingual (J/E) education system, a cooperative learning system,

an information-based learning system and systems that utilize networks with RU,

overseas universities and the local community.

(1) Conduct language education using CALL, VOD and/or multimedia materials

(2) Build collaborative environments on the network

(3) Build information dissemination systems

(4) Improve environment for presentations

(5) Ensure fast, secure internet connections

(6) Create distance learning system

2. IT Education Equipment to Fulfill Global Standards

In order to provide all students with fundamental education in information processing

and to learn how to use IT tools for study and communications, APU has built

information processing education infrastructure.

(1) APU creates electronic communications systems, databases, statistical processing

systems and ensures that the equipment to make use of these systems is in place in

order to provide students the ability to use IT tools for communication, analysis,

practical research, decision-making, policy-making and dissemination. It also

conducts various training courses.

3. Creation of global educational networks

By disseminating APU’s intellectual resources, APU aims to build networks with other

universities, research institutions and the community.

(1) Creation of an APU Researcher Databases

(2) Publication of APU theses in both paper and electronic formats

4.Ties with regional information infrastructure (IPR)

(1) In addition to Oita Prefecture’s Toyonokuni Hypernetwork, APU is also connected with the

National Institute of Informatics’ SINET.


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Description of Current Conditions Since opening, APU has used the know-how of RU to build systems. In 2003AY, it bolstered

infrastructure under the Phase 2 Information Infrastructure Improvements.

In 2006AY, improvements were made under the New Challenge Plan.

The status of the facilities is as follows:

1. Information facilities, equipment and systems (1)State of Equipment Since Inception

The IT infrastructure at APU is essential for education, research and learning. Achievements since inception are as follows. (1) By installing bilingual (J/E) operating systems and applications as well as software to

allow for input in the Asia Pacific languages (Chinese, Korean, Malay, Indonesian, Spanish, Thai and Vietnamese), APU has the information infrastructure to support its bilingual education system and AP Language education.

(2)The Video on Demand (VOD) lecture data library is essential for content-based language education, and the system is used in the Adjunct Systems discussed in Chapter 3: “Educational Content and Teaching Methods.” VOD plays an important role in linking foundation, language and major education together.

(3) The Campus Terminal, APU’s internal portal site, allows for provision of lecture materials, report submission, gives notification on classroom changes and class cancellations and makes information on university systems—the academic calendar, timetable, scholarships etc.—available to the students. It is a multifunctional tool that can also be used to send exclusive notices to faculty and staff and provide a range of applications forms for submission. Its existence is critical for education and study on campus.

(4) 433 courses have been developed on WebCT since its deployment in 2001AY (as of March 31, 2007). These are used in class and by students for self-study. The system plays a crucial role in the realization of a day-to-day study culture among students and in creating an interactive style of education.

(5) All faculty have a materials submission folder on the network and folders for sharing data. The system has been designed to allow for secure, online collaboration/

(6) Space is allocated on the web server for student and faculty homepages in order to support the dissemination of information.

(7) Each classroom is equipped for presentations with PCs and projectors or CRT monitors. (8) In order to provide secure, high-speed internet connections, APU has connected to Oita

Prefecture’s Toyonokuni Hypernetwork. (9) To provide for electronic communication, databases and statistical processing systems,

APU provide the Active Mail webmail service and the statistical processing software,


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SPSS, is available in the IPS classrooms. (2) Phase 2 Information Infrastructure Improvements (2003AY to 2005AY) APU promoted the following key concepts under its Phase 2 Information Infrastructure

Improvements: (1) creation of APU information systems as hubs of teaching, research and

study and as collections of academic contents, (2) further development of teaching and

study support systems for various forms of e-learning.

(1) APU focused on bolstering its IT infrastructure by replacing servers and devices in order

to achieve the aforementioned key concepts. Most notably, APU provided the

environment for digital content creation. By replacing servers, processing capabilities,

security and improved, allowing for stable, high-quality service.

(2) By replacing PCs, printers and other devices and upgrading software, client processing

speeds improved as did functionality. This allowed for teaching in a well-outfitted software

environment.

Client PCs

● Basic Specs: CPU =2.4Ghz+, Memory=512MB, HDD=40GB ● OS：Windows XP Professional Multilingual Menus can be displayed and

documents entered or displayed in various languages. ● Microsoft Office XP Professional Multilingual MSAccess was made available for

use. ● Internal CD-RW and DVD-ROMs were installed and ZIP drives eliminated.

Content Development

● 2 high-end PCs for digital content development installed ● Non-linear editing disk added to Multimedia Lab III (attachable)

(3) Fundamental campus networks were brought into the gigabyte era and high speed

broadband networks realized. The Media Center and other buildings were brought to

gigabyte-level speeds. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) system was instituted to allow

users to access online databases and other features accessible from the campus network

from the comfort of their own homes. Security was bolstered by limiting access to the

open segment, i.e., on-campus wireless LAN and IT jacks, in order to prevent viruses.

(4) In addition to the intra-Trust ISDN distance learning systems in F104, F209 and

Millennium Hall, LAN connections were established. By adding LAN capability to the

existing distance learning environment, lectures with RU became easier to conduct.

(5) Wireless LAN service areas were expanded.

(6) VDSL was installed in APU House, lifting connection speeds in each dorm room from

56kps to 1.5MB.

(7) A package system was used to create the Researcher Database to collect data on APU

researchers.


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(3) Response to the New Challenge (2006AY Onwards) (1) Install LAN infrastructure and 526 PCs in Building FII and Building BII.

As of the end of March 2007, APU’s information processing equipment included 9 IPS

classrooms and 1954 PCs.

(2)In 2006AY, APU connected to the National Institute of Informatics’ SINET via Oita

University in addition to the Toyonokuni Hypernetwork that it has been on since 2000. By

reducing burden on the network, APU has realized faster and more stable internet

connections.

(3) The Video-on-Demand (VOD) system slated to go online in April 2007 was upgraded.

(4) In 2006AY, projectors were changed in the 6 large lecture halls and the 8 monitors in the

SPR rooms were upgraded to plasma displays. The TV monitors installed in the

50-person classrooms and the 30-person classrooms at the inception of APU were

switched to projectors and plasma displays respectively in 2007AY. This improved the

environment for giving presentations.

(5) A USB key system for faculty office PCs was established to respond to the Personal

Information Protection Act.

(6) The APU institutional repository, DSpace@APU (http://dspace.apu.ac.jp/dspace/) was

launched as a system for the dissemination of research outcomes. With this not only

internal articles and pamphlets can be made public free of charge, data will be regularly

harvested by the National Institute of Informatics to be registered with GeNii, Google and

other search engines. In addition, this project was selected by the National Institute of

Informatics for their 2006 Academic Institutional Repository Support Program for funding.

2. Information SAs Aiming to “contribute to student learning and growth”, the Student Systems Assistant (SA)

system was established and students hired for SA positions. This system—designed based

on the RU RAINBOW STAFF system—was launched with APU’s opening in 2000AY. The

SA system allows students to actively participate in assisting with information processing

while contributing to their growth and learning. It builds leadership through teamwork,

cultivates intercultural communications skills, negotiation skills and a sense of responsibility

that will be needed when they enter the real world. The system has been very successful,

with SA alumni getting job offers from the likes of Fujitsu, Hitachi Plan Technologies and

Mabuchi Motor Company (2007AY).

SAs assist faculty in information processing (IT literacy) classes, assist users who come to

the help desk on a daily basis and manage IT facilities and equipment.

Since the system’s launch, APU has undertaken an organized improvement, and SAs now


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plan and implement guidance sessions, create office webpages and edit videos in addition

to the duties described above.

Assessment Results Achievement levels for the objectives mentioned at the beginning are as follows:

1. Building educational systems and tools to create a new learning culture for the university (1) Conduct language education using CALL, VOD and/or multimedia materials

Issue (1) on page 7-2-6 remains, and objectives have not been met.

(2) Build collaborative environments on the network As per (6) on page 7-2-2, objectives have been met.

(3) Build information dissemination systems As per (5) on page 7-2-2, objectives have been met.

(4) Improve environment for presentations As per (7) on page 7-2-6, objectives have been met.

(5) Ensure fast, secure internet connections As per (2) on page 7-2-4, objectives have been met.

(6) Create distance learning system Issues (1), (3), and (4) on page 7-2-6 remain, and objectives have not been met.

2. IT Education Equipment to Fulfill Global Standards (1) APU creates electronic communications systems, databases, statistical

processing systems and ensures that the equipment to make use of these systems is in place in order to provide students the ability to use IT tools for communication, analysis, practical research, decision-making, policy-making and dissemination. It also conducts various training courses.

Item (9) on page 7-2-2 and guidance sessions with SAs have been conducted; objectives

have been met.

3. Creation of global educational networks (1) Creation of an APU Researcher Databases As per (7) on page 7-2-3, objectives have been met.

(2) Publication of APU theses in both paper and electronic formats As per (6) on page 7-2-4, objectives have been met.

4. Ties with regional information infrastructure (IPR) (1) In addition to Oita Prefecture’s Toyonokuni Hypernetwork, APU is also connected


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with the National Institute of Informatics’ SINET. As per (2) on page 7-2-4, objectives have been met.

Strengths and weaknesses as uncovered by the self-assessment are as follows.

Strengths There is 1 PC for approximately every 3 students on campus, internet connections have

been sped up and congestion alleviated via connections to SINET and the Toyonokuni

Hypernetwork, materials and reports can be exchanged securely over the network, course

registration is conducted online and a university portal site is in place. With regard to these

points, a high quality IT infrastructure has been achieved.

Issues As noted in Strong Points, the necessary environment has been created, and how to best

make used of the equipment will be the focus going forward. Usage has been examined in

the 2006AY Self Evaluation Report and the 2006AY Media Resource Center Annual Report.

The following issues remain.

(1) The Adjunct Model was covered in Chapter 3 “Educational Content and Teaching

Methods.” For this VOD has been used to create a Lecture Data Library so that students

can browse content online. However, there are very few hits on the Adjunct Model Lecture

Data Library system. It seems that this system is only being used for a certain number of

major lectures in a few key subjects. Actions to expand usage are required.

(2) Every year, Open Room user numbers spike during report submission periods (May, July,

November and January). Alleviating congestion remains and issue.

(3) VPN usage rates are low. Even though the database can be conveniently accessed

from home, it is not used very often. One of the reasons is that this service is not well

known.

(4) Despite the large number of WebCT sessions, student access is only concentrated on

certain sessions. Most notably, hits on the English courses are very high for both spring

and fall semesters. There are several courses that are open but not chosen. There is a

considerable gap between the courses that get the most hits and those that don’t.

(5) With the enhancement of databases, more core database courses were held and

participating student numbers increased. Participating faculty numbers, namely new

faculty, increased for the MM Lab I course, and many participated in the new WebCT

course. These courses are thought to be popular. Participant numbers continue to rise for

the MM Lab II course geared toward students. However, library-related courses for faculty


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(core databases courses and library tours) do not attract many participants, so the Media

Center must make more efforts to determine user needs in this area.

(6) Overall numbers of Information SAs are falling. Percentages of domestic and lower level

students are slightly higher. Maintaining a stable organization is growing difficult.

[Detailed Measures for Improvement] The MRC and the Media Center conducted the following major initiatives in 2007AY.

(1) The content of the Phase 3 Information Infrastructure Improvements due to kick off in

April 2009 were deliberated.

(2) New administrative systems for course registration, student records and administration

due to go live in 2009AY were deliberated.

(3) In accordance with demands from Institute faculty hired under New Challenge, IT

infrastructure was bolstered, necessary software purchased and Linux systems provided.

(4) Continuing from 2006AY, APU will switch from TV monitors to plasma displays in the

classrooms to improve the infrastructure for giving presentations.

(5) APU will upgrade WebCT, the basic software used for e-learning.

(6) APU will continue to promote increased usage of the open room facilities. We will closely

monitor usage of the Multimedia Rooms during the report submission periods and provide

access to open IPS rooms to alleviate crowding if necessary.

(7) APU will improve publicity efforts to increase student VPN usage rates.

(8) APU will strive to increase faculty and student participant numbers in its myriad training

courses, and content will be regularly revises to respond to user needs. New courses to

respond to user requests will also be deliberated.

The MRC and the Media Center will conduct the following major initiatives in 2008AY.

(1) APU will upgrade from Windows XP to Windows Vista in the Phase 3 Information

Infrastructure Improvements due to kick off in April 2009. For this, an application will be

filed for special subsidies under the private university ordinary expense subsidy.

(2) Develop the second phase administrative systems due to go online in 2009AY

(3) APU aims to make the information systems more effective by promoting self-directed

usage and increasing service for those subjects noted.

(4) The reason why some courses receive fewer hits must be uncovered, and ways to

improve the situation must be deliberated.

(5) Continuing from 2007AY, lecture room displays will be upgraded from TV monitors to projectors

or plasma displays in order to further improve the environment for giving presentations.

Documents

Chapter 7: Facilities and Equipment · 2014. 9. 12. · Chapter 7: Facilities and Equipment (University/ Colleges/ Graduate Schools) 1. Facilities and Equipment 7-1-2 recreational