Another Private University Exits! Merging with National University, 'Ceasing Admissions from Academic Year 115', Ending 61-Year History Since Founding

Taiwan's higher education is undergoing a significant transformation. On the 26th, the board of directors of private Hsiuping University of Science and Technology convened a meeting and formally approved the intention to merge with "National Chi Nan University," planning to cease new student admissions starting from Academic Year 115.

Established in 1965 as "Shu-Te Home Economics Junior College," the institution was restructured in 1970 as an industrial junior college and renamed "Shu-Te Institute of Technology." In 2000, it was upgraded to "Hsiuping Institute of Technology," and in 2011, with approval from the Ministry of Education, it was officially renamed Hsiuping School Foundation Hsiuping University of Science and Technology on August 1st.

This resolution marks the first-ever case in Taiwan of a public general university integrating with a private technological university, setting a new milestone for current higher education transformation and resource restructuring.

In interviews, National Chi Nan University confirmed that this public-private integration, spanning both general university and vocational education systems, is unprecedented in Taiwan's higher education history. The two institutions demonstrate significant complementary strengths in their educational characteristics. Chi Nan University can extend its campus influence from Nantou to areas closer to urban centers, thereby expanding its overall scale. Meanwhile, Hsiuping University, deeply rooted in industrial practical training for years, possesses complete hands-on training facilities and hardware equipment, which can substantially strengthen Chi Nan's comprehensive university system. This synergy is expected to enhance overall educational advantages and attract more outstanding students.

Regarding student rights during the post-merger transition, Hsiuping University stated in a written statement that the foundation for promoting integration lies in "understanding each other's current situation, identifying risks, and exploring diverse collaboration possibilities." The school hopes to foster mutual exchanges based on trust, actively seek feasibility for various collaborations and resource integration, ultimately achieving a win-win outcome for faculty, students, and local industries.

On the most pressing issue of rights for teachers and students, Hsiuping clearly stated that safeguarding the rights of faculty, staff, and students will be the top priority. Teams from both universities are currently conducting in-depth discussions on aspects such as student learning rights, future employment arrangements for faculty and staff, and overall institutional operations. To fully hear internal voices, Hsiuping University will schedule separate briefing sessions for faculty/staff and students, widely collect suggestions, study relevant resolutions, and refine the integration plan to smoothly implement the cessation of admissions for Academic Year 115.

As emphasized by National Chi Nan University, specific timelines and terms of the merger plan remain in the early discussion phase, with detailed planning and clear schedules requiring ongoing negotiations between the two institutions. Subsequently, the plan must be submitted to the Ministry of Education for review and approval. Chi Nan reiterated that the integration process will strictly adhere to the principles of "protecting student rights" and "graduating from the original institution," ensuring enrolled students can successfully complete their studies.

Due to differences in organizational structure, academic systems, and applicable regulations between general universities and vocational education systems, the integration process is relatively complex. Chi Nan pointed out that legal frameworks and policy applications still require professional assistance and guidance from the Ministry of Education. Both institutions hope that this groundbreaking integration will create new opportunities for diversified development in Taiwan's higher education transformation.