Seoul National University made history on February 29, 2024 in welcoming the first batch of freshmen to its newly founded School of Transdisciplinary Innovations (SNUTI). This historic event was the culmination of extensive discussion and planning at the university level. The newly established SNUTI aims to train students to explore the information paradigm in the digital transformation era.
The establishment of SNUTI brings a breath of fresh air with the increase in the undergraduate admission quota of more than 200 students. This bold move underscores the university’s commitment to proactively reach the evolving needs of the academic field and the workforce, particularly in the face of rapidly emerging technological advancements.
SNUTI boasts a diverse and forward-thinking curriculum, featuring five major disciplines that reflect the interdisciplinary nature of emerging fields. These include Digital Healthcare, Integrative Data Science, Sustainable Technology, Intelligent Semiconductor System, and Innovative Pharmaceutical Sciences. Students entering SNUTI are granted the special opportunity to experience a variety of majors over three semesters and receive guidance from professors in personalized consultations. This approach has been designed to help shape each student's academic vision systematically, fostering adaptability and an appreciation for cross-disciplinary knowledge.
Under the overarching theme of innovative education, SNUTI provides support for extracurricular activities and emphasizes a proactive stance towards career development with its overseas internship program being one of the most highly anticipated activities. This program, which is expected to first commence over the summer of 2024, will select students to intern at renowned Silicon Valley giants such as Amazon and Meta. This initiative not only provides a platform for specific major and career exploration but also seeks to ignite a passion for academia.
The SNUTI Freshmen enjoying the welcoming event
A major challenge faced by freshmen this year is the absence of upperclassmen to guide them through the complexities of university life. To bridge this gap, a carefully selected cohort of 88 undergraduate students and 12 graduate students have been designated as SNUTI Supporters. These mentors are tasked with offering guidance and support to the freshmen, fostering a sense of community within SNUTI. So far, freshmen and the Supporters have met through welcoming events and orientations.
The genesis of SNUTI prompts important questions regarding its underlying rationale. It is evident that the establishment of a new college, as opposed to merely introducing new courses, represents a strategic approach to uncharted territories in academia. Expectations are high as SNUTI embarks on a journey of establishing diverse departmental activities, student councils, social outreach and mentoring programs. The holistic approach of SNUTI is bound to nurture well-rounded individuals capable of navigating the complexities of the global landscape.
Written by Jimin Suh, SNU English Editor, jiminasuh@snu.ac.kr