Blog

On September 1^st 2025, the Department of Sport and Kinesiology at National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU) held its “Faculty and Student Assembly” to mark the start of the new semester. Students, faculty, and coaches gathered to demonstrate unity and team spirit. President Cheng-Chi Wu attended in person to encourage students to pursue excellence and express gratitude to faculty and coaches for their dedication.

President Wu noted that what makes students in the department different from those of other departments is their expertise in athletic performance, making them role models admired by peers. However, he reminded them that this honor comes with rigorous training and strict discipline, often requiring far greater effort than others. “Regardless of whether you have athletic expertise, you are all part of us at this university and striving toward your goals in your youth,” he said.

He reminded students that university is not only a stage for competition and training but also a place for broadening knowledge and creating future opportunities. Beyond daily team practices, NTNU offers rich academic resources, including interdisciplinary courses, double majors, minors, and international exchange programs. “I hope you make the most of these resources so that while you fight hard on the field, you can also continue to grow academically,” President Wu said.

To address the needs of students balancing training and academics, President Wu announced four key initiatives:

1. Required Athletic Training Courses become elective for senior year
   Effective September 2025, the senior-year required specialized courses will become elective, giving students more flexibility. During the freshman to junior-year, courses will also be more adaptable to better balance training and academic demands.
2. Introducing Undergraduate Academic Advising Measures
   An advisory group composed of the department chair, deputy chair, and academic/career mentors will support students in course planning, interdepartmental studies, or overseas exchanges. Resources like the NTNU bachelor program and cross-campus course selection within the NTU Triangle Alliance will also be integrated to expand learning pathways.
3. Establishing an Athlete Injury Protection and Mental Health Center
   The Office of Athletic Department will be in charge of the center staffed by certified athletic trainers and licensed counselors. It will provide injury assessments, rehabilitation, first aid, education on injury prevention, and mental health support, ensuring comprehensive care for student-athletes.
4. Introducing Mental Health Safety Guidelines for Athletes
   A formal mental health management framework will be implemented to provide professional support systems and help students maintain balance among discipline, training, and personal life.

President Wu also expressed gratitude to faculty and coaches, acknowledging that their dedication is key to NTNU athletes’ success on national and international stages.

Dean Shiang noted that while the College of Sports and Recreation has faced challenges recently, these moments can be opportunities for growth. “For athletes, setbacks are a part of life — and the same is true for the CSR. What matters is how we turn challenges into motivation for learning and improvement,” he said.

He encouraged students to take advantage of opportunities such as double majors, interdisciplinary courses, and international programs, exploring areas like injury prevention, strength and conditioning, sports technology, and even specialized programs like the Elite Athlete College to enhance their global competitiveness.

Chair Ho: Strengthening Faculty-Student Support Networks
Chair Ho emphasized that the faculty-student assembly is a key tradition, symbolizing the start of the semester. He announced the addition of a deputy chair position with Chia-Yin Liang with her strong experiences as faculty member, to enhance curriculum planning and student advising.

He stressed that the department will hold regular discussions with varsity teams to better understand student needs and adjust support measures accordingly. “Only through closer interaction between faculty and students can we provide support that truly meets your needs,” Ho said.

In closing, President Wu reminded students that regardless of whether they win medals or not, the university values the learning and growth that happen throughout the process more deeply. “The ultimate measure of our education being successful lies in the individual who engages in meaningful learning, and so does your own personal success.” he said.

This gathering not only strengthened the bond between faculty and students but also highlighted NTNU’s comprehensive support for athletes. With these new measures in place, the Department of Sport and Kinesiology community will continue to strive for excellence both in academics and on the field.