JUNBA 2015
"Governance as a Major Leverage Tool for Improving Quality in Higher Education"

The Japanese University Network in the Bay Area (JUNBA) held the JUNBA 2015 Symposium and Summit on the theme of "Governance as a Major Leverage Tool for Improving Quality in Higher Education" on January 8 and 9, 2015 at the Hilton San Francisco Airport Bayfront (Burlingame, CA). This 9th annual JUNBA conference brought together Japanese and U.S. university leaders to exchange views on the governance systems in higher education institutions. Approximately 120 participants attended the JUNBA 2015, which included representatives of 20 Japanese universities and governmental organizations as well as those affiliated with U.S. universities.


The symposium held on the first day began with opening remarks by Masato Matsuo, President of JUNBA, followed by 2 lectures on the governance of the University of California (UC) system. The first lecture titled “Higher Education Leadership and the Role of Provosts at the University of California” was given by Aimée Dorr, Provost and Executive Vice President, University of California Office of the President (UCOP). Provost Dorr engaged the audience with her wealth of experience on the role of provosts at UC and leadership in higher education administration. The second lecture titled “The Distribution of Governance Functions within the University of California and the Roles of the Faculty in Them” was given by C. Judson King, Provost and Senior Vice President – Academic Affairs, Emeritus of UC. Dr. King introduced the system of shared governance at UC and how it functions by using 2 specific cases as examples. These lectures along with a conversational interview and Q&A session with the speakers allowed the participants from Japan to gain valuable insight into the UC governance system where they learned practical methods to benefit Japanese universities. The extensive knowledge and experience the speakers shared were highly appreciated by the audience.

On the second day, President Matsuo led the summit with opening remarks followed by greetings from Masato Watanabe, the Consul General of Japan in San Francisco, and Jumpei Watanabe, Executive Director of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS). Following that, Yoshiyuki Ohtawa, Analyst, Higher Education Bureau at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan (MEXT), delivered a keynote speech on strengthening governance functions of Japanese universities. In the afternoon sessions, Japanese university leaders exchanged their views and thoughts on leadership of university presidents and governance of higher education institutions in a lively discussion. They also shared the most effective practices of their universities. The 2-day event concluded with President Matsuo emphasizing the importance of utilizing faculty and staff resources in university administration and globalizing higher education in Japan.

In addition, JUNBA core member universities held a poster session on both days to present their activities and efforts in the U.S. such as student exchange programs and the development of academia-industry relationships.

The successful completion of the JUNBA 2015 was achieved through the support and cooperation from many different individuals and organizations, and the members of JUNBA are thankful to all the contributors and participants of the event.


**Overview**

JUNBA 2015 "Governance as a Major Leverage Tool for Improving Quality in Higher Education"

Dates: January 8-9, 2015
Venue: Hilton San Francisco Airport Bayfront
600 Airport Blvd., Burlingame, CA 94010 USA
Organized by: Japanese University Network in the Bay Area (JUNBA)
Co-organized by: Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco
Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
Supported by: Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology in Japan (MEXT)
JETRO San Francisco

**Program**

Thursday, January 8 | JUNBA 2015 Symposium [Language: English]
11:00 - 13:25 Registration
11:00 - 12:00Poster Session by JUNBA Core Member Universities
13:25 - 13:30 Opening Remarks by Masato Matsuo (President of JUNBA and Kyushu University California Office, Inc.)
13:30 - 14:30Lecture I: "Higher Education Leadership and the Role of Provosts at the University of California" by Dr. Aimee Dorr (Provost and Executive Vice President, University of California Office of the President)
*Moderator: Maria Domoto (Vice President of JUNBA and Executive Director of Obirin Gakuen Foundation of America)
*Handouts (820 KB PDF)
14:30 - 14:45Break
14:45 - 15:45Lecture II: "The Distribution of Governance Functions within the University of California and the Roles of the Faculty in Them" by Dr. C. Judson King (Director, Center for Studies in Higher Education, University of California, Berkeley)
*Moderator: Masato Matsuo
*Handouts (178 KB PDF)
15:45 - 16:00Break
16:00 - 16:45Q&A and Discussion Session with Speakers
*Moderators: Masato Matsuo and Maria Domoto
16:45 - 17:15Symposium Closing and Commemorative Group Photo
19:00 - 21:00 Reception for Academic Exchange between Japanese and U.S. Universities at the Official Residence of the Consul General of Japan in San Francisco (Invitation Only)
*Co-organized by the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco and JSPS
Friday, January 9 | JUNBA 2015 Summit [Language: Japanese]
9:00 - 10:00Registration
10:00 - 10:30Opening Remarks
- Masato Matsuo (President of JUNBA and Kyushu University California Office, Inc.)
- Masato Watanabe (Consul General, Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco)
- Jumpei Watanabe (Executive Director, JSPS)
10:30 - 12:00 Keynote Speech: "Strengthening Governance Functions of Japanese Universities" by Mr. Yoshiyuki Ohtawa (Analyst, Higher Education Bureau, MEXT)
*Handouts (697 KB PDF) (Japanese only)
12:00 - 13:30Lunch Break
12:00 - 13:15Poster Session by JUNBA Core Member Universities
13:30 - 13:45Symposium Summary by Satoshi Kabasawa (Board member of JUNBA/Regional Director, North American Center for Academic Initiatives)
*Slides (216 KB PDF) (Japanese only)
13:45 - 15:15Discussion among Japanese Universities 1
*Moderators: Tomohisa Koyama (Board member of JUNBA/Executive Director and Professor of Technology Partnership of Nagoya University, Inc.) and Satoshi Hattori (Board member of JUNBA/Regional Manager, Waseda USA/San Francisco Office)
*Handouts (7.71 MB PDF) (Japanese only)
15:15 - 15:30Break
15:30 - 16:45Discussion among Japanese Universities 2
*Moderators: Tomohisa Koyama and Satoshi Hattori
16:45 - 17:00 Discussion Summary by Hiromitsu Takenouchi (Board member of JUNBA/Director, Fukuoka Institute of Technology California Office)

Closing by Matsuo Masato
17:30 - 19:30Networking Reception
*Organized by JSPS