First 'First-Year Experience' Conference to Debut on April 10, Focusing on High School to University Transition

The "First Taiwan First-Year Experience Conference" is hosted by National Tsing Hua University, co-promoted by the National Academy for Educational Research, Shih Chien University, Providence University, and National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology. Over 200 scholars are expected to attend, and it will be open for live online streaming, inviting people from all sectors concerned about Taiwan's higher education development to participate.

This conference is touted as Asia's first professional conference focusing on "First-Year Experience (FYE)." The National Academy for Educational Research today issued a press release stating that the "First-Year Experience Conference" in the United States has been held for over 40 sessions, and Taiwan is now aligning with international practices to develop an Asian model for first-year development.

Jiao Chuan-jin, Chairman of the Conference Executive Committee and a professor at National Tsing Hua University, stated that this conference is not only a platform for sharing achievements but also an important starting point for Taiwan's higher education to move from individual exploration to cross-school connections and collective action, gradually shaping a "Team Taiwan" model for first-year development.

Lin Tsung-yi, President of the National Academy for Educational Research, stated that in addition to academic衔接, the first year should also emphasize social-emotional learning (SEL) to help students build stable learning and adaptation abilities amidst uncertainty.

On the first day of the conference, the results of a national first-year support system survey involving 38 schools are expected to be released, analyzing the current system, school governance, and student support. Model schools will also be recognized by the Ministry of Education.

The second day will focus on the e-book "100 Resilient Voices" and the "Exploring University Voices" Podcast, presenting real university experiences through sharing by teachers and students. Related information can be found on the website of the "First Taiwan First-Year Experience Conference." (Editor: Chen Ching-fang) 20260408