On March 21, 2017, Gifu University hosted the Center for Collaborative Study with Community Symposium. The major objectives of the symposium are to widely publicize Gifu University's COC^*1 and COC^+*2 activities and achievements, and further accelerate the projects by gaining deeper public understanding. About 140 people including the university's teaching and administrative staff, people from municipal governments and NPOs attended the symposium.

First, President Hisataka Moriwaki made an opening speech, which was followed by a Certificate Presentation Ceremony for students who have completed the Next-Generation Regional Leader Fostering Program. Thirteen students were given certificates of completion and a title, "Student Coordinator." In addition, five students were given a title, "Gifu Next-Generation Regional Leader."

After the ceremony, Mr. Kazuhiko Mizukawa, Managing Director for Compulsory Education, Gifu Prefecture Board of Education delivered a speech as a guest speaker. Afterwards, Ms. Satomi of the Lifelong Learning Policy Bureau, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) gave a keynote speech entitled; "Roles of Universities in Local Communities in 100 Year Lifespan Era."

After her keynote speech, the following activities continued:
- Report by researchers about a region-oriented study project
- Activity report by regional coordinators
- Activity report by students who have completed the Next-Generation Regional Leader Fostering Program
- Activity Report by COC+ participating universities (Chubu Gakuin University, Chubu University, Nihon Fukushi University and Nagoya Gakuin University)

Mr. Sawatari, Giken Service Co., Ltd. commented on the symposium. He expressed his high expectations for activities of the Center for Collaborative Study with Community and gave strong words of encouragement to the participants.

Lastly, Mr. Hideto Fukushi, Executive Director for Academic Research and Information, Gifu University gave a closing remark. The symposium was a huge success and proved to be quite productive and beneficial to every participant.

^*1 COC (Center of Community) projects:
Projects of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). Their objectives include reinforcing university functions to be a core of local communities where people, information and technology are brought together for problem-solving. To achieve these objectives, universities are expected to promote regional-based education, research and social contribution.
^*2 COC+ (Center of Community Program for Local Revitalization) projects:
Projects of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). Their objectives include assembling people together to regions for revitalization by:
- offering attractive job opportunities to students in collaboration with universities, local governments and businesses and,
- supporting university's curriculum reform efforts necessary to cultivate personnel sought by regions.