On December 14, 2019, Gifu University hosted the Chubu Region COC Information Exchange Meeting on campus. This meeting started in 2013 with Gifu University playing a central role in its management and operations. Five universities (University of Toyama, University of Fukui, Chubu University, Nihon Fukushi University and Kanazawa Institute of Technology) joined the meeting on December 14.

After presentations by the officials from University of Toyama and Gifu University regarding their COC projects achievements, President of Gifu University, Hisataka Moriwaki gave a brief speech about Gifu University's Future Vision toward 2025 in the opinion-exchange session discussing continuation of COC and COC+ projects. Active discussions followed as to how individual universities are coping with issues or challenges, and their future plans in the making at the next general opinion-exchange session. Later, all participants agreed to continue convening COC information exchange meetings in 2020 and beyond. In addition, they also confirmed the opening of Chubu Region COC Student Exchange Meeting 2019, and the date was set for March 2, 2020. The meeting is scheduled to be held concurrently with the second summit of "Leap! Regional Creators Summit" co-hosted by University of Fukui and Gifu University in November 2018.

After the information exchange meeting, Gifu COC+ Project Promotion Consortium Report Session opened. In this session, students of COC+ participating universities (Gifu University, Chubu Gakuin University & College, Chubu University, Nihon Fukushi University and Nagoya Gakuin University) made their presentations on their activities. The session served as a venue to express their appreciation for the support and assistance extended to them from communities, organizations and enterprises, etc.

At the outset of the session, President Moriwaki gave an opening speech. It was followed by nine students' presentations. First, presentations by the students studying four courses of "Summer School 2019 in Hida (a common program for all students), were made. Next, students introduced the results and achievements attained from the implementation of their own programs. During the session, active back and forth communications between speakers and audience continued for some time. The officials from the supporting municipalities/private sector also gave their comments to the students.

At the end of the session, Mr. Yoshihiko Narihara, Coordinator of Gifu COC + Project Promotion Consortium gave his feedback to each presentation, and underscored the importance of a teamwork.

December 14 marked the 3rd report session where students were given the opportunity to learn more about collaborations between universities and communities. It also helped them review their studies and deepen their understanding about COC and COC+ projects.

* 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.

*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.

Chubu Region COC Information Exchange Meeting

COC + Project Promotion Consortium Report Session