Faculty of Agriculture | Okayama University / 2024-02-22 /user/agr/eng/news/index_id12744.html 　School of Agriculture has been accepting applications for the INAF program as indicated ""Special Program for Priority Placement of Japanese Government Scholarship for International Students (Preparatory Education in October 2024, Formal Enrollment in April 2025) "", the application period has been extended. The new application period is from March 1 to 8. We are looking forward to receiving your applications. ______________________________________________________________________ January 04, 2024 ""Special Program for Priority Placement of Japanese Government Scholarship for International Students (Preparatory Education in October 2024, Formal Enrollment in April 2025)"" The Faculty of Agriculture, Okayama University, through the ""International Agricultural Program for Leading Regional Development (INAF)"" adopted by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) in 2024 as a special program to give priority to government-sponsored international students, will recruit INAF students who will be admitted as regular students in April 2025 after a six-month of pre-education starting in October 2024. The program will be conducted in English or Japanese. The program, which will incorporate some lectures in English and others in Japanese, will foster ""human resources with the knowledge and skills to proactively participate in the formulation of solutions to common international issues related to food and the environment at the global and regional levels. This is a program in which Japanese students and international students, mainly from Southeast Asian countries, who aim to make international contributions compete and cooperate and grow through practical lectures, practical training, exercises, research, and internships. Preparatory Education: Accepted as a research student at the Faculty of Agriculture (INAF Preparatory Education) for 6 months from October 2024. Preparation for entrance examination, Japanese language, and specialized education. Specialized education: 4 years from April 2025. Emphasis on experience-focused lectures, including practical social cooperation and internships. Improvement of basic specialized skills through lectures, including Introduction to International Agricultural Science, Mathematical Data Science subjects, etc. Following one year of overall education in the Faculty of Agriculture, students can choose one of the following courses: Agricultural Chemistry, Applied Plant Science, Applied Animal Science, or Environmental Ecology to enhance their specialized skills and accumulate applied and practical skills through overseas training and graduation thesis research. After graduation, students are encouraged to advance to graduate school to further develop themselves as internationally oriented human resources. Education is conducted mainly in Japanese. Faculty of Agriculture, Okayama University HP /user/agr/index_e.html Introduction Movie of Faculty of Agriculture, Okayama University: /user/agr/eng/about_faculty_of_agriculture/Introduction_Movie.html 1. Eligibility and Conditions for Applicants 　This program has been selected as one of the Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho: MEXT) Scholarships for International Students for the Academic Year 2024 (Research and Undergraduate Students (Special Selection)) and is subject to the ""Application Guidelines for Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship for 2024 Research Students/ Undergraduate Students (University Recommendation) [Special Selection]"". For details, please refer to the following URL. ( https://www.mext.go.jp/content/20231108-mxt_kotokoku02-000032633-02.pdf) Conditions for this program are as follows: (1) Applicants must be able to make a firm commitment to enroll in Okayama University if they pass the entrance examination. (2) Target countries: Mainly Southeast Asian countries (3) Number of applicants: 6 (4) Other necessary application qualifications and conditions, such as age, academic background, language ability, and visa status, will follow the application guidelines below. Applicants who wish to apply should apply for the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship (INAF) Preliminary Education Candidate Selection. 　　　URL of the application guidelines for selection 2. Selection Criteria for Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship (INAF) Preparatory Education Candidate Nomination (1) Excellent grades at a school corresponding to a Japanese high school. (2) Language ability: Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) level N2 or above is recommended (N1 level at the time of university entrance is desirable, but N2 or N3 level may be acceptable at the time of preparatory education selection), and a score of B2 or above in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) or equivalent qualification or certification test. 3. Scholarship Period Within the standard period of study (4.5 years) of the program in which the student will be enrolled after coming to Japan. 4. Scholarship and Travel expenses Please refer to the ""Application Guidelines for Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship for 2024 Research Students/ Undergraduate Students (University Recommendation) [Special Selection]"" (For details, please refer to the following URL). ( https://www.mext.go.jp/content/20231108-mxt_kotokoku02-000032633-02.pdf) 5. Tuition and Fees Japanese Government Scholarship students are not required to pay the application, admission, and tuition fees. 6. Inquiries: (Inquiries must be sent in English or Japanese) Faculty of Agriculture Office, Student Affairs qgg8286@adm.okayama-u.ac.jp 7. Others In addition to the 6 Japanese-Government-Sponsored International Students, 6 Privately Financed International Students will be accepted for this special program. Privately financed students will be selected through the Special Selection for Privately Financed International Students for the Academic Year 2025 (conducted in December 2024). 2024-02-22 /user/agr/eng/news/index_id11145.html On April 2, Okayama University held Matriculation Ceremonies at the Okayama Prefectural Ground Gymnasium (Zip Arena Okayama). In order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the ceremonies were held in two sessions, one for undergraduate students in the morning and the other for graduate students in the afternoon with only incoming students and university personnel present, and the ceremonies were made accessible online in a YouTube livestream. Quoting passages from WE HAVE A DREAM, a book published last year by the next-generation leader global summit One Young World, Okayama University President MAKINO Hirofumi introduced the difference between a goal and a dream to the 3,412 undergraduate and graduate entrants, encouraging “Think about the kind of future you want and share your dream with others, then consider what goals you need to achieve along the way in order to reach that vision. Be courageous and proactive in the pursuit of your dreams.” On behalf of new students, MORI Hiroki from the Faculty of Engineering swore an oath of admission in the morning session, and FUJIWARA Arata from the Graduate School of Law swore in the afternoon session. 　 Click here to read President Makino’s full speech ○The entrance ceremonies were broadcast live on YouTube. 　You can view the video recordings by clicking the links below: Morning session Afternoon session 2022-04-02 /user/agr/eng/news/index_id10839.html On January 18, Okayama University held an award ceremony at the 50th Anniversary Hall to honor on-campus SDGs initiatives and promote their activities. Featured initiatives were awarded the SDGs President Award, which was established in order to raise awareness about on-campus SDGs activities. This year, we solicited applications from initiatives that promote the SDGs across four categories: Education, Research, Workplace and Student Groups. We received a total of 16 applications, of which 6 were commended with Excellence Awards and 5 with Encouragement Awards. The 11 successful applicants also had the opportunity to present their activities at the ceremony. The following initiatives were commended with Excellence Awards: Third-year students at the School of Special Needs Education Attached to the Faculty of Education, Okayama University for their “SDGs initiative at a special needs high school”; Okayama University Faculty of Engineering/Okayama Ichinomiya High School/INTEC Education College in Malaysia for their “International high school-university collaboration project in Japan and Malaysia aiming to achieve the SDGs”; Noutoshi Research Team for its ""Developmental research project on disease resistance inducer (plant defense activator) in plants to contribute to sustainable agriculture”; Organization for Diversity Management’s Gender Equality Office for its “Mentor program for female researchers”; Okayama University Hospital Department of General Medicine for its “Specialty outpatient clinic for COVID-19 sequelae”; and Environmental Club ECOLO for its “Recycle Market”. At the award ceremony, President MAKINO Hirofumi remarked, “I hope that by actively promoting these wonderful initiatives, more people will be incentivized to contribute to the university’s SDGs efforts.” After receiving their awards, the winning groups presented their initiatives, outlining how they operated during the pandemic and adjusted to online activities. Vice Executive Director in charge of SDGs promotion KANO Mitsunobu, who moderated the presentations, interacted with each group and encouraged them to discover a new perspective on the future path of their initiatives. Finally, Executive Director for Planning and General Affairs TAKAHASHI Kayo took a moment to comment on the initiatives before thanking the members of the university and local community for their various efforts to promote the SDGs. She especially encouraged the young people in attendance to maintain their passion and enthusiasm. As a research university promoting the SDGs, Okayama University will continue to actively promote campus initiatives and encourage collaboration with the local community with the aim of building a brighter future and achieving the SDGs locally. Click here for an overview of the award-winning groups and initiatives 2022-01-27 /user/agr/eng/news/index_id10695.html On November 3, Okayama University Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science and Faculty of Agriculture held the “International Symposium on Animal Bioscience 2021” in collaboration with Vietnam’s Nong Lam University Faculty of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine. On-site venues were set up at both universities, and the latest topics of recent advances in animal bioscience were discussed through a hybrid of on-site and online. A total of 333 people registered for the symposium, with over 270 people joining the event online for the opening and plenary sessions. The Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science and the Faculty of Agriculture at Okayama University have contributed to global human resource development by accepting large numbers of international students from Asia and Africa. In addition, many of the Japanese students studying at these faculties have a strong desire for international experiences and advocate for programs encouraging international activities. At the 2021 symposium, 22 graduate students from Okayama University gave oral presentations. Even for students who have experience presenting at domestic conferences, the symposium proved to be an excellent opportunity to reaffirm their interests and ambitions. Thanks to recent conferencing tools and platforms, it has become easier to hold events online and hybrid. We will continue the symposium with more collaborating overseas universities to further promote global human resource development. ○International Symposium on Animal Bioscience /user/isab/ 2021-11-25 /user/agr/eng/news/index_id10530.html The Okayama University Yacht Club came first place in the overall team ranking for the 2021 Chugoku and Shikoku Regions Sailing Championship, which was held at Ushimado Harbor (Ushimado-cho, Setouchi City) from July 23 to July 24. The championship featured two different classes: the International Snipe Class and International 470 Class. Okayama University Yacht Club team members dominated the podium in the 470 Class individual event and took first and third place in the Snipe Class, resulting in an overall victory for the team in both classes. In the International 470 Class, 18 yachts participated in seven races in an attempt to secure the best overall score. KITAOKA Ryuji (4th year, Faculty of Engineering) and NISHI Takahiro (4th year, Faculty of Engineering) came in first place on their two-person dingey, while HORIBE Mayu (4th year, Faculty of Agriculture) and ISHII Tatsuki (3rd year, Faculty of Engineering) took second place and KANENAKA Takuho (4th year, Faculty of Engineering) and KUSAMOTO Ryo (4th year, Faculty of Economics) came in third place. Similarly, 19 yachts competed in seven races in the International Snipe Class to gain the best overall score. UEMURA Chika (3rd year, Faculty of Economics) and MIYAMOTO Taisei (4th year, Faculty of Agriculture) came in first place; while TAI Yuki (4th year, Faculty of Engineering), OKO Shiori (4th year, Faculty of Economics) and KUNIHIRO Kota (3rd year, Faculty of Engineering) came in third place. Individual results were tallied to determine the overall team ranking. Okayama University Yacht Club triumphed in both classes, placing first out of three teams in the 470 Class and four teams in the Snipe Class. This championship also served as a qualifier for the All Japan Intercollegiate Individual Sailing Championship, which is to be held in Aichi Prefecture on October 29. Sailors that placed in the top four for either class will compete in the All Japan Championship (excluding the pair that came third in the Snipe Class, who were ultimately not allowed to qualify because of a member change). In response to his team’s favorable results, Okayama university Yacht Club Captain KUSAMOTO Ryo commented, “Even though we were not able to practice much because of the current situation under the coronavirus pandemic, the twenty-eight members in our team—including new members—united to claim total victory. We are determined to do our best and hope to repeat our success in the team championship in autumn and the All Japan Championship.” 2021-09-10 /user/agr/eng/news/index_id10182.html The Japan Society for Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Agrochemistry was founded in 1924 as an academic organization called the Agricultural Chemical Society of Japan, with the objective of contributing to scientific, technological and industrial developments. The JSBBA Award for Senior Scientists are awarded to members especially distinguished in the development of Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Agrochemistry. Prof. Kenji Inagaki received the JSBBA Award for Senior Scientists on 18th March 2021 and his title was “Search for industrial enzymes derived from microorganisms, structural and functional analyses and application to biotechnology”. Winner list of the JSBBA Award for Senior Scientists: https://www.jsbba.or.jp/e/about_e/awards_e-jsbba-award-for-senior-scientists.html Contact information Kenji Inagaki, Ph. D. Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University Email: kinagaki (a) okayama-u.ac.jp For inquiries, please contact us by replacing (a) with the @ mark. 2021-03-18 /user/agr/eng/news/index_id10131.html On March 10, Okayama University held the President Award Ceremony at the 50th Anniversary Hall. The President Award was established by the SDGs Promotion Headquarters to honor on-campus initiatives that contribute to the advancement of the SDGs and recognizes four categories: education, research, improving workplace environment and student groups. After receiving a total of 25 applications, 4 groups were awarded the top prize in each category and 12 groups received consolation prizes in recognition of their work. The top prizes were awarded to the following groups: the Faculty of Agriculture for their practice-based SDGs-orientated educational program focusing on “glocal” development and regional cooperation, Okayama prefecture’s COVID-19 cluster Intervention Team (OCIT) for their prevention measures against infection, Okayama University’s Table For Two (TFT) for their ongoing food initiatives and SHARE&CHILL!! for supporting Japanese language education and cultural exchange among Vietnamese technical intern trainees. At the ceremony, President MAKINO Hirofumi briefly outlined the work that has been done on campus over the past 4 years to promote the SDGs and commented that he hoped this award would raise awareness of the various initiatives so that they could act as catalysts for future activities. After the ceremony, the winning groups participated in a round-table conference with President Makino, Executive Director for Planning and General Affairs TAKAHASHI Kayo and Vice Executive Director in charge of SDGs promotion KANO Mitsunobu, among others, to discuss their relative projects in more detail, including what inspired them to establish their initiatives and how they planned to expand their activities in the future. Many noted the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has forced them to promote their activities in unconventional ways by holding online events or other creative methods. The conference allowed not only the members of the winning groups but also members of the university and surrounding community to participate in a meaningful discussion on how to further promote the SDGs. In conclusion, Vice Executive Director Kano expressed his strong desire for the groups to expand their projects, remarking that he hoped the various initiatives would continue to reflect the unique characteristics of Okayama even as they spread across the country. As a research university promoting the SDGs, Okayama University will continue to support the growth of on-campus initiatives with goals in line with the SDGs in order to increase awareness of and enthusiasm for sustainable lifestyles. ○Click here for an outline of the awarding groups and their efforts. 2021-03-12 /user/agr/eng/news/index_id10066.html Faculty of Agriculture, Okayama University has been approved by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) to award ""MONBUKAGAKUSHO Scholarships in FY 2021(Special Admissions for Undergraduate Students)"" for Global Agriscience Program (GAP) for human resources, contributing to sustainable development goals (SDG). We start preliminary education for 6 months from October in 2021, followed by 4-year undergraduate courses. This program focuses on development of human resources with wide knowledge and wisdom, based on SDGs spirit ensuring environment conservation, for food supply for Asian and Africa area where food demand has been increasing. Lectures are given by Japanese in most part. In this human development program, oversea and Japan students cooperate and compete with each other in practical lecture work, seminar, research and internship. Preliminary education: 6 months starting in October 2021 as a research student of GAP. Improve Japanese skill basic scientific performance and prepare for entrance exam. Education: 4 years starting in April in 2022.　 The GAP course emphasizes hands-on social collaboration and experience-based lectures, including Internship, Introduction to International Agricultural Science, and Mathematical Data Science. GAP course students major in one of the following courses: Agrochemical Bioscience, Applied Plant Science, Applied Animal Science, or Environmental Ecology, to enhance their specialized skills and accumulate applied and practical performance through overseas practical training and graduation thesis research. After graduation, GAP course students are encouraged to go on to graduate school to become advanced international human resources. Education is conducted by lectures mainly in Japanese and English in part. Outline of Faculty of Agriculture : /user/agr/eng/outline12.pdf Introduction Movie: http://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/user/agr/eng/about_faculty_of_agriculture/Introduction_Movie.html １．Qualifications and Conditions In order to nurture human resources who can act as a link between their home country and Japan, and contribute to world’s development through the education in Japan, MEXT is now accepting applications from overseas students. Applicants must apply to Candidate Selection of Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship (for Global Agriscience Program preliminary education in Faculty of Agriculture, Okayama University). (1) Target Students: Academically outstanding students coming from foreign countries who will become regular undergraduate students. ① If you pass the entrance exam, you must be sure to enroll in Faculty of Agriculture, Okayama University ② The GPA (Grade Point Average:1-3 scale) for the last academic record is 2.30 or more, and it is expected to maintain it even during the scholarship period. Currently, working adult has Grade Point Average (GPA) of the final academic background, or current student has GPA of 2.30 or higher, and they are expected to maintain this even during the scholarship period. In addition, applicants must satisfy the following (7) Language Requirements. ③ If GPA cannot be calculated, the applicants will be considered to have an academic record equivalent to a GPA of 2.30 or higher only if they are considered to be within the top 30% of their academic rank at their home high school, university, or faculty based on a ""formal letter from the dean of their home high school, university, or faculty"". Therefore, when recommending a person whose GPA cannot be calculated, a copy of the above ""letter"" should be submitted. *Academic performance coefficient: The grade point average of the total number of registered credits after evaluating the applicants’ grades on four levels (""3,"" ""2,"" ""1,"" and ""0""). (2) Target Countries: Asian countries, including mainly ASEAN countries, and African countries See URL https://www.jasso.go.jp/ryugaku/tantosha/study_j/scholarship/shoureihi/__icsFiles/afieldfile/2020/10/23/kuni_chiiki.pdf (3) Nationality: Applicants must have the nationality of a country that has diplomatic relations with Japan. Applicants who have Japanese nationality at the time of application is not eligible. However, persons with dual nationality who hold Japanese nationality and whose place of residence at the time of application is outside of Japan are eligible to apply as long as they choose the nationality of the foreign country and give up their Japanese nationality by the date of their arrival in Japan. (4) Number of Students to be admitted: Four (5) Age: Applicants must have been born after April 2, 1996. Exceptions can only be considered if MEXT determines that the applicant was unable to apply at the time of eligibility due to the system or circumstances of the country of nationality (military service obligation, loss of educational opportunities due to war, etc.). Personal circumstances (financial situation, family situation, health condition, circumstances of the university or employer, etc.) are not acceptable at all. (6) Academic Background: Applicants who will meet the following qualifications by September 2021 are eligible. ① Applicants must have completed 12 years of regular school education. ② Applicants must have graduated from a school equivalent to an upper secondary school in Japan. ③ Those who qualify for universities in Japan due to qualifications other than the above. (7) Language Requirements:　Applicants must meet one of the following requirements for proficiency in Japanese. Applicants who have level of English performance below is highly welcomed. Japanese ① Applicants who have at least N2 level of Japanese Language Proficiency Test(JLPT) by the start of regular course ( at start of preliminary education, applicants who have not had the certificate could be accepted). ② Applicants who is judged by Okayama University to have the Japanese ability equal or greater than ①. English ① Applicants who have B1 level of Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) or higher. ② Applicants completed the curriculum which meets the entrance qualifications of Okayama University in English as the main language. ③ Applicants who is judged by Okayama University to have the English ability equal or greater than ①. (8) Health: Applicants are inferred to be free from any mental and physical disabilities for studying in Japan by Okayama University. (9) Arrival date in Japan: In principle, applicants arrive in Japan between the September 27th and October 8th, 2021. The departure date from applicants’ country of residence should also be September 27 or later. (10) Visa Requirement: Applicants shall, in principle, newly obtain a “Student” visa at the Japanese diplomatic mission located in the applicant’s country of nationality, and enter Japan with the residence status of “Student.” Accordingly, even if the applicant already have other residence status (“Permanent resident,” “Long-term resident,” etc.), the applicant must change it to the “Student” status and re-enter Japan. Moreover, the applicant should be aware that after expiration of the status as a MEXT Scholarship student and even if the student again applies for their original resident status of “Permanent resident” or “Long-term resident,” such resident statuses might not be necessarily granted. The applicant should also be aware that the scholarship will be cancelled if he/she arrived in Japan without a newly obtained “Student” visa. (11) Exclusions: The following persons are not eligible for the scholarship. If they are found out after being selected as a scholarship student, he/she must withdraw from the scholarship: ① Those who are active military personnel or military civilian employees at the time of their arrival in Japan: ② Those who are unable to arrive in Japan during the period designated by Okayama University: ③ Those who are previous grantees of Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship programs (including those who withdraw from the scholarship program after the arrival in Japan). The MEXT Honors Scholarship is not included in the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship programs: ④ Those who are currently also applying to another program (Research Students, College of Technology Students, Specialized Training College Students programs) under the Japanese Government (MEXT) scholarship system: ⑤ Those who are already enrolled in a Japanese university with a residence status of “Student,” or who are enrolled, or plan to be enrolled, in a Japanese university as a privately-financed international student from the time of application to the MEXT scholarship program in the applicant’s country until the commencement of the period of the MEXT scholarship. However, this stipulation does not apply to those who, even though they are currently studying as a privately-financed international student in Japan, verifiably complete their studies within the end of the fiscal year and return to their home country: ⑥ Those who are planning to receive scholarships from an organization other than MEXT (including a government organization of the applicant’s country) on top of the scholarships provided by MEXT after the arrival in Japan: ⑦ Applicants who are expected to graduate at the time of application and do not meet the qualifications and requirements related to academic background by the deadline: ⑧ Those who have dual nationality at the time of application and cannot prove that they have given up Japanese nationality by the time of the arrival in Japan ⑨ Those who are planning to be absence for a long time period due to internship, research activities and so on from the time of application. (12) Others: MEXT Scholarship will be granted those who are willing to contribute to mutual understanding between Japan and their home country by participating in activities at schools and communities during their study in Japan while contributing to the internationalization of Japan. They shall also make efforts to promote relations between the home country and Japan by maintaining close relations with the university attended after graduation, cooperating with the conducting of surveys and questionnaires, and cooperating with relevant projects and events conducted by Japanese diplomatic missions after they return to their home countries. 2. Screening standard for scholarship of GAP preliminary education ① Excellent academic score in high school or its equivalent ② Japanese: N2 level (JLPT)or its equivalent at preliminary education, N1 is desirable at undergraduate course ③ Applicants from area except in the table in below URL can be accepted in small number. https://www.jasso.go.jp/ryugaku/tantosha/study_j/scholarship/shoureihi/__icsFiles/afieldfile/2020/10/23/kuni_chiiki.pdf 3. Period of Scholarship The scholarship period is effective for total education period (four and a half years). 4. Scholarship Benefits (1) Allowance: 117,000 yen per month. The scholarship is cancelled in principle if the recipient is absent from the university or preparatory Japanese-teaching institution for an extended period. In case that the recipient research in a designated region, 2,000 or 3,000 yen per month will be added. The monetary amount each year may be subject to change due to budgetary reasons. (2) Traveling Costs 1. Transportation to Japan: The recipient will be provided with funds, according to his/her itinerary and route as designated by MEXT or Okayama University, with an economy-class airplane ticket from the nearest international airport to his/her home residence* to International Airport or another that Okayama University designates. Expenses such as inland transportation from his/her home address to the international airport, airport tax, airport usage fees, special taxes on travel, or inland transportation within Japan (including transit expense) will NOT be covered. (*The home country address stated in the application form is regarded as the recipient’s “home residence”. But if it is clear the address when the recipient arrived at Japan to be difference from present address, changed address is regarded.). 2. Transportation from Japan: The recipient who returns to his/her home country within the fixed period after the expiration of his/her scholarship will be provided upon application, with an economy-class airplane ticket for travel from the nearest international airport. Note 1: Travel insurance to and from Japan shall be paid for by the recipient. Note 2: If a grantee continues to stay in Japan after the scholarship period has ended, he/she will not be paid travel expenses to return to the home country for a temporary return. 5. Scholarship Payment Suspension Matters The scholarship will be also cancelled in principle in the following situations. If the recipient has been receiving the scholarship despite his/her falling under any of the following situations, the recipient will be ordered to return the amount of scholarship that he/she received during the period wherein he/she was involved with any of the following situations: ① The recipient is determined to have made a false statement on his/her application. ② The recipient violates any article of his/her pledge to MEXT; ③ The recipient violates any Japanese laws and is sentenced to imprisonment with or without work for life or for a period of exceeding 1 year; ④ The recipient is subject to disciplinary action by the university, including expulsion (The scholarship payment may be stopped during the period up until punishment is decided by the university, etc.); ⑤ It has been determined that it will be impossible for the recipient to complete the course within the standard course period because of poor academic grades or suspension or leave of absence; ⑥ The recipient’s residence status has changed to one other than “Student”; ⑦ The recipient has received a scholarship from another institution (excluding those specified for research expenditures); ⑧ The recipient has proceeded to a higher level of education without receiving approval for an extension of the period of the scholarship. ⑨ When the student has withdrawn from Okayama University or has moved to another university or college. ⑩ It is necessary for recipient to keep GPA more than 2.30 at each end of the year. 6．　Admission and tuition Fees Admission and tuition fees will be paid by Okayama University. 7. Contact for inquiry Instruction and Student Section, Faculty of Agriculture, Okayama University 　qgg8286@adm.okayama-u.ac.jp Please use Japanese for inquiry, as possible as you can. TEL: +81-251-8286, 8287 (Japanese only) 8. Other In addition to 4 Japanese government scholars, Global Agriscience Program will accept 4 privately-financed international students. Privately financed international students will be selected through the Special Selection for Privately Financed International Students 2022 (conducted in February 2022). 2021-03-08 /user/agr/eng/news/index_id9270.html April 1, 2020To all Okayama University Students and Staff MAKINO Hirofumi, President of Okayama University Owing to the global spread of infection of the novel coronavirus infection, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan announced on March 31 that all areas of the U.S.A., China and South Korea have been designated infection risk level 3 areas (suspension of travel advisory) and the entire world excluding these countries has been designated as infection risk level 2 (voluntary restraint of all non-essential travel). In addition, large numbers of people are also becoming affected through unconfirmed infection routes in large cities and their surroundings in Japan. Based on this situation, we have added or made additions to the following items. We request that students, faculty members and staff confirm the following guidelines to bear in mind and act in an appropriate manner. (Main changes)Suspension of travel to “areas designated as infection risk level 3” has been added for overseas travel.Voluntary restraint on business journeys, etc. within Japan has been newly added.Voluntary restraint on meetings, or points to bear in mind in the case that meetings are held have been newly added.The “3 close” conditions regarding events, etc. have been newly added. Preventative measures against the spread of infectionGuide for medical examination or consultationReturnees or Immigrants to Japan from regions having an infection risk of level 2 or overSuspension of or voluntary restraint on overseas travelVoluntary restraint on business journeys within JapanStudent authorized absence from classesStaff and Faculty Members’ Exemption from DutiesNotification of overseas travelAcceptance of research scholars, etc.Voluntary restraint on volunteer activities, etc.Voluntary restraint on meetings, etc.Voluntary restraint on holding and participation in events, etc. 　(Preventative measures against the spread of infection)1 Please ensure that you thoroughly implement handwashing (prevention of contact infection), effective for preventing the spread of the novel coronavirus infection. In addition, we ask that persons who may possibly be emitting the virus (persons with a cough or fever, persons who have had contact with infected persons), please thoroughly observe cough etiquette in order to prevent the spread of airborne droplets to persons nearby. In addition, as far as possible, please check your own physical condition (e.g. by taking your own temperature, etc.). If you have symptoms of a cold, such as a fever, take it easy and rest at home. Not coming to the university or going to work when you are feeling unwell are good preventative measures against the spread of infection. 　(Guide for medical examination or consultation)2 If you have the following symptoms, please consult your nearest “Returnee or Contact Consultation Center.”・Cold symptoms and a fever of 37.5 oC or more continuing for four or more days・Strong sluggishness (sense of tiredness), breathing difficulties (respiratory distress) As a result of the consultation, in the case that there is a suspicion of novel coronavirus infection, please undergo an examination at the medical institution that you are asked to go to.◆ Returnee or Contact Consultation Center (Public Health Center) ＜Consultation Center for Returnees or Contacts regarding Novel Coronavirus Infection 　(Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare website)＞※　As a result of the examination, if there is suspicion of novel coronavirus infection, please contact the Okayama University Health Service Center by telephone. Additionally, if you are diagnosed as having the novel coronavirus infection, please immediately contact the Health Service Center and the university faculty, etc. that you are affiliated to. 　○ Health Service Center　　TEL　086-251-7217（Weekdays 8:30 to 17:00） 　(Returnees or Immigrants to Japan from regions having an infection risk of level 2 or over)3 All returnees or immigrants to Japan from regions having an infection risk of level 2 or over (including transit), please contact the Health Service Center by telephone. Please stay at home to observe your symptoms for 14 days after returning to or immigrating into Japan even if you feel that you are in good physical condition. Please ensure that you, without fail, always take your temperature every day (twice, once in the morning and once in the evening), and wash your hands. Currently, all regions and countries of the world have been designated as infection risk level 2 or over (as of March 31) 　○ Overseas travel safety information/ Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs　○ Health Service Center　　TEL　086-251-7217（Weekdays 8:30 to 17:00） 　(Suspension of or voluntary restraint on overseas travel)4 Please suspend all travel to infection risk level 3 areas. Please exercise voluntary restraint on all non-essential travel to infection risk level 2 areas.　○ Overseas travel safety information/ Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs 　(Voluntary restraint on business journeys, etc. within Japan)5 As the spread of infection is centered on large cities and their surrounding areas, please also exercise voluntary restraint on business journeys, etc. as far as possible. 　(Student authorized absence from classes)6 In the case that you are (i) diagnosed as having novel coronavirus infection at a medical institute, if you are (ii) identified as having had close contact with the infection, or in the case that you (iii) have cold symptoms (fever, coughing, strong sluggishness (sense of tiredness), etc.) or are feeling unwell, or in the case that you are (iv) unable to enter Japan by the time classes begin due to restrictions on entry into Japan or restrictions on departing to travel to Japan, etc., or if you are (v) a returnee or immigrant from a region having an infection risk of level 2 or over, as in 3 above, students who need to be absent from classes will be treated as having authorized absence from classes. 　　 “Authorized absence from classes” related to prevention of spread of infection from novel coronavirus. 　(Staff and Faculty Members’ Exemption from Duties)7 In the case of diagnosis as having novel coronavirus infection at a medical institute, if you are identified as having had close contact with the infection, or if you are a returnee or immigrant from a region having an infection risk of level 2 or over, as in 3 above, staff and faculty members who cannot be present at their posts to engage in work duties will be treated as having staff and faculty members’ exemption from duties. (February 3 General Affairs and Planning Department Personnel Division Personnel Notification “Regarding Employment Measures, etc. Related to Novel Coronavirus Infection”) 　(Notification of overseas travel)8 In the case of overseas travel, staff and faculty members should please submit a Notification of Overseas Travel. Students must, without fail, register overseas travel using a Notification of Travel Abroad for Study or a Notification of Private Overseas Travel using the Okayama University International Exchange Support/Overseas Travel Registration System while at the same time registering your travel on the “Tabi-reji” (for overseas stays of less than three months) or the “Zairyu Todoke ORRnet” (for residence overseas of three months or more) operated by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 　(Acceptance of research scholars, etc.)9 Please either postpone or cancel acceptance of research scholars, etc. from regions having an infection risk of level 2 or over. Currently, all regions and countries of the world have been designated as infection risk level 2 or over (as of March 31). Regarding the acceptance of joint (commissioned) researchers, please take the decision to accept the researchers having first confirmed the policy or measures (for companies) on the prevention of the spread of infection. 　(Voluntary restraint on voｓlunteer activities, etc.)10　Please exercise voluntary restraint on voluntary support activities in places where people affected by the novel coronavirus are staying or are present, and please exercise careful and voluntary restraint against any careless approach to such a place. 　(Voluntary restraint, etc. on meetings)11　Regarding intramural meetings, please reconsider the necessity of holding meetings, including voluntary restraint on holding meetings, and while providing sufficient ventilation in the case that a meeting is held, please hold the meeting with as few participants and for as short a time as possible. Please also make efforts to take preventative measures against the spread of infection such as changing the form of the meeting to a remote meeting using Zoom, etc. 　(Voluntary restraint on the holding of events, etc.)12 From the viewpoint of the prevention of spread of the infection, please reconsider the necessity of holding events, including voluntary restraint on holding or participating in events. 　　In particular, please exercise voluntary restraint on the holding or participation in events in which the “3 close” conditions, “closed space with poor ventilation,” “locations where many people are closely packed together” and “situations where people are conversing or speaking with others at close range” are all present. 　As the situation is changing even at present, please pay attention to new information, including at the following websites. In addition, please keep in mind sufficient care for personal information and ensure that you remain calm when making responses or taking measures. ＜関連ホームページ＞ 〇Overseas travel safety information/ Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs 〇Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare ○Notifications and telephone consultation desks for novel coronavirus in each prefecture (Prime Minister’s Office website) 〇“Tabi-regi” or the “Zairyu Todoke ORRnet” /Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs 〇Okayama University International Exchange Support/Overseas Travel Registration System ○Message from the Chairperson of the Japan Association of National Universities ＜Offices for Inquiries＞ 　○Regarding Infection measures 　　　Health Service Center　086-251-7217 　　　Safety and Health Department, Health Division　086-251-8984,7286,7100　 　○Regarding study abroad program and international student affairs 　　　International Affairs Department　086-252-7079（inbound）,7037（outbound） 　○Regarding student and academic affairs 　　　Academic Affairs Department　086-251-8423 　○Regarding matters related to staff and work 　　　General Affairs and Planning Department, Personnel Division　086-251-7029 　○Regarding events, etc. 　　　General Affairs and Planning Department, General Affairs Division　086-251-7007 　○Regarding the acceptance, etc. of researchers from inside Japan 　　　Organization for Research Promotion & Collaboration, Industry-Academic Collaboration Department　086-251-7756 2020-04-01 /user/agr/eng/news/index_id9180.html March 4, 2020 To all Okayama University Students and Staff MAKINO Hirofumi, President of Okayama University We wish to inform you about changes in the regions regarding which voluntary restraints on travel or a period of observation of symptoms after returning to or entering Japan are necessary due to the spread of infection of the novel coronavirus infection. In addition, from the viewpoint of prevention of the spread of infection, we request that you do not make imprudent visits to places where large numbers of people are gathered and that you desist from any actions that might elevate the risk of the spread of the infection. We request that students, faculty members and staff confirm anew the following guidelines to bear in mind and act in an appropriate manner.(Main changes) Regions regarding which voluntary restraints on travel or a period of observation of symptoms after returning to or entering Japan are necessary have been changed from “China” to “regions having an infection risk of level 2 or over.”A guideline on treatment in the case that a person is identified as having had close contact with the infected person has been added. (Student authorized absence from classes, Staff and Faculty Members’ Exemption from Duties) Preventative measures against the spread of infectionGuide for medical examination or consultationThose Returning to or entering Japan from regions having an infection risk of level 2 or overVoluntary restraint on travel to regions having an infection risk of level 2 or overStudent authorized absence from classesStaff and Faculty Members’ Exemption from Duties Notification of overseas travelVoluntary restraint on acceptance of research scholars, etc.Voluntary restraint on volunteer activities, etc.Voluntary restraint on the holding of events, etc. (Preventative measures against the spread of infection)1 As hand washing (prevention against contact infection), wearing a mask for cough etiquette (prevention of infection by airborne droplets) are considered effective for the prevention of the spread of novel coronavirus infection, please ensure that you carry out these preventative measures in a thoroughgoing manner. In addition, as far as possible, please check your own physical condition (e.g. by taking your own temperature, etc.). If you have symptoms of a cold, such as a fever, take it easy and rest at home. Not coming to the university or going to work when you are feeling unwell are good preventative measures against the spread of infection. (Guide for medical examination or consultation)2 If you have the following symptoms, please consult your nearest “Returnee or Contact Consultation Center.”Cold symptoms and a fever of 37.5 oC or more continuing for four or more daysStrong sluggishness (sense of tiredness), breathing difficulties (respiratory distress) As a result of the consultation, in the case that there is a suspicion of novel coronavirus infection, you will be asked to go to a medical institute that has established a returnee or contact outpatient facility. Please wear a mask and undergo an examination at that facility. ◆ Returnee or Contact Consultation Center (Public Health Center) ＜Consultation Center for Returnees or Contacts regarding Novel Coronavirus Infection 　(Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare website)＞ * As a result of the examination, if there is suspicion of novel coronavirus infection, please contact the Okayama University Health Service Center by telephone. Additionally, if you are diagnosed as having the novel coronavirus infection, please immediately contact the Health Service Center and the faculty, etc. that you are belong to. ○ Health Service Center TEL　086-251-7217（Weekdays 8:30 to 17:00） (Those Returning to or Entering Japan from regions having an infection risk of level 2 or over)3 Those returning to or entering Japan from regions having an infection risk of level 2 or over (including transit), please contact the Health Service Center by telephone. Please stay at home to observe your symptoms for 14 days after returning to or entering Japan even if you feel that you are in good physical condition. Please ensure that you, without fail, always take your temperature every day (twice, once in the morning and once in the evening), wash your hands and wear a mask. Please see the following website for information on regions having an infection risk of level 2 or over. ○ Overseas travel safety information/ Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs * All regions or parts of China, South Korea, Iran and Italy have been identified as regions at or exceeding level 2. (As of March 4, 2020) ○ Health Service Center TEL　086-251-7217（Weekdays 8:30 to 17:00） 　 Health Service Center (Voluntary restraint on travel to regions having an infection risk of level 2 or over)4 For the foreseeable future, regarding travel to regions having an infection risk of level 2 or over, please take action such as postponing or cancelling your travel in accordance with the risk level.(Student authorized absence from classes)5 In the case that you are diagnosed as having novel coronavirus infection at a medical institute, if you are identified as having had close contact with the infected person, or if you return or enter from a region having an infection risk of level 2 or over, as in 3 above, students who need to be absent from classes will be treated as having authorized absence from classes. Call for Caution regarding the Novel Coronavirus Infection (Staff and Faculty Members’ Exemption from Duties)6 In the case of diagnosis as having novel coronavirus infection at a medical institute, if you are identified as having had close contact with the infected person, or if you return to or enter from a region having an infection risk of level 2 or over, as in 3 above, staff and faculty members who cannot be present at their posts to engage in work duties will be treated as having staff and faculty members’ exemption from duties. (February 3 General Affairs and Planning Department Personnel Division Personnel Notification “Regarding Employment Measures, etc. Related to Novel Coronavirus Infection”) (Notification of overseas travel)7 In the case of overseas travel, staff and faculty members should please submit a Notification of Overseas Travel. Students must, without fail, register overseas travel using a Notification of Travel Abroad for Study or a Notification of Private Overseas Travel using the Okayama University International Exchange Support/Overseas Travel Registration System while at the same time registering your travel on the “Tabi-reji” (for overseas stays of less than three months) or the “Zairyu Todoke ORRnet” (for residence overseas of three months or more) operated by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (Voluntary restraint on acceptance of research scholars, etc.)8 Please either postpone or cancel acceptance of research scholars, etc. from regions having an infection risk of level 2 or over. (Voluntary restraint on volunteer activities, etc.)9 Please exercise voluntary restraint on voluntary support activities in places where people affected by the novel coronavirus are staying or are present, and please exercise careful and voluntary restraint against any careless approach to such a place. (Voluntary restraint on the holding of events, etc.)10 From the viewpoint of preventing the spread of infection, we ask the organizers of events, etc. to consider once again the necessity of holding the event, etc. based on the spread of infection and the situation of the venue. Furthermore, if the event is to be held in a venue which has “poor ventilation,” or in a “space in which people will spend some time in crowded conditions,” or in a “place where there is a high probability of contact among large numbers of unspecified persons,” please exercise voluntary restraint in participation in the event. As the situation is changing even at present, please pay attention to new information, including at the following websites. In addition, please keep in mind sufficient care for personal information and ensure that you remain calm when making responses or taking measures. 〇Overseas travel safety information/ Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs 〇Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare 〇Notifications and telephone consultation desks for novel coronavirus in each prefecture (Prime Minister’s Office website) 〇“Tabi-regi” or the “Zairyu Todoke ORRnet” /Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs 〇Okayama University International Exchange Support/Overseas Travel Registration System 　○Regarding Infection measures 　　　Health Service Center　086-251-7217 　　　Safety and Health Department, Health Division　086-251-8984,7286,7100　 　○Regarding study abroad program and international student affairs 　　　International Affairs Department　086-252-7079（inbound）,7037（outbound） 　○Regarding student and academic affairs 　　　Academic Affairs Department　086-251-8423 　○Regarding matters related to staff and work 　　　General Affairs and Planning Department, Personnel Division　086-251-7029 　○Regarding events, etc. 　　　General Affairs and Planning Department, General Affairs Division 086-251-7007 2020-03-04