As it was revealed that Pusan National University (PNU) had proposed a joint application for the Glocal University project to Busan National University of Education (BNUE), discussions on consolidation and abolition rose again.

On April 21st, it was revealed that PNU proposed a joint application for the “Glocal University 30” project to BNUE. This proposal actually means integration between universities. Discussions on integration between PNU and BNUE, suspended in November of last year due to opposition by members of BNUE, have resumed. 

“Glocal University 30” is a project of the Ministry of Education (MOE) that aims to enhance the global competitiveness of local universities. If designated as a Glocal University, it will receive about 100 billion won for five years from the MOE. At the same time, it is possible to receive investment from all ministries, including local governments. About ten universities in non-metropolitan areas will be selected as Glocal universities this year. The goal is to expand to 30 schools by 2026. 

PNU’s proposal to jointly apply for Glocal University status is interpreted as a full-fledged integration of the two universities. This is because, according to the “Glocal University 30 Promoting Plan,” an application for integration must be submitted to the MOE within one year after signing the Glocal University Agreement. Universities promoting integration must complete by 2027, the end of the Glocal University project. 

PNU foresees that integration with BNUE can promote university innovation. An official from the Department of Planning and Evaluation of PNU said, "Joint application is more advantageous than a single application, and it will also help the long-term development direction of the two universities." In reality, the joint application accord with the government’s emphasis on breaking down the walls of universities and standard curriculum. 

When the integration becomes a reality, PNU plans to operate the current BNUE campus as an "education-specialized multi-campus." It is designed to establish a comprehensive teacher training system at the Geoje-dong campus of the BNUE and to enable education in connection with kindergarten, elementary, and middle (special) schools. An official from PNU’s planning and evaluation department said, "We are reviewing the relocation of PNU’s College of Education to the Geoje-dong campus. The time and target of the relocation have not been decided." 

BNUE is actively responding to PNU’s proposal for a joint application. Considering that the application deadline for Glocal University is the 31st of this month, they are in a position to give an answer around the 17th. BNUE plans to discuss the opinions collected through its survey at the council meeting and make a final decision on whether to accept it at the faculty meeting. 

However, the position of the students at BNU is a solid “positive opposition.” On May 7th, BNUE students held a joint application for the Glocal project and a press conference to oppose the merger between PNU and BNUE. Bang In-Seong (Dept. of Ethics Education, 21, BNUE), the chairman of The Emergency Measures Committee, said, "The qualitative reflection of student discussions and surveys means exchanging the opinions of one professor with the opinions of many students. I cannot entirely agree with the undemocratic hasty administration of the school." 

If the integration between PNU and BNUE becomes a reality, both universities can receive up to 150 billion won in support from the MOE. The final designation as a Glocal University will be decided at the end of September this year.

Reporter Choi Sun-Woo

Translated by Choi Ye-Won