The Center was first established in early 1980 in the form of teaching seminars, under the name “Common Subjects.” In 1981, it was formally incorporated into the university and placed under the College of Science. In 1985, “Common Subjects” became an administrative unit which was parallel to academic departments, with one director appointed.

After nearly ten years of development, the scope of Common Subjects gradually expanded to cover many aspects of university general education. In 1992, “Common Subjects” was renamed the “Center for General Education.” From then on, the “Center for General Education” became an independent academic unit which was responsible for promoting, planning, and implementing general education. In 1995, the “Committee for General Education,” which was composed of the deans of various colleges and several professors involved in general education, was established. Its main responsibilities were to review the regulations and plans of the Center for General Education and to coordinate and facilitate communication between the Center and each college regarding curriculum matters. In 1997, the “Center for General Education” was transferred from the “College of Humanities and Social Sciences” to the “Committee for General Education.”

To promote the integration of undergraduate education, the university officially reorganized the “Committee for General Education” into “Tsing Hua College” in August 2015. At present, the Center is affiliated with Tsing Hua College as a secondary-level academic unit.

Year	Major Events
1980	Established in the form of teaching seminars under the name “Common Subjects.”
1985	After being placed under the College of Science, “Common Subjects” became an administrative unit which was parallel to academic departments, with one director appointed.
1992	Renamed “Center for General Education.”
1995	“Committee for General Education” was established.
1997	The “Center for General Education” was transferred from the “College of Humanities and Social Sciences” to the “Committee for General Education.”
2015	To integrate undergraduate education, the “Committee for General Education” was officially reorganized into “Tsing Hua College” in August.
2016	In response to the merger with National Hsinchu University of Education, the Branch of the Center for General Education at Nan-Da Campus was established during the transition. It was later abolished in 2020.
2021	Awarded the 3rd General Education Honor Medal by the Chinese Association for General Education.

 

Current Director
Associate Professor NG, CHON-IP (Feb. 2024 - present)

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Former Directors
Associate Professor WENG, HSIAO-LING (Feb. 2018 - Jan. 2024)
Professor LIN, WEN-YUAN (Feb. 2014 - Jan. 2018)
Professor LI, CHANG-CHUNG (Aug. 2011 - Jan. 2014)
Professor YOUNG, SHWU-CHING (Aug. 2008 - July 2011)
Professor SHEN, TZONG-RUEY (Aug. 2002 - July 2008)
Professor HSIEH, HSIAO-CHIN (March 2000 - July 2002)
Professor LIN, AN-WU (Aug. 1997 - Feb. 2000)
Professor CHEN, JOE-CHANG (Aug. 1994 - July 1997)
Professor HONG, QUAN-HU (Aug. 1993 - July 1994)
Professor WANG, CHIN-SHOU (Aug. 1990 - July 1993)

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Period of “Common Subjects”
Professor SOONG, WEN-LI (Director, Aug. 1987 - July 1990)
Professor PENG, WEN-XIAN (Director, 1984 - July 1987)
Professor CHEN, HUA (Convener, 1982 - 1984)
 

Vision and Mission
In line with the university motto, “Self-Discipline and Social Commitment”, the Center upholds the mission of nurturing Tsing Hua students who are balanced in mind and body, empathetic, and committed to pursuing a life of collective well-being. Its educational objectives are as follows:

1. To cultivate students’ ability for self-directed learning, diverse interests, and broad-based literacy.

2. To emphasize a balance between traditional and contemporary knowledge, humanities and technology, while encouraging innovative exploration.

3. To value dialogue between global and local perspectives with a strong emphasis on social concern and participation in activities.

4. To cultivate students’ understanding of contemporary trends, enabling them to become knowledgeable, action-oriented, and responsible citizens.

In response to contemporary educational trends and the demands of talent cultivation, the Center identifies six core competencies:

(1) Self-awareness and communication skills

(2) Logical reasoning and critical thinking

(3) Scientific thinking and reflection

(4) Artistic and humanistic literacy

(5) Information technology and media literacy

(6) Multiple perspectives and social engagement

Integrating the above competencies with various domains of knowledge, the Center highlights four essential literacies: Humanistic Literacy, Scientific Literacy, Artistic Literacy, Civic Literacy.

Humanistic Literacy	Scientific Literacy	Artistic Literacy	Civic Literacy
Enrich understanding of humanity and self. Cultivate rational discourse and critical thinking. Enhance understanding and respect for diverse cultures. Develop a broad vision of historical context and civilizational development.	Understand scientific and technological knowledge, achievements, and applications. Foster a truth-seeking spirit and rational thinking. Recognize key processes, trends, and ethical norms of technological civilization. Respect life and natural laws, pursue ecological sustainability.	Cultivate interest in and appreciation of the arts. Stimulate design thinking and creative expression. Recognize applications of art in daily life and industries. Investigate the relationships among art, life, society, nature, and technology.	Value harmonious interactions among self, others, and communities. Develop civic awareness, rights, and responsibilities with practical ability. Recognize one’s roles in society, nation, and the global community. Strengthen concern, engagement, and connections with society, nation, and the world.

 

Main Development Directions of the Center for General Education:

(1) To explore diverse possibilities in general education.

(2) To promote interdisciplinary and intercollegiate collaboration through the platform of general education.

(3) To foster innovation in general education courses and teaching methodologies.