【Article by International College of Innovation】

On May 26, students and faculty gathered outside National Chengchi University’s Dah Hsian Library for NCCU in Connection, a joint exhibition organized by the International College of Innovation (ICI), the University Social Responsibility (USR) Project, with participation from the NCCU Student Association Global Branch. 

This year’s exhibition brought together 40 student projects from six different courses, all centered on themes of social connectivity and responsibility. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, students explored ways to create social change, beginning with small actions that spark dialogue, build awareness, and strengthen communities.

Among the featured projects was Society Is a Salad, an interactive exhibit designed to introduce visitors to migrant issues through spices. Participants were invited to customize a salad while learning about concepts of diversity, inclusion, and social interconnectedness. The project emphasized that, much like a salad, society is made up of many different ingredients, each contributing its own flavor, character, and culture. Through this simple but engaging activity, students encouraged visitors to reflect on the value of every member of society. The project won first place in this year’s joint exhibition.

The Inclusive Innovation USR Project currently collaborates with organizations such as migrant worker shelters in Taoyuan, the Hualien District Agricultural Research and Extension Station, local revitalization organizations in Guangfu, and the Tucheng Juvenile Detention House. These partnerships provide students with opportunities to engage directly with communities and develop solutions grounded in local needs and experiences.

The event opened with an experimental theater performance featuring three student groups. Their productions explored social themes ranging from authoritarian crackdowns and political advocacy to restorative justice and social alienation. The performances challenged audiences to reflect on contemporary issues while encouraging dialogue and critical thinking.

"Students wrote all of the scripts themselves and expressed a level of creativity and authenticity that is especially valuable in the age of AI," said Professor Michelle Kuo, who teaches Reimagining the World: The Politics and Art of Social Change.

When asked what was being created through the joint exhibition, Kuo highlighted the importance of experimentation and authenticity.

"I think experimental theater involves taking risks. Students show intellectual and philosophical concepts through body language and performance. It isn't perfect, but that's okay. It's AI-free, students are nervous, and that makes it beautiful. I really respect their courage. Keeping an audience engaged requires skill and practice, and it is inspiring to see such authenticity and creativity."

Professor Ou Tzu-Chi, one of the event's principal organizers, reflected on the exhibition's growth over the years.

"It started on a much smaller scale, but it has grown so much that we needed a larger venue. Coordinating so many courses was challenging, but I think the point of the exhibition is to have students connect with one another and discover courses and projects that may inspire future interests."

For many participants, the exhibition represented more than a showcase of coursework. It also reflected the relationships and experiences built through community engagement.

Casper, one of the teaching assistants who helped coordinate the exhibition, originally participated in one of the featured courses as a student.

"I originally took part in one of these classes, and now I hope to complete all of the courses represented here," he said.

He also reflected on the learning experiences gained through fieldwork and community partnerships.

"For one of the courses, we visited Hualien after the disaster. It was really interesting and nice to see international students learn about Taiwan, we learned a great deal from the local community. It wasn't about imposing frameworks or telling people how to solve problems. Instead, it was about learning from the community what already does well and building sustainable solutions from those existing strengths."

Professor Hung-Ying Chen, who teaches Human Geography and Capstone: Design for Social Innovation, emphasized the educational value of events like the joint exhibition.

"Participating in events like this provides students with valuable practice. It gives them the opportunity to lead projects and present their work to a public audience."

Professor Chen explained that experiences such as these allow students to engage in the full research cycle, from developing ideas and conducting investigations to producing knowledge and revising theories. She described this process as one of the core competencies that ICI seeks to cultivate.

"As a professor, I see it as a game of trust, and I want my students to know that they’ve done a good job."

Since 2018, Taiwan's Ministry of Education has promoted the University Social Responsibility (USR) initiative, encouraging universities to strengthen local engagement and talent cultivation. The collaboration between ICI and the USR Project reflects these goals by combining interdisciplinary education with community-based learning.

Through partnerships with local communities and organizations, the exhibition demonstrated how students can transform academic knowledge into meaningful social action. More importantly, it encouraged students to broaden their perspectives, build confidence, and discover new ways to contribute to society through collaboration, innovation, and engagement with diverse communities.