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The aim of university reform up to now has been to meet the expectations and demands of people and society with respect to higher education in recent years. Based on the reports of the University Council and Central Council for Education, education system reform has been carried out to achieve an advancement, individualization and diversification of education and research, and a revitalization of organizational management ( Figure 1-1-1 ).

Figure 1-1-1 University Reform Efforts Up to Now

Firstly, concerning the advancement of education and research aimed at improving and reforming graduate schools, quantitative improvement in graduate schools has been carried out: to meet demands for academic research and the cultivation of human resources, etc.; to form and support graduate schools as centers of excellence in education and research through the concentrated and prioritized distribution of resources based on objective and fair evaluation; and to strengthen the education and research functions of graduate schools through such measures as greater flexibility in the graduate school system. Responses to diversified demands for learning and efforts for cooperation with industry are also being actively carried out at all universities.

Furthermore, aiming at the individualization and diversification of education and research, universities, etc. have made systems more flexible so that diversified and distinctive curricula can be designed. These efforts have been made to improve the quality of classes and the active utilization of information and communications technology.

In addition, concerning the revitalization of organizational management, the clarification of the management system and greater flexibility in the formation of educators' organizations, system amendments that achieve increased educator mobility, etc. have been carried out; multidimensional evaluation systems have been introduced such as the implementation of self-monitoring and self-evaluation as well as external evaluation, etc.; and the active provision of information about educational and research activities, etc. have been advanced.

The University Council report from 1988, "A Vision for Universities in the 21st Century and Reform Measures," declared the reform principle of "Distinctive Universities in a Competitive Environment." As a result, a comprehensive and specific university reform policy drawing on the progress of reforms up to that time was presented. Similarly, it was decided that an attempt would be made to switch from the previous approach, in which a minimum level was secured, to a system built on diverse development based on self-responsibility ( Figure 1-1-2 ).

Figure 1-1-2 Major Recommendations of the Report "A Vision for Universities in the 21st Century and Reform Measures"