1.1 Founding of the OIST Graduate University

The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Promotion Corporation (OIST PC) was established on September 1, 2005, pursuant to the Independent Administrative Institution Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Promotion Corporation Act (Act No. 26 of 2005), in order to prepare the way for an international graduate university (the University) dedicated to science and technology. Following the successful establishment and operation of OIST PC, the OIST School Corporation Act (Act No. 76 of 2009) was enacted to provide the institutional basis for the University and to establish a framework for transitioning from a research institute to a fully functioning graduate university.  

The express objectives of the OIST School Corporation (OIST SC) are to conduct outstanding international research and education in science and technology, and by this means to:
~contribute to the sustainable development of Okinawa; and
~to advance science and technology in Japan and the rest of the world.

1.1.1 OBJECTIVES OF THE OIST GRADUATE UNIVERSITY

The founding documents established five central concepts to guide the University:

Best in the World - Be a leading center for education and research, which requires a culture where creativity, uniqueness, and diversity are encouraged.

International – Aim that more than half of the faculty and students will be non-Japanese and that English, as the international language of science and technology, will be the University’s official language.

Flexible – Encourage innovation, creativity, and adaptability (academically and administratively), accommodate new initiatives, establish an interdisciplinary academic structure, and treat every student as a unique individual.

Global Networking – Increase research and education opportunities and enhance the visibility of the University through hosting, attending at and participating in international meetings, conferences, workshops, collaborations, and the like.

Collaboration with Industry – Recognize that the research outcomes generated by the University’s research in science and technology may be developed and applied by industry for the benefit of society in general as well as to facilitate sustainable development of Okinawa and the competitiveness of Japan.

1.1.2 SCHOOL CORPORATION & UNIVERSITY MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE

In keeping with the mandate of the OIST School Corporation Act, OIST SC and the University present a unified management structure:

The ultimate authority and responsibility for the management and operation of the OIST SC is vested in its Board of Governors (BOG).  The BOG selects a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for OIST SC, and the CEO also serves as the President of the University.  The BOG entrusts the day-to-day management of the University to the President. Additionally, the BOG appoints the Senior Level Executive who is also the Vice-CEO.

Vice Presidents of the University are nominated by the President and approved by the BOG.

The President, in consultation with the BOG, establishes a management structure for the University, a structure which is to be an efficient and effective vehicle for operating a distinguished international graduate university and which will ensure transparency and accountability in its administrative and fiscal operations.

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