CONCEPT NOTE
The proposed theme for the General Assembly and Management conference of the Association of Christian Universities and Colleges in Asia (ACUCA) in October 2025 addresses the future prospects of Christian universities and colleges in Asia where they face the challenges and issues in today’s turbulent world. In addressing such issues, it is expected that conversations shall include Christian values, religious and cultural diversity, inclusivity, tolerance, intellectual dialogues, and quality assurance.
The General Assembly and Management conference can serve as a platform for Christian educators and academics to explore the role of faith-based institutions in shaping a transformative and religious educational landscape amidst the changes and opportunities. By integrating Christian values into higher education, the conference seeks to foster innovative pedagogies, cultivate ethical leadership, promote social justice, and address the ever-evolving needs of students and society.
Conference objectives:
- To examine the theological foundations that underpin faith-informed education within Christian universities and colleges.
- To discuss strategies for nurturing ethical leadership in faith-based higher education institutions in the context of religious and cultural diversity.
- To showcase innovative approaches and practices that integrate Christian values and principles into teaching, learning, and research.
- To explore the role of Christian higher education institutions in promoting social justice, equity, and community engagement through education.
- To facilitate networking and collaboration among Christian educators, education practitioners, and academics for mutual learning and growth.
Conference structure
The conference will consist of Plenary session, Panel sessions, and networking opportunities. The Plenary session will focus on the overarching themes of theological foundations, ethical leadership, faith-informed innovation in teaching and learning, and promoting social justice. A speaker and expert in the field will present keynote and engage in thought-provoking discussions. The Panel sessions will facilitate dialogues with representatives from different countries and institutions to discuss themes such as faith integration across disciplines, faith-informed research, Christian values in student formation and spiritual development, and Christian leadership development in faith-based higher education.
Conference Activities
- Plenary session. An expert will deliver keynote addresses and engage in panel discussions to provide insights into the theological foundations of faith, informed education, strategies for nurturing ethical leadership, innovative approaches to teaching and learning, and the role of faith-based institutions in promoting social justice and community engagement.
- Panel sessions. Engaging sessions will be held on specific topics of interest, bringing together experts and practitioners to explore critical issues and emerging trends in Christianity and higher education. Participants will have the opportunity to interact with panelists and gain valuable insights.
- Networking opportunities. The conference will provide ample opportunities for participants to network, collaborate, and establish connections with fellow Christian educators and academics. Networking sessions, social events, and informal gatherings will facilitate meaningful conversations, idea sharing, and potential research collaborations.
Expected outcomes
- Enhanced understanding of the theological foundations that underpin faith-informed education.
- Strategies and best practices for nurturing ethical leadership in faith-based higher education institutions.
- Insightful discussions on innovative pedagogies that integrate Christian values and principles.
- Practical approaches to promoting social justice, equity, and community engagement through faith-informed education.
- Knowledge sharing and collaboration among Christian educators, practitioners, and academics.
To be announced
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
PROF. EIKO KATO-OTANI
President
Osaka Jogakuin University & College
Education
- A.A. in English, Osaka Jogakuin College (March 1979)
- B. S. in Bilingual Education, Boston University, (May 1989)
- Ed.M. Harvard Graduate School of Education (June 1990)
- Ed.D. in Human Development –Language and Literacy, Harvard Graduate School
of Education (June 2003)
Experience
- Staff Member, Osaka YMCA (1979-1986)
- Lecturer, Osaka Jogakuin College (1990-1994)
- Assistant Professor, Osaka Jogakuin College (1994-2003)
- Professor, Osaka Jogakuin College (2003-2004)
- Professor, Osaka Jogakuin University (2004-present)
- President, Osaka Jogakuin University (2012-present)
- Board Member of Osaka Jogakuin Educational Corporation (2012-present)
Dual appointments and committee memberships
- Executive Committee Member, The Society for Language Sciences (2004-2013)
- Member, International Exchange Committee, Community for Innovation of
Education and learning through Computers and communication networks
(2010-2012) - Test Development Committee Member, Listening Section, National Center for
University Entrance Examinations (2012–2014) - Board Member, Apple Distinguished Educator(ADE) Asia Institute (2013)
- Secretary, Council of University Presidents, The Japan Association of Private
Universities and Colleges (2015–2017) - Board Member, Apple Distinguished Educator (ADE) APAC Institute (2015)
- Board Member, Apple Distinguished Educator (ADE) APAC (2015–2019)
- Board Member, Osaka Association of Private Junior Colleges (2016–present)
- Board Member, The Association of Private Junior Colleges in Japan (2016–2017)
- Executive Board Member, The Association of Private Junior Colleges in Japan
(2020–2023) - Board Member, The Association of Private Junior Colleges in Japan (2023–2024)
- Board Member, Apple Distinguished Educator (ADE) Global Institute (2016)
- Councilor, Osaka YMCA (2017-present)
- Auditor, The Consortium of Universities in Osaka (2017–2019)
- Board Member, Apple Distinguished Educator (ADE) APAC Institute (2017)
- Executive Committee Member, General Incorporated Foundation for In-Service
Training and Welfare of the Private School (Junior College Section), (2017–2023) - Secretary, Council of Chairpersons, The Japan Association of Private Universities
and Colleges (2015–2017) - Secretary, Council of Chairpersons, The Japan Association of Private Universities
and Colleges (2018–present)
Doshisha University
Doshisha University is one of the oldest private universities in Japan, founded in 1875.
Its founder, Jo Niijima, was born in Edo (now Tokyo) and studied at Phillips Academy, Amherst College, and Andover Theological Seminary in the United States. He was baptized in the United States and became an associate missionary of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. Upon returning to Japan, he established Doshisha in 1875 with the support of the American Board and the goodwill of many who supported him. For the past 150 years, Doshisha has provided advanced professional education while upholding Christian principles as the foundation of moral education.
To be announced
To be announced
We are delighted to invite faculty and staff members of ACUCA member institutions to the Management Conference and General Assembly, which will be held at Doshisha University in Kyoto, Japan.
If you wish to participate, please access the registration system via the URL below and fill in the required information.
The registration period is from June 2, 2025, to July 13, 2025.
Please note that registration will close at 5:00 PM (JST) on Saturday, July 13.
Participation in the Management Conference, General Assembly, and related events is limited to faculty and staff members of ACUCA member institutions only.
Up to two participants from each institution may attend these events free of charge.
For the third participant and beyond, a fee of 30,000 JPY (approximately 200 USD at the current exchange rate) will be charged to cover actual expenses such as meals.
Registration System
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