UNIVERSITY CO-OP 2030 Goals

The Significance of University Co-op 2030 Goals

Purpose of Formulation

(1) To reflect changes in universities, university communities, and social factors since the “University Co-op Action Plan for 2020” was created, we have decided to reaffirm our mission. (We have chosen to use the term “University Co-op Values” to reflect the points of views of our members, universities, and society, and to clarify indispensable views, i.e., attitudes and stances, in order to realize the values.)

(2) We have clearly defined what should be accomplished by 2030 as concrete, specific goals (Goals) and action guidelines (Action Plan) for achieving the goals in order to ensure our continued existence and contribution to the university community.

(3) National Federation of University Co-operative Associations and its members are committed to advancing the “University Co-op 2030 Goals” and improving our contributions to our members, universities, and society, further establishing our presence in the 21st century.

Pandemic and University Co-ops

(1) Following the confirmation of the formulation's objectives, COVID-19 spread rapidly, changing universities and society dramatically, while strongly affecting university co-ops, both in terms of management and organization.

(2) These issues were presented at the 64th National Federation of University Co-operative Associations as “three crises” for students (crisis of livelihood, crisis of learning, crisis of community), and “three difficult situations” for university co-ops (difficult situations of management, difficult situations of community development, and difficult situations of co-op organization).

(3) In response to these circumstances, the National Federation of University Co-operative Associations has developed a “University Co-op Revitalization Basic Policy,” which aims to revitalize member co-op management and business, along with improving the lives of members.

Towards 2030 Goals

(1) Many of the changes in universities and society caused by the pandemic are occurring faster than expected or with emphasis on some parts.

(2) It is important that we formulate the “University Co-op 2030 Goals” now, so that we can clearly articulate the values of university co-ops and the goals we will need to achieve in the future. It will ensure the revitalization of university co-ops.

(3) The importance of formulating the “University Co-op 2030 Goals” is further highlighted by this pandemic.

(4) “University Co-operative 2030 Goals” provides guidelines for overcoming the pandemic and promoting revitalization of university co-ops, which focus on the revitalization of university co-ops and their businesses.

The Change of Times and Our Values

Changes in society, universities, and students predicted for 2030, and the changes required from university co-ops

1. The circumstances of universities and university management issues

• There is a growing global mobility of students and universities can customize their education.
• The competition between universities for survival and university restructuring will increase as the number of 18-year-olds declines.
• University community should be reimagined, not only as an on-campus community, but also as a community that connects to the local community and to the wider world.
• The role of university co-ops in building community must be demonstrated (i.e., business activities that lead to creating attractive university).
• Increasing university workloads will increase opportunities for university co-ops to demonstrate their support for university business (regular and extra-regular).

2. The environment surrounding students, their lives and consciousness

• University co-ops should be recognized as casual gathering places where students can talk casually and safely.
• University co-ops and university co-op staff must respond to the challenges and actions of members, especially students.
• A place and mechanism are needed to encourage cooperation among parts of the university.
• Student Committee within a university co-op needs to move away from lending hands towards cooperation.
• Members must be given opportunities to shine through university co-ops.

3. Education and learning at universities

• A major shift in educational methods and materials (from paper to electronic) through active learning and online utilization.
• Learning and teaching support that integrates devices, content, and support will be required.
• University co-ops should review the support content because of the increased level of information education.

4. ICT and AI technology

• Establishing human connections in the online era is required.
• To remain connected, a fusion between online and real life is required.
• A system for enabling off-campus access to university co-ops is required.
• Technology development is required to strengthen weak interactions and expand participation.
• Today's data science, including big data and artificial intelligence, is essential for improving the lives of members.

5. Global social challenges

• In order to achieve SDGs, we must address global issues such as climate change, hunger, poverty, peace, gender equality, and human-centered work.
• Businesses and organizations must promote SDG-related initiatives.
• A strategic approach must be taken to align efforts with the SDGs in every field.
• Students are expected to play a role in promoting cross-cultural exchange and respect for diversity, while helping them to grow and become leaders of a sustainable society that is friendly to people and the earth.

Values we want to protect and create toward 2030

1. Values we want to protect

• A university co-op that is safe, secure, honest, and trustworthy.
• A university co-op who watches over students and supports their lives while being a partner to them.
• A university co-op that values cooperation, collaboration, independence, and participation.
• A university co-op that enables its members to solve common problems in their lives and realize their wishes by connecting and helping each other.
• A university co-op that seeks for a better life, peace, and democracy.

2. Values we want to create

• A university co-op where people can feel connected, help each other, encourage each other, and learn from each other anytime, anywhere.
• A university co-op that leads the way in realizing a sustainable society through its business activities.
• A university co-op that creates projects and activities together while having fun and ensuring safe communication.
• A university co-op as a safety net for university life, supporting students' life and growth in cooperation with other co-ops and local communities, both on and off campus.
• A university co-op that is relied upon by its members and the university as the pioneer in supporting students’ dietary habits and learning, and that can communicate to society.

2030 Vision, Goals, and Action Plan
“What We Want to Achieve by 2030”

Vision 1
University co-op as a platform for connection

2030 Vision, Goals, and Action Plan
“What We Want to Achieve by 2030”

Vision 4
University co-op as a practical and communicative partner for the realization of a sustainable society