Since July 2023, discussions on the integration between CBNU and Korea National University of Transportation (KNUT) have been in full swing with the aim to be selected for the government’s Glocal 30 project. However, the two universities had experienced difficulties because of opposition from university members as well as the local community. Contentious issues include the separation of diplomas, transfer of departments, and establishment of a plan that is not specific enough. At present, the two universities have resolved several important issues such as the university name and separation of diplomas through steady discussions, but university members have pointed out that, “Information on the integration and process of the project are not being shared sufficiently.” CBT reporters conducted direct interviews with members of the Project Integration team and the Project Implementation team of the Glocal University Project Implementation department. The questions were gathered from students through Everytime on CBNU’s comumunity platform, focusing on concerns about the university integration.

▶ Project Integration team: There is no concrete word yet. For now, the overall direction of the Glocal 30 project remains unchanged, but depending on the new government’s higher education policies, there is ample room for adjustments in detail. In particular, aspects such as the method of financial support or the criteria for setting priorities may be revised. However, since the Glocal 30 project identifies regional specialization and nurturing global talent with core values which are consistent with the current government’s policy direction, we believe that institutional and financial support from the government may expand further in the future.

▷ Project Implementation team: It would be difficult to carry out the Glocal 30 project independently. The project application was submitted on the premise of integrating with KNUT. Therefore, if the integration does not go through, changing the integration partner or solo participation would be impossible. In this case, the project designation itself could be withdrawn.

▶ Project Integration team: Currently, the integration with KNUT is the most realistic and competitive option. By combining the two universities’ education and research infrastructure as well as their regional industry networks, we can lay the foundation to grow into a world-class university representing the Chungcheong region. Therefore, we will continue active communication and cooperation with KNUT to ensure the success of the Glocal 30 project.

▶ Project Integration team: The name of the integrated university was finalized in Nov. 2024, when each of the two universities submitted two candidate names. A joint vote was then conducted among faculty, students, and staffs, and as a result, ‘Chungbuk National University’ received the highest number of votes and was officially submitted to the Ministry of Education. We are aware that some groups in Chungju and Uiwang have expressed differing views on the name, but ‘Chungbuk National University’ already established brand value and gained public trust as a national flagship university representing the Chungcheongbuk-do in education, research, and industry-university cooperation. While we recognize the sensitivity of the issue, there are no plans to revisit the decision. As the name was determined through a fair and rational procedure, it will be reflected in consultations with the Ministry of Education.

▶ Project Integration team: According to Article 6 of the Standards for the Merger of National Universities by the Ministry of Education, students who enrolled before the integration will graduate under the school regulations of the university they originally enrolled. Therefore, students who enrolled before the official launch of the integrated university in March 2027 will receive diplomas filled in ‘Chungbuk National University’ or ‘Korea National University of Transportation’ depending on their original university. On the other hand, students entered after the launch of the integrated university will have ‘Chungbuk National University’ indicated on their diplomas. In addition, if both universities reach an agreement, students admitted prior to the integration may be given the option to graduate under the integrated university name—providing that measures ensuring the quality of education are established and the school regulations are accordingly stipulated.

▶ Project Integration team: We are fully aware of such concerns. At present, we are in continuous discussions with KNUT regarding academic restructuring and governance issues related to the integration. Once an agreement is reached, the details will be transparently disclosed to all members of the university. In addition, we are making relevant information constantly available on the university’s website. Also, student representatives directly participate in the integration discussions through cooperation with the Emergency Response Committee, which is temporarily replacing the student council. Reflecting students’ voices as much as possible is key to enhancing the legitimacy and credibility of the integration, and we always listen attentively to their voices.

▷ Project Implementation team: We recognize that our communication has been insufficient so far. To improve this, we are building a system that can comprehensively provide relevant information. However, it is structurally difficult for students’ opinions to alter the project plan itself. Instead, we have plans to prepare a framework through which opinions and concerns related to the ongoing project can be reflected on a continuous basis.

▷ Project Implementation team: The RISE Project is a government-run initiative being carried out alongside the Glocal 30 project. It is a separate project that requires an application and approval from the Ministry of Education. Our university is currently operating under the name ‘Chungbuk-type RISE,’ with a budget of approximately 20 billion KRW allocated over the first and second years. Since the project is still in its early stages, it may be too soon to point to major achievements. However, different departments are actively implementing projects centered around the project organizations.

▶ Project Integration team: As of the launch of the integrated university scheduled for March 2027, three departments in the language and literature field and five departments in the engineering field have been designated for integration through discussions between the two universities. This remains consistent with the plan presented in the first draft, with no major changes in direction. However, additional departments are subject to integration and the methods of integration are still under discussion. The final specialization strategy and support measures will be implemented once specific standards and procedures are established. While the overall framework is being maintained, adjustments are being made in the process to maximize practical effectiveness.

  The integration of CBNU and KNUT is not merely an administrative merger, but a critical task directly linked to the universities’ identities and the development of the region. However, students continue to receive information about the integration and the Glocal 30 project indirectly through external media or online communities, rather than from the university itself. To enhance students’ understanding and participation in the integration process, measures such as holding periodic meetings, operating an integration information webpage, and establishing an official consultation system with the Emergency Response Committee appear necessary.