[Message from TUFS President] To All Students, at the start of the Fall Semester

September 30, 2022

After COVID-19, the "Normal" is returning. For the past two and a half years, I have had to send out messages to all of you at the beginning of the semester, telling you not to do this or that, but it is time for that to end. I sincerely hope that you will live your daily life without restrictions. However, there are still thousands of people testing positive every day in Tokyo alone, and the news of university-related personnel being infected continues. Please continue to take infection control measures to the extent that is reasonable.

1. Masks are Recommended

We are aware that there are many opinions about masks. Japan may be the only country in the world where people wear masks to such an extent. However, if they are somewhat effective, why don't we continue to use them for a while longer? We hope to use masks with a simple rule: remove them when outdoors or when not in contact with people, and put them on when talking to others. In class, please follow the instructions of the instructor.

2. Please Continue to Use the "COVID-19 Contact Form"

The contact form will continue to be used in the case of infection or close contact. Upon your contact, the Administrative Office will contact you regarding your absence from class, etc.

3. The Exciting GAIGOSAI festival

The big event of the fall season is the GAIGOSAI Festival. I have heard that many exciting events are planned. I would like to express my sincere respect for the dedication and hard work of the committee members. In particular, the first-year students' food stalls are back after a three-year absence. We hope that current 2nd and 3rd year students who were unable to have a real food stalls will join us on the eating side. We hope this will be a fun 100th festival for everyone.

4. Nursery Has Opened!

A nursery has opened in September by the TUFS monument on the Stadium Avenue. Not only the children of our graduate students and faculty members, but also children from the neighborhood have started attending. The cute appearance of the children makes us feel warm and fuzzy. If you want to enjoy such atmosphere, please visit the neighborhood.

5. The Consultation Services available for you

You may be facing various difficulties as the new semester starts. Please do not worry alone, but consult with someone. Here is a list of counseling services provided by the university. Please make use of it.

https://www.tufs.ac.jp/student/consultation/

6. Exchange Students Have Arrived

After a long period of difficulty, the door for "studying in Japan" has opened and about nearly 200 exchange students from partner universities around the world have arrived in Japan in exchange for dispatches from the university. Many of them entered the International Residence. Please take a moment to meet your buddies. We are also resuming exchanges using our major language. We hope you will enjoy circles and other activities with TUFS friends.

7. "100-Yen Breakfast" Returns

The "100-yen Breakfast" at the Co-op, which is supported by the Tokyo Gaigokai, an alumni organization, will resume next Monday. The program will resume next Monday. Not only is it inexpensive, but it is also a great way to start your day.

Please wake up early and get it.

https://www.tufs.ac.jp/student/NEWS/student_life/220926_1.html

8. Please Cooperate in Saving Electricity

TUFS has always tried to save electricity from an ecological point of view, but this year it has become an economic issue as well. This is because the recent rise in electricity prices has amounted to an unbelievable level. Last year, our annual utility bill was about 90 million yen, but this year it is expected to be about 180 million yen (!) per year. Of course, we will pay it (laughs), but we are amazed at the outrageous increase.

Therefore, we would like to ask for the cooperation of all students in using electricity and air conditioning in the classrooms to avoid wasting electricity.

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That is all. See you at the university in the new semester. When you come to TUFS, please stop by the flower bed in front of the main administration building. This is thanks to the students and staff of the Gardening Club. They are now recruiting members. It would be nice to see the campus filled with flowers.

HAYASHI Kayoko
President, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies