"National Taipei University and the University of Leeds in the UK have signed a 2+2 Dual Bachelor's Degree Agreement."
On May 25, 2023, NTPU held a signing ceremony with the University of Leeds to mark the collaboration on the 2+2 dual bachelor's degree program in Sociology. We were honored to have Prof Roger Slee (Diamond Jubilee Chair in Disability and Inclusion and Director of Internationalization in the School of Sociology and Social Policy) represent the University of Leeds at this ceremony. The signing representatives from both universities are Professor Hai-Sui Yu (Vice-Chancellor and Provost of the University of Leeds), President Chen-Jai Lee, Professor Roger Slee, and Prof. Heng-Hao have and Prof. Heng-Hao Chang (Dean of the College of Social Sciences).

"Taiwan-UK Exchange: Dual Degree Program in the Field of Sociology."
This dual degree program is open to undergraduate students who have completed the required courses in sociology. Eligible students interested in studying sociology at the University of Leeds can apply to participate in this program. Students will be awarded dual bachelor's degrees after completing two years of study at each university and meeting the relevant requirements. The College of Social Sciences will provide further information regarding the dual degree program between NTPU and the University of Leeds.

The collaboration between NTPU and the University of Leeds began with the “365 Days into the World Lecture Series” in 2021, and the two institutions had their first physical meeting at EAIE in 2022. In February 2023, the NTPU delegation, Prof. Wen-I Lin (Dean of OIA), Prof. Wann-Ming Wey (Dean of International College of Sustainability Innovations, ICSI), and Dr. Thijs Velema (Senior Consultant of International Collaboration of OIA) visited the University of Leeds to discuss dual-degree cooperation opportunities. Finally, the dual degree agreement was signed in May of this year.

"Ranking among the top 100 globally, the University of Leeds is a member of the N8 Research Partnership, with nearly one-third of the international students."
The University of Leeds, founded in 1904, is located in West Yorkshire. It is a member of the Red Brick Universities, the Russell Group, and the N8 Research Partnership. The University is in the world's top 100 universities, and its sociology ranked 86th in the 2022 QS World University Rankings by Subject. With over 39,800 students, including 14,000 international students, the University of Leeds is one of the largest universities in the UK. It offers various disciplines across its seven faculties: Arts, Humanities and Cultures; Biological Sciences; Business; Social Sciences; Engineering and Physical Sciences; Environment; and Medicine and Health.

"Yuan Shan Lecture Series: Examining Inclusive Education from a Sociological Perspective."
On May 25, 2023, the International Affairs Office and the College of Social Sciences jointly organized the Yuan Shan Lecture Series, featuring a distinguished scholar, Prof. Roger Slee, who holds the Diamond Jubilee Chair in Disability and Inclusion at the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom, delivered a lecture titled "Excluding by Design: Regressing (Inclusive) Education." The event brought together around 70 participants to address the issue of exclusion within inclusive education. It allowed our university's faculty and students to gain valuable insights from Prof. Slee's expertise in this field. Prof. Slee mentioned that Inclusive Education is the basis of democracy, social equality, and practical education. In his book "Inclusive Education Isn't Dead, It Just Smells Funny," he explores the framework of modern school education. In addition to the importance of curriculum, teaching methods, and assessment, he emphasizes the form of education, especially for students with disabilities. As educational policies increasingly emphasize identity, diversity, and inclusivity, Polish sociologist Zygmunt Bauman once noted, the rejection of hybridity becomes more pronounced. He anticipates a world where all children can live in a genuine, non-segregated environment.

In March 2023, the UK government released "The Special Education and Disabilities (SEND) and Alternative Provision Plan," also known as "The SEND and AP improvement plan." This plan aims to establish 33 new special schools and the existing 49 to enhance the quality of special education for children and young people. Prof. Slee raised concerns about this development. The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated that traditional social organizations and operations can be transformed, and interpersonal connections and interactions are crucial for mental well-being and increased happiness. In light of this, the question arises: Is segregating special education from mainstream education beneficial?

"Department of Sociology of National Taipei University and the College of Social Sciences at the University of Leeds create a win-win generation."
The dual-degree program between the Department of Sociology at Taipei University and the College of Social Sciences at the University of Leeds emphasizes qualitative and quantitative research methods and diverse faculty research areas. It places equal importance on local engagement and international integration. In the future, both universities can create limitless value in sociology through practical collaboration and exchanges between the two institutions.