[Special] 2025 DGU Election Hearing - Day2

   On November 19th, 2025, the second-semester public hearing at Dongguk University was held. The session began in the evening and brought together multiple student governing bodies, including ACE, the Student Council of the College of Advanced Convergence Studies; Chanran, the Student Council of the College of Police and Criminal Justice; Gwangmyeong, the Representative Council of the College of Police and Criminal Justice; and Donghaeng, the General Student Representative Council. During the hearing, each organization addressed questions regarding their ongoing projects, policy implementations, and plans for improving student welfare and campus governance. This article provides an overview of the major questions raised during the session and the responses offered by each council.

The Student Council of the College of Advanced Convergence Studies, “ACE”

Questions from The Dongguk Post

Q. Regarding the pledge to operate a student communication channel, the council outlined a plan centered on accessibility and consistent response procedures. 

   According to the representatives, the communication platform will be established through a KakaoTalk open-chat room, expanding beyond the department-level announcement channels that are currently in use. By extending the system to the college level, the council aims to create a structure in which students can submit inquiries more easily.

   The open-chat format, which allows anonymous participation, is intended to lower psychological barriers and encourage students to voice concerns without hesitation. The channel will be managed by a two-person team composed of the president and vice president. While inquiries may be submitted at any time, the council plans to designate specific hours for providing responses in order to ensure regular and predictable communication. This measure, they explained, reflects the possibility that messages may not always be checked immediately. When similar questions are repeatedly raised, the council plans to compile them and issue a consolidated announcement to provide unified guidance.

Q. Regarding the pledge to actively support study groups and small student clubs, the council clarified that the initiative does not include direct financial assistance at the initial stage. 

   Instead, the council plans to recognize outstanding study teams and small groups at the end of each semester and award them with prizes. The primary focus they explained is to establish clear guidelines and create a system that encourages active participation throughout the semester rather than providing upfront funding.

   For study groups in particular, the council noted that issues related to securing an adequate number of participants may arise during the formation process. To address this, applications will be accepted in two forms, team applications and individual applications, which will allow individuals to be matched into appropriate groups. The criteria for selecting outstanding teams and groups will be based on periodic submissions of activity plans and adherence to operating guidelines. For example, if a member from another college participates in a group, the team may receive a penalty during the final evaluation, reflecting the intention to prioritize activities centered on the college’s own students.

   Once small groups are formed with council support, matters such as membership fees and regular meeting schedules will be left to the discretion of the group leaders and members. In consideration of the many incoming students from the Open Major program, the council also plans to allow double-major students to participate, ensuring that the initiative remains inclusive and aligned with the college’s academic structure.

Q. With the newly established Open Major expected to send a significant number of students into the College of Advanced Convergence, the council emphasized that these students will receive structured academic and peer support as they begin their transition. 

   Although Open Major students have already completed their first-year experience, the council noted that many have not yet navigated the academic pathways specific to the College of Advanced Convergence and may require guidance both during and after the major selection process.

   To address this need, the council plans to introduce a mentoring program. Small groups will be formed at the beginning of the semester, enabling upper-level students and newly admitted students to interact naturally. Through these groups, newcomers will be able to receive practical advice on recommended second-year courses, strategies for preparing for major coursework, and general academic expectations. Because lecture styles and the emphasis of course content can vary significantly depending on each professor’s research field or academic interests, the mentoring system will also aim to match students' academic interests with the instructional approaches of specific faculty members. This, the council explained, will help students make informed decisions when selecting courses and setting long-term academic goals.

   In addition to mentoring, the council intends to actively support small groups and study teams within the college to ensure consistent peer collaboration. The council is also preparing opportunities such as interviews with senior students and guest lectures by alumni, providing guidance on major-specific study methods, career planning, and the development of personalized academic roadmaps.

The Student Council of the College of Police and Criminal Justice, “Chanran”

 Questions from The Dongguk Post

Q. Regarding the pledge titled “Realizing Radiant Happiness,” which includes high-cost initiatives such as MT trips and content production, the council stated that it has prepared a practical approach for securing the necessary budget.

   According to the representatives, events and activities traditionally organized within the Department of Police Administration will continue to be funded through the existing student council fees. These include annual activities such as departmental gatherings and programs for junior students. For additional projects that require separate funding, particularly content-production initiatives, the council plans to conduct a preliminary demand survey. Based on the number of students who express interest, a portion of the production cost will be collected from participating students. This approach, they explained, is intended to ensure financial stability while maintaining accessibility and transparency in the implementation of high-budget activities.

Q. Regarding the pledge to institutionalize MT trips for small groups, the council explained that the initiative will focus on stabilizing participation and encouraging consistent engagement across all groups. 

   At present, some small departmental groups voluntarily organize MT trips due to strong participation, while others struggle to recruit enough members to hold such activities. To address this imbalance, the council plans to allocate sufficient time at the beginning of the semester for each group to promote its activities and secure a stable number of participants. This early-stage support, they noted, is intended to energize group activities and enable the student council to more actively encourage MT participation. In terms of financial support, the council stated that assistance may be provided if circumstances allow. However, because the council has not yet taken office, it emphasized that it is difficult to offer definitive commitment at this stage. The representatives requested understanding, noting that the feasibility of monetary support will depend on the actual budgetary conditions once the term begins.

Q. The pledges to produce the series “Romantic Stories Webtoon” and “Stories of Police Administration Students” will be developed as formal content projects under the newly organized joint operations division, according to the council. 

   The representatives explained that each initiative has a distinct format, distribution plan, and production process. The “Romantic Stories Webtoon” will be a monthly webtoon series published on the department’s social media platforms. The content will be based on anonymous story submissions from students. If there is a month in which insufficient stories are collected, the production team plans to create episodes inspired by regular departmental events, such as the freshman welcome ceremony or other recurring activities within the Department of Police Administration. By maintaining a consistent upload schedule, the council aims to enhance student engagement and establish a recognizable media presence for the department. The “Stories of Police Administration Students” project will take the form of a year-end publication. Unlike the webtoon, this collection will gather narratives not only from students but also from administrative staff members and faculty. Based on preliminary demand surveys, the compilation will be produced in book form and distributed to those who express interest. Through this broader range of contributors, the council aims to create a meaningful record that reflects the experiences, insights, and perspectives shared across the department’s academic community.

Q. Regarding the pledge to establish a support system for academic clubs and to renovate the Arte Hall facilities, the council outlined a plan focused on leveraging alumni support, addressing facility deterioration, and collaborating closely with the university administration.

   The representatives explained that within the department, the study space known as Jin Seong-jae is already being operated in a manner similar to an examination preparation room, sustained largely through the support of alumni. Because this model has proven effective, the council believes that academic clubs can likewise benefit from alumni assistance, particularly when their purpose aligns with the broader goals of the College of Police and Criminal Justice.

   Despite the existence of Arte Hall, the council noted that the facility has not been actively used in recent years, largely due to aging equipment and maintenance issues. To address this, the council plans to prepare a formal report for the Academic Affairs Office, detailing specific problems observed in the space alongside student demand for its renovation. The report will include survey results on whether students intend to use the hall if improvements are made.

   The initial goal is to secure support for essential maintenance, such as removing rust from existing gym equipment and addressing mold on the walls. If feasible, the council hopes to replace warped barbells and dumbbells with new ones. According to the representatives, they received a positive preliminary response from the Academic Affairs Office last week, which suggests that the proposal has a strong likelihood of being implemented.

The Representative Council of the College of Police and Criminal Justice, “Gwangmyeong”

Questions from The Dongguk Post

Q. Regarding the pledge to collect student opinions, the council explained that it plans to create an official and accessible channel through a Google Form linked in the department’s Instagram linktree. 

   The form will always remain open, and the anonymity function will allow any student to submit feedback without hesitation. Within the Representative Council, responsibilities will be divided so that designated members can review submissions. The council also intends to share the collected opinions with youth representatives to quickly determine whether each suggestion can be implemented. The goal they emphasized is not only to receive feedback but also to maximize transparency by disclosing how each opinion is reviewed and processed. Submitted responses will be categorized internally and then summarized for regular publication on the department’s social media accounts. The council will also label each item with a status such as “Implemented,” “Under Review,” or “Difficult to Implement,” enabling students to clearly see how their feedback has been handled and strengthening transparency throughout the entire process.

Q. Regarding the pledge to implement safety inspections for small groups, events, and various student activities, the council stated that it intends to establish practical and activity-specific standards rather than relying on simple checklists that only confirm the presence or absence of safety measures. 

   The representatives emphasized that inspections will focus on whether equipment and facilities are genuinely usable and properly maintained, reflecting the increasing diversity and scale of recent student activities. The official safety inspection process will consist of four stages. First, the council will review the preliminary activity plan. Second, it will verify the venue and the number of participants. Third, it will check emergency preparedness, including first-aid resources and contact information for emergencies. Finally, after the event, the council will conduct a feedback review to assess any safety issues that arose and to improve future procedures. To prevent avoidable accidents, the council will prepare tailored checklists that reflect the specific nature of each activity. These customized guidelines will allow safety standards to be applied more effectively and ensure that inspections remain practical and comprehensive.

Q. Regarding the pledge to ensure fairness and neutrality in elections and to prevent misconduct, the council stated that it identifies two primary factors that may undermine electoral integrity: information imbalance and violations of regulations. 

   To minimize disparities in access to information, official announcements and rules will be shared immediately through social media platforms and class group chats. The council also plans to always operate a reporting channel, allowing students to submit suspicions of misconduct as soon as they arise. When a report is submitted, the case will be placed on the agenda of the Representative Council for formal review. The process will include verifying the facts, seeking advisory opinions when necessary, and determining appropriate measures strictly in accordance with established regulations. The representatives emphasized that all responses will follow a consistent and rational procedure, ensuring that decisions are not influenced by personal emotions but are based on transparent and rule-based standards.

Q. Regarding the pledge to conduct audits on student council fee usage and the implementation of council pledges, the council stated that the verification process will be carried out through a detailed review of financial and operational records. 

   The audit will begin with securing documentation of all expenditures, followed by an item-by-item examination to determine whether each cost is properly justified and whether the spending amount is appropriate. After the review is completed, the council plans to summarize the findings and release them in a card-news format for students to easily view. If necessary, the original documents will also be made available for inspection to ensure full transparency. For pledge implementation, the council intends to introduce a progress rate system. This approach will allow students to see not only whether a pledge has been fulfilled, but also the specific stage of progress it has reached. The representatives explained that this system is designed to provide a clearer and more measurable understanding of how each commitment is being carried out.

The General Student Representative Council, “Donghaeng”

Questions from The Dongguk Post

Q. Regarding the pledge to establish a formal structure for the Open Major Division, the council explained that it aims to introduce institutional measures that will provide clear governance, financial authority, and an official electoral framework for the division. 

   At present, the Open Major Division is understood to be operating as a student self-governing body rather than a formal student council. It does not appear to administer events with student council fees or conduct elections in accordance with official student council regulations.

   To address this, the council plans to draft a proper set of student council bylaws for the Open Major Division. These regulations would define the division’s voting rights, budget authority, and organizational framework, thereby establishing the legal basis for forming an official student council. The representatives emphasized that such a system can function effectively only with active participation from current Open Major students. For this reason, direct discussions with students in the division will be prioritized during the early stages. To ensure timely progress, the council also plans to launch a task force that can focus on short-term actions and manage the initial steps of building the division’s formal governance structure.

Q. Regarding the pledge to establish a proposal box for student-led legislative initiatives, the council explained that it plans to develop both online and offline platforms to ensure accessibility and consistent participation.

   For the online system, the council intends to make active use of the newly launched student council website as the primary platform for receiving suggestions. Existing channels, including the Representative Council’s Instagram account and the KakaoTalk channel, will also be utilized so that students can submit opinions through familiar and convenient interfaces.

   For the offline system, students will be able to visit the Representative Council office in person to share their suggestions directly. The council also plans to install a physical proposal box on campus, allowing students to submit ideas at any time that suits them. Through this combination of online and offline platforms, the council aims to create an accessible and user-friendly environment that encourages constant engagement in student governance.

Q. Regarding the pledge to streamline the audit process and strengthen its practical effectiveness, the council clarified the specific meaning of these reforms. 

   The representatives emphasized that the fundamental purpose of audits is to prevent embezzlement and ensure financial integrity. They noted that excessive formal requirements should not obstruct or delay the implementation of student council projects.

  The simplification of audit procedures refers to reducing unnecessary administrative steps and repetitive documentation that do not contribute meaningfully to oversight. By removing these redundant tasks, the council aims to increase efficiency while ensuring that audits remain timely and manageable for both auditors and the executive branch.

   On the other hand, the council stated that it intends to strengthen the substantive audit functions. Currently, audits rely heavily on evaluations conducted by the executive branch itself, often based on percentage-based scoring systems. The council expressed concern that such methods may not adequately reflect the real outcomes of meetings or the practical execution of decisions made by the executive branch. To address this, the council plans to reorganize the criteria and incorporate the revised standards into the audit process beginning in the first half of next year.

  Additionally, the council intends to revise the enforcement rules governing inspections and audits to ensure stronger safeguards against financial misconduct. The goal is to reinforce preventative measures and establish an audit system that prioritizes transparency, accountability, and the reliable detection of irregularities.

Q. Regarding the pledge to shift from a permit-based system to a notification-based system for campaign activities, the council explained both the motivation for the change and the safeguards it plans to implement. 

   The representatives stated that the primary goal of this transition is to allow candidates to approach voters more freely and to make information about each candidate more accessible to students. Under the permit-based system, campaign activities could be delayed if the Election Commission did not grant approval immediately, and candidates often faced difficulties promoting themselves on social media due to waiting periods.

   The notification-based model is designed to resolve these issues. Routine campaign activities, such as general promotional events or previously planned appearances, will proceed through a notification process as long as there are no changes to the submitted plans. However, matters that require prior agreement or involve sensitive considerations will continue to operate under a permit-based system. Through this hybrid approach, the council aims to maintain oversight without unnecessarily limiting campaign activity.

   To address potential risks such as defamation or excessively heated competition, the council stated that it will enforce strict disciplinary measures against any behavior that undermines fairness or disrupts campus order. The Election Commission will continue to monitor campaign activities by reviewing submitted materials, verifying compliance with agreed-upon guidelines, and responding promptly to any violations. This structure, the representatives noted, is intended to ensure that increased flexibility does not compromise the integrity of the election process.

Q. Regarding the pledge to prevent financial misconduct involving external partnership funds and to block unlawful external interference, the council explained the types of risks it aims to address and the institutional safeguards it intends to establish.

   The representatives stated that external interference refers to situations in which representatives conducting inspections may face pressure or requests from outside parties. Unlawful acts, they added, encompass a broader range of misconduct that may occur within the student community.

   To manage these risks, the council plans to operate a dual reporting system that allows both anonymous and non-anonymous submissions. Anonymous reports will be accepted, but the council noted that verifying factual details in such cases may be difficult and that false reports cannot be fully ruled out. In situations where a reporter does not wish to reveal their identity publicly, they will be able to submit concerns through a representative. Reports submitted under a verified name will be addressed immediately. After collecting input during the early stages, the council intends to draft more detailed regulations governing the reporting and investigation process.

   The representatives also addressed concerns regarding financial misconduct during external partnership activities, explaining that past issues often stemmed from an overly concentrated workflow in which tasks such as contacting external companies, signing contracts, and receiving partnership funds were handled by only a few individuals. To prevent this, the council plans to restructure the process so that multiple members share responsibility at each stage.

   Partnership proposals will be received through the email account of the Director of External Affairs. Contract signing will require the presence of at least two representatives. Any funds associated with the partnership will be reviewed by the Director of Finance, followed by an additional verification step when the Public Relations team uploads the related materials on social media. The student council president will remain separate from the operational steps and will only provide final approval.

   The council is also exploring the introduction of multi-signature documentation to record each stage of the partnership process and ensure transparency. This system is intended to create a verifiable trail that reduces individual discretion, strengthens oversight, and establishes a durable safeguard against financial irregularities.

Q. Regarding the pledge to strengthen online and offline communication channels and to reexamine the criteria used to calculate voter turnout, the council emphasized that the purpose of reforming the turnout standard is not to make election victory easier or more difficult, but to reinforce the democratic legitimacy granted to elected representatives.

   The representatives explained that voter participation should be understood as an essential part of the democratic process through which legitimacy is conferred. They noted that elections also serve as a civic activity that encourages students to engage with the structure of the student council. For this reason, the council believes that it is important to clearly explain to voters their responsibilities within the student community, particularly so that participation continues to expand in future elections.

   With this perspective in mind, the council stressed that the pledge does not aim to simply lower the requirements for opening and counting ballots. Instead, the intention is to examine how voter intent should be measured and what standards best reflect democratic participation within the university. The representatives stated that further discussion will be necessary to determine an appropriate and meaningful framework for calculating voter turnout while ensuring that the election process remains fair, credible, and representative of the student body.

Q. Regarding the pledge to establish a system for preserving official records, the council explained that it plans to organize and store documents through a digitized archiving process. 

   The representatives stated that existing records will be scanned and converted into digital files, which will allow the council to secure storage space more efficiently and ensure long-term preservation. By creating a digital archive, the council aims to make record management more accessible and durable, reducing the risk of loss or damage while enabling future members to retrieve past materials with ease.

Youn Seo-won