CNU started the 2020 spring semester by online classes without an entrance ceremony. President Jeong posted an online message to encourage and welcome new members of CNU.

 

According to CNU, President Jeong delivered a welcome message entitled ‘We Welcome You,’ to 5,500 new undergraduate and graduate students on March 16, which was the first day of online classes of the 2020 spring semester. He wrote, “We regret to greet you via such an online message. However, we welcome you with all our hearts, you who are beginning the path of hope and we also wish that starting university life with e-classes would not make any barriers to your fresh start at CNU.”

 
President Jeong also stated, “In the era of the fourth industrial revolution, which is of hyper-uncertainty as well as hyper-connectivity, scientific technology based on artificial intelligence will face ever more rapid development. However, I believe that the advancement of civilization should benefit humans. With this principle, CNU is stepping forward to embrace the concept of ‘the world that cherishes truth’ as its founding idea, ‘Truth, Creativity, and Service.’” Especially to freshmen, he added, “We hope you grow up to be a ‘righteous person that sheds light on to the world’ with ‘capabilities for creativity, sensitivity, and community.’”

Lastly, President Jeong said, “Nothing is more important than your dreams, your perspectives, and active minds that take actions. As a new member of CNU, cultivate yourself as ‘the CNU members with long-term perspectives’ and remind yourselves of the aim of life with the “neutinamu” (zelkova tree) on campus, which represents readiness and perseverance in life, and finally, have a caring heart for those around you.”

He also requested staff and faculty to “Please encourage our new talents with warm hearts and take care of them to foster their capabilities and help them fulfill their dreams.