University of Seoul (UOS) ranked second in the “Integrity Assessment (of National & Public Universities)” evaluation on December 23, 2019. This is remarkable because there are only two universities that have ranked above second place since 2016, including UOS. UOS received 8.21 points, which is higher than the average of other four-year national and public universities of 7.69 points. It is noteworthy for universities to acquire higher points in this evaluation because they can win beneficial policies or aid from the government after receiving good evaluations. In 2016, UOS achieved first place. Since then, UOS has made efforts to maintain good grades and sustain this high-ranking position.

Since 2012, a separate model for measuring the integrity of institutions has been developed by the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission, which is close to people’s lives, such as local, university, and medical services. To improve its integrity, UOS developed many plans based on the practice concept of “public discipline.” They intend to maintain discipline both in and out of public offices, raise awareness about integrity, and self-diagnose issues related to integrity through an internal control system.

Moreover, UOS has started integrity education for faculty and continues to create a comfortable communication environment through the revelation of details on the implementation of business promotion expenses and sending out text messages about integrity. In addition, the dean’s business promotion expenses were also published on the website of the Seoul Metropolitan Government, and related data have been shared by installing the “Cheongjung Story” (People’s Story, in English).
Suh Soon-tak, the president of UOS stated, “We believe that it would not have been possible without the participation and efforts of members of the school, and we will continue to work hard to create a clean university by emphasizing the participation of university members.”

Sim Jun-sung
dnsen07@uos.ac.kr