Things that Okayama University students need to know
Traffic Accidents
No matter how careful you are, accidents still happen.
Things that you do immediately following an accident are vitally important.
If an accident happens:
- Where there are personal injuries, dial 119 for an ambulance.
- Prevent danger by moving automobiles, motorcycles and bicycles to a safe place, away from traffic.
- Notify the police; dial 110.
- Exchange contact information with the other people involved and record how the accident happened.
- Report the accident to the Educational Affairs Section in your faculty.
Cyclists
Bicycle traffic accidents are on the rise. Traffic accidents, regardless of victims or perpetrators, can be not only very painful but also a serious problem for students. Additionally, there are many complaints about college students' lack of concern for other road users. If you do not observe the traffic rules and you are in violation of the Road Traffic Acts, you may be fined or imprisoned. When riding a bicycle, please be aware that you are a member of society; drive safely and always ensure that you drive with due care and attention. The following behavior is recognized by law as dangerous driving: cycling at night without lights; cycling while using an umbrella; cycling while using a cell phone.
The Revised Road Traffic Act for Dangerous Cycling is In Force
The Revised Road Traffic Act for Dangerous Cycling took effect on June 30, 2020.
In the revised Road Traffic Act, 15 items are considered to be dangerous cycling practices. These include: ignoring traffic lights, failure to stop at a stop sign, cycling while holding an umbrella, cycling while using a mobile phone, cycling while listening to earphones.
If you receive a traffic violation ticket twice or more within 3 years due to dangerous driving behavior, you will be ordered to take a 'Bicycle Driver Training Course' (3 Hour Course ・ Tuition Fee 6,000 yen). You must accept the order within 3 months after receipt. If you ignore the order, you will be fined up to 50,000 yen. (Applicable to all people, 14 years or older)
http://www.pref.okayama.jp/page/430220.html
Amendments to the Road Traffic Act to require bicycle riders to wear helmets
The revised Road Traffic Act, which requires all bicycle riders to make an effort to wear a
bicycle helmet, went into effect on April 1, 2023.
We strongly recommend that you wear a proper helmet when riding a bicycle.
https://www.city.okayama.jp/kurashi/0000025621.html
About riding a bicycle
Whether on or off-campus, parking outside designated parking areas causes obstruction to all traffic, in particular the passage of emergency vehicles. It can also cause traffic accidents.
Please be sure to use the designated parking area appropriate for your vehicle.
Also unnecessary idling while parking is prohibited on campus.
For information on parking permits, see page here.
In Okayama City, an ordinance came into effect on 1 April 2021,making it mandatory to get some kind of 'bicycle liability insurance'.
Please refer to the website below:
https://www.city.okayama.jp/kurashi/0000025260.html
(At the top of the page, you can change the language to English)
Prohibition of use of roller devices on campus
It is prohibited to use skateboards, rollerblades, kickboards, other sports equipment, and electric kickboard that do not conform to the standards set forth in the Road Traffic Act on the Okayama University campus. Activities using these types of sports equipment, such as riding acrobatic bicycles in the parking lots, roads and plazas, may cause traffic accidents, vehicle damage, and loud noises.
Theft
Some students may become the victim of the theft of their wallet or cash on university premises. Be sure to carry valuables with you at all times and do not leave them on any desks or in the basket of your bicycle etc.
It is dangerous to vacate your seat and leave your personal belongings on your desk or seat in libraries, laboratories, lecture halls, etc. Please keep your belongings with you at all times.
Also, when parking a bicycle or motorcycle, please use two locks to prevent theft.
It is very common for bicycles to be stolen when the owner is nearby and leaves the bike unlocked but unattended for a short time.
Lost and Found Items
If you forget something in class, please ask the office within the building where you lost the item, or in the office closest to that building, to see if it has been handed in.
In addition, in the event that a student ID card is delivered to an office, we will contact you directly if we recognize you, or your faculty department may contact you.
Smoke free campus
- Smoking is not allowed anywhere on campus. The off-campus area adjacent to the north side of Tsushima North campus is also non- smoking.
Smoking while walking or cycling, and smoking inside a car are also prohibited. - 'New cigarettes' are also subject to regulations.
'New cigarettes': e-cigarettes including e-vaporizors, regular combustible cigarettes, and smokeless cigarettes
- For further consultation on your health and smoking at Okayama University, please contact the
- Health Service Center
TEL:(086)251-7217 - Safety and Sanitation Department,Health and Sanitation Management Division
TEL：（086）251-7286,7287,7100 Email:rouan@adm.okayama-u.ac.jp
Information regarding illegal dumping of garbage,noise pollution, and other disruptive behaviors
About 70% of students at this university live apart from their parents or guardians. Although you may be living alone, you are still a member of the local community. Please maintain ordinary public morals and do not cause a nuisance to your neighbors. Don't bother the people next door.
In Okayama City, there is a fee for burnable and incombustible garbage.
Purchase a special chargeable bag’ (called “yuuryoshitei-bukuro”) at a place such as a sup or, convenience store, and dispose of your garbage according to the garbage disposal rules (i.e., designated dates, times, and sorting guidelines) of your residential area.
Please do not do anything to annoy other people, such as shouting or making noise, in public buildings or private apartments.
[Reference] Okayama City website: Matters related to household garbage
How to Dispose of Plastic Resources
In Okayama City, the method of sorting plastic resources will be changed from March 2024.
Please confirm the collection date, time, location, and sorting method for plastic resources, and dispose of them properly according to the rules.
[Reference] Okayama City website: How to Dispose of Plastic Resources (from March 2024)
Part-Time Jobs
It is vitally important to plan your part-time work so that you can create a good work-study balance. When doing a part-time job, please work in good faith with the pride and responsible attitude of a student. Do not work part-time without permission, and do not be absent from part-time work.
On the other hand, there are cases where students may be induced to work part-time for suspicious or fraudulent organizations. Evil organizations inevitably exist within ordinary society and part-time jobs are not sheltered from them. Please be aware of this possibility if you are interested in working part-time.
If you have troubles with your part-time job or labor conditions, please contact the General Consultation Counter at the Center for Student Support (University Union, 1st Fl., Student Support Center, Shikata Campus (Administration Office Building, 1st Fl.), or the Career / Student Support Office, (General Education Building A, 2nd Fl.).
Change of Residence Record
In principle, a change of residence certificate is required when a student changes his/her current address due to higher education.
Please note that those 18 years of age or older who are eligible to vote must vote at their former place of residence for a period of less than three months after moving their residence. If this applies to you, please use the absentee ballot system to vote.
Harassment
- Are you suffering alone while the harassment continues?
- Is your behavior hurting or distressing anyone?
- Have a good look around yourself in your classroom, laboratory or workplace...
Is harassment going on around you?
What is harassment?
- Harassment of any kind is socially unacceptable behavior that harms the human rights and dignity of students, faculty and staff.
What if I am harassed?
- There is no need to blame yourself. Take courage and tell the perpetrator, ‘Please stop or you will get in trouble'.
- Talk to familiar, trustworthy people and/or the university counselors at the places listed above under 'Part-Time Jobs'.Even if you do not know whether or not you have been harassed, it is better to pay attention to your feelings of discomfort and discuss your problems with others, rather than suffering alone.
- As far as possible, keep a detailed record of the acts that seem to you to be the harassment that you received, the date and time that you received it, details of the act itself, and whether a third party was present or not.>
- University Harassment Counselors from each faculty and graduate school
Students can get help from a harassment counselor in each faculty and graduate school. You may consult with a counselor from any faculty or graduate school other than your own.
Please refer to the list of counselors for more information.
For the list of counselors: go to the Harassment Prevention Committee website
“相談窓口の紹介”（on the left column）→“ハラスメント相談員”(in the first section)
Note: the list is written in Japanese only - Counselors from the Harassment Counseling Office
Consultation is also available at the Harassment Counseling Office. Please make an appointment in advance by e-mail. - If you do not remember using the internet in the way that the demand describes, then it is best to simply ignore it.
- Even if you inadvertently contact the fraudster, do not tell them your personal information.
- If you are concerned, please consult the Consumer Affairs Center or Police in your residential area.
- Network marketing or multi-level marketing seeks to sell vitamins and other health products, cosmetics and so on, deriving income from sales and by soliciting new members and increasing membership.
- Catch Sales / Where a confidence trickster asks you to complete a survey or questionnaire on the street and then takes you to a premises where they attempt to extort money from you by offering you expensive products or by inviting you to sign an extortionate contract.
- Contact
- Okayama Prefecture Consumer Affairs Center
[Telephone] ( 086 ) 226 - 0999
※ Opening Times / Tuesday - Sunday (excluding holidays, year-end and New Year holidays)09:00 to 16:00 - Avoid walking alone at night, and always choose a safe and well-lit path.
- Always carry a security buzzer.
- If you are living alone, please be sure to lock all doors and windows.Make certain to lock the front door immediately after coming home.
- Make sure that you lock not only the front door, but all windows, such as the toilet, bathroom and veranda door.There have been incidents where burglars have entered through windows left open by sleeping occupants on the second floor or even higher.
- If you have witnessed a suspicious-looking individual, please report them to the police and to your academic department.
- Drinking under the age of 20 is against the law.
- Do not chung and not let others chung.
- Do not force others to drink alcohol.
- Do not cause trouble to others.
- When a student gets sick due to drinking, take appropriate and prompt action, such as calling an ambulance.
- At 'University A': A student who drank at a social gathering died because he was invited to play a drinking game where repeated toasts caused an excessive amount of alcohol to suddenly enter his bloodstream.
- At 'University B': Students and former graduates attended a training camp and ended the day by going drinking. The next morning, a first-year boy was found to be choking on his own vomit in bed, and although he was taken to hospital, he soon died.
- Do not upload your personal information or location.
- Be careful not to post anything inappropriate (including slander) and verify the range or audience of your post (i.e., who can see your post).
- Do not "friend" strangers.
- Do not click on suspicious links, especially from unknown accounts. Block spam accounts or unknown accounts to prevent further contact.
- 1.The university does not involve itself in students' thoughts or beliefs.
- 2.In cases where students are considered to be involved in a cult group, where there is a risk of a human rights violation or of personality destruction, there is an obligation to protect student safety and information will be provided to their parents.
- 3.The university will give as much support as possible to any student who asks for assistance to avoid suffering harm while disengaging from a cult group or who requires assistance after disengagement.
- Canned foods, dried goods, retort-pouch or vacuum-packed foods.
- You will need at least 3 liters of drinking water per day (9 liters should be prepared for 3 days).
- Everyday clothes, medications and sanitary supplies, that you normally require.
- Flashlight, portable radio, etc.
- Secure your personal safety
- Secure any exits for evacuation
- When you are in an elevator, push buttons for all floors
- Turn off electrical switches and breakers close to you
- Switch off any gas appliances and turn off the mains gas tap
- In case of fire, first work to extinguish the initial source of the fire
- Assemble at the designated gathering place in your area
- Where a tsunami is predicted, if the elevation of your site is low, head for high ground as soon as possible
- Ensure that you evacuate to high places away from rivers and slopes
- Do not approach canals
- Avoid going out if the errand is not urgent or is unnecessary
If you think 'that's troublesome', please contact us
| Opening Hours | Tsushima Area /Mon-Fri, 10:00-12:00, 13:00-16:00(Except Public Holidays & Library Closing Days; Appointment required); Shikata Area / Mon, Wed & Fri, 13:00-16:00 (Officer will attend only by appointment) |
|---|---|
| Location | Tsushima Area/University Library, West Building, 4th Fl. Shikata Area/Alumni Building,3rd Fl. |
| E-mall | harass1@adm.okayama-u.ac.jp |
Mental Health
The society of the modern age is said to be a ‘stressful society’. College students also feel a lot of stress, and there are many cases of mentally instability. It is also important to pay attention to your mental health.
There are many places within the university where you can talk about ‘mental health problems’ such as the Health Service Center，the Student Advice Section，Privacy is protected by Act, so do feel free to consult.
AED Machines
If anyone faints and does not react to ordinary stimuli, the possibility of saving their life will be much higher if the people who discover them give first aid such as chest compressions and using an AED machine immediately.
First aid process with AED （by Nihon Kohden corporation）
Japanese only
How to use AED（by Nihon Kohden corporation）
Japanese only
Please check where AED (automated external defibrillator) machines are located
Please refer to the Barrier Free Maps for the installation locations on the Tsushima and Shikata Campus sites.
Participate in the First Aid Training Course and learn the best first aid techniques and latest knowledge!
First aid workshops are held on campus.
The National Pension
The National Pension is a system established in order to provide economic security for people who have retired. Those who are 20 years old and living in Japan must join the National Pension and pay the insurance premiums.
When you are 20 years old, please be sure to join the scheme. A 'special payment system for students', which defers payment of premiums during your time at university, is available if you make an application for it. For more information, see the Japan Pension Service website.
Japan Pension Service
NHK subscription fee waiver program for students
Students who live away from their parents and are dependent on their parents are exempted from paying the full amount of NHK subscription fees. For details, please refer to the following website.
https://www.nhk-cs.jp/jushinryo/StudentExemBranch.do?prePageFlag=1
Common Problems in Daily Life
Fraudulent Demands for Fictitious Internet Use
Nationally, people have been receiving fraudulent demands for fictitious internet use by e-mail, post card or letter.
Preventing fraudulent or untoward behaviors
Scams targeting students are on the increase. Please be extremely cautious.
If any of the following occurs, ignore or flatly refuse them.
There are many other fraudulent business methods, but even where you have entered into extortionate contracts or purchases, it is still possible to cancel these arrangements under the 'cooling off system' pursuant to various Japanese consumer protection laws. However, there are cases where the 'cooling off period' does not apply, such as mail order purchases, so please check the details on the homepage or the Consumer Affairs Center.
Information about the Cooling-Off Period
National Consumer Affairs Center of Japan
Crime Prevention in Daily Life
When you become a college student, you increase your studies, club activities, part-time jobs and so on. You may live alone and often go home at night following these activities.
Please keep the following good habits in mind at all times in order to prevent crime or avoid loss or damage.
The Dangers of Illegal or Recreational Drugs
In recent years, there has been a big problem with the abuse of drugs by young people and many arrests due to illegal possession of cannabis, narcotics, stimulants or other dangerous drugs.
Even though the user may only intend to take these drugs once, they might become addicted unintentionally. Such addiction may destroy body and mind. Don't be seduced by the idea that 'It is just this one time'.
To possess and use illegal drugs is a crime. As a matter of course, universities treat these matters very seriously and may insist that the student terminate their studies immediately. In addition, social sanctions for these types of behavior are extremely oppressive.
Do not accept or solicit drugs such as cannabis, narcotics, stimulant drugs, dangerous drugs, etc. To have a fulfilling student life, maintain your health, both mentally and physically.In particular, please do not be taken in by someone calling a drug a 'tranquilizer' or some such similar name, as this may be highly addictive.
Prevention of drinking under 20 years of age and drinking accidents（acute alcohol poisoning）
As a university student, you may have opportunities to join in gatherings with club members or lab partners where participants drink alcohol. It is against the law for anyone under the age of 20 to consume alcoholic beverages. Everyone at the gatherings should make sure that no one under the age of 20 drinks alcohol.
There are also many people over the age of 20 who cannot drink at all or have a low tolerance for alcohol. Depending on a person's physical constitution and condition, alcohol can cause serious trouble, such as acute alcohol poisoning or, in the worst case, death.
We should keep an important rule in mind that chugging your drink at parties should not be allowed. You should not let others chug their drinks, either. Do not leave an intoxicated person unattended or encourage minors to drink as you may be held liable.
Social Networking Safety Tips
Internet etiquette
Though the advancement of information and communication technology has made social media increasingly easy to access, users should be aware of the consequences of communicating online. Pushing your opinion onto others or posting carelessly could lead to any range of problematic situations, including those which may have lasting consequences or may not be easily solved. The information you upload to the internet could spread, especially if you do not specify your privacy settings. Once something is posted online, it is no longer just on your computer, and it may be difficult to delete or get rid of. Please be careful when using social media. Furthermore, users should always be on the lookout for scams or fake news. Easy access means that anyone could create a post. Do not be swayed by controversial headlines.
SNS Safety Risks
SNS enables you to read posts by people you barely know and to "friend" people you have never met. Though this can be seen as informative and convenient, it could also be problematic. For example, after accepting a friend request, you could be guided to a paid site, or have your account hacked. Furthermore, if your private information is leaked, you could become a victim of fraud or theft. Are you aware of your security settings? You might be unknowingly informing people of your location. Especially in the case of smartphones with enabled GPS, according to your profile and security settings, you could be tagging your location in every post. If you happen to mention that you are at home and you tag your location, people could easily find your home address, which is obviously a safety risk. Additionally, though you might think that only your friends will see your posts, this is never an excuse to post carelessly. Some people use keywords to search for posts on certain topics, then repost them on bulletin boards, exposing you to slander and/or trolling.
SNS Safety Tips
It is best to avoid inflammatory or overtly negative comments in your posts. As mentioned, do not assume that only your friends will be able to see what you post. In fact, before you upload something, it is a good rule of thumb to imagine that anyone and everyone can see your post. Do not accept a friend request from any user whose identity cannot be confirmed and try to limit interactions with people whom you have never met. Be vigilant not to post specific personal information that could be related back to you, thereby endangering your safety. This includes your location or contact information. Every post matters. Even if you don't upload something overtly obvious in a single post, if someone goes back and reads through all your posts, they might be able to piece something together about your personal information. Finally, it is important to consider not only your safety, but also that of others. Do not carelessly tag people in your posts or disseminate their personal information.
Source Cited : 学生のための「情報」基礎 第2版
Cult Groups
Most cult groups do not solicit for members in the name of their religious organization. It is very common for them solicit members by making circles for sports, volunteers, music, dance or cooking
The organizers are often gentle and kind, they praise you for accepting, and it may be a very comfortable place where they meet. However, as soon as you are a member, you will be asked to accept a specific doctrine, where you are expected to cut your ties with your family and friends. This could cause great harm to you at an important time in your life.
Other ways that these organizations solicit members are as follows: - "Please answer this questionnaire", "Please attend a course guidance meeting" or "Please participate in a seminar about life". These are ploys just to get closer to you. In such a case,
※do not give kindness to strangers, ignore them, refuse to commit, and leave the place promptly.
※ Do not let any stranger know your phone numbers, e-mail addresses, home, dormitory or residence addresses, or university names, etc.
Be aware of these tricks and be aware that there is always danger in your surroundings.
When you see a suspicious solicitation or you are directly solicited, let us know by visiting the General Consultation Counter (on the 1st floor of the University Union on Tsushima Campus), or the Student Support Office (on the 2nd floor of the General Education Building A).
When Joining a Circle or Club Activity
Freshmen always have great expectations of their circles or club activities. Here at Okayama University, there are very lively extra curricular activities in the form of 'Circles', that exist within, and are recognized by, university-approved Club Activities. However, many different kinds of people will say that they are "recruiting for membership of a university circle", so please be sure to judge such people carefully before joining.
In addition, during the Club Activities recruitment period (April - May), we wear a unique university armband for easy recognition.
The officially recognized groups are described on the the Okayama University KOYUKAI Association Homepage.
Disasters Could Happen Tomorrow: Be Prepared!
It is expected that within the next 30 years in the government-designated Greater Disaster Area for Western Japan, the probability of Tonankai and Nankai earthquakes occurring are respectively, about 70% and 60%. These earthquakes emanate from the Nankai Trough, off the Pacific coasts of the Shikoku, Kinki and Chubu regions. After the disaster, support from the government may not necessarily come soon.Please make simple day-to-day disaster preparations so that you can survive for at least 3 days without help from others.
①Think 'Daily Life'
Check out what kinds of disaster are predictable at home, around the university and at the premises of your part-time job. Also, please check the location of your nearest evacuation shelter and public phone (available during a power cut and/or mobile phone communications outage).
Okayama City Disaster Prevention Information Map (in case of tsunami and flood; location of evacuation facilities.)
②Please Prepare: emergency carry bags and stockpile food and other items
Please look at the stocks of food that you use in your daily life and consider the kind of food that you can use at the time of a disaster. Increase those stocks by about one half in addition to your normal requirements.
③If a Disaster Happens
During an earthquake ...
Typhoon or Heavy Rain
For more information on this safety confirmation system, please click here.
How to prevent COVID-19 infection while in evacuation shelters (Japanese only)
④Get interested in activities in the area where you live
Participate in disaster drills that are conducted at universities, government, neighborhood associations, etc. In the event of a disaster, please cooperate with local citizens' efforts, such as in the rescue of neighboring residents, in confirmation of their safety, in cooking, and in the management of evacuation centers. Take the initiative and work hard.
Use of Generative AI in Learning and Education
Based on the concept of "academic integrity", we would like to keep an eye on the trend of generative AI and inform all students at Okayama University about the considerations of use of generative AI in learning and education.
For more information, please visit our website on the use of generative AI in learning and education.