【Article by IMICS】
National Chengchi University (NCCU) and Michigan State University (MSU) marked a significant milestone on March 15 by signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU). Among the distinguished delegates from NCCU were President Tsai-yen Li; Dr. Yi-Ning Chen, Dean of the College of Communication; Dr. Jih-Hsuan Lin, Director of the International Master's Program in International Communication Studies; and Dr. Tsung-Jen Shih, Director of the Media Research and Development Center. Representing MSU were Dr. Michael Stern, Chair for the Department of Media & Information; Dr. Rabindra Ratan, the Director of the Social and Psychological Approaches to Research on Technology-Interaction Effects Lab; and Dr. Ruth Shillair, the Director of the Master's Program for Media & Information.

In a departure from tradition, the signing ceremony took place in virtual reality (VR), allowing all participants to interact as if they were in the same physical space. Through specialized headsets and handheld devices, attendees could shake hands, clap, fist bump, and convey facial expressions, enhancing the sense of presence despite the distance. Dr. Tsai-yen Li expressed during the opening speech, 'this event is a really fun experience for me, as such technology allows me to gather with people from across the globe without having to actually fly,' remarking on the novelty and convenience of VR, which facilitated global gatherings without the need for travel.

The focus of future collaborations between NCCU and MSU will primarily revolve around academic and faculty exchanges within the realm of extended reality (XR). The decision to sign the MOU via the platform of VR added a symbolic layer to the collaboration, serving as a showcase for the capabilities of both institutions in terms of equipment, laboratories, faculties, and students. Noteworthy contributions came from graduate students in Dr. Jih-Hsuan Lin's Media Psychology Lab, who played key roles in organizing the event, as well as from the XR lab overseen by Dr. Tsung-Jen Shih, both of which are currently supported by Meta. Last but not least, Dr. Yi-Ning Chen presently serves as the oversight board member for Meta.

Dr. Rabindra Ratan, who offers all his courses entirely through VR, emphasized the vast potential of this technology, stating, 'WE are here in virtual reality,' to underscore not only the participants in the MOU signing but also the limitless possibilities inherent in VR and augmented reality (AR).

In the concluding remarks, Dr. Jih-Hsuan Lin announced plans for both universities to exchange two students per semester starting from the fall of 2025. Grateful for her own ties to MSU as an alumna, she expressed optimism for future collaborations. Students from NCCU can expect to take nine credits (about 3 courses) in MSU as it provides one of the state-of-the-art programs regarding XR. Additionally, she suggested that MSU students visiting NCCU can look forward to immersive experiences at companies like HTC in Taipei, Taiwan, further enriching their understanding of the XR field.