For most freshmen at POSTECH, the first people they get to know when they start university are their classmates and senior mentors. From Freshmen Orientation (OT) onwards, they participate in various activities, get to know each other, and gradually settle into university life. But what does the class system mean to POSTECH students?
Since 2018, POSTECH has used an Undeclared Major system, which led to the introduction of class. The Mueunjae School of Undergraduate Studies places freshmen into 15 small groups, or “classes,” where they receive support from mentors. Each class is guided by two professors and a Student Advisor (SA), offering support in academics, student life, and career planning. This setup makes it easier for students to connect with others early on and feel part of a community.
Freshmen regularly meet with their advisors and SA to get advice on course registration, academics, student clubs, and other aspects of university life. These meetings not only provide guidance but also help students feel more comfortable and supported as they adjust to a new environment. Professors also play an important role. They bridge the gap between students and faculty, offering help when students face academic challenges.
Class friendships do not just form during OT and disappear. Because students in the same class often take basic required courses together, they spend a lot of time studying and working on assignments as a group. Each class elects a representative who organizes events like Membership Training (MT) and other social activities.
The Future Planning for College Life course also strengthens these bonds by encouraging teamwork through projects. The Mueunjae School of Undergraduate Studies even provides funding for class activities, allowing students to take trips to places like the Pohang Space Walk or the local ice rink, where they can relax and enjoy a break from their studies.
Some class pair freshmen with upperclassmen in a mentor-mentee system. It gives newcomers a chance to get guidance from someone with more experience, making it easier to navigate university life. Even after graduation, many students still introduce themselves by their class number, showing how meaningful these connections are. Some alumni stay in touch for years, meeting up at events or even working together later. These lasting relationships often lead to research collaborations, job opportunities, and lifelong friendships.
At POSTECH, the class system is more than just a way to help freshmen settle in—it is the foundation of a strong network that stays with students long after they leave university.
