News--Welcome to National Chiayi University

　　With a gong ceremony hosted by President Chiou Yi-Yuan, the Student Club Exhibition of National Chiayi University unveiled in front of the Chiaho Gymnasium, Lantan campus on the morning of Oct. 3rd. Events by a total of more than 100 student clubs are taking place in the Lantan, Sinmin and Minghsiung campuses. To celebrate the founding of the Indigenous Students Resource Center, an “eight-step dance,” one of the dance traditions of the indigenous people, was given by President Chiou, teachers and students attending the ceremony, and members of the Indigenous Culture Service Club. Impromptu performances were also offered by other student clubs, who spared no effort to vie for the attention of freshman, making the venue lively and upbeat.

　　The NCYU Student Club Exhibition includes stall exhibitions by 52 student clubs on the Lantan campus, 38 clubs on the Minghsiung campus, and 18 clubs on the Hsinmin campus. At night there is a student club night event, where a lively presentation will be given by the Ultimate Guitar Club, Power Dance Club, NCYU Woodsman Volunteer Team and other student clubs. Through vibrant performances such as dancing and drama, they hoped to attract more new blood to join their clubs.

　　One of the stall displays that have caused a stir is exhibited by the Amphibians and Reptiles Research Club. Club leader Xia Wei-Li indicated that the members are drawn together by an interest in amphibians and reptiles. Introductory lessons are offered by senior members on native species and reptile pets to lay the foundation of basic knowledge for junior members. Several observation tours of the species’ habitats in the field have been organized, and a final exhibition has been held regularly each academic year by the student club. By providing information related to amphibians and reptiles through commentary and exhibition on live creature, they hoped to hone the commentary skills of the members and introduce more people to the world of amphibians and reptiles.

　　According to Xia Wei-Li, their club members are also engaged in roadkill studies, removing exotic species, and ridding houses of intruding snakes. The roadkill studies are regular observations on the species and numbers of amphibians and reptiles run over and killed by cars on certain routes. The collated data are later reported back to the Endemic Species Research Institute, Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan. Major targets of exotic species for removal include Norops sagrei and Green Iguana, which are among the most rampant in Chiayi region. The goal is to alleviate the survival pressure of the native species, especially in Chiayi region, where there are frequent cases of snakes wandering into houses. By giving special training to the club members, they hoped to assist the campus and community in ridding snakes. As stressed by Xia, the student club aims to encourage the members to contribute to the society through knowledge.