教授会 in 30 Seconds
- A formal meeting of university professors (Faculty Meeting).
- Central to university governance and academic decision-making in Japan.
- Discusses curricula, student graduation, and faculty hiring.
- Legally defined body under the Japanese School Education Act.
The term 教授会 (きょうじゅかい - Kyōjukai) is a formal Japanese noun that specifically refers to a faculty meeting or a board of professors within a university setting. In the Japanese academic hierarchy, this body represents the core decision-making unit for individual departments or faculties. Unlike a general business meeting, a 教授会 carries significant weight regarding academic governance, curriculum design, and personnel matters.
- Etymological Breakdown
- The word is composed of three kanji: 教 (Kyō) meaning 'teach', 授 (Ju) meaning 'confer' or 'grant' (together forming 教授 - Professor), and 会 (Kai) meaning 'meeting' or 'association'.
In a Japanese university, the 教授会 is governed by the School Education Act (学校教育法), specifically Article 93. It is the venue where professors discuss the admission of students, the awarding of degrees, and the selection of new faculty members. While the university president holds ultimate administrative power, the 教授会 traditionally holds the 'academic power', making it a site of both collaboration and, occasionally, political tension within the ivory tower.
来週の教授会で、新しいカリキュラム案が審議される予定です。
(Next week's faculty meeting is scheduled to deliberate on the new curriculum proposal.)
You will primarily encounter this word in academic environments. If you are a student, you might hear it mentioned when a major policy change occurs or when graduation requirements are being finalized. If you are a staff member or a researcher, the 教授会 is the rhythm by which the academic year moves. It is typically a very formal affair, often held once a month, where strict protocols and honorific language (Keigo) are the norm.
- Administrative Context
- The 教授会 acts as a bridge between the administrative leadership (the President and Board) and the actual teaching staff, ensuring that educational standards are maintained through collective peer review.
彼は教授会の承認を得て、特別研究員に任命された。
(He was appointed as a special researcher after obtaining the approval of the faculty meeting.)
Culturally, the 教授会 is often depicted in Japanese media (like academic novels or dramas) as a place of intense debate and traditionalism. It represents the 'old guard' of the university system. Understanding this word gives you insight into the structured, hierarchical, and committee-driven nature of Japanese higher education.
- Common Collocations
- Commonly used with verbs like 出席する (attend), 欠席する (be absent from), 開催する (hold/host), and 諮る (はかる) (to consult/submit for discussion).
その案件は、明日の教授会に諮られることになっている。
(That matter is set to be submitted to tomorrow's faculty meeting for consultation.)
今日の教授会は、予算の配分を巡って紛糾した。
(Today's faculty meeting was thrown into confusion over the allocation of the budget.)
In summary, 教授会 is not just a meeting; it is a formal institution within the university that embodies the principles of academic self-governance. Whether it's deciding on a student's graduation or debating the future of a research department, the 教授会 is where the 'brains' of the university converge to make official decisions.
Using 教授会 correctly requires an understanding of its formal register. Since it refers to a high-level academic body, the surrounding verbs and grammar should reflect that seriousness. It is almost exclusively used as a noun, functioning as the subject or object of administrative actions.
- 1. Attendance and Participation
- When talking about professors going to the meeting, use formal attendance verbs. 出席する (to attend) is the standard. If a professor cannot make it, 欠席する (to be absent) is used.
田中教授は急用のため、午後の教授会を欠席された。
(Professor Tanaka was absent from the afternoon faculty meeting due to urgent business.)
Note the use of the honorific 〜された (passive-form honorific) in the example above, which is common when discussing the actions of professors in relation to the 教授会.
- 2. Decisions and Deliberations
- The meeting itself 'decides' (決定する), 'deliberates' (審議する), or 'approves' (承認する). These verbs often take 教授会 as the subject followed by the particle が or で.
教授会での決定に基づき、新しい入試制度が導入される。
(Based on the decision at the faculty meeting, a new entrance exam system will be introduced.)
In this context, 〜での acts as a compound particle indicating 'which occurred at'. This is a very common structure in formal Japanese writing and reporting.
- 3. Proposing Items
- When a topic is brought to the meeting, the verb 諮る (はかる) is used. This is a highly specific verb meaning 'to consult' or 'to refer a matter to a committee'.
その留学生の単位認定については、次回の教授会に諮らなければならない。
(Regarding the credit recognition for that international student, it must be submitted to the next faculty meeting for consultation.)
Furthermore, 教授会 can be used in compound nouns like 教授会室 (faculty meeting room) or 教授会議長 (chairperson of the faculty meeting). Using these compounds shows a high level of vocabulary proficiency.
彼は長年、文学部の教授会議長を務めている。
(He has served as the chairperson of the Faculty of Letters meeting for many years.)
Finally, remember that in casual conversation, students might shorten it or simply refer to it as 'the meeting where the professors decide things', but in any written or semi-formal context, the full term 教授会 is essential. It conveys an understanding of the university's institutional structure.
The word 教授会 exists in a very specific physical and social ecosystem: the Japanese university campus. You won't hear this word at a grocery store or a typical business office, but within the gates of an academic institution, it is a word that carries an aura of authority and sometimes a bit of dread.
- 1. Campus Announcements and Notices
- If you are on a Japanese campus, look at the bulletin boards (掲示板 - Keijiban). You will often see notices like '教授会開催のため、本日の事務窓口は15時で終了します' (The administrative office will close at 3 PM today due to a faculty meeting).
掲示：教授会の議決により、夏季休業期間が変更されました。
(Notice: By resolution of the faculty meeting, the summer vacation period has been changed.)
This illustrates how the 教授会's decisions trickle down to affect the daily lives of students and staff. It is the 'hidden hand' behind the academic calendar.
- 2. Academic Media and Fiction
- Japanese literature and television often feature 'University Dramas' (大学ドラマ). In these stories, the 教授会 is portrayed as a smoke-filled room (metaphorically, as smoking is now banned) where power struggles between factions of professors take place. Famous works like Shiroi Kyoto (The White Tower), though primarily medical, feature similar faculty politics.
ドラマの台詞：「教授会を味方につけなければ、学部長にはなれないぞ。」
(Drama line: "If you don't get the faculty meeting on your side, you'll never become the dean.")
In real life, administrative staff (事務職員 - Jimu shokuin) hear this word every day. They are the ones who prepare the documents (資料 - Shiryō) for the meeting and take the minutes (議事録 - Gijiroku). For them, the 教授会 is a deadline that dictates their workload.
- 3. News and Legal Reports
- When a university scandal breaks—such as unfair admissions or research misconduct—the news will report on what the 教授会 decided. For example: '大学の教授会は、不正を行った教授の解雇を相当と認めた' (The university faculty meeting recognized the dismissal of the professor who committed misconduct as appropriate).
ニュース：「某大学の教授会が学長の方針に反発し、声明文を出しました。」
(News: "The faculty meeting of a certain university reacted against the president's policy and issued a statement.")
In conclusion, while it is a technical term, 教授会 is deeply embedded in the narrative of Japanese society as the place where academic authority is exercised. Hearing it signifies that a decision of institutional importance is being made.
Learning 教授会 involves avoiding several pitfalls related to its specific meaning and formal usage. Because Japanese has many words for 'meeting' and 'teacher', English speakers often substitute the wrong terms.
- 1. Confusing 'Kyōjukai' with 'Kaigi'
- While a 教授会 is a type of 会議 (Kaigi - meeting), they are not interchangeable. Saying '今日の教授会は会議です' is redundant and slightly nonsensical. Conversely, calling a business meeting a 教授会 is a major error because only professors (教授) can form a 教授会.
❌ 間違い：会社の教授会に行ってきます。
✅ 正解：会社の会議に行ってきます。
(Correction: You cannot have a 'faculty meeting' at a private company.)
This mistake happens when learners assume 教授 just means 'senior teacher' and apply it to any workplace. It is strictly an academic title.
- 2. Confusing 'Kyōjukai' with 'Kōgi'
- Another common mistake for beginners is confusing 教授会 (Kyōjukai) with 講義 (Kōgi - lecture). Both involve professors, but a 講義 is where a professor teaches students, while a 教授会 is where professors talk to each other about administration.
❌ 間違い：今日の教授会はとても難しかったです。
✅ 正解：今日の講義はとても難しかったです。
(Correction: Unless you are a professor attending the meeting, it wasn't 'difficult' in the sense of a lesson; the 'lecture' was difficult.)
Usage of particles is also a common area for errors. When saying 'at the faculty meeting', you must use で (location of action). If you use に, it usually means 'towards' or 'to' the meeting (as in submitting a document).
- 3. Mistaking the Scope
- Learners often forget that a 教授会 is usually specific to a 学部 (Gakubu - Faculty/Department). In a large university, there isn't just one 'faculty meeting'; there is the 'Faculty Meeting of Economics', the 'Faculty Meeting of Law', etc.
✅ 適切：経済学部の教授会に出席する。
(Correct: Attending the faculty meeting of the Faculty of Economics.)
Finally, avoid using 教授会 to describe a casual chat between professors over coffee. That would be 雑談 (Zatsudan) or 打ち合わせ (Uchiawase). 教授会 is always a formal, scheduled, and recorded administrative event.
To truly master 教授会, it is helpful to compare it with other Japanese words for meetings and academic bodies. This will help you choose the most precise term for the situation.
- Comparison: 教授会 vs. 理事会 (Rijikai)
- A 教授会 consists of professors and focuses on academic matters. A 理事会 (Board of Directors/Trustees) consists of university executives and focuses on the financial and legal management of the university. The 教授会 is 'academic', while the 理事会 is 'corporate'.
- Comparison: 教授会 vs. 職員会議 (Shokuin Kaigi)
- 職員会議 (Staff Meeting) is a more general term. While a 教授会 is specifically for professors, a 職員会議 might include administrative staff, technicians, and other employees. In K-12 schools, 職員会議 is the standard term, whereas 教授会 is unique to universities.
大学には教授会がありますが、小学校には職員会議があります。
(Universities have faculty meetings, but elementary schools have staff meetings.)
Other related terms include:
- 評議会 (Hyōgikai - Council): A higher-level body that often includes representatives from various 教授会 to advise the university president.
- 学会 (Gakkai - Academic Society): This is NOT a meeting within a university, but a national or international organization for a specific field (e.g., The Japanese Historical Society). Beginners often confuse these because they both end in '会'.
- ゼミ (Zemi - Seminar): A small group meeting between a professor and their students. This is educational, whereas 教授会 is administrative.
次回の教授会の代わりに、臨時の学部会が開かれた。
(Instead of the next faculty meeting, an extraordinary departmental meeting was held.)
In many modern Japanese universities, the term 学部会 (Gakubukai) is sometimes used interchangeably with 教授会, though 教授会 specifically emphasizes the participation of full professors (and sometimes associate professors), whereas 学部会 might be slightly broader.
- Summary Table
Term Who Where 教授会 Professors University (Admin) 学会 Researchers National/International 理事会 Directors University (Corporate) 講義 Prof & Students Classroom
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
In the early Meiji era, the term for professor was sometimes 'Kyōkan', but 'Kyōju' eventually became the standard title based on Western university models. The 'Kai' was added as universities adopted committee-based governance.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing it as five syllables (Ki-yo-u-ju-ka-i). It should be four morae: Kyō-ju-ka-i.
- Confusing the 'ju' sound with 'zu'.
- Stressing the 'kai' too much like a separate word.
Difficulty Rating
The kanji are standard, but 'Ju' (授) can be tricky for beginners. Context is usually clear.
Writing '授' and '教授' requires attention to stroke order and radicals.
Pronunciation is straightforward once you master the 'Kyō' sound.
Can be confused with 'Gakkai' or 'Kyōju' if not listening carefully to the ending.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Honorifics (Keigo) with Professors
教授が教授会に出席される。
Passive for Formal Events
教授会が開催される。
Particle 'ni' for Submission
案を教授会に諮る。
Particle 'de' for Context
教授会で話し合う。
Compound Nouns (Noun + Noun)
教授会資料 (No 'no' needed).
Examples by Level
今日は教授会があります。
Today there is a faculty meeting.
Basic 'Noun ga arimasu' structure.
教授会はどこですか？
Where is the faculty meeting?
Asking for location.
教授会は三時からです。
The faculty meeting starts from 3 o'clock.
Using 'kara' for starting time.
先生は教授会に行きます。
The teacher is going to the faculty meeting.
Directional particle 'ni'.
教授会は長いです。
The faculty meeting is long.
Simple adjective sentence.
教授会は月曜日です。
The faculty meeting is on Monday.
Identifying a day.
これは教授会の資料です。
These are the documents for the faculty meeting.
Possessive particle 'no'.
教授会は終わりました。
The faculty meeting has finished.
Past tense verb.
教授会に出席します。
I will attend the faculty meeting.
Standard verb for attendance.
教授会で新しいルールが決まりました。
A new rule was decided at the faculty meeting.
Particle 'de' for location of action.
明日の教授会は中止になりました。
Tomorrow's faculty meeting has been cancelled.
Compound noun 'ashita no kyōjukai'.
教授会のために、準備をします。
I will prepare for the faculty meeting.
'tame ni' indicating purpose.
彼は教授会に遅れました。
He was late for the faculty meeting.
The verb 'okureru' (to be late).
教授会は会議室で行われます。
The faculty meeting will be held in the conference room.
Passive form 'okonawareru' (to be held).
教授会のメンバーは誰ですか？
Who are the members of the faculty meeting?
Question word 'dare'.
教授会は一ヶ月に一回あります。
The faculty meeting is held once a month.
Frequency expression 'nikkai'.
教授会の承認を得る必要があります。
It is necessary to obtain the approval of the faculty meeting.
Using 'hitsuyō ga aru' for necessity.
その案件は次回の教授会で審議されます。
That matter will be deliberated at the next faculty meeting.
The formal verb 'shingi' (deliberation).
教授会は大学の運営において重要な役割を果たしています。
The faculty meeting plays an important role in university management.
'ni oite' (in/at) and 'yakuwari o hatasu' (play a role).
教授会の議事録を確認してください。
Please check the minutes of the faculty meeting.
Specific term 'gijiroku' (minutes).
彼は教授会で自分の研究について発表した。
He presented his research at the faculty meeting.
Particle 'de' indicating the context of the presentation.
教授会は、学生の退学処分を決定した。
The faculty meeting decided on the student's expulsion.
Direct object 'shobun' (disciplinary action).
教授会が開催されている間、廊下は静かだった。
While the faculty meeting was being held, the hallway was quiet.
'aida' (while) with a continuous state.
新しい学部の設立が教授会で認められた。
The establishment of a new department was recognized by the faculty meeting.
Passive verb 'mitomerareta' (was recognized/approved).
教授会は、学長の独断的な運営に反対している。
The faculty meeting is opposing the president's arbitrary management.
Expressing institutional opposition.
教授会の権限が法律の改正によって縮小された。
The authority of the faculty meeting was reduced by a legal amendment.
Cause and effect with 'ni yotte'.
本学の教授会は、学問の自由を守るために結束している。
Our university's faculty meeting is united to protect academic freedom.
'tame ni' (for the purpose of) with 'kessoku' (unity).
教授会での議論は、しばしば深夜まで及ぶことがある。
Discussions at the faculty meeting sometimes extend until late at night.
'oyobu' (to extend/reach).
教授会の構成員は、主に専任教授で占められている。
The members of the faculty meeting are primarily composed of full-time professors.
Using 'shimerarete iru' (is occupied/composed of).
教授会は、教育カリキュラムの質を維持する責任がある。
The faculty meeting has the responsibility to maintain the quality of the educational curriculum.
Noun modification with 'sekinin' (responsibility).
不祥事を受けて、教授会は緊急の声明を発表した。
Following the scandal, the faculty meeting issued an emergency statement.
'ukete' (in response to/following).
教授会の同意なしに、このような変更を行うことはできない。
Such changes cannot be made without the consent of the faculty meeting.
'nashi ni' (without).
教授会の自治は、日本の大学制度における伝統的な根幹である。
The autonomy of the faculty meeting is a traditional cornerstone of the Japanese university system.
Using 'konkan' (cornerstone/root) for abstract concepts.
学長は教授会に対して、改革案への協力を求めた。
The president requested cooperation from the faculty meeting for the reform plan.
'ni taishite' (towards/to) expressing formal address.
教授会の形骸化を懸念する声が、若手研究者の間から上がっている。
Voices expressing concern about the faculty meeting becoming a mere formality are rising among young researchers.
'keigaika' (becoming a shell/mere formality).
教授会は、外部評価委員会の報告書を真摯に受け止めるべきだ。
The faculty meeting should take the report of the external evaluation committee seriously.
'shinshi ni uketomeru' (take seriously/sincerely).
教授会が、特定個人の恣意的な判断に左右されてはならない。
The faculty meeting must not be influenced by the arbitrary judgment of specific individuals.
Passive form with 'sayū sareru' (to be influenced).
教授会は、教員の採用基準をより透明化することを決定した。
The faculty meeting decided to make the criteria for hiring faculty members more transparent.
'tōmeika' (making transparent).
教授会の議事録は、歴史的な資料としての価値も有している。
The minutes of the faculty meeting also possess value as historical documents.
'yūshite iru' (possess/have).
教授会における沈黙は、必ずしも同意を意味するわけではない。
Silence at a faculty meeting does not necessarily mean consent.
'wake de wa nai' (does not mean that...).
教授会の審議が紛糾し、最終的な議決は次回の定例会に持ち越された。
The deliberations of the faculty meeting became entangled, and the final vote was carried over to the next regular meeting.
'funkyū' (complication/entanglement) and 'mochikosu' (carry over).
大学設置基準の変更に伴い、教授会の役割も再定義を迫られている。
With the changes in the Standards for Establishment of Universities, the role of the faculty meeting is being forced into redefinition.
'ni tomonai' (along with) and 'semararete iru' (being forced/pressed).
教授会が学問的良心の最後の砦として機能することが期待されている。
The faculty meeting is expected to function as the last bastion of academic conscience.
Metaphorical use of 'toride' (bastion/fortress).
教授会内での派閥争いは、大学全体のガバナンスに悪影響を及ぼしかねない。
Factional infighting within the faculty meeting could potentially have an adverse effect on the governance of the entire university.
'kanenai' (could potentially/might - negative outcome).
教授会による教員の人事権行使には、厳格な公正さが求められる。
Strict fairness is required in the exercise of personnel rights for faculty members by the faculty meeting.
'kōshi' (exercise of power).
教授会の議決が、時に司法判断の対象となることもある。
The resolutions of the faculty meeting can sometimes become the subject of judicial review.
Abstract noun 'shihō handan' (judicial judgment).
教授会の形骸化を象徴するように、出席率は年々低下している。
As if symbolizing the hollowing out of the faculty meeting, the attendance rate is declining year by year.
'shōchō suru yō ni' (as if to symbolize).
教授会は、学問的卓越性を追求するための知的共同体であるべきだ。
The faculty meeting should be an intellectual community for pursuing academic excellence.
'beki da' (should/ought to) expressing an ideal.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— To bring a matter to the faculty meeting for discussion.
この問題は一度教授会にかけるべきだ。
— To pass or be approved by the faculty meeting.
予算案が無事に教授会を通った。
— To be decided at the faculty meeting.
それは教授会で決まることだ。
— Members of the faculty meeting.
彼は教授会のメンバーではない。
— The intention or will of the faculty meeting.
学長は教授会の意向を無視できない。
— The consent of the faculty meeting.
教授会の同意を得てから進める。
— A report from the faculty meeting.
教授会の報告を聞く。
— The atmosphere of the faculty meeting.
今日の教授会は重苦しい雰囲気だった。
— Opposition from the faculty meeting.
教授会の強い反対に遭った。
— The convening of a faculty meeting.
学部長が教授会の招集を告げた。
Often Confused With
An academic society or conference involving researchers from many universities, whereas 教授会 is internal to one.
A lecture for students, whereas 教授会 is a meeting for professors.
The Board of Directors, which handles business/finance, whereas 教授会 handles academic/personnel matters.
Idioms & Expressions
— Refers to the difficulty of getting something through the conservative faculty body.
改革は教授会の壁に阻まれた。
Metaphorical— Someone who has been a dominant figure in faculty meetings for a long time.
彼は文学部教授会の主だ。
Informal/Ironical— The consensus or collective will of the faculty.
それが教授会の総意である。
Formal— A powerful or influential senior member of the faculty meeting.
教授会の重鎮たちが話し合っている。
Formal— To sense the mood or unspoken consensus in the meeting.
若手教授は教授会の空気を読むのに必死だ。
Colloquial— The official 'seal of approval' or endorsement from the faculty meeting.
このプロジェクトには教授会のお墨付きがある。
Neutral— A well-known or prominent figure in the faculty meeting.
彼は教授会の顔役として知られている。
Neutral— The traditional customs or unwritten rules of the faculty meeting.
教授会のしきたりに従う。
Neutral— The authority of the faculty meeting.
教授会の権威を失墜させる行為。
Formal— A chaotic or complicated situation in the meeting.
教授会の紛糾は避けられない。
FormalEasily Confused
Both mean 'teachers meeting'.
Kyōin Kaigi is general (schools, etc.); Kyōjukai is specific to universities and full professors.
小学校では教員会議が開かれます。
Both refer to departmental meetings.
Gakubukai is slightly more casual or inclusive of all staff; Kyōjukai emphasizes the professoriate.
学部会でイベントの準備をする。
Both are university councils.
Hyōgikai is usually higher-level (university-wide) than a departmental Kyōjukai.
評議会で全学的な方針が決まる。
Both involve professors meeting.
Kenkyūkai is for presenting research; Kyōjukai is for administration.
午後はAIについての研究会がある。
Both are types of meetings.
Kondankai is an informal social gathering or chat; Kyōjukai is strictly formal.
保護者との懇談会に出席する。
Sentence Patterns
[Time] に教授会があります。
明日に教授会があります。
[Place] で教授会が開かれます。
会議室で教授会が開かれます。
[Item] は教授会で承認されました。
予算は教授会で承認されました。
[Topic] について教授会に諮る。
人事について教授会に諮る。
教授会の議決に基づき、[Action]。
教授会の議決に基づき、新方針を決定した。
教授会の自治を[Verb]。
教授会の自治を尊重する。
教授会内での[Abstract Noun]が[Verb]。
教授会内での権力闘争が激化している。
教授会の形骸化が[Verb]。
教授会の形骸化が指摘されている。
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Related
How to Use It
High within universities; Low in general society.
-
Using 'Kyōjukai' for a meeting with a student.
→
面談 (Mendan) or オフィスアワー (Office Hour).
Kyōjukai is only for professors meeting other professors.
-
Saying 'Kyōjukai ni kiku' (Ask the faculty meeting).
→
教授会に諮る (Kyōjukai ni hakaru).
In formal contexts, 'hakaru' is the correct verb for consulting a body.
-
Using 'Kyōjukai' at a company.
→
会議 (Kaigi) or 役員会 (Yakuinkai).
Kyōjukai is strictly for universities (professors).
-
Confusing 'Kyōjukai' with 'Kyōju' (the person).
→
教授に会う (Meet the professor) vs 教授会に行く (Go to the meeting).
The 'Kai' changes the meaning from a person to an event/body.
-
Using 'de' when 'ni' is needed for submission.
→
案を教授会に出す (Submit to) vs 教授会で決める (Decide at).
Particles change based on whether the meeting is a location or a recipient.
Tips
Kanji Tip
Notice that 'Kyōju' (教授) is also the verb 'to teach' in a very formal sense. The 'Kai' makes it the group that does that.
Seniority Matters
In a 教授会, seating is often arranged by seniority. The most senior professors sit at the front or center.
Passive Usage
Use the passive '〜される' when talking about decisions made by the meeting to sound more formal and objective.
Campus Signage
If you see a sign '教授会中' (Kyōjukai-chū), it means 'Faculty meeting in progress'. Do not enter!
Administrative Burden
Many Japanese professors complain that they have too many 教授会 and not enough time for research.
Root Recognition
The kanji '授' (grant) is also in 'Jugyō' (授業 - class). Both relate to the 'conferring' of knowledge.
Don't confuse with Gakkai
Remember: Gakkai = Conference/Society; Kyōjukai = Internal Admin Meeting.
Nemawashi
Often, the real decisions are made *before* the 教授会 through informal networking (Nemawashi).
Pitch Accent
Focus on the flat pitch of 'kai' at the end to distinguish it from other words ending in different pitches.
Stroke Order
The kanji '教' has 11 strokes. Practice the 'X' looking part on the right carefully.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of a 'Professor' (Kyōju) going to a 'Club/Meeting' (Kai). A 'Professor Club' where they make the rules.
Visual Association
Imagine a group of elderly Japanese men in suits sitting around a massive wooden table in a room filled with books, arguing about a piece of paper.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to say 'Kyōjukai de gijiroku o toru' (Take minutes at the faculty meeting) five times fast without tripping over the 'j' and 'k' sounds.
Word Origin
Composed of Sino-Japanese roots (Kango). 'Kyōju' (教授) appeared in ancient texts to mean 'to teach', but its specific use as a university rank was established in the Meiji era during the modernization of the education system.
Original meaning: A gathering for those who teach and confer knowledge.
Sino-Japanese (Kango).Cultural Context
Be aware that the 教授会 is a very formal and sometimes politically sensitive environment. Avoid making jokes about it if you are in a professional academic setting in Japan.
In English-speaking countries, this is equivalent to a 'Faculty Meeting' or 'Academic Senate'. However, the Japanese version often has more legal weight regarding specific administrative outcomes.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
University Administration
- 教授会の議事録
- 教授会での審議
- 教授会の承認
- 教授会に報告する
Academic Career
- 教授会を欠席する
- 教授会で発言する
- 教授会のメンバーになる
- 教授会で認められる
Student Life (Indirect)
- 教授会で卒業が決まる
- 教授会の決定を待つ
- 教授会による処分
- 教授会で認められた単位
Legal/Policy
- 学校教育法第93条
- 教授会の権限
- 教授会の自治
- 教授会制度の改革
Fiction/Drama
- 教授会の重鎮
- 教授会の派閥
- 教授会での対立
- 教授会を動かす
Conversation Starters
"「次回の教授会の議題は何ですか？」 (What is the agenda for the next faculty meeting?)"
"「今日の教授会はかなり時間がかかりましたね。」 (Today's faculty meeting took quite a long time, didn't it?)"
"「教授会での決定について、詳しく教えていただけますか？」 (Could you tell me more about the decision made at the faculty meeting?)"
"「教授会の承認を得るには、どのような手続きが必要ですか？」 (What kind of procedures are needed to get approval from the faculty meeting?)"
"「教授会と理事会の意見が食い違っているようです。」 (It seems the opinions of the faculty meeting and the board are at odds.)"
Journal Prompts
大学の教授会は、どのような役割を果たすべきだと思いますか？ (What role do you think a university faculty meeting should play?)
もしあなたが教授だったら、教授会でどのような提案をしたいですか？ (If you were a professor, what kind of proposal would you want to make at a faculty meeting?)
「大学の自治」と教授会の関係について、あなたの考えを書いてください。 (Write your thoughts on the relationship between 'university autonomy' and the faculty meeting.)
日本の大学の教授会制度は、国際化の妨げになっていると思いますか？ (Do you think the Japanese university faculty meeting system is a hindrance to internationalization?)
あなたが所属する（または所属していた）組織の会議と、教授会の違いは何ですか？ (What are the differences between a meeting in an organization you belong to and a faculty meeting?)
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsGenerally, no. In Japan, 教授会 is a closed meeting for professors. In very rare cases of student-led governance or during disciplinary hearings, a student might be called, but they are not members.
Not exactly. 'Faculty' in English can mean the group of people or the department. 教授会 specifically refers to the *meeting* or the *deliberative body* of those people.
Usually, the Dean of the Faculty (学部長 - Gakubuchō) chairs the meeting. In some universities, a separate chairperson (議長) might be elected.
Since it is a formal administrative duty, missing it often requires a formal excuse (欠席届). Chronic absence can be seen as a neglect of professional duty.
Yes and no. Legally, they have power over academic matters. However, university presidents have gained more power recently to override them on financial and strategic matters.
Most Japanese universities hold them once a month, often on a set day like 'the first Wednesday of the month'.
No. In high schools, they use '職員会議' (Shokuin Kaigi) or '職員会' (Shokuinkai).
They are virtually the same. 教授会 is the more common, everyday term used on campuses.
This depends on the university's internal rules. In many universities, associate professors (准教授) are members, but in others, only full professors have voting rights.
No, it is strictly private. Minutes may be summarized for the public, but the deliberations are confidential.
Test Yourself 200 questions
Write a sentence using 教授会 and 出席する.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'The faculty meeting was long.'
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Translate: 'It was decided at the faculty meeting.'
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Use 教授会 to explain why a professor is busy.
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Write: 'Please read the minutes of the faculty meeting.'
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Translate: 'Obtain the approval of the faculty meeting.'
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Write: 'The faculty meeting is held once a month.'
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Translate: 'Consult the matter to the faculty meeting.'
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Write a sentence about a cancelled faculty meeting.
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Translate: 'The faculty meeting room is on the 2nd floor.'
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Use 教授会 in a sentence about a student's graduation.
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Translate: 'The authority of the faculty meeting is important.'
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Write: 'Professor Tanaka was absent from the meeting.'
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Translate: 'The faculty meeting is in chaos over the budget.'
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Write: 'I am preparing documents for the faculty meeting.'
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Translate: 'A regular faculty meeting will be held.'
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Write: 'The faculty meeting is a symbol of autonomy.'
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Translate: 'The Dean chairs the faculty meeting.'
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Write: 'The faculty meeting issued a statement.'
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Translate: 'There is a faculty meeting today.'
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Pronounce: 教授会 (Kyōjukai)
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Say: 'I attend the faculty meeting.'
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Say: 'Where is the faculty meeting room?'
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Say: 'The meeting is today.'
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Say: 'The faculty meeting has finished.'
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Ask: 'What time does the faculty meeting start?'
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Say: 'Please prepare the documents.'
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Say: 'The faculty meeting was complicated.'
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Say: 'I missed the faculty meeting.'
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Say: 'The faculty meeting decided the rules.'
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Explain 教授会 in simple Japanese.
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Say: 'The Dean is the chair.'
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Say: 'We need the meeting's approval.'
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Say: 'The meeting is held monthly.'
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Say: 'The meeting is very formal.'
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Say: 'I am reading the minutes.'
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Say: 'The meeting is in the conference room.'
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Say: 'The meeting is important for autonomy.'
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Say: 'I have to go to the meeting.'
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Say: 'The meeting will start soon.'
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Listen and identify: 教授会 (Kyōjukai)
Listen: 'Ashita wa kyōjukai desu.' What is tomorrow?
Listen: 'Kyōjukai de shōnin sareta.' What happened?
Listen: 'Kyōjukai o kesseki shimasu.' Is the person going?
Listen: 'Gijiroku o misete kudasai.' What do they want to see?
Listen: 'Kyōjukai-shitsu wa doko?' What are they looking for?
Listen: 'Teirei kyōjukai.' Is this a special meeting?
Listen: 'Gakubuchō ga gichō desu.' Who is the chair?
Listen: 'Kyōjukai ga funkyū shita.' Was the meeting smooth?
Listen: 'Kyōjukai no shiryō.' What is this?
Listen: 'Kyōjukai ni hakaru.' What is the action?
Listen: 'Kyōjukai wa san-ji kara.' When does it start?
Listen: 'Kyōjukai no jichi.' What is the topic?
Listen: 'Rinji kyōjukai.' What kind of meeting?
Listen: 'Kyōjukai no kettei.' What is it?
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The 教授会 (Kyōjukai) is the formal heart of academic authority in a Japanese university. It is a noun used to describe the mandatory meetings where professors decide the future of their department, from student discipline to institutional policy. Example: '教授会で承認されました' (It was approved by the faculty meeting).
- A formal meeting of university professors (Faculty Meeting).
- Central to university governance and academic decision-making in Japan.
- Discusses curricula, student graduation, and faculty hiring.
- Legally defined body under the Japanese School Education Act.
Kanji Tip
Notice that 'Kyōju' (教授) is also the verb 'to teach' in a very formal sense. The 'Kai' makes it the group that does that.
Seniority Matters
In a 教授会, seating is often arranged by seniority. The most senior professors sit at the front or center.
Passive Usage
Use the passive '〜される' when talking about decisions made by the meeting to sound more formal and objective.
Campus Signage
If you see a sign '教授会中' (Kyōjukai-chū), it means 'Faculty meeting in progress'. Do not enter!
Related Content
More academic words
絶対的
B2Absolute; not qualified or diminished in any way; total.
絶対的に
B1In a complete, unconditional, or conclusive manner; absolutely.
抽象的だ
B1Abstract; existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence.
抽象
B2Existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence. It refers to generalizing or extracting the essence of something away from specific details.
抽象的に
B1In an abstract or theoretical manner.
学術的な
B1Academic, scholarly; relating to education and scholarship.
学術的だ
B1Academic; relating to education and scholarship.
学術的
B2Academic; relating to education and scholarship.
学術
B1Academia; scholarship; relating to scholarly pursuits.
学力
B1Academic ability; a person's level of knowledge and skill in academic subjects.
