On June 23, the College of Buddhist Studies at Fo Guang University held its End-of-Semester Assembly for the second semester of the 2025–2026 academic year. Faculty members and students gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of the semester through words of encouragement from faculty, recognition of outstanding students and volunteers, scholarship presentations, and a briefing on the upcoming summer monastic practice program, bringing the semester to a successful close.

Dean Yung-Jong Shiah opened the assembly by sharing the College's achievements since assuming office. He noted that the College had successfully secured research projects totaling more than NT$8 million in funding. With the support of President Chao, the University will also establish the Center for Buddhist Studies and Science.

The assembly continued with encouraging remarks from Professor Cheng-Tsung Kan, Chair of the Department, and Prof. Ju-En Chien, who delivered her address in English to encourage the international students enrolled in the Master's Program in English.

A highlight of the event was the presentation of Certificates of Appreciation to students and monastics who had demonstrated exceptional dedication to serving the College. Recipients were recognized for mentoring fellow students, assisting with departmental recruitment activities, supporting departmental events, and contributing to administrative services. Their spirit of volunteerism, cooperation, and selfless service exemplifies the values of the College of Buddhist Studies and serves as an inspiration to the entire student body.

The College also recognized recipients of the Chang Family Filial Piety Scholarship, honoring students for their outstanding achievements in language learning . Scholarships were awarded for short-term study at Japanese language schools, excellence in Japanese language studies, short-term Tibetan and Mandarin language programs, English language training in the Philippines, and a Sanskrit study exchange program in Germany. These achievements demonstrate students' growing intercultural competence and global mobility while reflecting the College's commitment to cultivating Buddhist professionals with an international outlook.

To prepare students for the upcoming summer  practice retreat at Fo Guang Shan, the College also provided detailed guidelines on returning to the monastery. Students were reminded of the required attire, essential personal items to bring, and daily living arrangements during the retreat. They were advised to prepare their Buddhist robes (Haiqing, Manyi, or Qi Yi, as appropriate), reusable water bottles, National Health Insurance cards, and any necessary medications, while avoiding bringing valuables. Students were also encouraged to contact their families upon arriving safely at the monastery, where mobile phones will be kept in safekeeping throughout the retreat to allow participants to devote themselves fully to spiritual cultivation and communal life.

The College emphasized that the summer  practice retreat is an integral part of Buddhist education. Through immersive monastery life, students are encouraged to cultivate discipline, deepen their faith through practice, and integrate learning with spiritual cultivation. The experience aims to help students develop wisdom, compassion, and resilience as they prepare to begin the new academic year with renewed purpose and commitment.