In 1946, Sapporo Bunka Senmon Gakuin, the predecessor of Sapporo Gakuin University, was established. People's values were changing drastically in the period just after the end of World War II because of the collapse of the ruling order. Against this background of hardships and food shortages, a number of motivated young people returning from battle or trying to carve out a new life for themselves stood up to request the establishment of a university of liberal arts in Hokkaido. These enthusiastic young people and the school staff who supported them established what was to become Sapporo Gakuin University.

Freedom of learning, profound, creative study, and respect for individuality represented the fundamental spirit underlying the university's establishment. This spirit and the aspirations that they stand for have been handed down from generation to generation throughout the history of the university's development, first as Sapporo College of Liberal Arts, then as Sapporo College of Commerce and finally as Sapporo Gakuin University. They form an integral part of the philosophies of the university today. These principles of autonomy, human rights, co-existence and co-operation respectively signify a university that promotes student autonomy, respects human rights, exists in harmony with the community and is created by all its members. The spirit of students and staff co-creating the university has been handed down since the university's establishment. As a result, it has an atmosphere of respectful collaboration among students, professors and staff.

Sapporo Gakuin University has more than 60 years of history. It has developed into to a university of liberal arts with five faculties, eight departments and three graduate schools. These include the Faculties of Commerce, Economics, Humanities (Departments of Human Sciences, English Language and Literature, Clinical Psychology and Child Development), Law and Social Information, and Graduate Schools of Law, Clinical Psychology and Regional Management.

Students take four-year courses at undergraduate level or two-year courses at graduate level. This represents a community of knowledge. During this time, students meet many people, and these encounters become precious resources that give an important meaning to their lives. Professors committed to education and research together with professional education administrative staff look forward, regardless of age, to learning with motivated young people and to creating a university together. The university implements a variety of measures to support and encourage learning and to increase the capabilities of young people with a thirst for knowledge, as well as teaching those who have difficulties with motivation or those who do not fully appreciate the joy of learning.

Opportunities for field work, internship, experiments, case studies, study tours and on-site training are offered to enable students to get outside the classroom and learn from nature and society. In addition, overseas study programs at universities around the world (the United States, Canada, England, Australia, Korea and China), exchange programs with five universities in Japan, and a credit transfer system with 12 universities and junior colleges in the Sapporo area have been developed. Subjects for acquiring certification as teachers, curators, social workers or clinical psychologists are also offered, and these certification courses are well developed in cooperation with the Extension Center.

There are also a number of active athletic and cultural clubs ― those who meet through seminars and club activities sometimes become lifelong friends. Strolling in the nearby Nopporo Forest Park also offers opportunities to feel the seasonal changes of Hokkaido.

The students of the university are its main characters. We hope that these young people, who represent the vanguard of the next generation, will develop into enthusiastic and strong individuals who will go out into the world with confidence.