On 24 August, UIC started its new semester by seeing a record enrolment in with a total of approximately 1350 freshmen.
These new faces come from 26 provinces in Mainland China, Hong Kong and South Korea, and more than 500 students therein were recruited via an innovative Comprehensive Evaluation System from Guangdong Province.
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| The rain does not impede students’ pursuit of study at university |
Despite intermittent summer rain, the new students were escorted by family members and friends to flock to the Innovative Education Hall, UIC’s off-campus accommodation. Students then independently went for registration.
Shen Yixin, a newcomer from Shantou, said she appreciated the opportunity to study at UIC, where she would be able to improve her English proficiency and learn specialised knowledge, and besides, UIC’s international education model would be also a good way to widen her horizons.
Shen’s father revealed that he felt relieved at her prospects as UIC stressed on both students’ expertise and overall qualities. Learning the subject matter in English was like studying two majors, which would advantage her in future career and overseas study, he added.
Another freshman Yu Yang said what attracted her about UIC was that it not only extended an international education but also kept a traditional pattern which best fitted students in the Mainland. She also noticed that some student clubs had been devoted to public services. “I highly appreciate that UIC has always been fostering students to integrate into and contribute to society,” she said.
As a student from Guangdong Province, Yu Yang admired that the UIC’s Comprehensive Evaluation System had done its job well of admitting students, as solely depending on results of the National College Entrance Examinations was somewhat random.
And Liang Jiangchen, a graduate from Zhuhai No.1 High School, said at UIC she expected to be exposed to Western culture and etiquette, and attend various summer and winter programmes and internships.
In the Orientation Week, the freshmen joined the Student Services Open Day and met their MCP (Mentor Caring Programme) Team members. On the other hand, their parents ardently participated in the Parents Forum and the High Table Dinner to acquaint themselves with the College.
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| Peer mentors (senior students) and mentees (new students) build MCP Teams |
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| Parents join the Parents Forum and the High Table Dinner |
(From left) Dr. Guo Haipeng, Director of Whole Person Education Office; Prof. Johnston Wong, Director of Student Affairs Office; Prof. Stella Cho, Dean of the Division of Business and Management; Prof. Stephen Chung, Dean of the Division of Science and Technology; Prof. Mei-Hwa Sung, Dean of the Division of Humanities & Social Sciences, meet the parents
Prof. Ng Ching-Fai, President of UIC, welcomed the freshmen to join the family of UIC at the Inauguration Ceremonies. He encouraged them to choose their own university life and required the “highest standards of academic performances”. [Click here to read Prof. Ng Ching-Fai’s full speech]
Vice President (Academic) Prof. Zee Sze-Yong told of what UIC offers to students as a liberal arts college. “Work hard, play hard and be a good student,” he said. [Click here to read Prof. Zee Sze-Yong’s full speech]
This year UIC prepared substantial scholarships of 2.46 million RMB in total, for the new students. Prof. Zhang Cong, Vice President, congratulated the eight of them, who were qualified for the Full Entrance Scholarship. He also hoped all students would “learn to take responsibility and show respect to others, and to serve and contribute to your neighbour, community, society and the nation”.
Students at the Inauguration Ceremonies
Reporter: Deen He
Photographers: Yu Yanmin, Irene Yu, Vivi Xie and Deen He
(from MPRO, with special thanks to the ELC)
