The delegation from Oberlin College, a world-renowned liberal arts college and conservatory of music in the U.S., sought partnership with UIC in a tour of the Chinese college on 25-26 March 2013.
The visitors included Prof. Sean Decatur, Dean of College of Arts and Science; Prof. David Kamitsuka; Dr. Eric S. Estes, Vice President and Dean of Students; Ms. Ellen Sayles, Associate Dean of Studies and Director of Programs for International Study; and Ms. Fang Liu, Senior Lecturer.
The Oberlin delegation and Mr. Li Haipeng (third from right), University Librarian of Hong Kong Baptist University, visiting the Student Hostel & Cultural Village with UIC’s Dr. Katalin Illes
(second from right), Director of the International Development Office, and Mr. Henry E (right), College Librarian
“One and a half year long ago, we were impressed with the beautiful Oberlin campus and were warmly welcome. Today we are very delighted that you come to UIC,” Prof. Ng Ching-Fai, President of UIC, said to the guests.
Prof. Ng Ching-Fai also hopes that the UIC teaching assistants from Oberlin are doing well
The delegation had a comprehensive campus tour, visiting the Learning Resource Centre, the Shadow Drama Pavilion, the Chinese Archery Field and other facilities to closely observe UIC’s Whole Person Education. They also had an in-class experience with students to garner exposure to the teaching and learning environment. Besides, the visitors were shown the proposed new UIC campus site and Hengqin New Area.
Campus tour
At the Council Chamber, Prof. Ng Ching-Fai and Prof. Zee Sze-Yong, Vice President of UIC, introduced the mission, vision, new curriculum and general education of UIC to the guests.
The two sides enhance mutual understanding
In the seminar whose theme was “Liberal Arts Teaching and Learning at Oberlin and UIC”, Prof. Sean Decatur gave an overview of the 180 year old college. “The curriculum students complete at Oberlin is similar to UIC’s, and coincidentally, we are also changing the curriculum in a similar way,” said Prof. Sean Decatur.
And Dr. Eric Estes spoke about the student affairs and management at Oberlin, pointing out that the college primarily focused on students’ experience on curriculum and co-curriculum. In addition, Prof. David Kamitsuka talked about the liberal arts teaching and learning, while Ms. Ellen Sayles about the curricular efforts in a global context at the American college that evokes history.
Prof. Sean Decatur (top left), Dr. Eric Estes (top right), Prof. David Kamitsuka (bottom left)
and Ms. Ellen Sayles (bottom right) introduce Oberlin College
Then UIC’s Prof. Johnston Wong, Chief of Student Affairs; Dr. Guo Haipeng, Director of the Whole Person Education Office; and Ms Kelly Li, Director of Four-Point Education Coordination Office gave talks about the functions and operations of the offices. Particularly, the four-point educational philosophy, which relates to students, their parents, UIC and society, aroused the audience’s ardent interest.
The Oberlin visitors and the UIC hosts
Founded in 1833, Oberlin College is distinguished among American colleges and universities and is well known for its exemplary academic and musical pedagogy. It was the first college to grant bachelor degrees to women and African Americans in a lead of the commitment to social justice.
Photographers: Kathy Fu and Chen Gong
Editor: Deen He
(from MPRO, with special thanks to the ELC)
