At UIC, student-teacher interactions extend beyond the classroom, offering students opportunities to consult teachers for academic support, personal development or career guidance.
Academic support through office hours and consultations
UIC has specially set up a consultation time known as"Office Hours" for students to receive academic advice and feedback on their progress from teachers, which is highly recognised by students.
Xie Zhuoying, a student from the Department of Languages and Cultures of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (FHSS), appreciated the detailed feedback she received during office hours, which helped her to know what she needed to improve.
Similarly, assistant instructors play a vital role in providing targeted academic support. Chen Shaopeng, a student from the Department of Statistics and Data Science of the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST), consulted his teaching assistant when he encountered coding problems and received more specific advice. "The instructor explains the issues clearly and even shares extra knowledge beyond the textbook," he said.
A teacher advices their students on an assignment
Students can also go to the "One-on-One Consultation" programme at the Student Career Development Centre (CDC).
Sun Yinluo from the Department of Finance and Economics in the Faculty of Business and Management (FBM) once felt depressed about her studies and uncertain about her future. Therefore, she decided to seek help from the programme. "The teachers have rich experience and can help us with career planning from a more comprehensive perspective," she said.
The "One-on-One Consultation" provided by the Student Career Development Centre
MCP: Personalised guidance for first-year
UIC also designs the Mentor Care Programme (MCP) to guide first-year students through their new chapters of academic and personal growth.
Xu Luo, a first-year student from the Department of Communication of FHSS, expressed her gratitude for the professional and comprehensive support she received from her mentors. "The mentors are highly professional, analysing problems from various aspects and showing me the way." She encourages fellow students to actively seek guidance from their mentors when facing academic or personal challenges.
Mentor Care Programme (MCP)
More than textbooks
Besides academic support, UIC promotes a rich exchange of ideas among students and faculty through diverse activities.
UIC President Prof Chen Zhi, known for his expertise in culture and history, often engages students in thought-provoking discussions outside the classroom. During a recent lecture, he shared insights into Lingnan culture, which captivated students with his insightful approach. "I enjoy listening to professors who engage in free-flowing sharing beyond the textbooks," said Ye Chenxi, a postgraduate student majoring in Communication - Artificial Intelligence & Digital Media Concentration.
UIC President Prof Chen Zhi shares ancient anecdotes with students during a lecture
Out of class: We play and learn together
Faculty members are also actively involved in student's extracurricular activities.
Prof Thomas Stein, Head of UIC's Department of Music, is the club advisor for the iMusic Association. He engages with the club's members in a number of ways.
Prof Thomas Stein performs on stage with students
"Every concert and every performance is an opportunity to work together and communicate with internal and external stakeholders through the universal language of music," he said.
Dr Karen Lee of the Faculty of Business and Management also agreed with Prof Stein. "Interest clubs are a great way to extend classroom learning into practice and help students build confidence and creativity."
Dr Karen Lee with students
Prof Stein also feels that teachers have to "meet the students where they are". Our job is to figure out where they are and then help them to move forward," he explained. "You have to CARE. When you truly care, and listen to the students, the role of the teacher becomes to structure the learning in a way that the students can follow."
Building a supportive culture
UIC's culture encourages teacher-student communication. For example, UIC students can have lunch with their President and contribute their thoughts on the university's development.
Students lunch with UIC President Prof Chen Zhi
Besides, according to the Chief Student Affairs Officer of UIC Prof Shawn Tang, with the management system of UIC's residence hall, the halls at UIC are more than places to sleep. They are communities for learning and growth. Faculty members work closely with students to create a supportive and collaborative environment.
UIC's residence hall culture
In conclusion, UIC fosters a dynamic and inclusive environment where teacher-student communication thrives through office hours, mentoring, extracurricular involvement, and a strong campus community. These interactions not only support academic success but also contribute to students' personal and professional development.
From MPRO
Reporter: Uki Zhou
Photos provided by the interviewees and Wang Yimeng
Editor: Cecilia Yu
