If you stop students at UIC on the road and ask them what impresses them most when studying at the college, they will likely mention one key phrase: the friendly atmosphere between students and teachers.
It is well acknowledged that students and teachers at UIC maintain good relations. Such ties are safe-belted by two elements, a sound communication system and caring teachers offering professional guidance to students.
For example, the Mentor Caring Programme (MCP) is specially designed for UIC first-year students to adapt and integrate smoothly into university life, where mentors will be assigned to offer help. Usually, the role will be taken by one of their class teachers or peer mentors, and they are closely connected to students to provide support.
Dr May Wang is appointed as an MCP mentor
Additionally, a programme named Academic Advisor Programme (AAP) is launched for UIC students from year 2 to 4, in which students seek general academic guidance and pastoral care.
The "office hour" service is also introduced for students to meet teachers off class. Students can invite teachers to a face-to-face meeting during the hours, and every teacher is equipped with 10 hours to spare weekly.
Zhang Lian from Media and Communication Studies Programme is Dr Markus Heidingsfelder’s student. She said that Dr Heidingsfelder had always managed to give her detailed instructions when consulting him about essay writing during his office hours.
Dr Markus Heidingsfelder (third line, third from right) with students
Students at UIC can seek professional advice for their future planning as well. The Career Development Centre (CDC) offers "One-to-One consultation" to all current UIC students, a free counselling service on career and further study.
Dr Wang Xi (right) acts as a counsellor at CDC One-to-One consultation programme
Besides, a warden is appointed to every dormitory. The wardens are good listeners and instructors with whom students always like to share their personal lives and become good friends.
Dr Timothy Wu (third from right) acts as a warden
A sound system, as well as warm-hearted teachers, make things perfect. For students in UIC, their teachers are their academic tutors and good companions in daily life.
Teachers at UIC are rigorous about students' studies while tending to them with great concern. For example, Mr Derek WAN offered his students an extra lesson and a group assignment weekly to practice their directing skills after lockdown.
Students in Mr Derek Wan’s directing class
Meanwhile, teachers are so affable that they often organise or participate in various activities with students after school, sharing knowledge and kindness. For example, Peng Yangyue from Accounting Programme said that Dr Chia-Ying Yeh had looked after students who had to stay at school for the last Spring Festival. She not only provided them with places to practice Yayue (Chinese court music) but cooked for them.
Dr Chia-Ying Yeh (second from left) with students
Dr Helmut Warmenhoven of CFLC spends German culture time with students
UIC encourages interactions between students and teachers, whether in or off class. More stories between students and teachers are continuing at UIC, warming everyone's heart like the morning sun.
From MPRO
Reporter: Cecilia Yu
Editor: Deen He
