UIC welcomed over 1400 new students from mainland China, Hong Kong and South Korea to its liberal arts environment.
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| The new students listen intently at the inauguration ceremonies |
They arrived at the residence halls of the New Cultural Village on rainy 29 August. An over-a-week-long orientation programme then got them acquainted with the UIC campus, facilities, academic support services and more.
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| The freshmen arrive at the residence halls of the New Cultural Village |
The orientation was packed with programmes on themes such as University Life Education, Mentor Caring and English Enhancement.
Students also had an opportunity to meet and interact with the Deans, Associate Deans and Programme Directors of the three divisions.
The orientation involved the freshmen’s parents as well. On 30 August, over 700 parents participated in the Parents Forum to get to know the college. This event was part of the practice of Four-Point Education, which links the college, the students, the parents and society.
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| The new students' parents interact with vice president, associate vice president and the staff members in command of the units that concern the parents |
Opting for a unique education
One of the freshmen, Sun Baiyi, comes from Heilongjiang and is a recipient of the full entrance scholarship. She explains why she opted for the Applied Psychology Programme: “I’m very interested in psychology. I hope I can lay a sturdy foundation of know-how at UIC, which will benefit my pursuit of an overseas post-graduate study.”
She visited UIC last May with her parents. Understanding the teaching quality here is of an international standard, she was convinced to join the UIC community.
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| The freshmen complete the registration procedure smoothly |
This year, UIC has further reformed the admission policy for students in Guangdong. They have been given the new option to apply for UIC in the early enrolling phase if they obtained first class scores in the National College Entrance Examination.
Wu Yuchao is amongst the first batch of successful early-phase applicants. Learning that UIC offers a unique liberal arts education, he opted for the Finance Programme of the Division of Business and Management. The mix of different cultures caught his attention, and the abundant array of extra-curricular activities will provide opportunities to broaden his experience.
Also, UIC admitted students from Hong Kong via the National Education Exams Authority Joint Entrance Exam for Universities in China for the first time. Three students are interested in getting a Bachelor’s Degree and a graduation certificate at our college.
Inauguration ceremonies
At the inauguration ceremonies on 1 September, Accounting freshman Liu Lili from Gansu delivered a speech as the student representative.
“For years I’ve looked forward to accepting a college education which is free, open, and diverse,” she said, adding that UIC is giving her the perfect chance to develop a unique view about the world and the life she intends to lead.
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| Liu Lili delivers a speech as the student representative |
Welcoming the students, UIC President Prof Ng Ching-Fai said: “University can provide choices for you, but you need to choose your own university life.
“You are the one who finds meaning for and shapes your life. In short, you are the author of your life.”
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| President Prof Ng Ching-Fai presents the full entrance scholarships to four freshmen |
Vice President Prof Zee Sze-Yong encouraged the freshmen to fulfil their dreams. He highlighted that UIC’s education will provide enough skills, knowledge, vision and added dimensions to enable them to think outside the box.
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| Prof Zee Sze-Yong leads the students to think of how to fulfil their dreams at UIC |
Then Vice President Prof Zhang Cong told the students to learn to take responsibility, show respect to others and serve society.
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| Prof Zhang Cong encourages the freshmen to think independently |
After the inauguration, Associate Vice President Prof Lilian Kwan introduced the students to e-learning in the classroom, arousing their high expectations for the four-year university life.
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| In her talk about teaching and learning, Prof Lilian Kwan sparks the students' interest in e-learning in the classroom |
Reporter: Deen He
Photographer: Zhao Xuechun (IJ, Year 2), Simon Liu, Vivi Xie, Cheryl Chen, Jack Xiao, Deen He
(from MPRO, with special thanks to the ELC)
