School of Foreign Languages Delegation Visits Universities in Shaanxi and Gansu for Academic Exchange and Graduate Recruitment

November 24, 2023

A delegation from the School of Foreign Languages visited universities in Shaanxi and Gansu on November 17-18, 2023. The visit aimed to exchange ideas on disciplinary development and talent cultivation, explore innovative models for interdisciplinary education, and attract high-quality applicants. The delegation was led by Li Tao, Party Secretary of the School, and included Associate Deans Zhong Wenming and Yan Hongfu; Chen Jie, Party Branch Secretary of the Department of English; and faculty members Wang Xiaodong, Guo Wei, and Tian Sha.

The delegation visited Northwestern Polytechnical University and Lanzhou University for in-depth discussions on disciplinary development and talent cultivation, with a particular focus on the School’s integrated undergraduate-to-graduate (BA-MA-PhD) pathway program designed for students from Double First-Class universities. The team also conducted recruitment presentations and explored interdisciplinary talent development models at Chang’an University and Xi'an International Studies University.

The visit covered a range of topics, including Party building initiatives, disciplinary construction, talent cultivation, faculty recruitment and retention, and curriculum development. Both sides exchanged views on grassroots Party building for faculty and students, doctoral program development, graduate education, interdisciplinary teaching reform, and alumni relations. Both parties expressed mutual interest in deepening inter-institutional collaboration and exploring mechanisms for interdisciplinary talent cultivation.

The graduate recruitment presentations highlighted the School’s educational philosophy, facilities, faculty strength, and achievements in talent development. These sessions not only provided students from peer universities with a comprehensive understanding of the School but also expanded their options for academic planning. They also strengthened ties between institutions, laying the groundwork for future collaboration. In recent years, the School has prioritized graduate recruitment, attracting a large number of high-quality applicants. In 2023, nearly 80% of recommended graduate admits came from Double First-Class universities.

The School aims to leverage this visit to further advance curriculum-based ideological and political education, interdisciplinary development, and talent cultivation mechanisms. It also seeks to promote inter-institutional collaboration and contribute to the development of New Liberal Arts with the strength of foreign language disciplines.