On the afternoon of December 21, 2023, the School of Computer Science and Technology organized the International Student Enrollment and Development Workshop. The workshop was honored by the presence of Liping ZHOU, Dean of the School of International Education, and Xiaofeng ZHAO, Vice Dean of the School of International Education. Also in attendance were Hui YI, Secretary of the Party Committee of the School of Computer Science and Technology, Ruixuan LI, Vice Dean of the School of Computer Science and Technology, as well as all international graduate mentors of the School of Computer Science and Technology. Vice Dean Ruixuan LI chaired the meeting.
Expressing her delight at participating in the workshop, Liping ZHOU, Dean of the School of International Education, emphasized the growing significance of international student education. She highlighted that the development of international students is not only collaborative work at the discipline level, school level, and university level but also an integral part of the nation's efforts in promoting education opening up. Regarding discipline development, studying in China has become a new frontier, eagerly awaiting cultivation and promotion. Through initiatives such as online application exams and foundation education, strict standards are upheld to ensure the quality of incoming students, which, in turn, fosters convergence and mutual progress between domestic and international students. Liping ZHOU expressed her hope for enhanced collaboration between the School of Computer Science and Technology and the School of International Education, jointly promoting the practical and effective implementation of international student enrollment and development.
Ruixuan LI, Vice Dean of the School of Computer Science and Technology（CS）, provided an overview of international student development. As one of the pioneering institutions for hosting international students at HUST and a vital supporting unit of the Ministry of Education's "Demonstration Base for Studying in China," CS has been admitting international students since 1990, with over 1,000 students from more than 100 countries. Currently, CS has 82 international students enrolled (with a peak enrollment of 97), including 31 undergraduates, 14 master's students, 35 doctoral students, and 2 visiting scholars (including one assigned through cooperation with Huawei). Over the years, the quality of incoming students has steadily improved, the development system has become increasingly refined, and the management team has been enthusiastic and efficient in addressing various students' needs, providing diverse and comprehensive support, and nurturing outstanding talents for the international community. Ruixuan LI also mentioned the existing challenges in international student enrollment and development, such as the quality of student sources and their education and slightly insufficient research facilities. He proposed several proposals and considerations for continuous improvement based on the current challenges and related data. These included intensified efforts in enrollment and promotion for the upcoming year, fostering more vital collaboration between faculty members and students, establishing a shared understanding of education objectives, implementing incentive and guidance policies, and making advancements in study and research facilities.
During the subsequent session on sharing experiences from outstanding international student mentors, Professor Kun HE, Professor Xiaofeng DING, and Professor Ruixuan LI each delivered their insights. Professor Kun HE emphasized the importance of respecting cultural differences, individualized instruction, and intensifying guidance and assistance to international students during their studies. Professor Professor Xiaofeng DING pointed out that outstanding students can bring amazement beyond expectation, and guiding international students requires concerted concerns in both academic and cultural backgrounds. Regular group meetings should be held to enhance communication with students and keep being informed. Professor Ruixuan LI highlighted the significant role of international student development in the international team building of the School. It is a constant and gradual process that requires strict selection during admission, tailored instruction during education, responsible guidance, and active communication and cooperation with students even after graduation. Building a solid international mentorship team and management system is also crucial.
Secretary Hui YI proposed that international student development and exchange are conducive to promoting academic communication and discipline development. Responding to the national call to cultivate more international talents who know China, love China, and contribute to China also helps enhance the global influence of the computer science discipline of HUST. This year marks the 45th anniversary of the reform and opening-up policy and the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative. The reforms and openness are ongoing, and we must continue to advance international student enrollment and development. Secretary Hui YI mentioned that promoting international student development requires improving the support system, which includes incorporating international student education into the specialized assessment indicators for mentors, establishing specialized teams for targeted work, and strengthening the connection between talent development and international education. Moreover, efforts should be made to enhance relevant incentive policies. Finally, there is a need to enhance curriculum development and student management, starting with improving the School to ensure the quality of international student enrollment and development.
Following that, Wei YANG, the Director of the Admissions Office of the School of International Education, introduced international student enrollment and development policies, including guidance for international graduate admissions (such as admission brochures and program catalogs, application requirements for international graduate students, admission procedures, application requirements, and relevant admission timelines). The policies covered different categories and criteria, including the Chinese Government Scholarship program, research internship programs with world-renowned universities, and the 2024 summer camp program arrangement. Compared to 2023, there will be reforms in the 2024 admission process, with updated requirements for preliminary admission letters and other relevant matters. These changes aim to facilitate the enrollment and admission processes for both students and the Schools and improve the student and research structure within the mentor's research group. International graduate mentors from CS actively participated in the discussions during this session, familiarizing themselves with the relevant policies and regulations to better promote international student enrollment and development.
The workshop focused on international student enrollment and development, providing an introduction and summary of the work carried out by the School of Computer Science and Technology. With the guidance and assistance of the School of International Education, the relevant policies and programs for international student enrollment and development were presented to the international student mentor system. It strengthened the connection and cooperation between the School of International Education and the School of Computer Science and Technology, boosting the mentors' confidence in developing high-quality international students.
