The inaugural session of the "Face to Face with the Dean" event, an effort to learn more about the students' needs and show care for their growth, was held in the conference room of Hertfordshire College at noon on October 26, 2023. Dean Wendy Wang and Associate Deans Kim Jin and Wayne Yao, together with 12 student representatives, were in attendance. They had lunch together and talked around the table on topics such as "adapting to campus life", "academic career planning" and "expectations for college life".
In a relaxed and cozy setting, the student representatives talked about their hometowns and high school experiences. They also shared their academic plans, reflections on their lives since starting university, and discussed the challenges and confusions they've faced. The participant teachers attentively listened to the students' concerns and challenges and took the time to address each one meticulously. They also provided genuine advice and guidance as to such questions as are related to their programmes, learning English, and planning for the future.
Dean Wendy Wang fully recognized the advancement and achievement the student representatives ever gained since they started college. She encouraged all freshmen to seek "all-round development with focus on fostering their competence" for leadership, creation and critical thinking. Additionally, they should "aim high and embrace ideals," holding onto patriotic dreams and integrating their personal development with the nation’s progress. Finally, she advised them to "keep an open heart and grow together," appreciating and accepting the diverse talents of their exceptional peers, and to support and grow alongside each other.
Going forward, the College will organize such events as "Dean's Afternoon Tea" and "Dean's Roundtable Talks" regularly as part of the "Face-to-Face with the Dean" initiative. All these activities are designed to create a unique and engaging communication platform that bridges faculty and students.
(Text by Kim Jin from Hertfordshire College; Photo by Liu Guotai; Reviewed by Kim Jin)
