On 21st April, 2018, the opening ceremony of the 2018 spring semester, with the theme “Happy Learning, Mutual Assistance, and Advancing Together,” was held in the Weigongcun Learning Centre of the Experimental School of the Open University of China (OUC).

Guo Qingchun, dean of the OUC Experimental School, along with deputy dean Li Xinhui and representatives of the teachers, as well as all freshmen and top seniors, attended the ceremony.

Guo Qingchun delivered the keynote speech, stating that the OUC is a new type of university open to everyone, and that the OUC Experimental School, as an element of its operations, is dedicated to exploring the “Six-Network Integration” learner development model. She believes that every student is there not merely to obtain a diploma, but also to become stronger through his or her efforts. She also hopes that all students will aim high in their studies, adapt to their new roles, study hard, and move forward.

Xie Jun, a teacher representative, introduced the features of the teaching and the advantages of internet-based learning at the open universities, and suggested that everyone should study hard and make good use of the fragmented time and internet tools they are given. Wang Jinguo, a representative of the senior class and an accounting undergraduate, expressed his gratitude to and respect for the university and its teachers, and shared tips from his learning experience with the freshmen. Shen Zixuan expressed the hope that the freshmen would strictly observe university rules, do well in their studies, and learn how to be good students.

Winners of the 2016 OUC scholarships, the 2016 OUC Experimental School scholarships, and the title of OUC Outstanding Graduate, were commended at the opening ceremony and presented as role models to stimulate the freshmen to study earnestly and well, and constantly strive for achievements and progress in their learning and work. A group to teach, help and lead the new students has been formed in which top seniors and freshmen work together and help each other. In order to help the new students understand the learning process, management methods, and rules of the OUC, the Weigongcun Learning Centre has compiled and printed a handbook for them.

In addition, teachers and students prepared a talent show that included a string quartet, The Butterfly Lovers, a Mongolian dance called Echoes, a Korean dance called the Round Drum Dance, a tea-art performance, and others.

After the ceremony, the head teacher held an orientation meeting for the new class.

By Zhang Anran, OUC