On 25 May, the Experimental College of the Open University of China (OUC) and Xinhua Education Group jointly hosted the welcome ceremony for the 2024 Spring Semester Whole Network Education Programme.
Fan Xianrui, a member of the Party Committee and vice president of the OUC, along with heads from relevant departments and the Experimental College, attended the event. Sha Xu, executive vice president of Xinhua Education Group, and Sun Caiyao, dean of its Research Institute, representing the co-organiser, were also invited to the ceremony.
As the direct operational entity of the OUC, the Experimental College has partnered with Xinhua Education Group to establish a practical teaching base, offering both degree education and non-degree courses through a comprehensive network education model that blends online and offline learning. This initiative aims to provide learners with flexible and high-quality lifelong education services.
Fan Xianrui delivered a speech.
In her address, Fan Xianrui welcomed all incoming students and encouraged them to embrace hard work, lifelong learning, passion, and exploration. She emphasised that the university would strive alongside its students, honouring their choice. The practical teaching base, jointly developed by the OUC Experimental College and Xinhua Education Group, exemplifies a model of school-enterprise cooperation and a significant contribution to building a learning society and nation.
Sha Xu made a speech.
Sha Xu, in his remarks, highlighted that a new cohort of students from Xinhua Education Group would begin their studies at the OUC this spring. He hoped that under the guidance of their teachers, students would immerse themselves in knowledge and skills, setting sail for their futures. Xinhua Education Group is committed to nurturing each student with care and strategic planning, leveraging both university and social resources in collaboration with the OUC.
Sun Hongfei, dean of the OUC Experimental College, delivered an engaging "First Class for the New Semester," introducing the school's overview and the new academic journey. He encouraged freshmen to seize this opportunity to start a new chapter, with the OUC providing ongoing support for their learning and development.
Student representatives made speeches.
Student and teacher representatives also took the stage to share their thoughts. Yang Xiaojian, a student representative from Anhui New East Cuisine Senior Technical School, unable to attend due to preparations for the 47th World Skills Competition, shared his sentiments via video, inspiring his peers with the belief that hard work and faith would lead to achieving life goals.
Students from the “Excellence Cultivation Plan” were recognised.
The ceremony also recognised students from the "Excellence Cultivation Plan." The strategic partnership between the OUC and Xinhua Education Group reflects the multi-level, high-quality development of modern vocational education. Looking ahead, both entities will continue to leverage their strengths, fostering a deeper integration of open and vocational education, and contributing to the advancement of an educational powerhouse.
Source: Experimental College, Xinhua Education Group
Photos by Experimental College