The third meeting of the University of Michigan- Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint Institute Development Advisory Board (DAB) was held at SJTU Xuhui Campus on November 12, attended by elite board members from various professions, Dean Peisen Huang, and key JI faculty and staff members. VIP’s included James Holloway, Vice Provost for Global and Engaged Education at the University of Michigan, Amy Conger, UM Assistant Vice Provost for Global and Engaged Education, M.S. Krishnan, Associate Dean of the UM Ross School of Business.
Dean Huang briefed on JI’s recent development, such as domestic and foreign student enrollment, graduate placement, faculty recruitment, research funding, international programs and scholarship establishment. The most remarkable was that both of JI’s undergraduate engineering programs, mechanical engineering (ME) and electrical & computer engineering (ECE), achieved ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) accreditation in August 2016, a proof that JI’s quality and model have been recognized internationally. In terms of academic offering, JI will offer “entrepreneurship” as a minor to stimulate students’ awareness of innovation and to provide intellectual support for entrepreneurship. This year marks the 10th anniversary of JI, Dean Huang said that in the future JI will focus on internationalization, interdisciplinarity, innovation and quality to meet parents’ and the society’s expectations.
On behalf of UM Ross School of Business, Associate Dean M.S. Krishnan gave a detailed introduction of the Automotive Executive Development Program, a new collaboration with JI. The program will bring together renowned professors and scholars to provide Chinese senior managers in the automotive industry with an immersed learning experience in North America, complemented by visits to famous enterprises and high-level exchange with experts. The goal is to help students understand the causes and processes of changes in the automotive industry and learn to master strategic planning, future business trends, organization and management skills.
Having fully recognizing JI’s recent accomplishments, the DAB members offered advice on financial sustainability, management models, etc. They also had in-depth discussions about international recruitment and administrative autonomy. Mr. Richard Rogel, DAB Co-chair, suggested that JI continue to strengthen management and raising of endowment funds in order to provide financial support for building a first-class faculty team. DAB Co-chairman John Wu suggested devising a multi-channel mechanism to connect with the government and the society and forming a diversified investment and supportive scheme. DAB Co-chair Jane Sun proposed a publicity campaign to build a brand name for JI.
After the meeting, Jiang Sixian, Chairperson of SJTU Council, held a cordial exchange with DAB members and the students and alumni representatives. The JI Development Advisory Board was founded in March 2015, consisting of industry leaders, philanthropists, successful alumni of UM and SJTU. They meet once or twice a year. As the Institute’s development consultancy, the DAB provides guidance and support for the strategy and resources for JI’s future development. It has played an important role in promoting JI’s international exchanges and cooperation.
Part of JI DAB members (from left: Yudong Chen, Qiang Cheng, Ping Hua, John Wu, Jane Sun, Richard Rogel, Liming Yu, Cunhe Xue, Cunhe Gong, Peisen Huang, Guangxin Li)
