The 2015 new student convocation of the University of Michigan- Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint Institute (UM-SJTU JI) was held at the SJTU Minhang Campus on September 13.
Dean Peisen Huang welcomed the new students, including nearly 50 international students who come from all over the world. He gave a comprehensive introduction of JI’s development and innovative education model. He highlighted the impressive placement results of the 2015 graduates, such as 80% being admitted to graduate programs of top ten American engineering schools, as well as JI’s great efforts in strengthening international collaboration and study-abroad programs. He emphasized JI’s dedication to internationalization, innovation and quality.
Han Chen, President of JI Students’ Union, shared his view of JI with the new students. “At JI, your GPA and whether you can graduate are not the most important things. Rote memory is not the only way of study. You will develop global vision gradually and begin to pay attention to your future career and development. JI will be the starting point of your life. Here you will get support in every aspect of your life, including studying, doing exercise or starting your own business. You won’t be alone.” He encouraged them to “work hard, achieve and make a difference!”
A classic violin trio performed by (from left) JI students Xinyi Wu, Minkuan Yan and a SJTU Symphony member Yijian Wu added an artistic touch to the otherwise engineering-oriented ceremony.
Freshman Guanzheng Wu spoke on behalf of all new students. “As an outstanding institute in China, JI has a world-class faculty team and a perfect study atmosphere. JI appeals to those first-class students, so pressure does exist. We have to try our best to prove that we are qualified to be in this competitive environment.” On starting a new life at JI, he expressed his anticipation and enthusiasm. “Cooperation and friendship in JI make us stronger and closer to success. We should remember our core values: innovation internationalization and quality, strive in this competitive but warm environment and contribute to JI’s glory.”
Fernando Boaro from Brazil spoke on behalf of the new international students. He “chose JI because it teaches us what we need to know about mechanical engineering, the math, physics, chemistry and engineering behind it; but more importantly, how to use this knowledge in the design and manufacturing course.” He is certain that JI will be a great investment for his education and future and he is anxious to start being part of this community.
Qiaoling Wang, the graduate student representative, hoped that all students would gain better understanding of themselves, learn to make independent decisions and take responsibilities for themselves. She believes that “our future is not just about making a living of our own, but taking the responsibility to make a better world for others with our knowledge and skills.”
JI’s 2015 new student body includes 310 undergraduates and 49 graduate students. The 45 international students come from 19 countries including Australia, France, Germany, Spain, Sweden, USA, Indonesia, Malaysia, Korea and Thailand. The convocation served as their first lesson. It would enhance their insight into JI and help them adjust to the new life at JI and reach their goals.
