As autumn settled in and the sweet scent of osmanthus filled the air, Central China Normal University (CCNU) Wollongong Joint Institute organized a week-long orientation program for the incoming Class of 2026 from September 3 to 11. Designed to help new students fully grasp the Sino-Australian joint training model, this program aims to foster a rigorous academic mindset, build a solid foundation for research, and guide students in scientifically planning their postgraduate studies and career development. Centered around four core themes—“Mind Cultivation and Course Steering,” “Frontier Insights,” “Code-Driven Future,” and “Integrating Innovation and Mind-Cultivation ”—the orientation covered a wide range of topics including ideological guidance, disciplinary frontiers, research competencies, psychological adjustment, international etiquette, and career development. Ultimately, the program helped new students gain a comprehensive understanding of postgraduate training requirements and the unique nature of Sino-foreign cooperative education, perfectly preparing them for their upcoming academic and research journey.
Mind Cultivation and Course Steering: Reinforcing Value Leadership and Code of Conduct
Professor Xu Du, Dean of the CCNU Wollongong Joint Institute, Faculty of Artificial Intelligence in Education, delivered a keynote speech on “Cultivating Academic Competence and Innovative Capacity.” He provided guidance on research methodologies, the development of innovative thinking, and practical pathways for research, helping new students master postgraduate learning methods while enhancing their awareness of scientific innovation and practical research capabilities.
Fei Deng, Deputy Party Secretary of the Faculty of Artificial Intelligence in Education, presented a session on disciplinary standards and behavioral conduct titled “Unlocking the Code of Postgraduate Success: Charting the Institutional Blueprint.” He provided a detailed overview of the university's reward, financial aid, and disciplinary systems, guiding students to strengthen their sense of discipline and rules, strictly observe university regulations, and embark on their postgraduate journey with exemplary study habits and conduct.
Jun Xu, Vice Dean of the Wollongong Joint Institute, led a special education session on “Value Guidance and Cultivating the Original Aspiration for Academic Pursuit,” themed “Seeking Truth, Fostering Innovation, and Nurturing Virtue.” Integrating the university's motto with the characteristics of postgraduate training, she systematically introduced the postgraduate management and attendance policies. She encouraged students to reflect on how academic attitude and scholarly pursuits shape personal growth, inspiring them to remain pragmatic, truth-seeking, and courageous in their pursuit of innovation.
Frontier Insights: Broadening Horizons and Strengthening Research Foundations
Professor Guangyou Zhou delivered a keynote speech on the frontiers of computer science, sharing insights into hardware advancements, software innovation, and the trend of interdisciplinary integration. His talk helped new students map out the developmental trajectory of the discipline and broaden their academic horizons.
Teacher Zhongnian Li presented a lecture on the frontiers of telecommunications engineering. By tracing the evolution of communication technologies and exploring current industry trends, he introduced the latest advancements in the field, successfully sparking students' interest in both their specialized studies and future research endeavors.
Code-Driven Future: Enhancing Research Capabilities and Charting Development Paths
Professor Philip Ogunbona (Deputy Dean, Development and Global Affairs), associate Professor Qinghua Guo (Director of Academic Programs), and Dr. Fenghui Ren (Director of Academic Programs) from the School of Engineering and Information Sciences (EIS) at the University of Wollongong, along with Ms. Lily An (Senior Advisor, Greater China Region, Global Engagement) and a Cross-border Education Cooperation Specialist from the Global Engagement Office, conducted an online Orientation session. They introduced the learning platform, teaching resources, and online communication methods, helping new students familiarize themselves with the Australian teaching system and better adapt to the Sino-Australian joint training model.
Associate Professor Lei Niu delivered a lecture on "Training Models and Academic Norms," providing a detailed explanation of the institute's curriculum system, training requirements, and academic integrity standards. He emphasized the definition and handling of academic misconduct, guiding new students to establish a sense of norms and cultivate rigorous scientific research habits.
Ms. Manyu Wang conducted a special lecture on career planning and employment guidance. Combining the development trends of the institute's graduates, she offered guidance on self-awareness, capability enhancement, and career planning, encouraging students to reasonably plan their postgraduate studies and reflect on future development paths in advance.
Integrating Innovation and Mind-Cultivation: Promoting Physical and Mental Adaptation and Enhancing International Literacy
Professor Jing Hu delivered a special lecture on foreign affairs etiquette literacy for postgraduate students. Based on the characteristics of Sino-foreign cooperative education programs, she explained international communication etiquette, communication methods, and personal literacy enhancement, helping new students improve their international communication skills.
Associate Professor Lixia Yu provided guidance on psychological adaptation and stress adjustment. Addressing issues such as academic pressure and environmental changes during postgraduate studies, she shared methods for stress management and emotional regulation, guiding new students to improve their psychological adaptability and engage in their postgraduate life with a positive mindset.
This series of Orientation Week activities helped the class of 2026 gain a deeper understanding of the characteristics of the Sino-foreign joint training model and become familiar with postgraduate training requirements. Students received systematic guidance in ideological leadership, academic norms, research capabilities, and international communication. Moving forward, the Joint Institute will continue to leverage the advantages of Sino-foreign cooperative education, improve the talent cultivation system, and provide stronger support for student growth and development.
