SCUPI

At 1:00 PM on November 21^st, 2025, the Deans’ Open Forum Session 4 of Sichuan University-Pittsburgh Institute (SCUPI) was successfully held in Room N111, Jiang’an South Campus, Sichuan University. The event was attended by Dean Minking Chyu, Associate Dean for Student Affairs Ye Li, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs TsunZee Mai, Associate Dean for Administration and International Affairs Wei Tang, as well as staff representatives from academic and student affairs departments. They engaged in in-depth discussions with students on topics such as the future development of the Institute, education and teaching, and the construction of facilities on the Jiang’an South Campus. The event was hosted by counselor Fan Yang. The forum consisted of two segments: a Q&A session with the Institute leadership and an open discussion. The Q&A session was based on a pre-event questionnaire survey. 

Dean Minking Chyu and Associate Dean Wei Tang addressed questions related to the international situation and the Institute’s development. Dean Chyu pointed out that the current complex and ever-changing international landscape poses new challenges for international cooperative education. However, SCUPI will actively adapt, devise new plans, and implement new measures to navigate these challenges. Regarding the Institute’s development, Associate Dean Wei Tang stated that SCUPI was actively exploring new partnerships and encouraged students to maintain confidence and work together with the Institute to write a new chapter. 

On the topic of academic management, Associate Dean TsunZee Mai provided detailed responses to related questions. He particularly emphasized the importance of face-to-face communication between teachers and students. He noted that students should promptly report any issues encountered during teaching or course learning. The Institute pledges to carefully consider and implement every reasonable suggestion, making timely improvements. He expressed hope that students would place their full trust in the Institute and allow necessary time for these efforts, working together to continuously optimize and enhance educational and teaching practices. 

Associate Dean Ye Li responded to questions regarding the construction of facilities on the Jiang’an South Campus. He mentioned that the infrastructure and living facilities are being progressively implemented. The Institute is currently formulating a plan for student dormitory relocation, which is expected to be carried out by the end of this semester or the beginning of the next. Regarding inter-campus transportation, he noted that the construction of an inter-campus overpass is underway and is expected to be completed by July next year. He also urged everyone to enhance their safety awareness and adhere to traffic rules. Associate Dean Mai also emphasized the importance of traffic safety, reminding students to always pay attention to their personal safety. 

Administrative staff Qin Liu from the IT department addressed questions about surveillance, printers, and network issues one by one. He encouraged students to contact him directly or provide feedback to the information department of Sichuan University if any issues arise. 

During the open discussion session, students actively raised questions on various topics, including internship programs, living facilities, and institutional arrangements. The leadership listened attentively and responded candidly. Regarding internship program needs, the leadership pledged that the Institute would strive to provide more platforms once new partners are secured, encouraging students to make full use of diverse opportunities for their development. Regarding living facilities, the leadership assured that students’ reasonable demands would be fully considered and implemented as the South Campus development progresses. The Institute will arrange and deploy work based on the actual circumstances of its students, creating more convenient and comfortable learning and living conditions. 

The forum concluded successfully. The candid and in-depth face-to-face exchange between the Institute leadership and students not only allowed the Institute to understand and address students’ immediate concerns but also strengthened students’ confidence and further consolidated a consensus on development within the Institute. Sichuan University – Pittsburgh Institute will continue to uphold its inclusive and open philosophy, transforming students’ opinions and suggestions into practical improvement measures. This will provide momentum for the Institute to meet challenges and collectively write a new chapter in SCUPI’s high-quality and internationalized development.