SPPM enrolled 313 new students in fall 2016, including Chinese graduates, PhDs, MPA students as well as international students of two international development programs (MID & MIDG). Registration for new students took place on August 23rd and the SPPM opening ceremony was held in the evening, marking the start of the students’ journey in the school.
During the opening ceremony, Professor Xue Lan, Dean of SPPM, extended warm welcome to the new students from different countries. After a brief introduction of SPPM, Prof. Xue explained how the school cultivates professionals for the society, and discussed the challenges and historic responsibilities faced by current public administrators. At last, he gave advices to the new students, encouraging them to foster lofty ideals and shoulder social responsibilities, establish lifelong learning ability and achieve comprehensive development. On behalf of all faculties, Associate Professor Zheng Zhenqing extended his congratulations and great expectation to the new students, hoping them complete their study with persistence, diligence and solidarity. PhD representative Zhang Xiuji shared his understanding of SPPM culture, which was summed up in three words: preciseness, universal love and public spirit. Ms. Du Jiali, a new graduate student, expressed her excitement to join the SPPM family and become a new SPPM member. She said: “the title ‘SPPM member’ not only brings us honor but also responsibility. The honor is brighter than gold, the duty is heavier than mountain. ” Ms. Kaci Liah Kennedy, on behalf of the international students, shared her past study experience in Tsinghua and her wish to enhance skills in public management in the following two years.
Launched in 2007, the Master of Public Administration in International Development (MID) degree program at SPPM is a two-year MPA program. It is designed to deliver a strong academic and practical foundation for students to become active global citizens and specialists in Chinese development. Affiliated with the MID program, the Master of Public Administration in International Development and Governance (MIDG) is launched in 2015 and is the first international development program in China designed for professionals engaged in international development and governance in developing countries. Every year, the two programs welcome students from many different countries, backgrounds and cultures, which constitute the core element of internationalism of these programs. This year’s cohort is comprised of students from Jamaica, Albania, Ghana, Lesotho, South Sudan, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Indonesia, Eritrea, Cambodia, Russia, India, U.S., Poland, Italy, Denmark, Canada, Ireland, U.K., South Korea and Brazil.
On August 25th, Professor and Associate Dean Peng Zongchao, Associate Dean Meng Bo, Professor Zhang Yanbing and Associate Professor Yin Chengzhi presented the MID and MIDG program opening ceremony. Firstly, students introduced themselves and shared their expectations to the programs. Li Sufeng, coordinator of academic affairs, then introduced the curriculums and the guidance for course selection. With her help, all international students completed the course selection and get ready to start their academic life in SPPM.
After the opening ceremony, the new cohort enjoyed team-building activities including visiting Tsinghua History Museum and the School Library, attending lecture on culture communication as well as taking part in the icebreaking party with Chinese students in SPPM. These activities are well organized to create a sense of belonging and in the meantime they provide opportunities for both Chinese and foreign students to share their colorful experiences as well as their various thoughts and thus enhance the friendship.
With the motto of “cultivating the morality to serve the public”, SPPM is a world-class institution aiming to foster a new generation of leadership in Chinese and global public affairs, to generate policy impacts for public benefits, and to pursue academic excellence in public policy and management research. SPPM is the home of all students who have taken great efforts to be here and devoted themselves in the field of public management. SPPM warmly welcome all new students of 2016 and wish everyone enjoy your life here!
