The freshmen of the 2019/20 academic year arrived at Sias University on August 31 and September 1. The welcoming of the freshmen was coordinated by Sias' administrative departments, academic schools, and residential colleges.

Celebrating the 70th Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China

Sias University had several events to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. Among them was the opening ceremony of the seminar for the cadres of the Communist Youth League that included the presenting of medals and trophies for the 11th National Traditional Minority Sports Games, as well the Sias Cheerleading team participating in the opening ceremony of the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup. The Sias campus had an atmosphere of celebration with flags and banners celebrating patriotism and dedication to the national mission through the integration of knowledge and practice, that is Sias' educational philosophy.

Communication between University Leaders, and Freshmen and their Parents

The Founder and Chairman of the Board of Sias, Dr. Shawn Chen, Sias Party Secretary, Ma Jiansheng, Executive President, Wang Jialin, Deputy Party Secretary, Li Huafeng, and Vice Presidents, Wu Hua, and Xu Shengdao were all present to welcome the freshmen and their parents and answer their questions about life at Sias. The leaders also visited the welcome centers to oversee the freshman registration and thank the volunteer teachers and students. Dr. Shawn Chen, Ma Jiansheng, Li Huafeng, and Xu Shengdao attended the annual meeting of freshmen and their parents. Dr. Chen introduced Sias' educational philosophy, international characteristics, advanced educational resources and faculty expertise. He focused on the Sias model that combines a liberal education, holistic education, and integrated education. He encouraged the parents to participate in the students' education and university development, as well as the Parents' Day in May.

Enthusiasm and Thoughtfulness that Reflects the Humanistic Spirit of Sias

Members of the Student Affairs Office and student volunteers greeted incoming freshmen and their families at the train station, bus station, main road outside the university, East Gate, and inside the Sias campus. New signs, banners, and flags were also installed to guide the visitors. Security personnel also aided in this process. Several consultation services were provided across the campus including those for enrollment, financial assistance, academics and education, medical assistance, Communist Party and Youth League services, and alumni exchanges. Many rest areas for parents were also set up. The goal was to show the freshmen and their parents that Sias is a student-centered university.

Sias' innovative implementation of a model of collaboration between academic schools and residential colleges not only provides students with a holistic education that is in keeping with recommendations from the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council, but also embodies the university's East-meets-West ethos. The residential colleges were specially decorated to welcome the new students and exhibit their unique characteristics as well. The staff of Sias' iFLYTEK School of Artificial Intelligence also carried out work to welcome new students.

Performances showcase Sias' Multicultural Campus

Performances by many student associations took place at the southern end of the Central Fountain Square, in front of the Administration Building. They included performances by the Sias Marching Band, Honor Guard, Cheerleading team, Latin dance association, and a number of dance groups that showcased hip-hop, traditional Chinese Lion and Dragon Dance, and a myriad of styles.