In order to improve communication between the administration, departments, and students, the SUSTech Youth League Committee organized the first “Afternoon Tea with the Chairperson.” The purpose of the Afternoon Tea was that University leaders could listen to students’ voices, meet their needs, care for students’ growth, and promote school development.

The afternoon of Thursday 20^th September saw about 40 student representatives from graduate schools, residential colleges, and student organizations in attendance. They joined University Council Chairperson Guo Yurong, Deputy Chairperson Li Fengliang, and leaders from the Office of University Affairs, Office of Teaching Affairs, Office of Campus Affairs, University Catering Services Center and other relevant departments. The face-to-face discussion was intended to maximize the impact while minimizing the distance between the leadership and students.

Vice Chairperson Li Fengliang first introduced the purpose and significance of the Afternoon Tea. Li Fengliang emphasized that strengthening face-to-face communication between management,  departments, and students is important to improve everybody’s understanding and education. He also explained how it ensures that everyone is able to do a better job if they know what people are trying to achieve. He hoped that students would open their hearts, give enthusiastic advice, and put forward valuable opinions and suggestions on school work.

During the interactive session, student representatives talked about their feelings and difficulties, while raising numerous suggestions about learning, teaching and living in the new semester. Guo Yurong, Li Fengliang, and other leaders dealt with the questions raised by the students, whether they were answering questions or solving problems.

At the end of the event, Vice Chairperson Li Fengliang expressed the hope that through increased participation in activities like the Afternoon Tea, a campus atmosphere of co-construction and co-governance will be formed. This would then see channels of information sharing, effective communication, and democratic management will be established.

Chairperson Guo Yurong summarized the activities, she affirmed the positive comments and suggestions for the development of SUSTech and promised to build more bridges between students and the leaders. She hoped that the students would set up the concept of “health first” and carry forward the spirit of successors of all-round development of morality, intelligence, physique, and fine labor.