From May 29 to 31, the 10th Guangdong College Counselors’ Competence Competition was successfully held at Liuxiandong Campus. The event was hosted by the Department of Education of Guangdong Province and co-organized by the Training Center of Ideological and Political Work Team in Colleges and Universities of Ministry of Education (South China Normal University) and our university, aiming to further promote high-quality development in ideological and political work at colleges, and to continuously enhance the theoretical level, professional capability, and expertise of college counselors.

This year’s competition saw the participation of counselor representatives from 138 undergraduate and vocational colleges across the province. A panel of 14 experts and scholars from the field of student affairs served as judges, and over 600 counselor representatives attended as observers. The competition comprised three segments: a basic knowledge test, case study discussions, and heart-to-heart conversations. These segments aimed to promote learning and development through competition, showcasing the contestants’ theoretical knowledge, professional expertise, and their abilities to educate, guide, handle emergencies, and solve practical problems in line with student characteristics.

Basic Knowledge Test.

The competition kicked off on the afternoon of May 29 with the basic knowledge test. This segment was designed to assess counselors’ grasp of ideological and political theories, policies, regulations, and their analytical abilities concerning student-related issues. Conducted as a closed-book written exam, the 138 participants displayed their thoughtful consideration and calm demeanor, reflecting their professionalism and excellent spirit. Sixty participants advanced to the second phase based on their performance in the basic knowledge test.

On May 30-31, the 60 finalists were divided into four groups by drawing lots to conduct case study discussions and heart-to-heart conversations. This phase aimed to stimulate counselors’ problem-solving abilities and assess their innovative work skills in practice.

Case Study Discussions.

The case study discussions followed a “Q&A” format, with case topics centered around key counselor responsibilities. Participants focused on core issues, analyzed and discussed cases comprehensively, and proposed practical solutions. They addressed various types of scenarios, including student ideological guidance, academic difficulties, mental health, and career planning.

Heart-to-Heart Conversations.

In the heart-to-heart conversation segment, contestants engaged in role-playing with student actors to recreate real-life counselor-student interactions. Participants acted as close friends to the students, using appropriate communication skills and warm dialogue to understand student needs and issues, offering considerate advice, and adeptly helping students resolve problems. This segment highlighted the counselors’ empathy, understanding, and support for their students.

After three days of intense competition, the 10th Guangdong College Counselors’ Competence Competition concluded with 10 first prizes, 20 second prizes, and 30 third prizes. Notably, our university’s counselor, Zhang Yizhe, won a first prize, marking a new achievement for the school in this competition.

Award Ceremony.

To ensure the success of the competition, our university meticulously organized and coordinated the event, holding multiple coordination meetings. All staff members demonstrated a strong sense of responsibility and mission, enhancing their service capabilities and levels. Their enthusiasm and attentive service presented a positive image of SZPU.

The successful hosting of this competition highlighted the dedication and positive demeanor of Guangdong college counselors. It provided a platform for counselors across the province to showcase their talents and engage in mutual learning and progress. The event also played a crucial role in strengthening the counselor workforce, enhancing their professional skills, and promoting their professional development. This initiative injected new vitality and momentum into the professionalization, specialization, and expertization of the counselor workforce in Guangdong. Moving forward, Guangdong will continue to intensify the construction and training of the counselor team, improving their overall quality and professional abilities, thereby contributing wisdom and strength to the cultivation of more outstanding talents.

(Zhao Yanyan, Student Affairs Office)