SZPU Welcomes Over 9000 Freshmen for 2024 Academic Year

On September 7-8, Shenzhen Polytechnic University warmly welcomed over 9,000 freshmen for the 2024 academic year. After a refreshing autumn rain, the campus came alive as new students embarked on their academic journey.

Early in the morning, University Party Secretary Yang Xinbin, Deputy Party Secretary and President Xu Jianling, Vice Presidents Dong Zhaojun and Li Xiaoyuan, along with other department heads, visited the orientation site. They carefully inquired about each school’s registration numbers, procedures, and logistical support. The university leaders extended a warm welcome to the eager new students and expressed heartfelt thanks to the dedicated staff and volunteers working tirelessly at the event.

Xu Jianling Engaging Warmly with Freshmen

Xu Jianling engaged warmly with the freshmen, asking, “Where are you from? Did the typhoon affect your home? If you have any questions about your studies or life here, feel free to ask your teachers or seniors.” At every stop, he spoke with the new students, asking about their personal situations and encouraging them to gain knowledge, develop their skills, and pursue their dreams at SZPU, setting the stage for a vibrant university life.

Thoughtful Measures Make Students Feel at Home

With Typhoon "Mokha" causing frequent rain on the first day of orientation, the university proactively prepared by monitoring weather conditions and drafting emergency plans. Several thoughtful measures were implemented to ensure a smooth orientation process.

Transporting Luggage for Freshmen

To bridge the "last mile" from the campus entrance to the dormitories, the university arranged 30 shuttle buses. New students and their families could board the buses at the gate and head directly to the dormitory registration points. Ms. Li, who accompanied her daughter, praised the arrangements, saying, “I was worried this morning about my child handling luggage in the rain, especially since we aren’t familiar with the campus. The university really thought of everything. It’s so considerate!”

Tents Connecting Entrance to Dormitory

To improve the registration process, each school simplified their procedures and reduced the number of items distributed on the spot, allowing students to complete registration more efficiently. The School of Food and Drug moved its outdoor registration station to a sheltered area, while tents connected the entrance to the dormitory buildings, providing a continuous rain shelter. This ensured that neither the new students nor their families had to deal with umbrellas or rain, helping them feel the warmth and care of their new "home".

Comfortable Rest Areas for Parents

The School of Communication set up a rest area for parents in a cozy bookstore near the dormitories. While the new students completed their registration, parents could relax in an air-conditioned room. The mother of Guo, a student majoring in Digital Publishing, shared, “It’s so nice to rest here while watching my child go through the whole registration process in one go. I have to give the university a thumbs-up!”

Over 800 Student Volunteers Ready to Offer Help

To assist freshmen traveling from across the country, the university organized shuttle services at Bao'an Airport, Shenzhen North Railway Station, Shenzhen Railway Station, and Shenzhen East Railway Station, with nine buses and four routes. At the airport, railway stations, and on-campus, volunteers were on hand to offer guidance, transport luggage, and provide campus information. With a total of over 800 student volunteers contributing 1,600 hours of service, the orientation process was smooth and welcoming.

Empowering Careers: The First Step Towards Professional Enlightenment

At the bustling orientation event, each school tailored unique and engaging activities to showcase their academic strengths and cultural identity. The new students received thoughtfully prepared welcome packages, and the passionate efforts of the faculty and staff left them with a lasting positive impression of their new home at Shenzhen Polytechnic University.

Innovative Robotics on Display

At the School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, a nimble robot vehicle operated by Zhao Zhenxin, a sophomore majoring in Mechatronics, caught the attention of many freshmen and their parents. Under his remote control, the robot moved forward, backward, and spun in circles, captivating the crowd. Zhao himself joined the RCIA Robotics Team at last year's orientation by simply scanning a QR code. Over the past year, he and his fellow team members explored technologies such as "machine vision," "embedded system design," "mechanical control," "autonomous navigation," and "human-machine interaction." They designed and assembled various robots, including hero and engineering robots, and triumphed over competitors from the University of Science and Technology of China, Dalian University of Technology, and the University of Hong Kong, securing second place in the 2024 Mech Master National Finals. Reflecting on his experience, Zhao said, "Here, I’ve learned so much, from C++ programming and ROS robot system development to embedded communication. In the future, I aim to pursue a career in AI and autonomous driving, striving to become an outstanding engineer!"

The RCIA Robotics Team is just one of 178 student organizations at SZPU, spanning seven categories: political thought, academic technology, innovation and entrepreneurship, culture and sports, volunteerism, self-discipline, and more. These clubs have become an essential "second classroom" for students to solidify their professional skills and cultivate well-rounded abilities.

The School of Medical Technology and Nursing Offering Chinese Massage Therapy and Other Services

At the orientation for the School of Medical Technology and Nursing, students and their parents were pleasantly surprised to experience services like blood pressure and blood glucose tests, ear acupressure, and traditional Chinese massage therapy. This hands-on experience not only showcased the school's unique expertise but also provided new students with practical opportunities and an early introduction to their future careers.

To ignite the new students' passion for learning, the School of Construction Engineering thoughtfully designed a professional exhibition. From smart construction technologies and green building initiatives to live flower arrangement demonstrations and architectural models, the exhibit offered a comprehensive display of the school’s teaching and research achievements, as well as outstanding student works.

The Vocational Education School’s Music Performance Program, in collaboration with the Center for Arts and Cultural Literacy, created a stunning platform to showcase the fruits of their aesthetic education. New and returning students together performed a variety of programs, including the traditional instrumental pieceNever Forget the Original Intention, a flute duet ofLa La Land, a choir rendition ofMy Motherland and Me, and the danceSpirit of the Water. These performances came together to create a feast for the eyes and ears, marking the beginning of a vibrant academic year.

Smart Orientation: Streamlining a "One-Stop" Enrollment for New Students

To improve the efficiency of the orientation process and make registration more convenient, Shenzhen Polytechnic University has continuously upgraded its "Smart Orientation" system. Utilizing technologies like big data, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence, the system integrates services from various departments, including academic affairs, finance, admissions, student affairs, and dormitories, enabling a seamless one-stop experience. This covers every step from collecting student information and station check-ins to identity verification, registration, and online payments, all through a digital platform, effectively eliminating the need for long lines at the site.

"I can't wait to start my school life at the OCT campus!" "Currently, 440 students have checked in!" The screen at the orientation site for the School of Innovation and Design displayed real-time updates of the registration numbers and interactive messages from the new students. To further improve efficiency, the school introduced a "self-check-in process online", allowing students to submit personal information through a mini-program before arriving on campus. Upon arrival, they could quickly verify their registration code, minimizing wait time.

The School of Artificial Intelligence’s Orientation Screen

At the orientation event for the School of Artificial Intelligence, a large screen displayed real-time data using the “Rixin Pass” mini-program, showing key statistics like the number of students who had checked in, the registration rate, student origins, and gender ratio. This data connection model linked the "new student check-in code" with the “Rixin Pass” and “the smart display screen”, creating a dynamic and efficient check-in experience.

Cultural Experiences: Crafting the First Impressions of SZPU

The orientation was full of ritual and excitement. Signs with messages like "Welcome to SZPU," "Advancing with Integrity and Perseverance," and "New Campus, New Beginnings, Let's Set Off Together" were prominently displayed, encouraging new students to stop for photos and share their experiences.

Interactive Fraud Prevention Wall at the School of Business and Foreign Languages

The School of Business and Foreign Languages set up a unique "Fraud Prevention Flip Wall" and "Fraud Prevention Eye Chart" at their orientation event. The flip wall was filled with carefully designed fraud prevention cases and tips that students could interact with to learn about avoiding scams in a fun and engaging way. Meanwhile, the School of Economics created an immersive cultural zone showcasing traditional straw artwork and the distinctive "Yunshen School" environment, where new students could connect with the school's guiding principles of "self-discipline and courtesy, wisdom and integrity". At the School of Materials and Environmental Engineering, seniors dressed as the school mascot "Cai Xiaohuan" interacted with new students, introducing them to the school's culture and expertise. Meanwhile, the School of Management prepared a series of creative and interactive games, such as "Smart Puzzle: Kunpeng Picture", "Hand in Hand Across the Journey", "Craft Your Self-Portrait", and “Capture the Moment, Preserve it for Eternity”. These fun activities helped students ease into university life while planting the seeds of "lifelong learning" and "exploring Shenzhen."

“Bu Zhi Lan” Art Workshop from the School of Electronic and Communication Engineering Inviting Freshmen to Make Handcrafted Bookmarks

In another area, a set of Chinese-style bookmarks added a touch of elegance to the event. The "Bu Zhi Lan" Art Workshop from the School of Electronic and Communication Engineering invited students to make their own handcrafted bookmarks, offering a hands-on experience to appreciate the beauty of traditional art. The workshop, which is open to students with no prior art experience, regularly hosts traditional cultural activities aimed at enhancing students' aesthetic appreciation and cultural literacy.

SZPU has designated September 9-20 as "New Student Orientation Week," combining both online and offline activities to guide the 2024 freshmen through their university induction. Each school, based on its professional focus, will conduct specialized lectures, team-building exercises, club activities, safety training, career planning workshops, and company visits. These activities aim to instill school values, rules, and discipline, while helping students quickly transition into their new roles, adapt to university life, and set clear goals for the future, encouraging them to strive for excellence in both character and academics.

(Contributors: Li Fufen, Wu Yisu, Huang Guanlan, Zhou Rui, Zhong Fenni, Ning Wenyuan, Yang Fan, Kang Qingyue, Wang Feng, Zhang Lei, Yao Jiewen, Lin Huanda, Zhang Xuzhe)