President Xie Heping Visits ASU
Signs Agreement on Bilateral Comprehensive Cooperation
President Xie and President Crow
Invited by President Crow, President Xie Heping headed the Sichuan
University Delegation consisting 16 members in its four-day visit to ASU
between April 18th and April 21, 2006. The delegates came to a more
comprehensive and in depth understanding of ASU through their visit to different
colleges and labs, discussion with its ASU counterparts, and hearing of
presentations given by ASU administrative officials. ASU was established in
1885 and thus boasts a long history. It is one of the biggest research universities
in the U.S., with its four campuses, and 21 colleges or schools. It offers 132
undergraduate programs, 108 master programs, 48 doctoral programs and the law
program. It now houses 61,033 students, 48,955 of whom are undergraduate
students, and 12,078 of whom are graduate students. ASU enjoys a strong
research competency and an excellent academic tradition. It is a key center of
interdisciplinary education and interdisciplinary research. ASU has more than
12,000 employees, among whom are 2004 Nobel-winning economist Professor
Edward Prescott, members of the National Academy of Science, and members of
the National Academy of Engineering. ASU has a huge impact on its neighboring
region through its annual economic contribution of $2.013 billion US dollars.
The four-day meeting and discussion helped Sichuan University and ASU
recognize similarities in student enrollment, geographical location in respective
countries, and setup of academic disciplines. The most significant similarity,
however, was the philosophy utilized by the two presidents. As a result, the
bilateral cooperation will help accelerate the internationalization of the two
universities and their respective academic and teaching levels. Presidents Crow
and Xie, in signing the bilateral cooperation agreement, took the first steps in
establishing a comprehensive partnership. The two sides agreed to cooperate in
student exchange, fostering young professors, scientific research, and the building
of the Institute of University Design. Specifically:
Sichuan University and ASU will co-sponsor the second University President Forum
at Sichuan University in August 2006 and the third University President Forum at
ASU in 2007.
Sichuan University and ASU will co-establish the Sino-American University Design
Institute, which will announce its opening in August 2006 when Sichuan University
celebrates its 110th anniversary.
Sichuan University and ASU will co-sponsor the undergraduate creativity program
(2+1+1), which will start in September 2006.
Sichuan University and ASU will initiate their student exchange program in August
2006.
Sichuan University and ASU will initiate their student summer camp and winter
camp programs in January 2007.
Sichuan University and ASU will initiate their young professor training program in
August 2006.
College-level exchange programs
Key Exchange Colleges in the 1st Wave
Sichuan University
School of Architecture and Environment
School of Life Sciences
School of Material Sciences and Engineering
Arizona State University
Global Institute of Sustainability
School of Public Administration
Development Research Center
College of Education
Morrison Institute for Public Policy
School of History and Culture (Tourism)
College of Foreign Languages and Cultures
College of Literature and Journalism
College of Overseas Education
Institute for Religious Studies
School of Global Studies
Department of Language, Cultures and
History
On April 21st, President Xie Heping attended the opening ceremony of the School of
Global Studies at ASU and delivered a speech. In the afternoon, he met Phoenix Mayor
Gordon, where both sides exchanged ideas on a university’s contribution to the local
economy. Mayor Gordon expressed willingness to visit Chengdu and Sichuan University.
Vice President Li Guangxian, Vice President of the Alumni Association Zhang
Zhaoda, and directors of other offices and colleges joined with President Xie Heping
during the visit.
President Xie Heping Delivering a speech at the
opening ceremony of the School of Global Studies at ASU
President Xie Heping meeting Mayor Gordon
Sichuan University delegation meeting with its ASU counterpart
International Programs Discussion, Arizona, April 2006