Introduction
As one of the teaching and research management and service departments within the organisational structure of OUC, the Department of Student Affairs and Teacher Development was established in 2002.
Its antecedent was the Learner Support Centre, initially tasked with the organisation and execution of online teaching, TV course broadcasts, and remote reception work. Following the summative assessment of open education in 2007, the field transitioned to a connotation construction stage. During this period, the Student Affairs Department was inaugurated as a subsidiary of the Learner Support Centre. It began orchestrating and implementing student affairs work for open education across national RTVUs. Consequently, student support services have emerged as a significant mechanism for enhancing the quality of institutional management. They have also been instrumental in ensuring the effective delivery of support services and augmenting the professionalism and comprehensive capabilities of teaching support services.
In the evolving landscape of open education, the core functions of the department have undergone significant enrichment. In 2017, the Learner Support Centre was amalgamated with the Teacher Development Centre, broadening the department's operational purview to include both teacher development and training. The subsequent year, 2018, saw the assignment of the network teaching portfolio to the Department of Academic Affairs, and a renaming of the Learner Support Centre to the Department of Student Affairs and Teacher Development.
Currently, the Department of Student Affairs and Teacher Development is primarily tasked with executing ideological and political education for students within the institutional framework. It also oversees innovation and entrepreneurship education, organises various student activities, issues student ratings and awards, and engages in alumni liaison and services. Additionally, the department is responsible for the cultivation of teacher ethics and culture, alongside teacher training and education, and manages remote reception services for the school system.
The Department of Student Affairs and Teacher Development comprises 15 staff members who collaboratively endeavour to excel in student and teacher development. Together, we strive to build a world-class open university that embodies Chinese characteristics.
Office Setup
The Department of Student Affairs and Teacher Development consists of General Office, Student Education Office, Student Affairs Office, Teacher Development Office, Teacher Training Office, and Remote Reception Office.
Student Education
The institution is committed to fulfilling the essential mission of fostering student development through moral education. This entails conducting ideological and political education, formulating pertinent rules and regulations, and organising a variety of student activities that are aligned with ideological and political educational objectives. Moreover, the institution provides comprehensive guidance to students on resolving conflicts between academic commitments and work obligations, as well as on matters concerning mental health education, academic and career planning, innovation, entrepreneurship, and the safeguarding of student rights and interests.
Additionally, the institution is engaged in the construction of a vibrant campus culture by organising a diverse array of cultural activities, including but not limited to sports, recreation, and knowledge competitions. Methodologies for managing these student activities are systematically formulated.
In order to comprehend student characteristics, needs, and developmental trajectories, surveys and research initiatives are regularly conducted. Furthermore, the institution prioritises the informatisation of student affairs to enhance work efficiency and student engagement, thereby broadening the scope and impact of student affairs.
Student Affairs
The office oversees the selection and commendation of exceptional graduates from the OUC, as well as managing scholarship allocation and recognition initiatives. It is also tasked with coordinating publicity efforts for distinguished students. Additionally, the office is responsible for enhancing the competency and quality of the student affairs team, which is primarily led by class counselors.
Teacher Development
The unit is tasked with overseeing the ethical and ideological development of teachers within the school system. It also manages the planning and construction of the faculty team at OUC headquarters. Further responsibilities include the development of teacher-related systems, the organisation of professional development activities for teachers, and the assessment of awards and merits. Additionally, the unit conducts specialised research in areas such as teacher development and the construction of OUC's teaching team.
Teacher Training
The department is responsible for the construction and iterative updating of the management system and business processes related to teacher training. It oversees the planning, organisation, implementation, and supervision of teacher training programmes across various levels, types, and forms within the OUC system, as administered by OUC headquarters. Additionally, the department is accountable for the cultivation and professional development of full-time teachers stationed at the OUC headquarters. It is also tasked with the recruitment of high-level talents. Furthermore, the department manages the construction, operation, maintenance, and upgrading of the Teacher Resource Bank and the Teacher Training Network. Finally, it is responsible for collecting both domestic and international enterprise training information and materials, monitoring their developments, analysing the efficacy of existing training policies, and offering recommendations for improvements and advisory opinions.
Student Consultation and Alumni Affairs
The office is responsible for managing remote reception and consultation services, selecting outstanding alumni, organising and implementing alumni activities, developing alumni information technology systems, and facilitating liaison, communication, and reception with alumni.