Student Affairs and Student Support Activities: Promoting Interconnections and Linkages

The working session focused on the following main topics: the plan for implementing student affairs activities at the beginning of the 2018-2019 academic year in various units; unifying and clarifying the contents to be reported periodically to the Student Affairs Committee of VNU; the plan for organizing the program "VNU Board of Directors meets with students of the 2018 cohort"; and a field trip and sharing of experiences on the model of implementing student affairs activities at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities.

Associate Professor Tran Thi Minh Hoa (Vice Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities) delivered a welcoming speech to the delegates.

On behalf of the leadership of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Thi Minh Hoa (Vice Rector) delivered a welcoming speech, expressing her joy at the University hosting the annual meeting of leaders of student affairs and support services departments throughout Vietnam National University, Hanoi. This department plays a crucial role in the training activities of each unit, serving as the direct point of contact for the University to care for, guide, protect the rights of, and implement support services for students. In recent times, this area of ​​activity at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities has undergone many innovations, focusing on: placing students at the center of all activities, enhancing the spirit of student service, implementing a one-stop process, and strengthening career guidance, internships, and practical training activities. However, the activities of this department are also facing many challenges in the new context. In this sense, in-depth meetings and exchanges like this will help the University learn valuable experiences from other units.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dinh Van Huong (Head of the Political and Student Affairs Department, Vietnam National University, Hanoi) chaired the meeting with leaders of the political (CT) and student affairs (CTHSSV) departments/divisions of Vietnam National University, Hanoi at the beginning of the 2018-2019 academic year.

Evaluating the student affairs and student support activities of Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU) in the past period, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dinh Van Huong emphasized that the student affairs and student support departments of the units have worked together in unity and solidarity, while also maintaining interconnectedness and coordination, thereby truly enhancing the effectiveness of this work. In addition, the important role and position of this work have been deeply understood by the leadership team and staff. As a result, student affairs and student support activities have been stable and have made progress towards innovation and creativity, closely adhering to practical requirements and aiming to catch up with the development of universities in the region and the world.

The project to innovate student affairs and activities has been initially successfully implemented by member units with specific, measurable tasks and products. Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU) piloted online registration and scholarship application processes; opened creative and entrepreneurial spaces in some units; intensified student surveys; developed an alumni network; implemented changes in dormitory activities; and organized study tours to learn from international experiences…

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Quang Lieu (Head of Student Affairs and Services Department, University of Social Sciences and Humanities) shared the university's experience in student affairs and services. 

Sharing about the innovations in the student affairs activities of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Quang Lieu (Head of the Student Affairs Department) said: Unlike previous years, this year, during the orientation week for new students, the University has included a special topic on moral, political, and lifestyle education to provide early guidance for students in their studies and training. At the official opening ceremony on September 22nd, in addition to the main ceremony, there will be an event for interaction between students and successful entrepreneurs to inspire students. In the evening, there will be welcoming activities organized by the University's Youth Union and Student Association with many rich and attractive forms.

To make the orientation week for new students more effective, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Quang Lieu suggested that it should be conducted in the form of specialized study sessions with certificates awarded. In addition, the University also proposed increasing the number of rooms allocated to international students in the dormitories of Vietnam National University, Hanoi.

Regarding the issuance of multi-purpose cards for VNU students, the representative of the Student Affairs and Services Department also suggested establishing a mechanism for close coordination with the service provider, BIDV bank, to make it easier for students to access services.

MSc. Hoang Trong Nghia (Director of the Student Support Center, VNU Hanoi)

Representing the Student Support Center of Vietnam National University, Hanoi - Mr. Hoang Trong Nghia (Director) - provided information on the Center's recent outstanding activities, such as: successfully hosting a national conference on university dormitory management, thereby exchanging and learning from the experiences of many other universities; deploying a mobile application to facilitate online dormitory registration and registration, enhancing interaction and feedback between the Center and students; prioritizing room allocation for international students; strengthening coordination with other units to determine room needs and developing plans to improve the quality of rooms and accompanying services…

Dr. Nguyen Thanh Binh (Head of Student Affairs and Student Support Department, University of Science) suggested reforming the activities of the first-week civic education orientation program at the beginning of the academic year. Accordingly, the focus should be on career guidance, internships, practical experience, employment, and other topics that are more relevant to students' needs.

Regarding student scholarships, Dr. Binh suggested that procedures should be streamlined to make it easier for students to access scholarships and better understand the meaning and value of different types of scholarships.

Dr. Nguyen Thanh Binh (Head of Student Affairs and Student Support Department, Faculty of Science, University of Ho Chi Minh City)

Dr. Nguyen Thanh Binh also suggested that there should be fairer and more substantive assessments when calculating student conduct scores. Accordingly, the criteria for scoring student conduct need to be more specific.

Regarding increasing the number of dormitory rooms for resident students, especially international students, Dr. Binh believes this need is real and growing. Given the limited land available, Vietnam National University, Hanoi needs to be more flexible in finding additional locations to rent and manage to meet this demand.

Ms. Ha Thi Thanh Thuy (Deputy Head of Student Affairs Department, University of Education) suggested that both the multi-purpose student card and the old-style student card issued by Vietnam National University, Hanoi could be used simultaneously for greater convenience and flexibility for students. Units also need a specific point of contact with BIDV to handle cases of lost or damaged student cards.

In addition, Ms. Ha Thi Thanh Thuy also noted that member units within Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU) still face difficulties in establishing alumni networks. This issue needs to be discussed and more decisive solutions implemented. Through this, each unit in particular and VNU in general can not only utilize the potential of this workforce to contribute to overall activities, but also create a media effect and enhance the unit's brand.

Acknowledging the feedback and contributions from the various units, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dinh Van Huong summarized the discussion points. Simultaneously, the leadership of the Political and Student Affairs Department of Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU) requested that the units continue to strengthen linkages, connections, and close cooperation to further develop this work. This month, VNU will organize the event "VNU Board of Directors meets with students of the 2018 cohort." Later this year, VNU plans to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Decree 97/CP on the establishment of the National University. These events all require the active, proactive, and creative participation and contributions of the Political and Student Affairs departments of each unit.