Dialogue between students and school leaders

On November 24th, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities held its annual dialogue between the university's leadership and students from all cohorts. Representatives from the Board of Directors, heads of functional departments, faculties, departments, the Youth Union, and the Student Association of the university were present to participate in the dialogue with the students.

The dialogue was chaired by Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Khanh - Rector, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Kim Son - Vice Rector in charge of training, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Hoi Loan - Head of Student Affairs Department, and Mr. Trinh Minh Thai - Secretary of the University's Youth Union.

[img class="caption" src="images/stories/2009/11/26/dt-nvkhanh.jpg" border="0" alt="Professor Nguyen Van Khanh answering students' questions. (Photo: NA/USSH)" title="Professor Nguyen Van Khanh answering students' questions. (Photo: NA/USSH)" align="right" width="280"/>

The majority of student feedback consisted of questions related to the training program. Students raised many difficulties they encountered when first adapting to the program and the organization and management of training under the credit-based system.

In response to these questions, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Kim Son stated: Credit-based training is a new form of education, and both students and the university are gradually transitioning to this new teaching and learning model. Therefore, some initial difficulties in managing and organizing teaching and learning are unavoidable. These difficulties will gradually be overcome, but to do so, students need to be proactive and diligent in their studies, especially by closely monitoring the university's announcements to make timely decisions regarding course selection and registration. For issues related to training regulations, students should refer to the university's website.university training portal.

In addition, some students directly raised concerns regarding the foreign language proficiency requirements for graduates of the high-quality program, in comparison to the quality of foreign language teaching and learning; some asked whether the quality of training would increase along with the increase in tuition fees... Other opinions suggested increasing the internship time for students; proposing that the university provide more forms of support for students in course registration; and expediting the processing of student-related matters...

[img class="caption" src="images/stories/2009/11/26/dthoai.jpg" border="0" alt="Scene of the dialogue between students and university leaders. (Photo: NA/USSH)" title="Scene of the dialogue between students and university leaders. (Photo: NA/USSH)" width="580"/>

Regarding political matters and student affairs, most questions focused on procedures for scholarship applications, tuition fee waivers, student ID card issuance, borrowing transcripts and diplomas, etc. Some suggestions included increasing student consultation hours during the week and reducing unnecessary administrative procedures.

Regarding the administrative and management aspects of the university, students reported a lack of equipment in some classrooms, unclean student restrooms, and sometimes inappropriate staff attitudes. Students also requested that lecture halls be opened at lunchtime so students can rest between morning and afternoon classes, and that wireless internet access be implemented to support student learning.

Regarding Party and union activities, many students believe that the process of admitting students into the Party is slow and the number of admitted members is small; the Youth Union and Student Association have not really had many exchange activities or large-scale programs that attract the attention and meet the needs of students...

Other major areas of activity at the University that attract much student interest include scientific research, postgraduate training, and international relations. Regarding postgraduate training, students mainly ask about transfer procedures, foreign language proficiency standards for graduate entrance exams, etc.

Regarding scientific research, some suggested that the university should take measures to help enhance students' awareness of the significance of student scientific research activities, and to differentiate the meaning, purpose, and process between conducting scientific research projects, writing annual theses, and completing graduation theses.

Regarding international relations, one question that attracted the attention of the delegates was a student's inquiry about the university's major policies and strategies concerning educational collaboration with foreign partners.

Students' questions were directly answered by representatives from the relevant departments. Some suggestions were further studied by the university to develop appropriate solutions.

Concluding the dialogue session, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Kim Son - representing the Presidium - also suggested that students should pay more attention to studying the regulations on training at all levels to be more proactive in their work and avoid unnecessary questions. At the same time, the Vice Rector encouraged students to continue to exchange ideas, discuss, and provide feedback to the Board of Directors, thereby actively contributing to the school's activities in the future.