JI holds UM-JI Dual-degree info seminar

In order to help the University of Michigan- Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint Institute (UM-SJTU JI) students who are embarking on their dual-degree program at UM this fall adjust to their new learning and living environment, an information seminar was held at SJTU Minhang campus on June 4, attended by Brian Noble, UM Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education, three staff members from UM School of Engineering, Gang Zheng, JI Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education, Pam Byrnes, Director of JI’s US Office, and key JI staff members.

Humorously, Brian Noble briefed students and parents about the University of Michigan where students can choose from a wide variety of interdisciplinary research projects and interact with top students and professors from the world. He also encouraged students to step out of their comfort zone, take advantage of the resources at the UM and enrich their study-abroad experience.

Pam Byrnes, Director of JI’s US Office, congratulated the dual-degree students. She described in detail life at UM, including transportation, communication, health care, weather, academic resources, student clubs, alumni activities, etc.

Associate Dean Gang Zheng reminded the students to pay attention to course registration and graduation requirement. He asked the students to coordinate their courses at UM and SJTU reasonably. If they have problems, they should always consult the responsible staff.

On behalf of the departing students, junior Yue Dai shared her two years of study at JI in fluent English, showing the well-rounded development of JI students and their fighting spirit. She encouraged her peers,: “Try our best to face it, enjoy it and realize our dream.”

Senior Yuening Zhang, a returned dual-degree student, sharing her experience at the UM

Senior Zhiyi Fan, a returned dual-degree student, sharing his job-hunting experience in the United States

Yuening Zhang and Zhiyi Fan, Chairs of JI Alumni Association and seniors who just returned from dual-degree study at UM, introduced various resources at UM and gave recommendations on academic planning for either graduate study or employment after graduation. Zhang chose to continue graduate study in the United States while Fan will start working at Facebook in the United States soon. They encouraged students to get prepared early and start networking.

Special speaker Mrs. Yi Wang, mother of JI alumnus Fangzhou Xia (Class of 2015), talked about how her child benefited from the dual-degree experience. She encouraged the students to try different things and plan for the future as soon as possible.