Conference in Yantai

Twenty-five members of staff from the University of Groningen attended a conference in Yantai, China from 17 to 19 September, as did staff from its partner China Agricultural University (CAU). Their aim was to make detailed plans and reach further agreements on the foundation of the University of Groningen Yantai (UGY).

Staff from various faculties and departments at the University of Groningen attended the conference, which gave them the opportunity to work intensively with their Chinese counterparts. Members of the boards of both universities were also present. The conference programme, which had been decided on in advance, gave the delegates the opportunity to discuss many topics in small groups, including:

• Student recruitment and admissions
• Human resources, including recruitment and organization
• Research and research facilities
• Accommodation
• Preparatory year
• Legal matters and finances
• Communication, including UGY branding and website
• IT facilities, including electronic learning environments
• Quality assurance
• Organizational structure
• Training for UGY staff

Alongside the discussions with the CAU staff, the representatives of the University of Groningen met the governors of the City of Yantai.

Those who attended the conference are positive about the results. They managed to reach detailed agreements about the form of collaboration and how to approach the various topics as well as to further specify the plans. They also learnt a lot about Chinese legislation and its implementation. Furthermore, the intensive collaboration at the conference increased mutual understanding and further strengthened the relationship between the universities and the Chinese authorities.

Preparations for the foundation of UGY are underway. The staff from the two universities will now put the agreements reached during the conference into effect. They aim to begin the preparatory year in September 2017.