Dear students:

Some of you may be in the epicenter of the epidemic zone, and perhaps some of you are at home anxiously waiting for the start of the semester - debugging your computer, looking forward to the the new semester’s online classes. Dear students, at this moment, Tsinghua University is missing you all.

This new semester you are part of is an extra special semester. I believe you are all paying close attention to this "people's war" across the country. The epidemic has the command, so prevention and control is our responsibility. Under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with general secretary Xi Jinping at the core, millions of people’s efforts are joining together, like a river running stronger and faster towards the sea. The epidemic prevention and control efforts by the people is giving this coming spring a different feeling. “So what can we do to help fight the epidemic?" All students of Tsinghua University can take action and play their part to protect their own health and safety, embrace online learning, carry forward the Tsinghua style of study and and fight the ‘epidemic’ as one this new semester.

In the face of the epidemic, the university made an important decision to "postpone the start of the semester but start classes as scheduled" and for the first time adjusted the overall teaching arrangement for the spring semester. The university will carry out online teaching in accordance with the university academic calendar so that students can study at home. This is conducive to national efforts in epidemic prevention and control and also ensures students' health and safety. It is also conducive to students' personal development and to the return to normal teaching arrangements after the epidemic is over. On February 3, more than 50,000 Tsinghua faculty and students took part in a special online lecture. During the lecture, Qiu Yong, the President of the University, stressed: "Tsinghua University has always attached great importance to learning. Learning is the guarantee of a good education. No matter what the situation, Tsinghua faculty and students will always focus on teaching and learning". Such a strong tradition we must not forget. "Postponing the start of the semester but starting classes as scheduled" – it is a short phrase with a lot of meaning. In less than one week, Tsinghua faculty members worked tirelessly in preparation for the new online teaching learning arrangement. There are now more than 3900 online courses waiting for Tsinghua students. Eyes locked onto the screen, and a heart full of commitment. Now, Tsinghua is ready!

Just as the battle against the epidemic continues, study and research will go on. In this battle of resistance, the role of the Party members, the pace of the soldiers, the fearlessness of the medics and the spirit of the youth together brings an outstanding character, making this experience more touching. Faced with the difficulties brought by the epidemic, we at Tsinghua University must show our vigour and enthusiasm in rising to the challenge. Tomorrow, the new semester will begin in a way like no other. Dear students, are you ready?

In the face of such challenges, we must uphold the Tsinghua style of study. Although the teaching location, methods and research models have all changed, what remains unchanged is our high standards in teaching and research and the dedication of our faculty and students. Do not be late, do not leave early, listen carefully, actively ask questions, carefully complete homework, revision and reviews..... We are still adhering to our teaching norms during this special time. Being a self-disciplined and an active learner is the essence of a Tsinghua University student - as is upholding the Tsinghua style of study. Diligent in study, courageous, truthseeking, and with endless ambition! Let the academic spirit of being "meticulous, diligent, practical and innovative" be embodied in every one of us.

In the face of such challenges, we must be enthusiastic towards learning and research. Our hearts are filled with hope, like a sunflower facing the sun. We must always respect the value of knowledge and the pursuit of truth. We must seek out and communicate with faculty members about issues encountered with online course learning as well as report our assesment and study progress. We should hold academic discussions with faculty and classmates through the "cloud group meeting", to achieve mutual learning and create the best possible environment for learning and research. We have to believe that it is through these countless ordinary daily acts of learning and research that will lead to the eventual confluence of a powerful river towards greater scientific and social progress.

In the face of such challenges, we must employ our collective strength. Students should encourage and support one another to overcome difficulties and give full play to the collective role of the Party. Through the establishment of online support groups, such as for reading, research, study, sports other activities to promote the personal growth of each student, we will maintain the "not one left behind" principle. Doctoral students should actively participate in online doctoral forums and other opportunities for academic exchange. I believe in this special period for teaching and learning, we will not only gain knowledge but also more warmth and compassion. Although thousands of miles apart, we are all "close in spirit though far away".

"Teaching and education is a responsibility that cannot be lost". As Tsinghua President Qiu Yong says, our faculty members place teaching as their top priority. Even if online teaching and research are the only methods that can be conducted during the epidemic prevention and control period, please believe that no matter where you are, the university and its faculty will always there to support you.

But we also need to be ready. Although the university and its faculty are well prepared in the use and deployment of our online learning system, you may experience unexpected problems in the beginning. Please understand that it is only through your support and feedback that we can solve these issues and make our online teaching and learning environment even better.

The epidemic is like a big exam – its answer sheet lies in you and me. As Chen Xu, Party Secretary of Tsinghua University, stressed, "whether we can produce adequate answers is a question that everyone in Tsinghua must seriously consider and actively try to address." The new semester is about to begin. Holding close the Tsinghua spirit of "Self-Improvement and Social Commitment" and being courageous and fearless and what will guide you through all difficulties. The university will will promote the implementation of high quality online teaching. We also hope that all students can follow the unified arrangement of the university, work hard in their studies and take on the challenges that arise.

By bravely treading new roads we make it easier for others to follow. We hope that every Tsinghua University student can summon the unyielding efforts to create an answer sheet that with stands the test of history!

Student Department of Party Committee
Party Committee Graduate Affairs Department
Communist Youth League Tsinghua University Committee
February 16, 2020

Source: International Students & Scholar's Center