Sixteen UCA College Student Personnel Services and Administration (CSPA) graduate students and their faculty leaders, Assistant Professor Dr. Lawrence Mrozek and Associate Professor Dr. Rhonda McClellan of the College of Education Leadership Studies department, took a 15-day study tour to China, May 12–27, 2014, to focus on gaining an understanding of higher education and student affairs in China.
CSPA Students and Mentor Faculty Ready for Flight to China
The graduate students spent eight days at Qingdao University, in the city of Qingdao, on the coast of China, immersed in a class that addresses literature and issues on multiculturalism, diversity, and social justice in higher education settings in the U.S. and other countries. The mornings involved lectures, tours and discussions about student affairs services and higher education in China, focusing on topics such as Higher Education in China, Student Affairs Services at QU, Residence Life, Freshman Services, Psychological Services, etc. On the last day, students from the UCA CSPA program gave presentations about student services at UCA, with a focus on Residential Colleges, Student Conduct, Student Life, and Greek Life. After the Q&A, there were focus group discussions with QU administrators and students and UCA students.
Q&A with QU Dean of College of Education
Afternoons included visits to Qingdao landmarks, a primary school (Qingdao Yan Er Dao Rd Primary School), and an all-day climb of Mt. Laoshan, which is the tallest mountain on the coast of China at 1,132 meters. Mt. Laoshan is also considered one of the birthplaces of Taoism; many of the students also visited the Temple of Great Purity on the mountain.
Visiting with Qingdao Yan Er Dao Rd Primary Students During Recess
After the visit to Qingdao University, the students spent four days in Beijing to see many of the cultural and historical landmarks of Beijing, including the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, The Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, and the Beijing Panda Zoo.
CSPA Graduate Students at the Great Wall