On the afternoon of August 15, the Department of Electrical Engineering and Applied Electronics (EEA), Tsinghua University held the 2024 undergraduate orientation successfully in Room 3-217 of the West Main Building. Participants included Kang Chongqing, the department dean, Yu Xinjie, the Party Secretary, Deputy Secretary Yu Zhanqing, Deputy Deans Zhang Pinjia and Zheng Zedong, Li Qi, the Party Office Director, Hu Wei, Assistant to the Department Dean, Zhao Biao, and various institute directors and deputy directors, along with new student class advisors, administrative faculty, and all 2024 undergraduate freshmen. The orientation was hosted by Huang Shuman and Yang Kunqi, assistant class advisors of the department.

At the beginning of the meeting, Kang Chongqing delivered an online speech, providing an in-depth introduction to the rich history and excellent traditions of the department. He emphasized that since its establishment, the department has not only achieved a series of academic breakthroughs but also made significant contributions by training a large number of leaders, academic masters, and talented individuals for the country and society. Kang also explained the overall structure of the department’s “Five Institutes and One Center” and “One Department, Two Institutes,” pointing out that against the backdrop of “dual carbon” goals, the department is actively exploring new power systems, facing new opportunities and challenges, and achieving remarkable results in discipline construction and reform. He then provided three pieces of advice for the new students: to set great ambitions, engage deeply in their studies, and strive for excellence; to maintain physical fitness and embody youthful vitality through exercise; and to cultivate a correct value system for holistic development. He wished everyone a fulfilling, exciting, and meaningful time at Tsinghua.

Kang Chongqing’s Speech

Zhong Haiwang, a teacher representative admitted in 2004 and also a member of the class admitted in 2024, spoke next. He shared insights from his own experiences, encouraging students to set reasonable expectations, embrace setbacks, overcome difficulties, and focus on solid learning. He highlighted the importance of building an excellent community, noting that while an individual can move quickly, a group can go much farther. Mr. Zhong referenced a historic class from the department that produced a prime minister and four academicians, expressing hope that students would integrate into the community and make valuable friends. He also encouraged students to broaden their perspectives, maintain foresight, and strive for comprehensive development. “No man is born different, but adept at utilizing resources,” he remarked, urging students to read extensively, engage with their teachers, and participate in physical and social activities for holistic self-development. Finally, Mr. Zhong wished everyone to stay true to their original intentions, find their direction, and become better versions of themselves.

Teacher Representative Zhong Haiwang’s Speech

Shen Yu, the class advisor and head teacher for Energy Class 42, addressed the audience next. Mr. Shen welcomed the new students on behalf of the class advisors, encouraging them to develop a spirit of resilience, pursue excellence, and transcend their limits. He hoped that students would actively participate in class activities, integrating personal growth with collective development. He concluded by stating that class advisors would work alongside counselors and with the guidance and support of the department’s Party Committee and academic affairs to assist students in becoming well-rounded individuals.

Class Advisor Representative Shen Yu’s Speech

Zhang Futong, President of the Student Union and a student admitted in 2021, spoke on behalf of the upperclassmen. He welcomed the new students and shared three insights: first, to cultivate a broad knowledge base and a practical attitude in studying fundamental subjects; second, to embrace exploration and diverse development opportunities within the department; and third, to be resilient and overcome challenges, as university life will have its ups and downs, but setbacks are part of growth. Mr. Zhang encouraged everyone to engage with cutting-edge technology and connect with like-minded peers to become outstanding professionals with solid expertise and innovative spirits.

Upperclassman Representative Zhang Futong’s Speech

New student representative Qiu Lixiang spoke on behalf of the new cohort in the department. He congratulated his peers and expressed sincere gratitude to the teachers and parents who have supported them. He shared his experiences from a three-day training camp for new student leaders, hoping to convey a sense of collective spirit and build a “well-rounded and comprehensive” community within the department. He emphasized learning from teachers Yu Xinjie and senior student Xie Bangpeng about responsibility and the spirit of pursuing dreams, aiming to embody the values of “self-improvement and moral integrity” as electrical engineering students.

New Student Representative Qiu Lixiang’s Speech

At the end of the orientation, Yu Xinjie, the Party Secretary of the department, delivered a summary speech. He distilled three key points from the previous speeches: the importance of learning from setbacks, physical fitness, and integrating into the community. He pointed out that EEA offers many low-risk opportunities for exploration, such as social work, clubs, and scientific innovation, encouraging students to make multi-path decisions to find a suitable development path. To achieve this, Mr. Yu suggested that students adopt a strategy of incremental adjustments to gradually broaden their fields of interest, ultimately finding a direction that aligns with their values and interests. He encouraged students to continue to delve deeply into this path during their graduate studies and future careers. Finally, Mr. Yu wished every student a rewarding four years, filled with discoveries about their interests and capabilities.

Department Party Secretary Yu Xinjie’s Summary Speech

After the meeting, all participants took a group photo to commemorate the occasion.

Group Photo Commemoration