The Ocean is generally accepted as the cradle of life on earth. And it is commonly believed that the 21st century is the century of ocean. To satisfy the need of our country (particularly Guangdong Province), and the world for talented personnel specializing in ocean sciences is one of the main aims of our university. We are also focusing on other academic programs that are responsive to contemporary needs for talents who specialize in agriculture, economy, engineering, arts, law, computer, management, and so on.
In China, there are only three universities with marine sciences as their main fields of study. Of the two mainland ocean universities, Guangdong Ocean University, formerly known as Zhanjiang Ocean University, has experienced 70-year rapid and harmonious development.It has now become a comprehensive, teaching and research university strongly supported as a keystone by the People's Government of Guangdong Province, the People's Republic of China.
Our university consists of four campuses: the Main Campus, Xiashan Campus, Haibin Campus and Cunjin Campus, covering a total area of 345 hectares or so. The Main Campus, which is next to Huguangyan, the world-famous state-level geological park, is scenic, pleasant, quiet and well-equipped, with 5 key province-level laboratories, 2 modern libraries, and other sophisticated facilities for academic study, scientific research and a happy life there. The other campuses are situated downtown in the Xiashan District and Chikan District respectively, with their specific functions, characteristics and advantages in teaching, learning, living and research.
Presently, our university offers 56 bachelor's degree programs, 15 master's degree programs and 29 diploma or certificate programs. In the near future, it will run some doctorial degree programs. Students can choose their fields of study among 18 faculties and 34 research institutes to get well prepared for their future careers or further study. Currently it boasts a big enrollment of about 23,000 full-time native and international students, and a full-time faculty team of 1,215 members, nearly half of whom have a higher academic title as well as a doctorial degree or master's degree.
We always value the following:
- excellence in teaching that promotes learning;
- a strong interdisciplinary approach;
- outstanding research and creative activity that fuel discovery and advance knowledge;
- responsibility to provide a superior academic environment;
- centrality of our students and responsibility to provide an intellectually and morally superior educational environment;
- disciplinary featuring, highlighting our current and prospective featured fields of study;
- a diverse, yet inclusive, dynamic collegial community that welcomes change and seizes opportunity with passion and creativity.
Within recent years, we have made great progress in scientific research, and the academic level is getting higher and higher. In order to further promote international academic exchange and educational cooperation, we have established good relationships with universities of the same trade in the United States, Japan, Australia, European countries, and other countries and regions. We have also engaged many famous scholars from all over the world as honorary, visiting, or part-time professors. And we'll always follow our carefully-formulated 4-C principle for international affairs below:
- Connection of wide range to the world
- Cooperation in education with the world
- Collaboration in scientific research throughout the world
- Communication of cultures around the world
In a word, the world is our goal, and our goal is the world—its advanced science and technology, educational philosophy and approaches, administration and management, culture and civilization, etc.
Just a few months ago, I experienced a new beginning as President of Guangdong Ocean University. It has been a time of great challenge, remarkable growth and tremendous discovery. We've moved our university vision from words and ideas into decisive actions.
Our vision is to inspire the human spirit through outstanding achievements in learning, discovery and innovation in a creative and harmonious community, building one of the nation's great universities for the public good. Our faculty will provide guided inquiries into areas of knowledge, beliefs, and value systems. With the proper organizational guidelines and administrative support, students will acquire and demonstrate a greater breadth and depth of knowledge, critical thinking, and clear self-expression, as well as gain the research skills necessary to maintain a high level of competence in the students' areas of expertise. It is our responsibility to aid in the development of responsible citizens by maintaining an up-to-date and relevant curriculum in order to achieve the knowledge base and skills required in an ever-changing society. This includes the ability to develop concern for moral perception, self-actualization, and academic discipline. Eevery member of our university plays a vital role – no one's success is possible without the support of another. We believe that students and educators are to be held equally accountable for the quality of their interaction, and the responsibility for learning must be shared by all individuals involved in the educational circle.
Guangdong Ocean University is sure an exciting place to be. On behalf of our university, I would like to invite you to find your place within our excellent team. And I look forward to working with all our partners to ensure that the university meets its potential and delivers on its responsibility to all.
Everything is possible. Let us live our dreams, surpass them, and grow beyond imagination. Let us serve our university, our city, our country, the world, and share every achievement!
Dr. He Zhen
President of GDOU
Ph. D., Professor |