In the blazing heat of August, the scorching sun could not diminish the enthusiasm for welcoming new students. Banners fluttered proudly at the university gates, guiding the freshmen toward their new journey. Thus began an eagerly anticipated adventure at Xiamen University. On the morning of August 29 and 30, 2025, the Institute of Finance and Accounting Studies (IFAS) welcomed its new students from across China and around the world.

At the orientation site, Teacher Zhou, the academic secretary of the institute, together with a team of volunteers , assisted the freshmen in completing registration procedures and patiently addressed their inquiries. Despite the bustling crowd, the event proceeded in an orderly manner. The young faces of the new students radiated vitality and anticipation, embodying the spirited energy of the incoming class.

On the evening of September 2, 2025, IFAS held a New and Current Student Exchange Meeting along with the Class Committee Election for the Class of 2025 in Room 501, Jiageng Building II. The host, Wu Donghong, began by extending a warm welcome to the new students. The meeting then entered its first segment—an introduction to the class committee. Members of the Class of 2024 explained in detail the responsibilities of their positions and shared their experiences.

Figure 3: Opening of the New Student Orientation Session

Class monitor Wu Donghong recounted his work responsibilities, workload, and reflections from the past year.He described the position of class monitor as that of a caring liaison who facilitates communication among students and bridges the gap between teachers and students. League branch secretary Wu Mingjie outlined the duties of her role and expressed that while the position involves a considerable workload, it provides valuable opportunities for growth and self-improvement.

Lifestyle committee member Gu Jingwen, explained that her role encompasses both that of a lifestyle coordinator and a mental health supporter. She detailed the specific responsibilities associated with each of these functions. Academic committee member Zhang Jingjing emphasized the importance of staying informed about course arrangements, assignments, and examinations, while conveying students’ academic concerns to the faculty. Arts and sports committee member Tan Siqi reviewed the cultural and athletic events held in the past year, explaining that her role focused on organizing such activities, distributing relevant information in a timely manner, as well as fulfilling responsibilities related to safety.  Party branch secretary Wang Yilian summarized the tasks of her position, including branch activities and school-wide events, and offered detailed insights into the responsibilities and experiences of serving in this role.

Figure 6: Wang Yilian, Party Branch Secretary of the Class of 2024, Introduced Her Role

The event then moved into the self-introduction session, where students, both new and current, introduced themselves in seating order. During this interactive segment, many common interests and backgrounds were discovered among the participants, quickly bridging the gap between them and fostering a sense of camaraderie.

Following this, the event proceeded to the sharing session by current students. 

The first speaker was Wang Kai, a doctoral student representative. He shared insights into the life of a Ph.D. student from both academic and extracurricular perspectives. He briefly introduced the curriculum structure and the faculty advisor system for doctoral programs, while also offering advice on maintaining a healthy mindset and planning academic goals during Ph.D. studies.

Figure 8: Doctoral Student Representative Wang Kai Shared His Experience

Next, master's student representatives Zhang Jingjing and Tan Siqi shared their experiences. 

Zhang Jingjing provided a detailed introduction to the curriculum and academic requirements for the first and second years of the master's program, offering valuable suggestions on effective study methods. Tan Siqi, introduced daily life at the IFAS from the aspects of clothing, food, housing, and transportation. She also introduced campus and nearby facilicities, offering useful suggestions to help new students adapt more quickly to their new campus life.

Figure 9: Master's Student Representative Zhang Jingjing Shared Academic Insights

The event then moved on to the presentation session by the Graduate Student Union. Members of the 2024 Graduate Student Union presidium introduced the main responsibilities and corresponding requirements of each department. 

Zhuo Ye, the chair of the Graduate Student Union, first gave an overview of the union's general operations. The presentation included details about various activities organized by the union, its overall organizational structure, selection process, and the role of the chair in coordinating these events.

Figure 10: Zhuo Ye, Chair of the 2024 Graduate Student Union, Introduced the Union

The session continued with introductions to the roles of various department heads. 

Huang Jinni, head of the Organization Department, explained that the department’s primary responsibilities include event planning and coordination, external liaison, on-site event setup, and post-event follow-up. 

Gu Jingwen, head of the Finance Department, compared her role to that of the union’s “CFO,” emphasizing her duties in budgeting for events, procuring supplies, and managing financial reimbursements. 

Ji Yilin, head of the Publicity Department, summarized her department’s work, which involves creating official social media posts, designing and posting  posters, as well as photography and image editing. 

Yi Ru, head of the Secretariat, introduced her department’s responsibilities, include drafting news releases, making PPTs, and managing documentation. In addition, she noted that the Secretariat collaborates with the Publicity Department to support mid-to-late stages of the union’s activities.

Figure 11: Huang Jinni, Head of the Organization Department of the 2024 Graduate Student Union, Introduced Her Role

Figure 12: Gu Jingwen, Head of the Finance Department of the 2024 Graduate Student Union, Introduced Her Role

Figure 13: Ji Yilin, Head of the Publicity Department of the 2024 Graduate Student Union, Introduced Her Role

Following the successful sharing session by the senior student representatives, the meeting entered to its final segment—the class committee election. The election was conducted through a competitive selection process, structured as follows: Interested candidates were invited to come forward, write their names under the corresponding position on the whiteboard, and briefly explain their motivation for running. If multiple candidates competed for the same position, a vote was held among the attending students to determine the outcome.

The fresman,  with full of enthusiasm, actively signed up to participate in the class committee election. Standing at the podium, they spoke confidently, sharing their rich practical experiences and past achievements, and presenting their plans and outlook for class. Their words reflected a sincere dedication to serving their peers. Their outstanding performance left deep impression on everyone present, and all believed that these newly elected committee members would surely unite as one and build an even more excellent class.

Figure 15: Students Campaigning for Class Committee Positions Delivered Speeches

Finally, amidst warm applause, the exchange meeting drew to a close, and all participants gathered for a group photo to commemorate the occasion.

Figure 16: Group Photo to Commemorate the Event

With the successful completion of all ac, the 2025 Orientation Series hosted by the School of Finance and Accounting at Xiamen University has officially drawn to a perfect close! 

A new chapter has now begun, and it is hoped that the Class of 2025 will achieve academic success, cherish every moment, and bravely pursue their own brilliant futures!

Text: Yi Ru 

Images: Yi Ru,

Ji Yilin,

Wang Yilian 

Layout: Ji Yilin