In a bid for greater openness and public engagement, Renmin University of China is launching public tours of its campus starting January 1st, 2024. This move aligns with a growing chorus of voices calling for increased accessibility at elite Chinese universities.
Open Doors, Open Minds:
Responding to calls for transparency and public admiration, Renmin University has taken a significant step towards bridging the gap between its hallowed halls and the wider community. Previously, access to the campus was largely restricted to students, faculty, and alumni, with outsiders rarely granted entry.
Planning Your Pilgrimage:
Prospective visitors can register for the tours a day in advance through a mini-app on the university’s WeChat account, providing their name, ID number, and mobile phone number. The university assures a dynamic regulation of visitor numbers to maintain order, and urges respect for campus etiquette, with restricted areas like teaching and office buildings clearly marked. Misconduct or disruption can result in temporary or permanent bans.
Free Access, Fair Play:
Renmin University emphasizes that registration is free, and warns against unauthorized individuals charging fees for “services” related to the tours. This policy underscores the university’s commitment to genuine openness and public engagement, rather than seeking financial gain.
Echoes of a Wider Movement:
Renmin University’s decision reflects a broader trend within China’s higher education landscape. With the COVID-19 pandemic waning, calls for greater university accessibility have intensified, with professors and the public alike advocating for these institutions to be more open and welcoming.
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