California State University, Northridge President Dianne F. Harrison and Central China Normal University President Zongkai Yang have signed an agreement that will enhance the intercultural understanding and promote collaboration between CSUN and Chinese scholars and students.

California State University, Northridge President Dianne F. Harrison and Central China Normal University President Zongkai Yang signed an agreement that will enhance the intercultural understanding and promote collaboration between CSUN and Chinese scholars and students. Photo by Lee Choo

On Wednesday, Aug. 15, the presidents signed a Memorandum of Understanding that outlines an alliance between the two institutions to promote the academic and cultural exchange of faculty and students through joint teaching, research, creative projects, visiting professor opportunities and other projects.

“This is very important and significant to us,” said President Harrison. “The agreement represents opportunities for our faculty and students for cultural exchanges where both universities benefit and learn from each other’s programs. I look forward to strengthening our relationships.”

Central China Normal University becomes one of more than 40 “sister” relationships Cal State Northridge has with Chinese universities and government entities. CCNU is a “key” normal university directly administered by the Chinese National Ministry of Education. It is located in Wuhan, a major hub of transportation. It ranks No. 3 in the number of higher education institutions in China and No. 1 in the country in the number of college students.

CCNU has 24 schools and more than 60 institutions or research centers. It has made notable achievements in scientific research. The university’s teaching staffs have been entrusted with many important scientific research projects, including the National Research Center on E-Learning, for which Yang is an expert.

“I think that CSUN and CCNU share a lot in common, especially in the disciplines, and we share a solid foundation in teacher preparation,” said Yang through an interpreter.

Consul Zhunmin Chen, director of the education office of the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Los Angeles, said the MOU will help strengthen not only the links between CSUN and CCNU but also the relationship between the U.S. and China.

The agreement calls on each institution to consider the admission of each other’s undergraduate and graduate students as long as the students satisfy admission requirements and meet the deadlines of the accepting institution. The admission requirements include a provision that the students pass an approved language proficiency exam prior to admission.

Individual colleges at both universities may enter into additional academic program agreements.

California State University, Northridge is a regionally focused, nationally recognized university serving more than 35,600 full- and part-time students in the San Fernando Valley and surrounding areas. Founded in 1958, CSUN is among the largest universities in the nation and is ranked among the top universities for bachelor’s degrees awarded to minority students. It has nine colleges and more than 2,000 faculty members who teach courses leading to bachelor’s degrees in 69 disciplines, master’s degrees in 58 fields and doctorates in education and physical therapy, as well as 28 teaching credential programs. The university is home to dozens of acclaimed programs where students gain valuable hands-on experience working alongside faculty and industry professionals.

China, International