On 22 October, the Institute for International and Area Studies (IIAS) at Tsinghua University held its 2026 Faculty Exchange Meeting. Participants exchanged views on topics including the development of supervisor–student relationships, academic guidance and psychological support for students, and postgraduate education and administration. The meeting was chaired by Professor Jiang Jingkui, Dean of IIAS, and attended by He Xuebing, Associate Dean and Party Branch Secretary, and all faculty members.
Jiang Jingkui noted that a good supervisor–student relationship requires not only academic guidance, but also intellectual exchange and psychological support. It calls for the joint involvement and coordinated efforts of supervisors and faculty members in relevant research areas. Supervisors should pay attention not only to students’ academic progress, but also to their thinking and psychological well-being. Drawing on his own experience of supervising students, he observed that postgraduate students face multiple pressures in their studies, research and career development. While maintaining high standards, supervisors should also offer students recognition and encouragement, helping them build confidence and overcome difficulties.
Regarding students’ psychological well-being, Jiang Jingkui stressed the need to strengthen risk prevention awareness and identify and respond promptly to problems encountered by students. He noted that, as increasing numbers of IIAS students undertake fieldwork overseas each year, supervisors and class advisers should maintain regular contact with students, keep abreast of their academic, personal and psychological well-being, and strengthen communication with them.
Drawing on the specific circumstances of student education and training at IIAS, He Xuebing emphasised that supervisors and class advisers should take the initiative in caring for students, and that responsibility for maintaining communication with students undertaking overseas study visits and fieldwork should be clearly assigned. She noted that mutual trust should underpin supervisor–student relationships, and that faculty guidance should appeal not only to reason but also to personal understanding and care.
Faculty members attending the meeting shared their experiences and exchanged views on topics including thesis supervision, academic standards, ideological and political education in supervisor–student relationships, supervisor–student relations, psychological support and education, and postgraduate training and administration. They agreed that postgraduate education requires both rigorous academic standards and close attention to students’ developmental needs and psychological well-being. Going forward, they will further strengthen coordination and cooperation, work together to support students’ development, and fulfil their responsibilities as mentors and educators.
Participants exchanging views
