Conference "Sharing experiences in recruiting basic science majors in the context of university autonomy"

Attending the conference, on behalf of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (VNU-Hanoi), there were Prof. Dr. Hoang Anh Tuan (Rector) and 3 Vice Rectors: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dao Thanh Truong, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dang Thi Thu Huong, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lai Quoc Khanh, along with all heads and deputy heads of functional departments under the Rectorate Block.

On the side of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (VNU-HCM), there were Associate Professor, Dr. Ngo Thi Phuong Lan (Rector), Vice Rectors: Dr. Phan Thanh Dinh, Dr. Pham Tan Ha, Dr. Le Hoang Dung and all heads of departments, directors of centers and deans of faculties under the University.

Speaking at the opening of the conference, Associate Professor Dr. Ngo Thi Phuong Lan expressed her pleasure that the two schools had worked very closely to organize today's conference. The conference is a very important activity to strengthen the relationship and cooperation between the two training and research institutions in social sciences and humanities; exchange experiences and solutions for recruiting majors in the field of basic sciences in response to the new situation. The cooperation will help the two schools increase resources and share valuable experiences in training and scientific research activities, enhancing the prestige of the two schools not only domestically but also regionally and internationally.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (VNU-Hanoi), Rector Hoang Anh Tuan thanked the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (VNU-HCM) for their warm welcome and thoughtful preparation. The relationship between the two schools has a long history, is very friendly and close, and has achieved many very encouraging results in recent years. Therefore, organizing this Conference is also an opportunity for us to look back at the results of cooperation in the past time, and at the same time identify opportunities and comprehensive cooperation programs in the coming time. Especially in the context of university autonomy, schools training in social sciences and humanities, especially basic sciences, will face many difficulties in enrollment. With the position of the leading training institutions in the country in social sciences and humanities, regularly organizing conferences and seminars for us to exchange, discuss, give opinions, and share valuable practical experiences is a very meaningful activity.

The conference listened to the Summary Report on scientific research cooperation activities between the two Universities and future orientations, the Presentation Report of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (VNU-HCM) on the context, development situation as well as the goals and strategic plans of the University in the period 2021-2025; Report on the Current Status of Basic Science Majors at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU.

In the Report, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (VNU) also emphasized: in order to achieve good results in the enrollment of basic science majors under the conditions of university autonomy, especially attracting high-quality students, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities has implemented a number of innovations and adjustments to comply with changes in the enrollment regulations of the Ministry of Education and Training and the enrollment regulations of the Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU).

In particular, in 2022, for the first time, a pilot program will be implemented to provide scholarships and support for students of basic science majors of the University according to the regulations of VNU, including: free tuition, free accommodation, priority in scientific research and scientist incubation programs, priority when considering other scholarships and living expenses support of 20 million VND/school year for students of 09 majors: Han Nom, History, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Political Science, Anthropology, Vietnamese Studies, Linguistics, Literature.

In addition, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities also implements many policies to support and accompany candidates in enrollment, admission, the learning process at the school and career orientation, and job counseling while they are still studying at the school.

The implementation of innovations in direct admission to master's and doctoral training with 8 majors that have been accredited by AUN, including 5 basic science majors: History, Philosophy, Political Science, Literature, and Linguistics, is a great advantage for students studying these majors.

Based on the identification of the context and strengths of each unit as well as the results of cooperation activities between the two schools (2019-2022 period), the two sides proposed a cooperation plan and specific activities in the 2022-2024 period, focusing on the following areas:

- Regarding training: Increase the organization of experience sharing sessions on enrollment, training program development; exchange of lecturers and students; dual degree training...

- Regarding scientific research: Regularly organize seminars, conferences, and scientific discussions; support international publications; organize student scientific conferences, etc.

- University governance: Strengthen experience sharing on digital transformation, communication work, improving facilities, operating mechanisms of higher education institutions, etc.

- Other cooperation activities: administration, human resource development, quality control, conservation work, fieldwork and archaeological excavation, etc.

At the end of the conference, delegates from the two schools presented gifts and took souvenir photos.