On August 27, 2009, a welcome ceremony for SEM freshmen students was held at the International Hall of Weilun Building. 255 newly enrolled undergraduates attended the ceremony as they are about to begin their new journey at the School.

The ceremony was attended by Dean Qian Yingyi, Associate Dean Liao Li, Associate Dean Bai Chong-en，Associate Dean Xia Donglin, Associate Dean Zhu Yan, and Associate Dean Zhao Dongqing. Associate Dean Bai Chong-en hosted the ceremony.

(Associate Dean Bai Chong-en)

In his address to the freshmen, Dean Qiang Yingyi welcomed them and congratulated them for earning a place at Tsinghua. Dean Qian particularly noted the University’s centennial anniversary celebrations. “You will witness this grand event in your second year at Tsinghua.” said Qian Yingyi, Dean of Tsinghua SEM.

Dean Qian also briefed the students on the new undergraduate program which is to be implemented this semester. The new undergraduate program hasthree features-- "general education", "honors programs"and "critical thinking." "The reformed undergraduate prorgam is a breakthrough on SEM's undergraduate education, it will make SEM's undergradudate education more internaitonal, and meanwhile, it is a specific move for us to mark the upcoming cetennnial anniversary of theUniversity", said Dean Qian Yingyi.

(Dean Qian Yingyi)

Student speakers Zhang Wei, Cao Zhijing made presentations at the session.

Tsinghua SEM enrolled 255 undergraduates this year, including 16 international students and 25 for sports class. Among this year’s freshmen students, 12 are No. 1s in National Entrance Examination in their respective provinces and regions, and 77 are among the top ten examinees.

New students have taken registration on August 26.