Zhejiang University Zhoushan campus (College of Oceanography) covering nearly 700 acres is under construction with bulldozers, steel bars and pipelines on the site. In the construction headquarters, there are three huge pictures standing, the local original map of Zhoushan campus, the blueprint and the layout plan of Zhoushan campus. In the meeting room, a vivid miniature model present a three-dimensional campus to visitors – Chinese-style architecture, modern stadium, the towering lighthouse which evidently displays the features of discipline of oceanography and its connection to Zhejiang University. On the site, the university and local city shake hand to celebrate the promising future.

According to the plan, the phase-I project of Zhoushan campus covers an area of 191,636 square meters, including 167,624 square meters above-ground and 24,012 square meters underground area. On the campus there will be 16 major buildings, including sports center, library, international exchange center, marine science laboratory and office building, etc.

On December 24, the construction of Zhoushan campus started. People attending the meeting for the construction of Zhoushan campus included Party Secretary Jin Deshui, President Yang Wei, Executive Deputy Party Secretary Zou Xiaodong, Executive Vice-President Wu Zhaohui and directors of relevant departments, Vice-Governor of Zhejiang Province and Zhoushan City Party Secretary Liang Liming, Mayor Zhou Guohui and so on. Head of Zhoushan Municipal Party Committee Propaganda Department Zhou Weijiang introduced the situations of relocation, pipeline projects, supporting roads, progress of project, funds and so on. Vice-Chairman of Zhejiang University Development Committee and College of Oceanography Organization Group leader Chen Zichen reported the progress in organization on behalf of Zhejiang University.

In discussions and exchanges, the two sides agreed that it’s the mutual responsibility of both sides to utilize local resources, regional and industrial advantages, and make the best of technology and talent advantages of the university to build a world-class College of Oceanography. The goal of College of Oceanography is to nurture first-class talents, build first-class disciplines and made first-class research achievements. Both sides expressed confidence and expectations in the future of the College. Jin Deshui said, “It’s a challenge to run a college in a distant region. We should make joint effort to build Zhoushan campus into the most beautiful campus of Zhejiang University, and to integrate resources available to build a world-class College of Oceanography to contribute to the building of Zhoushan region and national marine development strategy.” Yang Wei said, “The building of College of Oceanography is the most important development of disciplines at Zhejiang University in recent years. The construction of Zhoushan campus carries landmark significance to both the university and Zhoushan city. Zhejiang University teachers and students have a lot of hope and expectations in the building of College of Oceanography. We should overcome difficulties and make efforts to live up to their hopes.” Liang Liming said, “Zhoushan city will provide support for the construction of Zhoushan campus in finance and resources. We should achieve our goals with shortest period and best results.”

The construction of College of Oceanography has been approved by Ministry of Education. The College is going to enroll student in 2013. Undergraduate students will complete their freshman and sophomore years on Zijingang campus. In 2015, the newly constructed Zhoushan campus will welcome the first batch of students.

Chen Zichen introduced that within the 61 fulltime faculty of College of Oceanography, there are 2 experts from national recruitment program of global experts, 1 from the same program for young experts and 1 from provincial recruitment program of global experts. Recently, the College has appointed positions for one professor from University of Illinois, 2 associate professors from University of Tokyo and 1 associate professor from University of Southern Denmark. Currently the College now hosts two majors for undergraduate programs, namely marine engineering technology, port channel and coastal engineering. Another two majors, marine science and naval architecture and ocean engineering, are in the process of applying for approval from Ministry of Education. The College will host 110 undergraduate students and 89 graduate students. Recently, Zhejiang University invited 2 experts to guide the development of marine disciplines.

Dean of College of Oceanography Chen Ying said that foreign curriculum and teaching materials would be imported to improve the quality of teaching at the College. More than ten percent of core curriculum would be conducted by professors from overseas. The College has signed cooperation agreements with University of Rhode Island, UC Davis, University of Strathclyde,  and University of Delaware. Currently, College of Oceanography is discussing and negotiating with University of Kiel, Germany, University of Southampton, UK, University of Hawaii on dual degree programs which will be gradually implemented from 2014.