Chapter 78: Intense Introversion and the Race for Shanhe University's Top Major
Teachers within the same departments had the opportunity to foster communication, share study materials, and collaborate on their professional development. By working together, they aimed to enhance their professional abilities and strive for collective progress among the 1,500 teachers at Shanhe University.
Despite the university's impressive standards, it wasn't enough for Shanhe University. The ultimate goal was to catch up with many prestigious domestic institutions within three years and transform Shanhe University into a world-class educational establishment.
Contemplating the ambitious goal, Qin Mu glanced at the system panel, which presented a new live challenge task: "Enhance Shanhe University's Ranking." This mission required Shanhe University to improve its domestic ranking, aiming for a place among the top 50 universities in China. The current ranking was a meager 2820.
In response, Qin Mu shook his head and wryly smiled at the irony. He recognized that domestic university rankings were determined by specialized educational institutions. These evaluations considered scientific research and teaching standards, published research reports and academic papers, and various quantitative data, reports, achievements, and reputation. Improving a university's ranking primarily relied on three key strategies: engaging in scientific research projects, enhancing institutional data, achievements, reputation, and publishing research reports and academic papers.
Qin Mu acknowledged that scientific research projects had stringent eligibility requirements, with only the top 50 domestic universities being allowed to undertake relevant national research projects. Consequently, Shanhe University had only two available paths to rise in the rankings: enhancing the university's reputation and publishing research papers and reports.
With half a year remaining to complete this mission, Qin Mu was determined to succeed. The reward for this mission was substantial—a generous 100,000 challenge points.
In the staff dormitory that night, after exploring the teaching environment, the teachers returned to their respective rooms. Their emotions were far from tranquil.
In the 501 dormitory, upon returning to his room, Lu Jianhua didn't immediately delve into his research materials. Instead, he strolled to the balcony, gazing into the distance. There was a profound silence.
Hu Zhengchu, carrying a thermos, joined him on the balcony, inquiring about his thoughts.
Lu Jianhua, with a sigh, acknowledged the multitude of pleasant surprises Shanhe University had brought him. His excitement over the living and teaching environments couldn't be concealed. He initially came for the textbooks but now contemplated staying at Shanhe University for an extended period.
He praised the institution for its location nestled amid the mountains, far from the urban clamor, ideal for dedicated learning, research, and mentoring students.
Hu Zhengchu shared his enthusiasm, predicting that Shanhe University's archeology major would soon amaze the nation and the world.
Within these three classrooms, teaching would be extraordinarily effective, helping students gain experience and grow rapidly.
Lu Jianhua asserted the prominence of their civil engineering major, vying for recognition as the university's top discipline. As the current dean of Shanhe University, he was keen to prove the might of his field.
Their discussion provoked teachers from other majors, each defending their respective disciplines as the top major of Shanhe University. A spirited, competitive dialogue ensued.
Failing to reach a consensus, they decided to compete academically the following day.
The dark hours arrived. Qi Limin, sneaking up on his roommate Yu Guangchu, who specialized in aerospace, rallied teachers from the same major to head to the library. They aspired to grasp the teaching materials comprehensively and position their major as the university's top choice.
As they approached the library, the teachers, still rubbing their sleepy eyes, questioned Qi Limin about the library's early morning opening time. He assured them it would open at five.
Since they were all in the nuclear energy and new energy major, Qi Limin encouraged them to collaborate, focusing on understanding the materials quickly, so they could establish themselves as the premier major.
With silent agreement, they prepared to make the most of their limited time, ensuring they could teach effectively when the school year began.
Nonetheless, upon their arrival at the library, they were shocked to find that every study room was already occupied. Calligraphy and painting majors were already immersed in their respective activities, engineering physics majors discussed the latest research findings, mathematics majors worked on deriving formulas, and mechanical engineering majors were fully engaged.
The library had been claimed by early risers who had arrived at the five o'clock opening, leaving Qi Limin and his group astonished.