*4.5. Integrative Dimension: Enriching the Educational Experience through a Holistic, Immersive Approach*

The integrative dimension of SUSTech's general education reflects the institution's commitment to creating a diverse and connected learning environment. This dimension includes the integration of student research, study-abroad programs, and a new engineering education system that pushes the boundaries of general education.

## A. Student research

Involving students in research projects is an important component of SUSTech's general education curriculum, even though it is not a required course. Undergraduate research, which includes independent investigations or research that contributes original findings to specific areas, is an integral part of SUSTech's pedagogical approach. SUSTech offers a wide range of opportunities for student involvement in research and encourages engagement through a variety of channels, forms, and methods. Students are encouraged to explore their research interests in depth and engage in dialogue with their advisors. Following required approvals, advisors facilitate early participation in laboratory observations to foster a hands-on, experiential understanding of critical thinking and problem-solving methods.

Many students subsequently embark on independent explorations by formulating their own research questions. These endeavors are supported by their advisors and can be pursued in a variety of ways, including undergraduate research projects offered by their respective departments, College Students Innovation and Entrepreneurship Projects, and other independent student research initiatives. It is common for SUSTech undergraduates to participate in their advisors' research teams, allowing them to engage in research under the guidance and supervision of experienced researchers. Some students even discover their interests and potential career paths through these research experiences, with initial results often being incorporated into their senior theses.

Following the declaration of their majors, conducting research projects under the guidance of advisors becomes a mandatory part of the degree program to foster a scholarly inquiry process that involves investigating, evaluating, creating, and disseminating knowledge or work aligned with the practices of the respective disciplines. Collaboration among students from different disciplines in undergraduate research is actively encouraged at SUSTech. The College Students Innovation and Entrepreneurship Projects program plays an important role in selecting, funding, and supporting approximately 120 undergraduate research projects each year, involving approximately 400 students. These projects emphasize originality, innovation, and in some cases, entrepreneurship, leading to the publication of research results in prestigious academic journals or the transformation of results into entrepreneurial products.

From an educational standpoint, engaging in research offers unique opportunities for students to learn and apply scientific principles. Through active participation in research, students develop scholarly thinking, hone their exploration and communication skills, and gain experience in project management, problem solving, research budgeting, proposal writing, and the complete research process. Additionally, research experiences have the potential to reshape students' perceptions of science and significantly influence their future career. Ultimately, undergraduate research at SUSTech serves not only to deepen students' academic understanding in their chosen disciplines but also to enable them to acquire a comprehensive skill set and broaden their horizons, preparing them for a successful future in their respective fields.

#### B. Study-abroad programs

Study-abroad programs are an important component of SUSTech's general education. One of the key objectives of undergraduate education at SUSTech is to equip students with the essential qualities they need to become global-minded and pioneering scientists and engineers in the future. Studying abroad serves as a crucial pillar and mechanism to foster students' global outlook. The study-abroad programs offered at SUSTech encompass a wide range of options, including summer/winter programs, research camps, semester/year-long exchange programs, and dual degree programs. Since their inception in 2015, more than 2000 students have participated in and benefited from these programs.

These study-abroad programs have a wide variety in terms of their objectives, content focus, duration, formats, partner institutions, and disciplinary areas. At the university level, comprehensive support and encouragement are provided to undergraduate students throughout their study-abroad journey. This support includes assistance with scholarship applications, selection of partner universities, project design, development and confirmation of study plans, credit transfer processes, and opportunities for sharing experiences upon return. The benefits of participating in study-abroad programs go beyond enhancing global awareness and academic learning. They also encompass the development of leadership skills, personal growth, and the acquisition of greater cultural competence.

Analysis of students' self-reports following their completion of study-abroad programs reveals significant progress in several areas. These developments include, but are not limited to, improved academic skills, language acquisition, deeper understanding of scientific concepts, enhanced academic planning skills, self-discovery, social identity formation, critical thinking, and emotional growth. These findings underscore the transformative impact of study-abroad experiences on SUSTech undergraduate students.

#### C. New engineering education system

The integration of a new engineering education system at SUSTech plays a crucial role in expanding the scope of general education beyond traditional boundaries. As a STEMfocused university, SUSTech attracts a significant number of students to its engineering programs. The adoption of the new engineering education mode serves as a driving force for the advancement and innovation of undergraduate general education at the institution.

Under this educational approach, students are given more autonomy to shape their individual knowledge and skill structure. They have access to abundant resources and interdisciplinary learning opportunities that allow them to define their own learning content and pace. The new engineering education model goes beyond traditional approaches by placing a strong emphasis on addressing complex societal needs. It recognizes the importance of understanding the needs of people and society, which requires a comprehensive and integrative approach that goes beyond discipline-specific education.

The general education modules, particularly in the humanities, social sciences, arts, ethics, integrative residential college education, and student research project schemes, collectively contribute to preparing engineering students to benefit fully from the new engineering education at SUSTech. These modules promote a holistic and coherent learning experience that enables students to engage with diverse perspectives and develop the skills needed to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

By integrating general education with the new engineering education system, SUSTech creates a student-centered and future-oriented approach that effectively addresses societal, environmental, and technological challenges. This integration creates a novel paradigm for college learning that promotes curricular coherence, interdisciplinary connections, and a focus on imagination, creativity, and innovation.

Over a decade of rigorous experimentation and development, SUSTech has developed an innovative and comprehensive general education system that incorporates multiple components. This system seamlessly integrates a well-rounded curriculum, individulized curricula, and an integrated residential college education. Its primary goal is to foster students' exploration of their inherent capabilities, cultivate their ability to think beyond their specialized areas, and equip them with essential skills for lifelong learning and critical thinking. Noteworthy characteristics of SUSTech's general education include its institution-wide approach, seamless integration with students' major declaration and learning processes, student-centered pedagogy, a versatile residential college co-curriculum system, and an extensive support system.
