Following the earlier announcement for the reopening of the universities/colleges/schools in Ningbo, we are very eager to welcome our students back to the campus. On behalf of all ABE staff, I would like to welcome you all back. As the Head of Department, I look forward to seeing all of you soon. 

With the majority of our staff back in Ningbo already, we are now preparing well for the start of face-to-face teaching. I am very proud of our staff and students who have worked very hard in the past few weeks. This whole period was new to all of us, but we managed to work very responsively and responsibly, and overcome the challenges. Our early preparedness was the cause of our success to date. Moreover, we have had excellent communication with different university teams and the faculty. This enabled us to keep close contact with our local students, international students, staff who were in China or returned to China, and staff who are still outside China.

We are very grateful to the University and the Faculty, and their continuous efforts and support in these few months. We are working closely with relevant bodies to ensure our classrooms, studios, and teaching areas are all prepared. While you were away, our facilities team also managed to work on some of the classroom updates and minor refurbishment that were planned before. These will be the good surprises when you get back!

During this unprecedented time, we learned how to be more ‘adaptive’ and ‘resilient’. We truly appreciate the efforts of our diligent staff and hard-working students, working collectively in the best form of communication. With the extended support we received during these few months, we managed to overcome all challenges – some that helped us to improve significantly, too. Also through the next few weeks, we hope to see even more progress and excellent progress. We are very delighted to see you all you soon, and we hope your return to UNNC is safe. It is important to note that UNNC and the Department missed you more than you think.

Last, but not least, welcome back to your second home!

Dr Ali Cheshmehzangi, Head of Department of Architecture and Built Environment

Ali Cheshmehzangi