SLS-3c2 The First 4YUG Cohort - Learning Trip to the USA - Tufts University

Tufts is very different from PolyU as a university.  PolyU, starting with our polytechnic heritage, retains a strong applied science character.  Tufts, on the other hand, emphasises active citizenship and public service in all its disciplines, and is known for its internationalisation and study abroad programs.  We are here to visit precisely because we wish to do better in these areas.  

Our visit focused on the Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life.  Tisch College studies and promotes the civic and political engagement of young people at Tufts University, in the communities and in democracy. In 1954, Tufts created the Center for Civic Education, later renamed the Lincoln Filene Center for Citizenship and Public Affairs. In 2000, Tufts signed a Declaration of Purpose - which states “We dedicate ourselves … to educate a new generation of committed and engaged citizens who will ensure that the American model of participatory democracy continues to flourish.” - and created the University College of Citizenship and Public Service.  In 2006, thanks to extraordinary philanthropy from Jonathan Tisch, the University College was renamed the Jonathan M. Tisch College of Citizenship and Public Service.  In 2016, the name was updated to the present name.  

In 2002, Prof. Robert Hollister was named the first dean of the University College.  In 2014, Alan D. Solomont, former US Ambassador to Spain and Andorra, became Dean of Tisch College.  Such is the statue of the Tisch College.  Over the past two decades, Tisch College has grown into a vibrant platform for local and global partnerships, for myriad student learning and service opportunities, and for ground breaking research.  

While we were visiting Tufts, we also had an opportunity to listen to an inspirational speech by Prof. Muhammad Yunus, founder of the Grameen Bank, pioneer of microcredit and microfinance, and recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006.  Many years later, PolyU also invited Prof. Yunus to speak with our students at PolyU.  

In 2005, Prof. Hollister co-found the Talloires Network, a global coalition that has grown to number 410 university presidents, vice-chancellors and rectors in 79 countries who have publicly committed to strengthening the civic roles and social responsibilities of their institutions.  It is the largest international network focused primarily on university civic engagement.  One of the highlights of its work is its global conferences in different parts of the world (France, USA, Italy, South Africa, Mexico, …), with hundreds of university and student leaders coming together.    It truly has a global reach.  

Hong Kong is a small place with a relatively homogenous population, with little resources other than our people.  We are highly cognisant of the need of an international exposure, to compete in the global market.  Hence, from the very beginning, we have strived to take our students our of Hong Kong, to international service-learning projects, to collaborate with foreign universities and organisations.    In 2014, PolyU led a coalition of 14 leading universities (including Tufts University) across 6 continents to establish the University Social Responsibility Network.