The College of Art and Design recently held a roundtable for faculty members hired within the past four years. The full college leadership team joined the discussion, which focused on professional development, TUST's 3510 Strategic Initiative and the college's 15th Five-Year Plan.

Dean Zhang Zhiyu outlined the university initiative and the college plan. He explained TUST's three-year action plan, five-year development plan and ten-year goals for becoming a high-level research university with distinctive strengths across multiple disciplines. He also reviewed college priorities in disciplinary development, research, student training and preparation for a doctoral degree authorization point. Zhang encouraged early-career faculty to define clear research areas, build distinctive expertise and strengthen their research capabilities.

During a professional conduct and risk education session, Xue Meiru, secretary of the college Discipline Inspection Committee, discussed faculty ethics, academic integrity, the use of research funding and ideological security. Using relevant cases, she reminded faculty to observe disciplinary requirements, follow standards in research and education, and strengthen risk awareness in teaching, creative work and research.

New faculty members introduced their academic backgrounds, teaching and research experience, grant applications and development plans. They discussed research topics, curriculum development, practical teaching, project work and student competition guidance. College leaders responded with suggestions on project development, the accumulation of research results and the use of institutional resources.

In concluding remarks, Party Committee Secretary Zeng Zhaoye described early-career faculty as an important part of the college's future. He encouraged them to uphold professional ethics, adapt quickly to university teaching roles, carry out the fundamental task of fostering virtue through education, and connect teaching, research, student development and public service.

The roundtable helped new faculty clarify responsibilities, professional development paths and conduct requirements. The college plans to improve support mechanisms and provide additional opportunities for learning, exchange and skill development in teaching and research.