For more than 80 years, the school has changed its name and moved several times. Although it has gone through vicissitudes of life, it has never stopped. Generations of Chinese teachers have inherited the fine tradition of "researching advanced academics and nurturing professional talents in the society" of the Teachers' College of Mengqin University, and inherited Southern University's revolutionary spirit of "loyalty, unity, simplicity and humility, hardworking and courage, seeking truth from facts", and practiced it The school motto of arduous struggle, rigorous academic research, truth-seeking and innovation, and being a good example of others" has been passed down from generation to generation, and has jointly created the prosperity and development of the university today.[2]
South China Normal University (SCNU) was founded in 1933, before which it was named Guangdong Provincial Teacher's College of Xiangqin University. It became a member of Project 211 in 1996, after which it was constructed and supported by People's Government and Ministry of Education in Guangdong Province in 2015. In 2017, SCNU became a member of the country's Double First-Class Construction. South China Normal University provides a variety of subjects, including philosophy, economics, law, education, literature, history, science, technology, agriculture, medical, management and art.[4]
South China Normal University has more than 30 schools and colleges, and offers 84 undergraduate programs, over 200 graduate programs, and over 100 doctoral programs. In 2017, there were 24,894 undergraduates, 7553 postgraduates and 842 doctoral candidates. There are approximately 1000 long-term international students from more than 100 countries every year.[5]
The university has a group of highly qualified experts, professors and teachers. There are now 1979 full-time teachers, among which more than a half are postgraduates' tutors and doctoral supervisors. At present, SCNU has dozens of State Key Laboratory and engineering research centers.
South China University has more than 120 student associations covering five domains: theory and study, society and practice, academic and science technology, entertainment and sport, interest and hobby. To name a few: Student Association of English, Student Association of Psychology, Student Association of Huayun Han Chinese Clothing, Literature Association of Hai Pengzi, Martial Art Association, Guitar Association, etc.
