A SDU delegation, headed by Wang Qilong，Managing Vice President, visited the University of Chicago, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and the Arizona State University from June 18 to 22. The delegation held panel discussions with their US counterparts to study their campus planning and designing and promote intercollegiate cooperation. They also visited some SDU alumni.

In Chicago, the delegation visited major buildings of the University of Chicago. Yang introduced their architectural styles and functions.

In Blacksburg, the delegation held discussions with Karen P DePauw, Vice President of Virginia Tech and Dean of Graduate School, Christopher Harvey Kiwus, Principal Assistant of Vice President and major logistics manager, Kay K Heidbrede, Legal Counsel, Edward L. Nelson, Associate Dean of the School of Engineering, Nicole Sanderlin, Director of Global Engagement of the School of Engineering, and Debra Eason, Global Engagement Specialist of Engineering International Programs. They discussed ideas and practices of campus planning and construction, exchanged views on the development of united interdisciplinary college between SDU and Virginia Tech and reached a consensus on the main concerns, thus promoted the progress of the construction of the college.

After the talks, the delegation visited the campus and major buildings, including the College of Mechanical Engineering, the new teaching building, the library and administrative building and some relevant laboratories, classrooms, and meeting rooms. They were accompanied by Rosiare Bushey, Head of Foreign Relations of the College of Mechanical Engineering, Brian Wiersema, Head of Pilot Plant of the Department of Food Science, and Technology.

In Phoenix, James O'Brien, Senior Vice President of University Affairs of Arizona State University (ASU), met with the delegation. Mr. O'Brien introduced the design philosophy of campus planning, the formulation procedure of planning scheme, the funding sources, the future development strategy and so on. He stated that ASU strongly advocates for sustainable development and has utilized solar power resources to realize partial independent energy supply on campus. He also introduced the usage of recyclable construction materials and establishment of organic canteen with recyclable food materials.

Wang said ASU and SDU share similarities in size, students number, and future development scheme. The Biodesign Institute at ASU is a flagship scientific research institute which distinguishes itself in construction ideas and interdisplinary features. Wang hoped that both sides would deepen cooperation in establishing SDU-ASU Joint Research Institute on Biodesign.

After the meeting, the delegation communicated with Ji Mi Choi, Principal Assistant in charge of innovation and entrepreneurship, Tamara Deuser, COO of Biodesign Institute, and Professor Yan Hao, Head of Biomolecule Design Project, on transformation of scientific research, applying for international cooperative scientific research project fund, employment of PI, team building and construction and management of laboratory.

The delegation also paid visits to alumni of SDU in Tampe and introduced to them the development and talent introduction policy of SDU. They encouraged the alumni to work hard and contribute to their alma mater.