Recently, a netizen inquired about the progress of renaming Hainan Tropical Ocean University on the "Leadership Message Board" of People's Daily Online. On March 14th, Hainan Tropical Ocean University (Hainan Provincial Department of Education) responded.
User Comment:
Just wanted to check on the progress of the renaming of Hainan Tropical Ocean University to a university.
Is there any intention from the relevant departments to speed up the renaming process (or specific measures)? What are the preliminary considerations for the new name?
Reply from Hainan Tropical Ocean University (Hainan Provincial Department of Education):
Hello! We've received your inquiry, and here's the update:
Since its establishment in 1954, Hainan Tropical Ocean University has undergone significant development under the correct leadership of the provincial party committee and government, continuous attention from various sectors of society, and the joint efforts of generations of teachers and students. The university has experienced several name changes and adjustments. In 2006, it was upgraded to an undergraduate institution. In 2008, a successful expansion took place with the establishment of the Sanya campus. Graduate education was initiated in 2012, followed by accreditation by the Ministry of Education for undergraduate teaching in 2013.
In 2015, the university embarked on a path of transformation and was renamed Hainan Tropical Ocean University, filling the gap of a lack of a marine university in the province, leading to the establishment of master's degree authorization in 2018 and approval for doctoral degree authorization in 2022. In 2023, a framework agreement for jointly building Hainan Tropical Ocean University was signed by the Ministry of Natural Resources, the People's Government of Hainan Province, China National Offshore Oil Corporation Limited, and the People's Government of Sanya City. This agreement aimed to inject strong new momentum into the university's development through "four-party joint construction."
In 2024, the university applied to become a doctoral degree granting institution and simultaneously applied for additional doctoral and master's degree authorization points.
In recent years, seizing the historical opportunities presented by the implementation of the national strategy for maritime power and the construction of the Hainan Free Trade Port, the university has embarked on a new journey of transformation and development. The university's "14th Five-Year Plan" sets the vision of building the university into a high-level applied ocean university with a distinctive tropical character that is influential domestically and renowned internationally, aiming to achieve the strength and conditions required for renaming as a university by 2025.
In 2023, the university's first party congress proposed the "1236" development strategy, establishing the vision of becoming an influential and internationally renowned high-level applied ocean university with a distinctive tropical character by the 80th anniversary of its establishment and the 20th anniversary of its transformation and development. This vision aligns with the "14th Five-Year Plan" and further clarifies the direction for the university's future development.
Currently, Hainan Tropical Ocean University is proceeding with its established objectives. It has officially submitted a report to the Hainan Provincial Department of Education regarding the inclusion of the university renaming process in the "14th Five-Year Plan" for higher education institutions in the province. With strong support from all parties and the unremitting efforts of the entire faculty and student body, we believe that the goal of renaming the university will be achieved soon.
