A-K Forum (Akron-Kaifeng) is a student-to-student video communication forum organized by Henan University (inclusive of the College English Department, Office of Academic Administration, International School for Chinese Language and Culture, and the Network & Information Center of Henan University) and The University of Akron (includes the Confucius Institute and Honors College). The A-K Forum promotes cultural communication, facilitates student exchanges and strengthens the friendship between China and the U.S.
At a fixed time every week during the Spring and Fall Semesters, through distance education technology, students from Henan University (number ranges from 20 to 40) in the language laboratory will talk with students from The University of Akron (number ranges from 3 to 8) in Bierce Library Room 268. These communications help students develop their language and communication skills across the English and Chinese languages and cultures.
AK Background: The University of Akron, founded in 1870, is a public research university in Akron, Ohio, United States. As a STEM-focused (STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) institution, it focuses on industries such as polymers, advanced materials, and engineering. The University of Akron offers about 200 undergraduate and more than 100 graduate majors and has an enrollment of approximately 25,000 students.
In 1999, Henan University and The University of Akron began to cooperate on a series of student exchanges and academic programs. Confucius Institute, jointly organized by Henan University and The University of Akron, was founded in the city of Akron on December 17, 2008.
Liu Zhijun, Vice President of Henan University, visited The University of Akron in October of 2010 and initiated the concept of A-K Forum during his talk with Dr. Holly H. Bane, Associate Vice President of The University of Akron. About one month later, the first A-K Forum was held on December 12, 2010.
