On December 4^th, the Confucius Institute at Cleveland State University (CSU), co-established by CUEB and CSU, held 2015 council meeting in CUEB.

Zhou Haigang and Zhang Xuhong gave a report on the institute’s work in 2015 and the plan for work in 2016. In 2015, the institute worked on all fronts in line with the requirements of the Confucius Institute Headquarters based on local conditions. Compared with 2014, the institute added 4 Confucius classes and 6 teaching spots in 2015; the amount of teachers increased from 19 in 2014 to 27; the number of students rose by 12.5% to 2317; the courses in 2015 amounted to 41, an 36.7% increase year on year; the class hours reached 287, a 27.6% increase; the participation of students in HSK Mock Test doubled that of 2014 to 4000 times. Besides, the institute established a China Culture Center in CSU library, with an area of 203.5 m² for teaching. The institute also held, organized or took part in several culture exchange activities, among which were featured programs held in 2015, such as Chinese Bridge Summer Camp, Study Abroad in China, Gratitude to Teacher Day Celebration, namely the Global Confucius Institute Day, Public Speaking Competition of Primary and Secondary School Students in Ohio as well as Lunar New Year Celebrations.

The council meeting deliberated and approved the institute’s annual work summary and financial final accounts in 2015, discussed the work plan and financial budget draft in 2016 and confirmed through discussions the accountability of the council to supervise the annual work of the Confucius Institute at CSU. The two parties also put forward constructive suggestions on establishing a Confucius Institute with economic and trade characteristics and on student exchange programs.

The two sides agreed to further the inter-university cooperation in various fields and forms to a higher level.