2020-02-28 Cloud-Based Epidemic Response, Solidarity in Action: The Graduate Party Branch of the School of Languages and Communication Studies at the Forefront. 

In the spring of Gengzi, the outbreak of the novel coronavirus pneumonia has gripped the hearts of people across the nation. The selfless dedication of frontline workers and the sacrificial spirit of the people in Wuhan have deeply moved every Chinese citizen. During this period, under the leadership and guidance of the university Party committee and the college Party committee, the Graduate Party Branch of the School of Languages and Communication Studies also convened a series of online meetings of the branch committee and general membership. These meetings focused on conducting theme day activities related to epidemic prevention and control, studying and formulating working methods for the branch, and fully leveraging their vanguard and exemplary role in areas such as academics, employment, and psychological support. With a diligent work ethic, concrete actions, and a scientifically rigorous approach, they have joined forces to overcome difficulties and carry out cloud-based epidemic prevention efforts. The Graduate Party Branch of the School of Languages and Communication Studies has either organized online consultation activities for its members to effectively address the practical difficulties faced by graduate students, or consistently provided correct guidance in public opinion and voiced positive perspectives. By giving full play to their professional strengths, they have steadfastly upheld the original aspiration and mission of Communist Party members, standing in solidarity and offering mutual support with Wuhan. Enhance Learning, Monitor Public Sentiment, Elevate Political Stance. Recently, all seven graduate student Party branches of the School of Languages and Communication Studies have organized study sessions on the Party’s theme, focusing on the nation’s important directives regarding epidemic prevention and control. They have earnestly studied and implemented the guiding principles of the General Secretary Xi Jinping’s series of important instructions as well as the decisions and plans made by the Party Central Committee, with the aim of enhancing their political stance. During these sessions, many Party members shared their perspectives: Amid the current epidemic, Party members must maintain a firm political stance, exercise independent and thoughtful judgment regarding online public discourse, stay true to their original aspirations, and be prudent in their expressions. It is essential to follow the arrangements made by the Party organization at the university, starting personal efforts in epidemic prevention. Since the outbreak, a variety of voices have emerged—expressing anger, sorrow, condemnation, as well as strength, warmth, and hope. As Party members, it is by taking each small step diligently that we can better serve the people wholeheartedly and truly win this battle against the epidemic.—Wu Yingting. In the short span of slightly over half a month since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus in Wuhan, the entire nation has united in solidarity to combat the epidemic. Throughout this period, certain scenes have deeply moved us, and certain individuals have radiated their own light. It is precisely in times of crisis that the original aspirations and sense of mission of a Communist Party member are truly tested. I am confident that under the strong leadership of the Party Central Committee and with everyone’s active cooperation, we will soon be able to remove our masks and prevail over this battle in epidemic prevention and control.—Lin Xiaoping. As a Party member, I first devoted myself to thoroughly studying and mastering knowledge of epidemic prevention and control, actively applying scientific and effective methods in prevention efforts. I took the lead in curbing the spread of misinformation about the epidemic, proactively addressing untrue claims in public discourse and guiding opinions with a constructive perspective. Furthermore, I utilized my time at home to revisit classical texts and foundational works, reinforcing my theoretical understanding. Wherever the pandemic strikes, Party members must stand and fight there. Under the strong leadership of the Party and the government, I firmly believe we will prevail in this battle against the epidemic!—Jia Xinna. Deliver Party Lectures, Strategize Solutions, Address Challenges Effectively. During the epidemic, each branch actively carried out promotional activities on health education and epidemic prevention, guiding students to strengthen self-health management. Through phone calls, WeChat, and other means, they required all students to report their health status and any contact with individuals from affected areas in a timely manner, along with providing considerate reminders. Meanwhile, the branches organized volunteer services, disseminated preventive knowledge, created cultural products, and shared exemplary stories, leading Party members to contribute to epidemic control efforts. During the themed Party Day activities, each branch secretary delivered Party lectures to all members via online meetings and recorded videos, centering on the theme of “overcoming difficulties together”. Furthermore, led by the branch committees, each branch formulated distinctive implementation plans tailored to the actual conditions of Party members and the masses. These plans aimed to address practical challenges and problems faced by students in their studies, employment, daily lives, and psychological well-being during the epidemic prevention and control period. Among these, Party branches with scheduled courses for the semester focused on assisting in identifying whether students faced difficulties with internet access and ensuring every student was informed about online course arrangements. Members of graduating student Party branches compiled various employment resources and promptly shared job information, employment guidance courses, and related materials through class WeChat groups and short video platforms, fostering mutual support. For Party branches whose members were in the thesis writing phase, study support groups were established to encourage mutual supervision and accountability, ensuring steady progress in thesis completion. In the implementation plan, Party branch members are organized into groups with clearly assigned responsibilities—each individual is held accountable for specific tasks. By leveraging the advantages of peer communication, they maintain close contact with the assigned Party members and the broader student body. This enables them to stay informed about student dynamics in a timely manner and effectively address practical difficulties and problems. Standing Vigil via the Cloud, Spreading Positive Energy, Standing Together with the Anti-epidemic Frontline. Sun Xiaoxuan, a probationary Party member, shared during the Party Day event how her father—who is fighting on the grassroots front line of epidemic prevention—inspired her with a spirit of responsibility. She conveyed this to the Party branch, saying, “Since the third day of the Lunar New Year, my father has remained at his post, carrying out screenings, implementing prevention measures, standing guard on duty... placing himself in potentially risky situations. Through his actions, he has taught me the true meaning of ‘responsibility’. My heartfelt tribute goes to every comrade fighting on the frontline of the epidemic! I firmly believe that by uniting as one and overcoming difficulties together, we will surely win this tough battle! Stay strong, China!” As a family member of frontline anti-epidemic personnel, Sun Chao expressed: “We must not panic blindly. Instead, we should maintain a scientific understanding of epidemic prevention and control, have faith in our family members, and trust in the nation’s containment measures. At the same time, we must fully recognize that negative emotions can also be contagious and may adversely affect other family members. As their loved ones, we should support them, take pride and feel honored by their dedication.” “During this holiday season, I have heard countless declarations from medical workers heading to epidemic-stricken areas, witnessed countless white-clad angels rushing to the ‘battlefield’, and also observed my uncle, a rural doctor, visiting every household each day with a thermometer in hand, wearing his white coat and mask, to measure temperatures and record data,” said Yang Jinfeng. “This Spring Festival, they are all heroes, every moment radiating their light.” At the call of the Party Committee of the School, many graduate students have taken up their pens as swords to combat the epidemic through words. Through handwritten messages of encouragement, they convey love and strength, paying tribute to frontline workers battling the epidemic and sending support to Wuhan and China. “May the winds and rains come in their due seasons, and the nation prosper in peace and stability.” “Looking forward to the day we return to Fanghua Garden.” “Victory is Certain in the Fight Against the Epidemic, Go China!” This is a nationwide battle against the epidemic in which no one is merely a bystander. With the university’s timely and effective response mechanisms and an information-driven working model, the Graduate Party Branch of the School of Languages and Communication Studies will continue to actively expand its approaches, strengthen team building, and fully fulfill their responsibilities to serve as a strong bastion in the fight. We long for the bustle of busy streets and the lively chatter of crowds. We firmly believe that love and hope spread faster than the virus. (Contributor: Chen Kaixin)