To enhance teaching quality, the university has infused its faculty with youthful energy by recruiting young teachers and launching a "Talented Teachers" program. This initiative welcomes enterprise leaders, industry experts and university scholars, regardless of age or occupation.

To Lu's surprise, half of the 158 applicants were young individuals. Ultimately, of the 71 selected candidates, 49 have bachelor's degrees, 12 have master's degrees, and one holds a doctorate. "The youngest part-time teacher is only 23, and the faculty boasts a high proportion of highly educated talents. Courses tailored by young teachers are particularly popular among senior students," Lu says.

In Jinshan district, the university has introduced distinctive cultural and sports courses, including the drum class, which has evolved from niche offerings to a highly popular program with six classes this semester. Each village in the district features its own study hall, enabling seniors to access courses within their community.

Starting in April, the university will enhance the distribution of educational resources by launching a program targeting nine suburban and rural areas, including Jinshan, Jiading and Qingpu districts. By 2027, the program aims to provide over 5,000 enrollment slots and more than 200 classes annually, ensuring that seniors in both urban and rural areas have equal access to high-quality educational resources.

"Enrollment for senior universities is always snapped up instantly, with demand far exceeding supply," Wu points out. "Nevertheless, we are committed to ensuring every senior who wants to attend has the opportunity to learn for a lifetime."