Comparative Analysis of the Culture-Building Experiences of Two Beijing Universities in Fostering Student Social Responsibility

University social responsibility (USR) has become one of the central missions of higher education institutions in the 21st century, reflecting a growing recognition of their broader societal roles. This study aims at analyzing and comparing the roles played by two leading universities in Beijing—Peking University and Beijing Normal University—in nurturing, promoting, and institutionalizing a culture of responsibility-taking among students. This research explores the theoretical foundations, operational mechanisms, and educational strategies associated with student social responsibility through documentary analysis and qualitative interpretation of the content of documents, reports, and articles related to the actions of these two universities. The findings reveal that while both institutions have made substantial contributions to shaping this culture, they have employed distinct yet complementary approaches. Peking University primarily advances student awareness through organizational structures, voluntary programs, community-based projects, and partnerships with local stakeholders. In contrast, Beijing Normal University emphasizes educational approaches, research activities, and student public service initiatives to foster responsible action. By identifying institutional practices, educational models, and ongoing challenges, the study offers deeper insight into how Chinese higher education institutions implement USR. Finally, the simultaneous use of both models is suggested to promote students’ social responsibility in the higher education system.