In recent times, there have been frequent reports of salary cuts and delayed student subsidies at universities in mainland China, leading to widespread grievances among students. Experts believe that this is a result of the overall economic decline in mainland China, as the Chinese Communist Party is gradually abandoning marginalized groups in its social hierarchy.
Over the past few months, screenshots shared on social media have revealed that many teachers at Qingdao University have not received their teaching fees, resulting in a deduction equivalent to the basic wage. In addition, teachers’ allowances are in arrears, research grants for graduate students have not been disbursed, and there have been complaints about non-payment of service fees for a year and a half. The financial issues have led to a situation where teachers receive only 10 yuan per hour for their teaching fees, with both teachers and students feeling the financial strain.
In July of this year, the death of a janitor at Qingdao University due to heatstroke, caused by the lack of air conditioning installation at the school, had garnered strong public attention. He had reportedly not been paid his salary for 8 months, according to disclosures he made to students.
It has been confirmed by an educational insider that salaries of teachers at Qingdao University have been reduced and allowances discontinued in recent times. Compared to the previous year, the situation has worsened significantly, with uncertainty looming over the timely payment of wages.
The source highlighted the various components of university teachers’ income, including basic salary, allowances, teaching fees, and research funding. The current situation indicates a significant decrease in teaching fees from 50 yuan per session before the pandemic to 8 yuan per session. Research funding reimbursements have become a challenge, forcing teachers to cover expenses upfront. Additionally, there have been delays or non-issuance of scholarships and grants for graduate students, causing frustration among many faculty members.
According to the educational source, the financial corruption within universities is severe, with a tendency to prioritize saving costs by cutting student subsidies first. The Chinese Communist Party bureaucracy remains indifferent to public outcry, further exacerbating the financial distress faced by both teachers and students.
A graduate student at Qingdao University revealed that the institution is indeed facing financial constraints, with discontinuation of subscriptions to vital resources like the Elsevier database for almost half a year. Reduction in salaries and almost complete disappearance of year-end bonuses have become common among faculty members. The student expressed concerns about delayed disbursement of national grants, affecting their ability to cover basic expenses.
The economic challenges are not unique to Qingdao University but are prevalent in many other higher education institutions in China. Teachers at universities in various provinces have voiced their frustrations over delayed salaries, unpaid allowances, and financial uncertainties, with some resorting to additional jobs to supplement their income.
It is evident that the economic downturn in recent years has profoundly impacted the financial stability of academic institutions and their personnel. The strict assessment criteria, coupled with increasing workload demands, have led to salary deductions and withholding of benefits for teachers, irrespective of their tenure or qualifications.
The existing economic crisis in China, exacerbated by trade tensions and regulatory interventions, has taken a toll on the financial sustainability of universities, posing significant challenges for both educational staff and students. The prioritization of privileged entities within the governance structure has led to the neglect of marginalized groups, exemplifying the extreme selfishness and disregard for social welfare inherent in the current system.