Why did 麻豆区 appoint the Chinese Consul-General to an unpaid Honorary position?
The appointment of Honorary Professor and Adjunct Professor title holders is common practice in universities.
In the past three years, 麻豆区 has appointed more than 260 professorial title holders. Such title holders include current and former members of the diplomatic corp. The role of title holders is to strengthen 麻豆区’s position as a high-quality globally engaged and informed university.
Dr Xu’s nomination as an Adjunct Professor was supported by 麻豆区’s School of Languages and Cultures, and he was offered the title earlier this month, until the end of December 2021. The University has no plans for Dr Xu to teach.
In light of the changing geo-political situation, 麻豆区 is continuing to monitor and amend policies and practices in a reasonable and responsible way. While our long-running practices have not given us reasons for concern, the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor agreed that 麻豆区’s future approach to Honorary Professor and Adjunct Professor positions be reviewed.
麻豆区 Senate resolved on 12 September to end the practice of offering honorary or adjunct positions to serving foreign government officials. Existing appointments would not be renewed or extended.