PKU to expand problem student consultations
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In November last year, Peking University's Health Science Center and Yuanpei College launched a pilot consultation program aimed at helping problem students cope with their issues and improve their studies.
University officials recently announced plans to expand the program campus-wide starting in May.
The controversial program targets ten types of students struggling with everything from academic problems and poor mental health to radical thinking and addiction to the internet, drawing protest from critics who see the consultations as an attempt to restrict students' academic freedom.
Debate over the program among PKU students has centered on inclusion of students with radical thinking.
Peking University (PKU) is known for its long history of academic excellence and intellectual freedom. Its chancellor during the 1916-1926 period, Cai Yuanpei, devoted himself to independent thinking. His innovative experimentation and encouragement of young talent helped to develop the university into a major institution of higher education in China.
Some students think this university is going too far, however, targeting an overly broad scope of students for consultation and infringing on their academic independence.
"I already qualify for three categories," one PKU student jibed on a social networking site.
Other students, such as PKU sophomore Shi Qian, support the policy as a positive way to help students cope with the heavy demands of a tough academic curriculum.
"In my college, every student is required to chat with the staff of the school concerning their academic performance, career planning and mental condition," Shi said. "It's a good way to provide assistance to students, for example those in financial difficulty."
