That the Ministry of Education gave its endorsement to the South University of Science and Technology of China as a State-approved institution of higher learning seems to have removed the question mark that was hanging over its status. But it raises the question of whether the university will be able to blaze a new trail for the reform of China's institutions of higher learning as intended.

The MOE document requires that the SUSTC abide by State rules in setting up new majors. But it does not say whether the university will be able to enroll students without going through the process of the national college entrance examinations. The university's first batch of students in 2011 did not participate in such examinations.

However, it is certainly good news that the SUSTC has got the mandate to enroll students and it will get financial aid from the provincial government. Since the MOE is searching for ways to advance the quality of the country's higher education, there is no reason why it should not throw its weight behind the new university.

Within the framework of the current education system, any breakthrough the SUSTC makes in the promotion of its academic studies and cultivation of quality graduates will be of particular importance to the reform that most universities need to catch up with their counterparts in developed countries.

While observing State rules, the university should be able to maintain the autonomy and faculty participation in the running of the school that is written into its constitution.

At least, the SUSTC should be allowed not to follow the bureaucratic management system that has long held back the academic advancement of most universities in this country. Neither should it be made to adopt the rigid academic assessment system.

We hope the school will follow its principles, and with the support of both the central and local governments, pave the way for much needed reform of the country's higher education.

(China Daily 04/26/2012 page8)