Why did Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» 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, Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» 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 Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»’s position as a high-quality globally engaged and informed university.
Dr Xu’s nomination as an Adjunct Professor was supported by Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»’s School of Languages and Cultures, and he was offered the title earlier this month, until the end of December 2021. Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» has no plans for Dr Xu to teach.
In light of the changing geo-political situation, Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» 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 Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»’s future approach to Honorary Professor and Adjunct Professor positions be reviewed.
Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» 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.