Some years ago Hangzhou University of Commerce made a great effort in recommending top graduates to the job market. It listed 156 of its top graduates to the media in 1999 and gave out letters of recommendation from the president. These measures which were hugely popular stopped this year and the university is reconsidering its evaluation criteria.

Sun Ying, chief of the Student Work Department, has said that the present “361” criteria they practice were designed more than ten years ago and means that 30 percent is given for moral character, 60 percent for academic record and 10 percent for physical condition. After an investigation of some years, they believe the criteria are out of date. “Some distinguished students recommended by us perform well at their posts, but there are many who are mediocre,” he said. Few employers think highly of only class records except research organizations, many emphasizing practical abilities.

Another reason for ceasing recommendations is that “some students have disputes on whom the ‘distinguished’ ones are. They may not complain about the school-favored laureates publicly, but how do you explain it to them when they ask for equal rights for job opportunity with us?” Sun said.

In 2003, the university graduates of Zhejiang Province, whose capital city is Hangzhou, grew by 65 percent, the graduates of Hangzhou University of Commerce also increased by one third this year. Apart from that, graduates from other provinces joined the local competition and there was deteriorating employment opportunities. The school had to consider the problem seriously. “The ‘distinguished’ only account for 5 percent of the total: this year we’ll help them all. The university ordered us to find jobs for at least 80 percent of the graduates. We are doing everything in our power to attract employers. There will be a job expo held on our campus in March,” Sun said.

(China.org.cn by Li Liangdu, March 18, 2003)