Ever since China opened up to the world in 1980's, the Shanghai Municipal Government, led by the Communist Party of China and the State Council, makes great effort to build the city into an international economic, financial, trade and shipping center. With the cooperation and hardwork of Shanghai people, the city is progressing to its goal as a global metropolitan. The new team of leaders of the Shanghai government took office in February 2003. "The power of the government is entrusted by the people; the interest of people is above all," as Shanghai Mayor Han Zheng promise in his inaugural. Guided by the Shanghai Party Committee, the city's new leadership vows to strictly perform its official duties; to make significant progress in self-improvement, and to intensify the shift of its role from administrative to public service. The Shanghai government will build itself into a service government that would share with the people all their happiness and troubles; a solid responsible government that is efficient, honest and diligent; a law-abiding government that respects legal system and rules strictly and impartially.

Three Semesters In Universities. More Than 80% of Students Said They Had Plans

11/19/2004

This summer, many universities began their third semester or short-term classes in summer. The change of terms actually changed the concept of education. The introduction of short-term classes meets the demand of students and break the long-existing module of life and study in university campuses.

Fu Dan University didn¡¯t adopt the three-semester system this summer. However, there are still ten courses that last 5 to 6 weeks for students to choose from. Some of these courses are comprehensive education courses and some of them are professional optional lessons. It is reported that the preparation of three-semester system started two years ago. According to leading officials of the university, courses taught by many popular professors are organized during summer because normally, there were only a certain number of students who can register. The courses of many first-rate professors can hardly meet the demand of students. That¡¯s why the university decided that they could teach summer courses. Also, these professors are too busy during normal semesters to teach too much. Teaching during summer vacation is a good opportunity for them.

In Tong Ji University, although the three semesters is cut into two semesters, one long and one short, there is still a short term during summer. As one part of curricula, during the five weeks in summer, students will have many internship chances. More than 15,000 students of the school will find their jobs during the summer. Shanghai Jiao Tong University Internet College began their test of short semester in summer as well. No teachers could enjoy their vacations because they will have to teach professional lessons for more than 5000 students and some of the lessons are open to citizens online.

It is reported that the three-semester system has also been adopted in many universities in other provinces. Beijing University offers 70 courses to students during the short semester. Starting from this autumn, Zhe Jang University will organize its courses according to the four seasons. By the end of this year, the three-semester system will also be adopted in Xia Men University. Nan Jing University, Shan Dong University and other universities will adopt the three-semester system starting from this summer.

According to a recent survey carried out in some universities, more than 80% of university students have study plan or intern plans during summer vacation. There were almost new students who have nothing to do during the vacation.¡°Since there is a demand from students and the teachers have free time, why don¡¯t we change?¡±This is the opinion of a teacher who has been engaged in teaching affairs administration in Fu Dan University. The reform of semesters also helps the schools to go international. According to an official of Beijing University, after the adoption of three-semester system in the university, Yale University of USA showed great interest. It planned to send 20 exchange students next year. In the past, since most of the students and teachers were vacation, many foreign universities can¡¯t send their exchange students.

In fact, the reform of semesters not only helps to improve the study effectiveness of students, but will also benefit teachers as well. According to a leading official, while teachers have to finish one course within a shorter period of time, they have more freedom of choice. Also, they will have separate time for teaching and research. They can also teach students during short-term courses about the latest science and technology developments.
The Shanghai government 2006