The Ministry of Education vowed to abolish administrative ranks at universities and colleges, to cut bureaucracy and guarantee professionalism.
It said that administrative power and academic power should be separated to stop intervention by university leadership.
The ministry promised universities more freedom in enrollment, teaching, research, faculty management, use of research funds and academic exchange, according to a guideline published on its website.
In China, universities are associated with different levels of administrative ranks. For example, some top universities are approved as units at the deputy ministry level of the central government. Accordingly, presidents, party chiefs and deans of schools at institutions of higher learning are appointed by their respective administrative authorities.
Some say the system inhibits the cultivation of talent and hinders research standards.
The guideline noted that university Party chiefs and presidents should not undertake scientific research and administration staff should dedicate themselves to their roles.
However, the guideline stopped short of releasing a timetable for the process.
