Dual role gives double benefit to students

For the past two decades Wu Changzheng, head of Wenzheng College, the privately-run institution of Soochow University, has had two demanding roles - as a class adviser and head of the college.

This dual responsibility for the faculty members there is not unusual. It is an effective way to save costs, and enhance efficiency and students-faculty communication while controlling the head count of the management staff. The school's management team consists of 100 people, serving 12,000 students. Students help run the canteen and library, too.

"Even for the students with financial difficulties, we suggest they take part-time jobs on campus instead of just applying for subsidies," he says.