Editor:

Our universities have experienced a big surge in student enrolment since 1999. The expansion gives millions more people access to higher education. The expansion policy, however, is a sword with a double edge. It benefits, and harms, if things get out of control.

The dramatic increase in enrolment has led to many problems. Some universities suffer from a serious lack of infrastructure. Classrooms are not sufficient. Libraries fail to meet the needs of students due to their small size. Experiments ought to be conducted by students in labs, but are often just illustrated by teachers in classrooms with shabby equipment.

Teacher shortages is another problem some universities have to face. Some teachers are assigned more and more duties, a burden they cannot bear.

Also, this dramatic increase in student numbers has intensified competition in the job market.

To improve the quality of our nation, it is a must to give more young people opportunities to receive higher education. The expansion, however, should take place at a rational speed.

And schools should take students in line with their practical situations to avoid the bad effects of having too many.

Liu Zheqiang, Shaanxi Provinc

(China Daily 03/28/2005 page6)