密歇根大学教授拒绝清华大学学生申请读Ph.D.的回信

◇◇新语丝(www.xys.org)(xys.dxiong.com)(xys.3322.org)(xys.xlogit.com)◇◇密歇根大学教授拒绝清华大学学生申请读Ph.D.的回信(Sat Mar 31 13:12:32 2007)letter from a professor majored in ME,U OF MICHIGAN,USDear xxx:I would like to inform you of the situation relevant to Chinese graduatestudents here, at least at our department, which makes it very difficult forus to accept graduate students from China in the future.Over about one year period, we have had 6 Chinese Ph.D. students quit theirRAship and Ph.D. studies. The reason for them to leave was not that theycould not continue, it was rather because they want to have a job now (ahigher salary, with a hope that the companies will apply for their greencard status). They came with thier promises to pursue their Ph.D. degrees,we paid tuition for them to take courses for their Master degree, and wetaught and helped them in their research capabilities. Once they got theirM.S. degree in Mechanical Engeering, because of the excellent job market inthe U.S. at this time, it is relatively easy for them to find a job. In away we felt that we were used as a step for those Chinese students to comehere, and get their master‘s degree, then get their jobs. We payapproximately $45-50 K/year for each Ph.D. student, including the tuition,health insurance, various fees, lab and computer fees, and monthly salary,we also put a lot of time and efforts for them. They (most of them) also didgood research work as assistants. However, we don‘t get credit because wedon‘t produce PH.D‘s, which is one of our major purposes as an institutionof high education. On the other hand, they have their particular interestswhich are also understandable, for example, financial pressure, and wishesto have their green card applications on the way asap.This situation also happened to my Chinese Ph.D.student. He is very talentedand did a good job in research. However, after he got his M.S. in M.E., heresigned very recently. We still let him stay here presently (with salary)for one more month, otherwise he will have to repay his tuition, which isover $10K. Although we are very considerate for those students, theconsequencies are obvious:(1) It greatly degraded the reputation of Chinese graduate students whoapply for admission. Some professors address those as "very unethical", "youreally cannot trust them when they promise you to pursue their Ph.D. degreesunder your supervision", " you feel you are so stupid as cheated by your ownstudent". It really created some resentment. Actually, I know, as of thistime, there are a couple of more students looking for a job or already got ajob offer, but not telling their advisors. They will quit at the last minutebefore they leave. This situation will certainly get backfired, and thedamadge will mostly be transferred onto the future applicants from China.(2) Some professors or research scientists have already made their decisionsnot to consider Chinese student applications. Although it should not andcannot be a policy, it is the individual‘s decision in selecting futurePh.D. students with preference, and in my opinion, with good reasons. Itwill make it much more difficult for us to bring in Ph.D. students fromChina. For example, as you know, I was looking for one or two Ph.D. studentslater this year, and I have a vacancy for a Ph.D. student now. But I willnot consider Chinese applicants. At the same time I feel truely sorry, for Iknow, especially many graduate students from Tsinghua University of veryhigh qualifications sent email applications to me (and to other professors),including yourself. Now I have to inform you that please try yourapplications elsewhere, or other professors.In our department, many Chinese graduate students know me and we have a veryfriendly relationships. The faculty members know that too. One told me: "Youtry to help them, then they screw you up!"I spent time to write this email message, for your information andconsiderations, as to how this situation may be somehow alleviated. You maydiscuss this with your close friends and classmates, I am not sure youshould broadly propagate this message. But I did present a fact and anopinion(XYS20070402)◇◇新语丝(www.xys.org)(xys.dxiong.com)(xys.3322.org)(xys.xlogit.com)◇◇