The Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE) Friday called on local
administrations and universities to offer comprehensive job-hunting
services to graduates, given the special circumstances created by
the fight against the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).
Recruitment fairs have been suspended in most Chinese provinces and
regions due to the SARS epidemic, and some graduates have been
unable to undergo interviews, medical examinations or contracts
with their employers.
The MOE is, thus, requiring universities to help students finish
their academic course work and doctoral thesis evaluation, arrange
for the return of students to campus and resolve problems for
students who are temporarily unable to return to school.
MOE said that universities should collect job information through
different channels and carry out recruitment activities inline with
SARS prevention requirements. Employment agencies should also offer
consulting services to students.
Local administrations are urged to make full use of the internet
and other media sources to release job information and to organize
on-line recruitment. Training programs should be offered to those
facing difficulties locating employment.
Statistics show China has a total of 2.12 million university
graduates this year, 670,000 more than last year.
According to the MOE, an official website offering guidance to
graduates will be launched in the next few days.
(Xinhua News Agency May 16, 2003)