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发信人: sparrow (小东西), 信区: AdvancedEdu
标  题: 教授的一封信--来自EE major， U OF MICHIGAN
发信站: BBS 水木清华站 (Tue Apr  7 08:11:02 1998)

I would like to inform you of the situation relevant to Chinese
graduate students here, at least at our department, which makes
it very difficult for us to accept graduate students from China
in the future.

Over about one year period, we have had 6 Chinese Ph.D. students
quit their RAship and Ph.D. studies. The reason for them to leave
was not that they could not continue, it was rather because they want
to have a job now (a higher salary, with a hope that the companies will
apply for their green card 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 we taught and helped them in their research
capabilities. Once they got their M.S. degree in Electrical Engeering,
because of the excellent job market in the U.S. at this time, it is
relatively easy for them to find a job. In a way we felt that we were
used as a step for those Chinese students to come here, and get their
master's degree, then get their jobs. We pay approximately $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 did good research work as
assistants. However, we don't get credit because we don't produce PH.D's,
which is one of our major purposes as an institution of high education.
On the other hand, they have their particular interests which are also
understandable, for example, financial pressure, and wishes to have their
green card applications on the way asap.

This situation also happened to my Chinese Ph.D.student. He is very
talented and did a good job in research. However, after he got his M.S.
in EE, he resigned very recently. We still let him stay here presently
(with salary) for one more month, otherwise he will have to repay his
tuition, which is over $10K. Although we are very considerate for those
students, the consequencies are obvious:

(1) It greatly degraded the reputation of Chinese graduate students who
apply for admission. Some professors address those as "very unethical",
"you really cannot trust them when they promise you to pursue their
Ph.D. degrees under your supervision", " you feel you are so stupid
as cheated by your own student". It really created some resentment.
Actually, I know, as of this time, there are a couple of more students
looking for a job or already got a job offer, but not telling their
advisors. They will quit at the last minute before they leave.
This situation will certainly get backfired, and the damadge will mostly
be transferred onto the future applicants from China.

(2) Some professors or research scientists have already made their
decisions not to consider Chinese student applications. Although it should
not and cannot be a policy, it is the individual's decision in selecting
future Ph.D. students with preference, and in my opinion, with good
reasons. It will make it much more difficult for us to bring in Ph.D.
students from China. For example, as you know, I was looking for one or
two Ph.D. students later this year, and I have a vacancy for a Ph.D.
student now. But I will not consider Chinese applicants. At the same time
I feel truely sorry, for I know, especially many graduate students from
Tsinghua University of very high qualifications sent email applications to
me (and to other professors), including yourself. Now I have to inform you
that please try your applications elsewhere, or other professors.

In our department, many Chinese graduate students know me and we have a
very friendly relationships. The faculty members know that too. One told
me: "You try to help them, then they screw you up!"

I spent time to write this email message, for your information and
considerations, as to how this situation may be somehow alleviated.
You may discuss this with your close friends and classmates, I am
not sure you should broadly propagate this message. But I did present
a fact and an opinion.

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