China should reform the system to appoint university presidents, said an article in the South Metropolis Daily (excerpts below).

A university president is usually appointed by the central government. But alumni of Hangzhou-based Zhejiang University voiced their disagreement with the proposed choice.

This is the first incident of its type in recent years.

In fact, students and teachers of a university should have a say in the process of selecting a university president and the process should be conducted in a more open and democratic manner. To some extent, the university should be governed by professors not administrators.

Hopefully, the presidents of universities can enjoy a clear divide between academic research and administration and create a pure and independent academic environment for professors.