With the development of society and the advancement of science and technology, university education is also constantly changing. However, in recent years, some universities have faced the dilemma of financial shortage, and there has even been a phenomenon of "abolition" of liberal arts. This is a matter of concern for high school students who are about to choose liberal arts and sciences. When choosing a liberal arts and sciences major, in addition to personal interests and strengths, you also need to consider future employment prospects and development trends.
1. The reason for the urgency of university funding
There are many reasons for the funding crunch at universities. First of all, with the gradual disappearance of the demographic dividend, the number of students in universities has gradually decreased, resulting in a decrease in the income of schools. Second, the expansion and upgrading of universities has led to more expenditures, while the government's financial allocations have not been able to meet the needs of the schools. In addition, some schools have loopholes in management, leading to unnecessary waste and corruption.
2. The phenomenon of the "wave of revocation" in the liberal arts
Due to the shortage of university funds, some schools have begun to cut back on liberal arts majors, or even completely abolished some humanities and social sciences majors. This phenomenon is particularly prominent in some comprehensive universities and science and engineering universities. The school believes that these majors do not bring sufficient economic benefits and require a large amount of financial investment. As a result, the university began to concentrate its resources on science and engineering majors, resulting in a great restriction on the development of liberal arts majors. Fengbang University in the United States is facing a funding gap of 5.2 million, and the majors decided to withdraw include undergraduate majors such as actuarial science, arts, global studies, early childhood special education, medical management, and religious studies, as well as graduate majors such as art and fine arts. In 2021, a total of 68 colleges and universities revoked 108 art majors, in 2022, a total of 79 colleges and universities revoked 113 art majors, and a total of 445 art majors were revoked in 2017~2022. The number of withdrawals of art majors is on the rise.
3. The embarrassment faced by liberal arts majors
In the eyes of some, liberal arts majors may not bring direct economic benefits, but they play an important role in promoting the development of human civilization and social progress. In addition, liberal arts majors are also an important way to cultivate students' comprehensive quality. As a result, cutting liberal arts majors will not only affect academic research and social development, but also the personal growth and development of students.
The results of the filing and approval of undergraduate majors in 2018~2022 show that the number of revocations of some liberal arts majors has increased significantly in recent years. For example, hotel management was only revoked 4 in 2018~2021, but the number of revocations increased to 11 in 2022, and the number of universities with majors in advertising, performance, international economics and trade has increased significantly in recent years.
4. How to deal with the emergency of university funding and the "wave of cancellation" of liberal arts
The government should increase investment in universities and increase financial allocations to universities. At the same time, the government can also formulate relevant policies to encourage enterprises and social forces to support the development of higher education. In addition, the government should strengthen the supervision and management of universities to avoid unnecessary waste and corruption.
Schools themselves also need to take steps to deal with financial constraints. For example, schools can reduce unnecessary spending by optimizing management, improving resource efficiency, and more. At the same time, schools can also increase their income by carrying out social services, partnering with businesses, etc. In addition, schools should pay attention to the balanced development of disciplines and avoid overemphasizing science and engineering while ignoring liberal arts.
Students and parents should also consider future career prospects and trends when choosing liberal arts and sciences courses. In fact, whether it is science and engineering or liberal arts, it has its own unique charm and development prospects. Students and parents should choose the right major for themselves based on their own interests and strengths, rather than just pursuing the so-called "hot majors".
The shortage of university funding and the "wave of withdrawals" of liberal arts are complex issues that require the joint efforts of the government, schools, and students. We should pay attention to the sustainable development of higher education, promote the balanced development of disciplines, and create better development opportunities and prospects for students' future.