Why did UQ appoint the Chinese Consul-General to an unpaid Honorary position?
The appointment of Honorary Professor and Adjunct Professor title holders is common practice in universities.
In the past three years, UQ has appointed more than 260 professorial title holders. Such title holders include current and former members of the diplomatic corp. The role of title holders is to strengthen UQ’s position as a high-quality globally engaged and informed university.
Dr Xu’s nomination as an Adjunct Professor was supported by UQ’s School of Languages and Cultures, and he was offered the title earlier this month, until the end of December 2021. The University has no plans for Dr Xu to teach.
In light of the changing geo-political situation, UQ is continuing to monitor and amend policies and practices in a reasonable and responsible way. While our long-running practices have not given us reasons for concern, the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor agreed that UQ’s future approach to Honorary Professor and Adjunct Professor positions be reviewed.
UQ Senate resolved on 12 September to end the practice of offering honorary or adjunct positions to serving foreign government officials. Existing appointments would not be renewed or extended.
