Recently, a student from the School of Media and International Culture of Zhejiang University who received a financial aid from a family with financial difficulties posted photos of traveling to many places at home and abroad on his WeChat Moments, and the suspected student himself posted a response. Public information shows that the boy has been pushed to study for a master’s degree in communication at Tsinghua University. On November 22, Tsinghua University responded to reporters saying that it had received a report about the student involved and was investigating.
Information posted by netizens shows that the student’s circle of friends has been posting photos of travel check-ins in many places since January, including Kunming, Lijiang, Sanya, Suzhou, Chongqing, Sichuan, Xiamen, Quanzhou, Xinjiang, Shanghai, Qingdao, and Yantai Domestic cities, as well as South Korea, Japan and other countries. Netizens questioned: “Is it worthy of every taxpayer’s money to allow a person who travels to more than 20 places a year to receive a scholarship?”
Internet post pictures
The reporter tried to contact the poster, but received no reply as of press time.
According to media reports, the student suspected of being involved posted a response on a campus forum, introducing his situation in detail from aspects such as his source of income, why he applied for funding, and travel expenses. The post said: “I have accumulated some savings due to three years of work-study, so I had a wrong understanding. I thought that after relying on my own efforts and the help of the state to bear my own tuition and living expenses, I would be a senior in college.” Go to some places during this relatively free period Enrich my horizons and expand my horizons, to see places that I didn’t have the ability and my family couldn’t support me to go to. I deeply reflect on the fact that I shouldn’t spend the money I earn on these non-necessities of life. I don’t have it at this stage. The right to pursue further life experiences.”
A screenshot of the post obtained by the reporter shows that the student said that his income sources include work-study income, accumulated scholarships over the years, school subsidies, tutoring income, etc.
The student said in the post that his parents divorced many years ago and he has a younger brother who is in elementary school. Currently, neither parent is responsible for his own living expenses and tuition fees. From 2023, he will only receive transfers of more than 100 yuan from his parents. The father still owes more than 3 million yuan, has no real estate in his name, and the existing assets have been enforced; the mother works in a shoe factory, and she also has hundreds of thousands of yuan in debt to her name. The student said that he had transferred money to his mother many times to help him repay his credit card. The above situation was explained by the local village committee, town government, etc.
I posted a response online
On November 22, the reporter contacted the School of Media and International Culture of Zhejiang University about this matter. The staff said that the school was investigating the matter and they did not know the specific situation. Staff from the Academic Affairs Office of Zhejiang University said that the specific situation shall be subject to the statement of the Propaganda Department of Zhejiang University. The Propaganda Department of the Party Committee of Zhejiang University declined to be interviewed by reporters.
The reporter’s inquiry found that an article on the WeChat public account of the Student Union of the School of Media and International Culture of Zhejiang University showed that the student had been expelled from Tsinghua University to study for a master’s degree in communication. Will the current reports of his behavior by netizens affect the student’s qualifications for postgraduate study? The reporter consulted the Student Status Center of the Academic Affairs Office of the Undergraduate College of Zhejiang University. The staff said that they have noticed the above situation and the investigation is still ongoing.
Staff at the Graduate School of Tsinghua University responded to reporters saying that they had received relevant reports and said they had “no comment” on whether the student’s behavior would affect his qualifications for postgraduate study. Staff at the School of Journalism and Communication at Tsinghua University said they had received a report about the student involved and were investigating.
Original title: “A subsidized poor student posted photos of domestic and foreign travel and has been admitted to Tsinghua University?” Tsinghua: We have received the report email and are investigating.”
**Beyond stricter guidelines, how can universities cultivate a culture of transparency and open communication regarding scholarship expectations and usage with recipient students?**
## World-Today News Interview: Scholarship, Travel, and Ethical Dilemmas
**Introduction**
Welcome to World Today News. Today, we’re diving into a complex and controversial story about a student receiving financial aid who was recently seen traveling extensively. This raises important questions about responsible use of scholarships, the pressures faced by students, and the boundaries of public scrutiny.
We’re joined today by two esteemed guests:
* **Dr. Emily Chen**, a renowned sociologist specializing in education and social inequality.
* **Mr. David Wang**, a financial advisor and advocate for transparency in charitable giving.
**Part 1: The Student’s Perspective**
* Dr. Chen, the article highlights the student’s claim of supplementing his scholarship with work-study income, tutoring, and accumulated savings. How common is it for students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds to manage these competing pressures while pursuing higher education?
* Mr. Wang, the student mentioned carrying the burden of his family’s debt and supporting his mother. Do you believe his financial situation, as presented, justifies his travel expenses? Where do we draw the line between personal enrichment and responsible use of resources intended for education?
**Part 2: The Role of Institutions**
* Dr. Chen, both Zhejiang University and Tsinghua University are investigating the student’s conduct. What responsibilities do educational institutions have towards ensuring transparency and accountability in the use of financial aid?
* Mr. Wang, the public outcry highlights the intense scrutiny surrounding the use of charitable contributions.
Should universities implement stricter guidelines for scholarship recipients, and if so, what measures could be effective without deterring deserving students?
**Part 3: Wider Implications**
* Dr. Chen, this case has sparked a heated debate on social media about the definition of “need” and the ethics of personal spending while receiving financial assistance. How can we foster a more nuanced and compassionate understanding of individual circumstances within this complex debate?
* Mr. Wang, beyond specific regulations, what role can open communication and education play in encouraging responsible scholarship utilization while respecting the dignity of recipients?
**Conclusion**
Thank you, Dr. Chen and Mr. Wang, for your insightful perspectives. This case serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between providing access to education, ensuring responsible use of resources, and upholding the individual autonomy of students facing diverse challenges.
With cases like these becoming increasingly prominent, open dialog and thoughtful consideration are crucial for shaping a system that promotes both academic excellence and social equity.
