Standardizing University Lecturers: Don't Put Everyone in One Box

Tuổi Trẻ, a prominent Vietnamese newspaper, critically examines the new circular (Circular 26) issued by the Ministry of Education and Training regarding professional standards for university lecturers. While acknowledging the circular's merit in specifying criteria for ranking and professional development, the article expresses significant reservations about its approach. The core criticism is that the proposed standards are too uniform, failing to account for the diverse nature of academic disciplines and the distinct roles lecturers play. For instance, the article points out that the ethical standards are applied identically across all ranks, neglecting the need for higher levels of academic leadership, mentorship, and integrity expected from senior faculty. Furthermore, it argues that treating lecturers in fields like mathematics, foreign languages, political theory, physical education, arts, engineering, and medicine under a single, undifferentiated framework is illogical and impractical. The current approach, which heavily relies on quantifiable metrics such as publications, research grants, and student numbers, is seen as a management convenience that risks 'leveling the playing field' in a way that undermines the specialized skills and labor involved in different academic professions. Tuổi Trẻ emphasizes that a truly effective professional standard should guide development and identify specific needs for improvement, rather than simply counting achievements, especially given the varied demands of teaching, research, and practical application across different university departments.