By Kang Shin-who
Staff Reporter
President-elect Lee Myung-bak Friday reaffirmed his complete hands-off policy over college admission, thus giving universities more autonomy in recruiting students in a bid to shift the nation's educational paradigm from egalitarianism to one in which more competition is allowed.
In a meeting in Seoul with 160 presidents of major universities, Lee said his administration will guarantee full autonomy to universities in the selection of students. ``Korean higher learning institutions were unable to compete globally as the government micromanaged its education policy for the past three decades,’’ he said in the meeting with the members of the Korean Council for University Education (KCUE).
``Once universities get autonomy, they will become more competitive than they are now,’’ he emphasized, indicating that education reform is one of the key tasks for his administration.
``I am also aware of the initial confusion and concerns the market-based education reform will generate, but changes should be made. My administration will no longer meddle in college affairs. Instead, the government will work as a cheerleader (for sharpening the competitiveness of Korean universities),’’ he said.
He noted autonomy entails responsibility. ``There is concern that once universities get autonomy in the selection of students, private tutoring costs will rise, but I hope that presidents of colleges join hands with the new administration to trigger changes without burdening parents.’’
It is unusual for a President-elect to meet the presidents of universities. The council is expected to play a leading role in education reform.
During the meeting at Ewha Womans University, the KCUE elected Sohn Byung-doo, president of Sogang University as its chairman succeeding Lee Jang-moo, president of Seoul National University.
Sohn said he and the presidents of other universities will make efforts to meet the public expectation that Korean higher learning institutions will become more globally competitive.
Universities have long complained over the government’s heavy-handed intervention, which they contend has put the brakes on honing their global competitiveness.
The Roh Moo-hyun administration has adhered to a policy of equality and fairness in education, meaning universities were banned from ranking high schools and testing applicants except in essay form and from taking donations in exchange for admission.