A professor in China who compiled rules of etiquette for students attending academic gatherings and seminars has brought joy to many on mainland social media.
The witty behaviour guidelines for master’s and PhD students were drawn up by Zeng Ming, an energy economist at North China Electric Power University in Beijing.
The list of rules trended online at the beginning of this month, according to the news outlet NetEase.
Zeng said they were based on a format for primary school students and were designed to prevent his students from “losing face in front of outsiders”, the report said.
The first rule is that academic gatherings should not be treated as opportunities to travel or flirt.
Then Zeng also urges his students not to be a “giant baby” by bothering meeting organisers with trivial matters. Students should try to deal with their own problems.
During tea breaks, he advises repeatedly: “Don’t eat your fill, don’t eat your fill, don’t eat your fill,” adding: “Don’t drink too much coffee, don’t fight with renowned professors for the last sandwich, and don’t take two bananas into the meeting room after finishing your dessert.
“If you behave in any of these ways during the tea break and I come to be aware of that, I will postpone your graduation for a year.”
Regarding speaking in English, Zeng says the students should nod frequently, even if they do not understand, and should sometimes frown to pretend they are contemplating.
During question and answer sessions, students should not praise speakers: “Your compliment is meaningless. It will only delay other people’s time for lunch,” says Zeng.
He also urges students to pay attention to the quality of their questions: “Don’t let others think you are low when you open up your mouth,” the professor advises.
If the students encounter Zeng’s mentors at academic events, they should simply address them respectfully and leave.
“Don’t hang around to let my teachers ask about your academic achievements. Then my teachers might realise what a poor student I’ve taught,” one of the rules reads.
Another rule reads: “For a girl you like very much, don’t ask her about her studies. You should check her thesis paper on the internet. If a person’s paper is reliable, this person should be reliable, too.
“If she asks you about your studies, don’t reply to her quickly but adopt a stalling tactic. Check with me first and I will give you a document proving your academic abilities.”
The professor says if his students cannot remember the rules, they should bear one thing in mind. If they make trouble, do not reveal their teacher’s name.
Zeng’s code of conduct attracted 6 million views on Douyin and attracted about 20,000 comments.
“Professor Zeng not only teaches students academic research but teaches them humanity and basic etiquette,” said one online observer.
“Such an interesting teacher! I want to be his student,” said another.
