China to strengthen ideological work in colleges

China has issued a guideline on the ideological work in colleges, which underscored their role as facilitators on the frontline of championing the concepts of Marxism, Chinese Dream, socialist core values and traditional culture.

Issued by the General Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the General Office of the State Council, the guideline highlighted that the ideological work in colleges is "a strategic project that can consolidate the foundation [of values] and shape spirit."

The guideline said the ideological work should follow the Party's leadership.

The ideological and political work should be enhanced at the faculty-level, with socialism with Chinese characteristics underlying teaching methods, according to the guideline.

Colleges were urged to closely manage their ideological and publicity teams and further strengthen cyber security.

In addition, classroom discipline was highlighted as an area for attention, and the guideline called for regulations to guide classroom discipline.

Systems that approve and supervise students' associations should also be established, the guideline said, adding that religious studies and anti-cult awareness should be also be developed.