Student Support and Services in Chinese Higher Education Institutions: Practices and Impacts

Abstract

This chapter presents an analysis of the practices and effectiveness of student support and services in Chinese higher education institutions. Using examples from four institutions of different types, it finds that Chinese higher education institutions are placing increasing emphasis on promoting student development through student support and services. With data from a national survey of college students, the chapter further shows that institutional services and support are well perceived by students in most 4-year higher education institutions and are positively correlated with better academic outcomes and higher satisfaction of overall college experience. However, it also finds that the availability and quality of support vary across student backgrounds and institution types. Chinese higher education institutions need to deepen the understanding of students’ needs to provide targeted support and services for students in different academic levels and development stages.KeywordsStudent support and servicesChinese higher education institutionsStudent development