The Shanghai Institute of Visual Art recently retained pop singer Jay Chou as the school's art director. Unlike lecturers, Chou won't be required to teach at the school on a regular basis. This type of instructor differs from traditional professors, whose academic levels undergo heavy scrutiny.

An article carried by China Reading Weekly lauds universities' willingness to adopt new ways of recruiting instructors. Compared to the old mechanism, which attaches importance only titles and academic output, the new method may inject more dynamism and vigor into the academic environment.

Some of the world's top universities open teaching positions to the whole society, the article says. Some universities in Germany designate a certain number of positions for talented professionals with practical experience in their fields. This method can better train students to meet the needs of society.

However, the article emphasizes that such an act should not devolve in celebrity-chasing. An individual's talent should be an objective standard used in instructor recruitment.