The University of Arizona has terminated its agreements for four micro-campuses in China, a decision that directly impacts over 2,200 students and dozens of faculty members. The move comes in response to a directive from a U.S. congressional committee that raised concerns about national security risks and technology transfer associated with such partnerships.
Key Takeaways
- The University of Arizona has shut down its four remaining micro-campuses in China, affecting 2,200 students and 40 staff and faculty members.
- This action follows a September 11 directive from two U.S. House committees citing national security risks and potential exploitation by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
- University officials confirmed the closures were made to comply with U.S. government expectations.
- Affected students have been offered options to complete their degrees, including studying at the main campus in Tucson, Arizona.
Congressional Directive Prompts University Action
The University of Arizona's decision to end its China-based programs was a direct result of a formal directive issued on September 11. The document came from the U.S. House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party and the Committee on Education and the Workforce.
According to the directive, investigations conducted over two years concluded that partnerships between American universities and institutions in the People's Republic of China (PRC) could lead to unwanted technology transfer and present national security challenges.
University spokesperson Mitch Zak confirmed the institution's compliance. "Acknowledging a congressional directive, the University of Arizona immediately terminated its China-based micro-campus agreements," Zak stated. He added that the university is providing support to those affected by the closures.
Background on the Congressional Report
The September directive referenced a prior report titled "CCP on the Quad." That report alleged that some American researchers, including those with federal funding, had inadvertently contributed to advancements in China's nuclear, artificial intelligence, and robotics sectors. The committees praised other institutions like the University of California Berkeley and the University of Michigan for previously ending similar partnerships.
The House Committee on Education and Workforce publicly commended the University of Arizona's decision. In a social media post, the committee stated that the university was "making the right decision" and claimed such programs are used to "steal cutting-edge research for its own military buildup."
Immediate Impact on Students and Staff
The abrupt termination of the agreements affects a significant number of people. The closure impacts approximately 2,200 enrolled students, 36 faculty members, and four staff members located across the four campuses in Beijing, Qingdao, Tianjin, and Xi’an.
A fifth micro-campus, a partnership with the Harbin Institute of Technology, was previously closed in December 2023. The university did not specify if that earlier closure was related to similar government pressure.
In an email to affected students, Jenny Lee, the university's Vice President for Arizona International, explained the reasoning behind the decision. She wrote that "continued participation would run counter to current U.S. government expectations."
"The U of A is committed to supporting you in the completion of your degree," Lee wrote. "We welcome you to join us at our main campus, in Tucson, Arizona, under an extended Study Arizona Program for up to 4 semesters."
The university has also pledged to provide financial support for the relocation of employees who will be returning to their home countries.
Perspectives from Campus Leadership in China
Ken Smith, the director of the now-closed micro-campus in Yangling, provided details on the operational and personal consequences of the shutdown. He confirmed that all U.S. faculty members working on-site in China would lose their jobs as a result of the decision.
Smith expressed concern over the diplomatic fallout, stating that the Chinese partner university feels "burned by the sudden announcement and pull-out." He suggested that this could damage trust for future collaborations.
Financial and Academic Details
The Yangling program, established in 2020 with Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University (NWAFU), had 340 students and graduated two classes of 83 students each. Smith noted that the programs were not funded by U.S. taxpayers and instead generated revenue that supported the university, particularly during its recent financial difficulties.
Smith also pushed back against the national security justification for the closure of his program. "We were not in any way a threat to national security," he said. "We were teaching about soil, air, water, waste management, and many other environmental topics — problems all countries around the world encounter."
Navigating an Uncertain Future for Students
The university and its Chinese partners are now working to create academic pathways for the displaced students. According to Smith, the plans vary based on the students' year of study.
- Fourth-year students: Will be able to graduate in the upcoming June, as their coursework will be completed by the end of the fall semester.
- Third-year students: A plan is being developed with the partner university, NWAFU, to allow them to graduate by June 2027.
- First and second-year students: Will have to transition into NWAFU's own environmental science program to continue their studies.
Smith mentioned that a partial tuition refund is likely for first, second, and third-year students for the current academic year. He highlighted the success of the program's graduates, many of whom have enrolled in graduate programs in Europe, Australia, and North America, or secured internships with international organizations like the United Nations.
The program was designed to be affordable by not requiring students to travel to the United States. Smith noted it was recently recognized by the Chinese Ministry of Education as one of the top dual-degree programs in the country, attracting students from 22 different provinces.
