Exploration of the Development Path of China’s Multi-functional Universities

Clark put forward the concept of “multigiant university” in the function of university, which refers to an institution of higher learning composed of many units (like branches, colleges, research centers), with a large number of multi curriculum plans such as postgraduates and doctors, and with multiple functions and purposes such as teaching, research, and service. Scholars hold different views on multigiant universities. As a modern form of university, this has become the goal of many universities. China’s higher education has developed rapidly in recent decades. After completing the transformation from an elite high system to a mass system, China began to build world-class universities. The Chinese government has successively established the “985 Project” and “211 Project”, hop-ing to help China’s most promising universities truly become world-class multiversity (WCM) through integrating various resources to improve China’s influence. In this process, the Chinese government and universities ignore the complex reality of the university as an organization with its structure, culture, and practice to a certain extent, which means that there are a series of problems such as the lack of freedom in the development of higher education and the confu-sion of management structure. This paper discusses the definition of WCM, reviews the development of Chinese higher education, and analyzes problems in the development of Chinese higher education institutions from multiple angles. Finally, it puts forward relevant development suggestions, which involve many aspects, including paying attention to the essence of the university, clarifying the way of university management, and so on.