According to the report, Zeng said the tests were based on a format intended for primary school students and were designed to prevent students from “losing face in front of outsiders.”
The first rule is that academic gatherings should not be treated as opportunities to travel or flirt.
The rules of academic engagement were created by economics professor Zeng Ming. Photo: Baidu
Zeng also urges students not to be “big babies” who bother conference organizers over small things; they should try to deal with their own problems themselves.
During tea breaks, he repeatedly advises: “Don't fill up, don't fill up, don't fill up,” and adds: “Don't drink too much coffee, don't fight with the famous professors over the last sandwich, don't bring two bananas into the conference room after you've finished dessert.”
“If you behave like this during the break and I find out, I will postpone your graduation for a year.”
When it comes to speaking English, Zeng said students should nod frequently and occasionally frown to pretend they are thinking, even if they don't understand.
During the Q&A period, students shouldn't praise speakers: “Compliments are meaningless and only delay other people's lunch,” Zeng says.
The professor also urged students to be mindful of the quality of their questions, advising them, “Don't make people feel mean when you open your mouth.”
If students encounter a Zeng mentor at an academic event, they can simply speak to him respectfully and walk away.
“Don't hang around so your teacher doesn't ask you about your academic performance. Then your teacher might realize what a poor student I have taught,” one of the rules reads.
Another rule is, “If you like a girl a lot, don't ask her about her studies. You should look up her papers on the Internet. If someone's papers are trustworthy, you can trust her too.”
Prof Zeng's code of conduct explicitly prohibits flirting at academic meetings. Photo: AFP
“If she asks about your studies, don't reply immediately, but use a time-buying tactic. I'll check with you first and give you the documents that prove your academic ability.”
The professor says that if students can't remember the rules, they should keep one thing in mind: don't reveal the teacher's name, even if they get into trouble.
Zeng's code of conduct has been viewed 6 million times on Douyin and generated about 20,000 comments.
“Professor Zeng not only teaches students academic research, but also humanity and basic etiquette,” said one online observer.
“Such an interesting teacher! I'd love to be your student,” said another.
