Overview of the Latest Announcement
The Ministry of Education (MOE) in China has officially released the selection results for the 10th edition of the National College Integrity Education Series Activities. This significant announcement, published on February 26, 2026, marks the culmination of a nationwide initiative aimed at fostering ethical awareness and anti-corruption values among university students, faculty, and administrators. The public comment period is open until March 3, 2026, allowing stakeholders to submit feedback on the selected works.
Integrity education, known as 'lián jié jiào yù' in Chinese, emphasizes clean governance, ethical conduct, and resistance to corruption within higher education institutions. This series has become a cornerstone of China's efforts to build a culture of honesty in universities, aligning with national directives on party discipline and moral education. Through diverse creative and educational formats, the activities engage over thousands of universities annually, promoting values that support the country's broader anti-corruption campaign.
The results highlight exceptional contributions from hundreds of institutions, showcasing innovative approaches to embedding integrity principles into campus life. This year's theme, 'Clear Breeze Nurtures Virtue, Uphold Integrity to Shoulder Mission' (清风育德守初心，廉洁笃行担使命), underscores the commitment to nurturing ethical leaders for the future.
Background and Evolution of the Series
Launched over a decade ago, the National College Integrity Education Series Activities have evolved into a flagship program under the MOE's ideological and political education framework. The first editions focused on basic awareness-raising, but subsequent iterations have expanded to include multimedia contests, interactive maps, and practical classroom integrations. By the 10th edition, the program has engaged cumulatively 2,748 universities across 31 provinces, regions, and municipalities, plus Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps.
Each year, the MOE issues a notification in mid-year, outlining categories and timelines. For instance, the 9th edition in 2024 saw similar categories with strong provincial participation, such as Shandong submitting 29 winning works and Heilongjiang securing 10 awards. The 10th edition builds on this, launched via notice 'Jiào Sī Zhèng Tīng Hán [2025] No. 14' in June 2025, encouraging universities to innovate amid pressing needs for ethical governance in higher education.
This continuity reflects China's strategic push since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party to integrate integrity into education systems. Universities, as key talent incubators, play a pivotal role in preventing corruption at its roots, especially given high-profile cases in academia that have prompted stricter oversight.
Key Categories and Selection Criteria
The 10th edition features seven core categories, each designed to target different learning styles and reinforce integrity themes step-by-step:
| Category | English Translation | Number Selected | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 话廉修德 | Talking Integrity, Cultivating Virtue | 101 | Campus essays in poetry, prose, letters, etc., capturing real-life integrity stories. |
| 绘廉铸魂 | Drawing Integrity, Casting Soul | 100 | Creative works like paintings, posters, crafts embodying ethical symbols. |
| 视廉正行 | Video Integrity, Upright Action | 101 | Micro-videos, documentaries highlighting integrity practices. |
| 树廉风 | Establishing Integrity Wind | 100 | Demonstration integrity culture classes. |
| 青廉说 | Youth Integrity Talk | 100 | Micro-online courses for youth engagement. |
| 寻廉脉 | Seeking Integrity Roots | 100 | Practice-based classes with field visits. |
| 传廉促担当 | Passing Integrity, Promoting Responsibility | 242 | Culture map materials from campuses. |
The selection process was rigorous: self-nomination by universities, provincial education department reviews, and final expert panels. This multi-layer vetting ensures quality and fairness.
Highlights from Winning Entries
While full lists are in MOE attachments, standout examples illustrate the creativity. In essays, Jiangsu University's Zhu Jiangtao's 'Clear Breeze Nurtures Virtue, Uphold Integrity to Shoulder Mission—A Counselor's Practice' exemplifies personal reflections on ethical counseling.
- Video category: Yancheng Normal University's 'Clear Breeze Salt Farmers Nurture Integrity' video showcases regional integrity stories.
- Creative works: Various posters and crafts drawing from historical figures like Xu Teli.
The culture map, 'Clear Breeze Traces—National College Integrity Culture Map', includes 242 entries from 203 universities, such as Heze Vocational College's 'Youth Clear He Ze Rhythm' Integrity Museum and Binzhou Medical University's Corruption Culture Corridor.
University Participation and Regional Diversity
Hundreds of institutions contributed, with strong showings from provinces like Jiangsu, Guizhou, and Shandong. Vocational colleges alongside top universities like Tsinghua and Peking participated, democratizing the initiative. For example, Guizhou Construction Vocational Technical College's integrity map entry highlights vocational ed's role.Explore opportunities in China's diverse higher education landscape.
Participation fosters campus-wide engagement: knowledge quizzes via WeChat, creative workshops, and site visits to integrity landmarks. This holistic approach ensures integrity education permeates daily academic life.
Significance for Chinese Higher Education
In China's higher education sector, where over 3,000 universities serve 40+ million students, integrity education combats risks like academic fraud and procurement corruption. The series supports the 2021 CPC directive on integrity culture, integrating it into ideological-political courses—a mandatory component of curricula.
Impacts include heightened awareness: post-9th edition, universities reported improved student ethics surveys. It also aids governance, with selected works serving as models for nationwide replication.Faculty positions in ethical leadership roles are increasingly emphasizing such values.
Trends from Past Editions and Lessons Learned
Comparing to the 9th edition (844 selections similar), growth in digital formats like micro-videos reflects tech-savvy youth. Cumulative participation spans years, with evolving themes mirroring national priorities—from basic quizzes to immersive maps.
- Benefits: Enhanced moral compass, reduced misconduct cases.
- Challenges: Ensuring authenticity amid mass submissions.
- Solutions: Provincial filters and expert reviews.
Universities like East China Normal hosted seminars, sharing best practices.
Future Outlook and Actionable Insights
Post-gongshi (public comment), winners will be finalized for nationwide promotion via MOE platforms like China University Student Online. Expect integration into 'Double First-Class' university evaluations.
For administrators: Leverage templates from winners for local programs. Students: Participate in quizzes for credits. Explore career advice tailored to ethical profiles.
Broader implications: Strengthens China's global higher ed image, attracting international talent valuing transparency. Link to official MOE announcement for details.
Stakeholder Perspectives and Case Studies
Provincial leaders praise the series for uniting fragmented efforts. A case: Shandong's 29 9th-edition wins boosted local pride. Experts note step-by-step process—from mobilization (June-July) to submission (Sept)—ensures depth.
Student testimonials highlight transformative experiences, like visiting historical sites for 'Seeking Integrity Roots' classes. Faculty report better classroom dynamics post-implementation.
Conclusion: Fostering a Culture of Integrity
The 10th edition reaffirms commitment to ethical higher education in China. As universities navigate expansion and internationalization, such initiatives are vital. Interested in roles advancing this? Visit higher-ed jobs, rate my professor, or university jobs for openings. Share thoughts in comments below.
For career guidance, check higher ed career advice. Stay tuned for final results post-March 3.
