Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the increasing pressure on university faculty to secure external funding, specifically "horizontal funding," which is often linked to their job security and academic evaluations. This trend reflects broader issues within the higher education system, including the commercialization of academia and the challenges faced by educators in meeting financial targets [5][12][18]. Summary by Sections Horizontal Funding Requirements - Faculty members are required to secure horizontal funding ranging from 45,000 to 100,000 yuan, which is difficult for many, especially in the humanities [5][6]. - The completion rate for securing such funding among faculty in the Chinese literature department was only 37.2%, prompting the department head to hold motivational meetings [6][9]. Pressure and Consequences - The department head emphasized the necessity of securing funding to maintain job positions, stating, "Either secure the funding or leave" [6][10]. - Faculty members are encouraged to create fake contracts to meet funding requirements, raising ethical concerns about academic integrity [7][9]. Personal Experiences and Strategies - Some faculty members resort to personal loans or using their own funds to meet funding targets, with one teacher sharing her experience of taking out a loan to secure funding [8][10]. - The article highlights the financial burden on faculty, with one teacher calculating that after taxes and fees, he would effectively lose a significant portion of his income by participating in this funding scheme [9][10]. Broader Implications - The trend of requiring horizontal funding is becoming a standard evaluation metric for faculty, with implications for job security and academic freedom [12][18]. - The article notes that this shift began around 2022, correlating with government policies linking funding to academic performance and institutional rankings [12][13]. Faculty Perspectives - Many faculty members express disillusionment with the current academic environment, feeling that teaching and research are being overshadowed by the need to secure funding [18][20]. - The article illustrates a growing sentiment among educators that the academic profession is becoming increasingly transactional, akin to sales roles in corporate environments [18][21]. Future Outlook - The article concludes with reflections from faculty members who are reconsidering their career paths in light of these pressures, with some choosing to leave academia altogether [22][23].