3 out of 10 Private Universities Discriminate Based on Academic Background and School Scores During Hiring

Konkuk University Applies 60-100% Differential Evaluation Based on Alma Mater
28 out of 92 Schools Assign Different Scores for Academic Background and Alma Mater
20% Also Collect Information on Physical Conditions, Family Background, and Place of Origin

The table of differential scoring criteria based on alma mater during the recruitment of faculty and staff at Konkuk University, disclosed after receiving a public interest report by the organization "Sagyo Yukgeojang Eomneun Sesang" (Data provided by Sagyo Yukgeojang Eomneun Sesang)

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] It has been revealed that 3 out of 10 private universities differentiate scores in the document screening process based on the ranking of the applicant's alma mater during staff recruitment.

On the 1st, the civic group Education Concern Free Society, together with National Assembly Education Committee members Kang Deuk-gu and Lee Su-jin (proportional representation) of the Democratic Party, analyzed the staff recruitment status of 92 private universities. The results showed that 28 schools (30.4%) differentiated scoring on the document screening evaluation sheet according to degree or academic background. Additionally, 70 schools (76%) imposed academic restrictions in their recruitment announcements.

At the end of last year, it was revealed that Konkuk University graded applicants by alma mater during staff recruitment, and despite warnings from the Ministry of Education to Korea University and Yonsei University Medical Center for similar practices, discrimination based on alma mater still persists in private universities. Konkuk University classified alma maters into five tiers, awarding full scores to Seoul National University, Korea University, Yonsei University, Sungkyunkwan University, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), KAIST, and foreign A-grade universities, while assigning 60-90% scores to other tiers. Previously, the National Human Rights Commission recommended improvements, stating that restricting eligibility to four-year university graduates constitutes employment discrimination based on academic background.

For example, Mokpo Catholic University, which assigns differentiated scores based on degree, gives 0 points for bachelor's degree holders, 2 points for master's, and 5 points for doctoral degree holders in general staff positions. Other universities such as Pyeongtaek University (30 points for academic background), Seowon University (25 points for academic background), and Korea Aerospace University (30 points for academic background, grades, and major) also assign separate academic scores.

Among 92 universities, 30% of them assigned different scores based on degree credits and alma mater. (Data provided by Society for Concerned Parents on Private Education)

Among private universities, 69 schools (75% of the total) have sections for academic background on their application forms. Only one school blindfolds the alma mater information, and just three schools only record academic background without specifying the school. Three schools apply blind screening only in parts of the selection process such as interviews.

Universities collecting personal information unrelated to recruitment, such as physical conditions (appearance, height, etc.), family details, and place of origin, numbered 19 (20.6%), 22 (23.9%), and 1 (1%) respectively. All these cases violate the Employment Procedures Act. Mokpo Catholic University included "impression and attitude" as scoring criteria under job performance ability, and Samyook University assigned scores for "appearance and manners" in contract staff recruitment. Additionally, 12 universities requested submission of family relation certificates or resident registration copies, 8 required family relationship details, and 2 even asked for family academic background or occupation. Hongik University required applicants to state whether family members live together or are supported financially.

Education Concern Free Society stated, "Although current laws prohibit discrimination based on alma mater, there are practical limitations to enforcement. Blind recruitment should be introduced across all universities, including private ones. Furthermore, a law banning discrimination based on alma mater should be enacted to fundamentally prevent discriminatory hiring." They added, "Unreasonable discrimination based on alma mater in employment aspects such as job assignment, promotion, and wages after hiring must be prohibited, and recruitment should focus on job competency to break away from outdated employment practices."

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