The Impact of the University Advisor System on Faculty Turnover: A Case Study of G University in Shanxi Province, China

This study investigates the relationship between China’s university homeroom teacher system and faculty turnover through the lens of job motivation theory and a case study approach. Focusing on faculty members at G University in Shanxi who resigned after one to nine years of service, the research draws on interview data analyzed thematically using MAXQDA. Findings reveal that novice faculty often perceived the system as burdensome and intrusive, leading to impulsive resignations. Faculty with three to six years of experience regarded the system as restrictive, framing resignation as an act of personal liberation. Those with seven to nine years of experience faced increasing collaboration challenges and viewed resignation as a means of avoiding further strain. Although the homeroom teacher system was originally intended to support students, it now appears outdated and contributes to faculty attrition. These results highlight the urgent need for reform and stronger institutional support to enhance faculty development and retention.