This paper provides an introductory examination of the current situation among postsecondary faculty in China. It begins by sketching the intellectual structure as it has waxed and waned during the 40-year history of New China. The bulk of the paper then addresses the current conditions of life and work for those intellectuals who are college and university faculty. Information presented includes: how the postsecondary teacher's workload is determined; the determination of salary and future raises and bonuses; and how the government encourages teachers to do some outside work to earn extra money while using their abilities to greater advantage. Included in the discussion on compensation are other extra money. Included in the discussion on compensation are other benefits, such as traveling on school business and housing arrangements for ranking faculty members. Finally, faculty evaluation is reviewed. The paper concludes with the observation that political reform has not yet kept pace with economic reform, and this condition may impede educational reform as well. Contains 18 footnotes. (GLR)