(1) Stick to the purpose and change the school spirit. Cai Yuanpei's first step in reforming Peking University is to clarify the purpose of the university, that is, the university is a place to learn noble knowledge and create conditions, conditions and atmosphere for teachers and students to learn advanced knowledge. The first is to ask students to change the concept that going to school is to be an official and get rich, so that students can hold the purpose of reading. Secondly, it is necessary to rectify the teaching staff and recruit talents. Cai Yuanpei adopts the principle of "learning first" in the appointment of teachers. Third, develop research institutes, accumulate books and guide the research interests of teachers and students. Finally, sharpen virtue and cultivate legitimate interests. Cai Yuanpei strives to advocate moral cultivation among teachers and students and cultivate students' legitimate interests.
(2) Implement the principle of "freedom of thought and inclusiveness". This is the basic guiding ideology of Cai Yuanpei's handling of Peking University. He advocates freedom of thought and academic freedom. All factions believe that as long as they are reasonable and have their own reasons, they will not be eliminated naturally, and they can all develop freely and tolerate. Only in this way can universities promote academic development. He also hired teachers according to this policy, "focusing on learning", so that people with different academic viewpoints could teach at the same time, which made the faculty of Peking University full of talents and look brand-new.
(3) Professor-run schools and democratic management. In the University Order 19 12 presided over by Cai Yuanpei, the principle of professorship and democratic management was established, but it was not really implemented until Cai Yuanpei became president. The reform of management system embodies Professor Cai Yuanpei's thoughts of managing schools and democratic management. The purpose is to give the responsibility of promoting the development of the school to professors, so that people who really understand academics can manage the school. The establishment of the new management system has improved work efficiency and promoted the vigorous development of the school.
(4) Reform of disciplines and teaching system. Cai Yuanpei took the following measures: first, he expanded the arts and sciences and changed the idea of "emphasizing skills over learning"; Secondly, the exchange of arts and sciences, the abolition of departments; Finally, the grade system was changed to elective system and credit system.
In short, under the leadership of Cai Yuanpei, the reform of Peking University is all-round. The educational thought guided by "freedom of thought and inclusiveness", initiated by Cai Yuanpei, has gradually become Peking University's education and management system, putting Peking University on the track of modern universities.