10
HKUST 2011-2012 Annual Report
EDUCATION
DEVELOPMENT
Undergraduate
education
In 2011-12, the University
continued to make HKUST a
special place for undergraduates
and prepare for the double cohort.
Ready for the new era
Hong Kong’s education reforms
will bring a double cohort of more
than 4,000 freshmen to campus
in September 2012, including the
final cohort of three-year degree
students and first cohort of four-
year degree students. To set the
double cohort on the right path for
their academic studies and new life
on campus, during the year HKUST
completed arrangements for a
carefully planned orientation and
academic induction.
The University also finalized plans for its four-year degree. The new degree program takes advantage of the
additional year to build in a broader foundation, exposure to a wide range of disciplines, greater flexibility, and
opportunities for a richer learning experience out-of-class.
Undergraduate research experience
Strengthening the linkage of research to undergraduate education is an important way to engage students
in the University’s research culture. The flagship Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program successfully
recruited 93 supervisors who oversaw 244 projects, involving 295 students from 18 departments in 2011-12.
The International Research Opportunities Program was established and saw the launch of the first MIT-HKUST
Undergraduate Research Exchange Program. The program enables HKUST and MIT students to conduct research
at each other’s university. In addition, HKUST and the renowned European Organization for Nuclear Research
began linked activities, with HKUST undergraduates joining the CERN Summer Student program.
Embracing holistic education
To foster holistic education and student development, the University leveraged the opportunity presented by the
four-year undergraduate reform to enhance internship, mentoring, residential and campus life.
Delivering high-quality education is HKUST’s core mission. Among the University’s goals this
year are successfully implementing the transition to the four-year undergraduate program,
pioneering a holistic approach to student education, greater internationalization, and
enhancing personal development opportunities. All should broaden students’ perspectives and
prepare them to become dynamic, contributing citizens.
