54
HKUST 2014-2015
Annual Report
GOVERNANCE
Three main bodies constitute HKUST’s governance structure,
namely the Court, Council and Senate, all of which operate in
accordance with the University Ordinance and Statutes
THE COURT
The Court is the University’s highest advisory body and held
two meetings during the review period. In October 2014,
key areas for strategic development, such as HKUST core
values, student life enrichment, an enhanced innovation
and entrepreneurship culture, and campus master
planning, were actively discussed. Members also reviewed
a new corporate video showcasing the achievements of
faculty and vibrancy of students’ campus life. In April 2015,
the Court enthusiastically exchanged views on proposed
celebratory activities for the University’s 25
th
Anniversary.
THE COUNCIL
The Council is the University’s highest governing body.
It was recorded with deep sadness that the University’s fourth
Council Chairman, Dr Marvin KT Cheung, passed away on
13 September 2014. The Hon Andrew Liao Cheung-sing was
subsequently appointed as the fifth Council Chairman on
6 March 2015. During the interim period, Mr Martin Y Tang,
Council Vice-Chairman, led the Council as Acting Chairman.
The Hong Kong University Grants Committee (UGC)
commissioned a consultancy study to review the system of
governance across all UGC-funded institutions. Representatives
of the Council, management, staff and students took part in
interviews with the consultant in April 2015. A comprehensive
report with recommendations is expected by the end of 2015
.
THE SENATE
The Senate, the supreme academic body, is responsible for
setting and reviewing academic policies of the University.
During the year, a number of new programs were introduced
while modifications were made to specific programs to
enhance program administration and to keep abreast of the
needs of students.
In May 2014, the Senate Research Committee set up a task
force to review University policies governing research ethics
and integrity. After thorough consultation with various
stakeholders, and taking into consideration good practices
of research universities within Hong Kong and overseas, the
Senate eventually adopted a streamlined approach whereby
all HKUST researchers, including current and former staff
and students, were brought under the same set of policy
guidelines and regulations.
