HKUST Annual Report 2017-18

A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 7 - 1 8 HKUST 37 HEALTHY OUTLOOK The University continued to organize new staff orientation programs to facilitate settling in. To promote equal opportunities and a clean campus, seminars on anti- discrimination ordinances and the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance were arranged. The Wellness Program of health seminars, which seeks to enhance work-life balance, received their usual warm reception from staff. CAMPUS DEVELOPMENT SAILS FORWARD Implementation of the Campus Master Plan over 2017-18 brought the Indoor Sports Center close to completion. The facility is expected to open for students’ use in September 2018. Construction is proceeding on the Boat House project. A review of the new Shaw Auditorium and its functions saw design alterations made to accommodate the University’s changing needs. In addition, the University conducted a feasibility study on the planned Innovation Building to identify potential sites and block sizes. On the campus accommodation front, foundation work for the Hong Kong Jockey Club Global Graduate Tower got underway, with 2020-21 as the target time frame for the building to be finished. The Hong Kong government’s Hostel Development Fund confirmed a funding allowance for HKUST to provide 1,415 student bed spaces. An initial feasibility study identified locations and potential block sizes. The year also saw the completion of a major renovation of Towers A and B student accommodation. The University has been very active renovating catering outlets. It is more than half way through a 4-year programme to renovate all outlets. In 2017-18, key refurbishments included the student canteen on LG1 in the academic building as well as two on-campus restaurants. Space management of existing academic buildings continued and a new software system was installed to support data related to space usage changes and updates. The University continued to be successful in applications for project funding through the UGC’s Additions, Alterations, Repairs and Improvements Program which, together with internal funds, has provided for renovation of offices, teaching spaces, laboratories and amenity areas.