Dear Fellow Students,

I have written to the Vice-Chancellor (VC) and the Senior Management Team (SMT) about
some general concerns over academic matters and student welfare at the end of May. I have
obtained some reply and feedbacks from the University which I want to address you as
followings

1, Loosening the GPA system

I have directed the concerns over the long term unfairness of the GPA system to the VC
and SMT, here I quote their reply

"The University is aware of students' concerns. As you know, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor
(Teaching and Learning) and the Dean of Student Affairs have been meeting with our
student representatives on several occasions already on this issue. The matter is
receiving serious attention.

The Steering Committee on Ug Curriculum Reform has started discussion on assessment
standards and policy and has been looking at GPAs awarded in all Ug programmes offered at
HKU in the past five years. Comparisons are being made with local and overseas
universities. Assessment will be a major item in the forthcoming Curriculum Reform
retreat and office bearers and student representatives have been invited to participate
in this retreat.

The views from staff and students will serve as input for the formulation of
recommendations on assessment standards and policy which will be put forward to Faculty
for comments and eventually to Senate for endorsement in the next academic year"

As said, the University is probably going to amend the GPA assessment method in the new
curriculum. But it does not help current undergraduates because we are not in the 4-year
new curriculum. The recommendation as mentioned, will be put forward to Senate in next
academic year, I will try to put forward amendment to make prompt change in the
assessment methods and to ensure a more fair grading system. So that our graduates will
not be in disadvantage in competition for jobs and further education in the coming year,
especially in such tough economic time.

2, Enhanced Student Health Service -

I have proposed the inclusion of Chinese Medicine in the University Health Service. The
SMT replied that they are reviewing its health services provision on account of 3+3+4 and
the issue of Chinese medicine can be considered as one of the issues in the review.

There may be survey to the student needs on health service later, please express your
view and opinion actively in forthcoming survey if you support this idea.

3, Further Development of the University

I have expressed my concerns over the the plan of setting up a Shenzhen branch of HKU.
This might futher divert our already tight resources (both academic and supporting
resources such as hall residence). Another more serious concern is the nature of the
degree awarded by "self-funded Shenzhen branch of HKU". If they are the same as those we
earn in HKU, that might weaken our degrees' status and values in the future.

However, the University has yet to release more information of the plan.

So on the issue of the Shenzhen initiative, I will meet up with Mr. Henry Wai, the
Registrar very soon, to obtain more infomation over the matter.


I will keep you informed of the progress.

In the mean time, enjoy your summer!

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