HKU Bulletin October 2012 (Vol. 14 No.1)

6 7 8 9 : ; < = > 9 ? = @ A < ? B C D @ A < C D E C D F ? ; D : F C A D : = G F H B ? D F G C D F I ? @ ? D F H ; > J A = B K : C D L H C = B C D E M HKUWelcomes a NewCurriculum, Campus and Century September has always marked the start of the academic year at HKU, but this year it was also, in many ways, a special historical milestone. In this final chapter in a series about the University’s centenary, we take a look at the campus at the start of HKU’s second century. In the University’s first semester, in 1912, there were 77 students enrolled in three Faculties: Medicine, Engineering and Arts. HKU has certainly, as they say, come a long way. This semester saw over 7,000 new undergraduate students enrolling in programmes from 10 Faculties, and marks the official start of the new four-year undergraduate curriculum, which we believe will nurture students who will hold themselves up to the highest standards of intellectual rigour, respond positively to unanticipated problems, respect diverse cultures and strive to make a difference in the world. The new student-centred curriculum is designed to be both intellectually stimulating and challenging – with its core curriculum classes and the overall principle of offering choices and flexibility to students. And there will continue to be worldwide exchange programmes and service learning opportunities for them to take part in too. The new campus extension is now open as well, and is home to the Faculties of Arts, Law and Social Sciences. Above and below the three open and welcoming courtyards, there are some 70 new classrooms, restaurants and food kiosks, N I ? O I C P : I Q ? : ; D C D E O A < < A D G R ; A S C B ? G : @ A < < A D G R : @ ? T A ; C D B C S C B H : = : D B @ A = = : U A ; : F C S ? = ? : ; D C D E M In its first 100 years, the University has been guided by the spirit of Freedom, Liberty and Diversity. Today, we need to reaffirm these values more than ever. V W X Y Z [ \ ] ^ X Y _ _ ` a b a ` c Y d d ` a e ] f Z [ \ Y Y g d h W Two Inauguration Ceremonies for new students This year, two sessions of Inauguration Ceremony were held to welcome the double cohort of students enrolled in the three-year and four-year undergraduate programmes, both officiated by HKU Vice-Chancellor Professor Lap-Chee Tsui. The Guests of Honour were banker Mrs Margaret Leung and film-maker Ms Mable Cheung, both HKU graduates. Professor Tsui welcomed the new students in his inauguration address. He introduced HKU as a place having a free, open and diverse learning environment. He encouraged students to take part in activities and enjoy university life, and said learning experience both inside and outside classroom is important. and the 6,000m 2 Chi Wah Learning Commons, a campus hub for student-centred learning activities. With more students comes the need for more accommodation as well. The four new Residential Colleges on Lung Wah Street in Kennedy Town will ultimately provide 1,800 new places for local students and students from all around the globe. M October 2012 05