Library advisory service available at Chi Wah Learning Commons

Message from University Libraries

With effect from 15 October, 2012, the University Libraries has launched an advisory service for students in the Chi Wah Learning Commons (智華館).  The University Libraries will offer assistance to students in:

  • using the library services and facilities;
  • formulating search strategies;
  • searching the information resources, such as Dragon (the library catalogue) and the article databases; and
  • setting up personal consultations for in-depth information search.

The advisory service is available Monday to Friday from 10 am to 5 pm in Zone R, i.e. the designated Student Advisory Services Zone shown in green in the following floor plan.

The Libraries aims to provide high quality advisory service to facilitate student learning experience at the Learning Commons which is developing into a campus hub for student-centered learning activities.

You are most welcome to share with us what you think about the Libraries’ advisory service at the Chi Wah Learning Commons by sending us an email to hkulref@hku.hk.

Commencement of Advisory Services for Students at the Chi Wah Learning Commons

Message from Information Technology Services

Information Technology Services announced the commencement of advisory services for students on the second floor of the Chi Wah Learning Commons (智華館) on 15 October 2012 (Monday).

On the second floor, an area (shown in green in the following floor plan) is designated as a Student Advisory Services Zone where students may seek advice from a number of departments, namely the Academic Advising Office (AAO), Centre for Applied English Studies (CAES), Centre of Development and Resources for Students (CEDARS) and the University Libraries.

The Student Advisory Services Zone consists of an open space where the advisors are on duty; a Language Practice Laboratory (to be opened later); and ten interview rooms for one-on-one discussions. There is a display screen at each end of the Zone showing the servicing hours of the advising departments.

The following outlines the types of advice that students will be able to obtain in the Learning Commons.


The Academic Advising Office (AAO) will provide academic advice to students on a one-on-one basis in the following areas:

  • adjustment to university studies and development of study plans;
  • guidance on academic regulations and cross-faculty learning opportunities;
  • attending to academic areas of weakness;
  • planning for postgraduate studies; and
  • exploration of campus resources to enhance academic success.

The Centre for Applied English Studies (CAES) will provide English writing support in one-on-one sessions where undergraduates and postgraduate students can come to:

  • get advice from teaching assistants;
  • learn how to analyze and plan an assignment;
  • learn how to grow as a writer;
  • develop writing techniques in both academic and literary writing.

The Centre of Development and Resources for Students (CEDARS) will focus primarily on providing “non-academic” advice to students covering such areas as career advising, service and experiential learning opportunities, generic skills (e.g. time management, study and life skills, and personal growth), campus life planning (e.g. financial management, housing needs), and university life planning (e.g. goal setting, learning plans, cultural awareness).


The University Libraries will offer assistance to students in:

  • using the library services and facilities;
  • formulating search strategies;
  • searching the information resources, such as Dragon (the library catalogue) and the article databases; and
  • setting up personal consultations for in-depth information search.

Moreover, CAES and CEDARS are jointly offering the “Peer English Tutoring” scheme in the Zone; and, in conjunction with the Chinese Language Centre, CEDARS is also offering the “Survival Cantonese” scheme. More details of the schemes can be found at these websites: http://caes.hku.hk/ve and http://cedars.hku.hk

The University is committed to making the Learning Commons an inspiring, vibrant and technology-rich learning space.  The provision of high quality advisory services to enhance student experience and to enable skills development is pivotal to the development of the Learning Commons into a campus hub for student-centered learning activities.

Opening of the Chi Wah Learning Commons

Message from the Computer Centre

The 6,000 square metres Chi Wah Learning Commons (智華館) is located at the podium levels of the University’s new Centennial Campus. The facility, which spreads over three levels, is a technology-rich, shared or common space in which students, teachers and others can come together to interact, and participate in various kinds of activities held there.

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Dr. David M. Pomfret honoured with the UGC Teaching Award 2012

Dr. David M. Pomfret, Associate Professor of the Faculty of Arts, was honored with the University Grants Committee (UGC) Teaching Award 2012. He received the award in recognition of his outstanding teaching performance and achievements, as well as his leadership in and scholarly contribution to teaching and learning.

Since joining the University in 2001, Dr. Pomfret has distinguished himself as a teacher, a pioneer and a leader within HKU, and beyond. The depth of Dr. Pomfret’s engagement with students and reflections on their learning processes, the thoroughness with which he choreographs his teaching, the tirelessness with which he pursues perfection, and his remarkable record of sustained teaching excellence mark him as a highly unusual, talented and charismatic teacher. Dr. Pomfret was awarded the University’s Outstanding Teaching Award in 2010.

Our colleagues have been honoured with the Award in two consecutive years since its inception. This is clear evidence showing the excellent quality of teaching and learning at the University.

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Launch of CEDAR’s First Year Experience Website

Message from the Centre of Development and Resources for Students

The “First Year Experience” website for new HKU students was recently launched. Highlights of the website include:

  • Induction Activities of Faculties, Departments and Other Offices
  • Orientation Activities of Student Groups
  • Important Dates
  • First Year Study
  • Information for Newly Arrived Non-Local Students
  • Accessibility Support
  • Diversity and Sustainability
  • Student Groups and Networks
  • Tips on Enjoying University Life

Both students and colleagues are welcome to visit and “like” the First Year Experience Facebook page to look for news, leave comments and connect with the HKU community.

The “First Year at HKU” brochures were distributed during Registration Days to new students. Copies are also available at CEDARS Office at 3/F, Meng Wah Complex.

New BA in Urban Studies recognized by HKIS

Adopted from the HKU News Centre

The new Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies (BA(UrbanStud)) which is admitting students in September this year has recently been provisionally recognized by the Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors (HKIS).  Graduates from this new programme can now become professional surveyors in planning and development.

The BA(UrbanStud) aims to educate students in the theories, methods, and policies  of urban studies, and train them to understand and address urban issues in Hong Kong and other cities in the world, thereby developing undergraduates to become professionals in the built environment and prepare them to be global leaders and urban citizens. The multi-disciplinary characteristics of the curriculum and the multi-dimensional nature of urban issues will produce graduates who can approach problems from multiple perspectives. The analytical, design, and communication skills developed in the programme will prepare students for a successful career in almost any field.

Click here to learn more about this new programme.

Invitation for application: Teaching Exchange Fellowship Scheme

Applications are invited for the Teaching Exchange Fellowship Scheme, which was introduced by the Teaching and Learning Quality Committee in 2010-11.

The Scheme aims to enhance the scholarship of teaching at the University through enabling academic staff members to share experience and to collaborate on teaching and curriculum development initiatives at reputable universities where excellent pedagogical practices or curriculum innovation are being implemented, and to facilitate reciprocal visits to the University by academic staff of these institutions. The Scheme is a measure also to ensure that our curriculum and pedagogy are benchmarked against international best practice.

All full-time teaching professoriate staff with a minimum of two years of service at the University are eligible to apply. All applications and supporting documents should reach Ms. Synthia Chau, Secretary of the Teaching and Learning Quality Committee (c/o Academic Development and Quality Assurance Section of Registry) on or before March 23, 2012. Enquires may be directed to Ms. Synthia Chau at 2859 2440 or via email to schau@hku.hk.

Applicants will be notified of the results in April/May 2012. For more details, please read the circular below.

Announcement circular from the Chairman of TLQC (document 112/1211) (HKU Portal login required)