Teaching and Learning Arrangements for 2021 Summer Term (Circular 42) 08/04/2021
Dear Students,
We hope you are doing well and your study in the 2021 Spring Term is progressing smoothly.
I am writing to share with you the University's plan for learning and teaching in the 2021 Summer Term, which will start on 15 June 2021 for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes; and on 28 June 2021 for part-time distance learning programmes.
1. Lectures and Tutorials
In view of the recent improvement of the pandemic situation, the University will adopt mixed-mode teaching for both lectures and tutorials for the 2021 Summer Term. Lectures and tutorials will basically be delivered by face-to-face and real-time interactive modes simultaneously^. As in this term, interactive mode will be conducted by using Zoom.
Students have the option of attending the lectures and tutorials in person while maintaining social distancing* in the classroom or attending classes online. Non-local students should decide their travel plan according to their personal situation and closely monitor the quarantine requirements imposed by the Hong Kong SAR Government. Non-local students are welcome to consult the latest information on Covid-19 website.
^ Some postgraduate courses may have special arrangements. Please pay attention to the email announcement by the respective School / instructor.
* The University will make every effort to allow all students to choose to attend classes in person. However, in case the class size of some courses become too big for all students to attend classes in person while maintaining social distancing, some students may have to be placed in an overflow classroom to attend classes by real-time interactive mode. The University will make necessary arrangements based on the corresponding situation.
2. Laboratory Sessions, Practicums and Others
Laboratory Sessions and Practicum will be conducted in small groups as appropriate. Schools will make suitable arrangement for individual courses and inform students separately.
3. Course Assessment
In addition to continuous assessment, where applicable, course assessment can take the form of on-campus written examination, online examination or take-home examination / assignment etc. as deemed appropriate and necessary. Announcement of the form of examination will be made well in advance of the examination period. Students who have difficulty in attending on-campus examination in person are encouraged to contact their instructors for assistance once the examination arrangement is known.
Please keep observing social distancing and maintaining good personal and environmental hygiene practices. Take care and stay healthy!
Sincerely,
Reggie Kwan
Provost
(LiPACE students will receive email notifications from School / Course Instructors separately.)
Full resumption of normal service and work arrangements with effect from 18 February 2021 (Circular 41) 17/02/2021
Dear Colleagues,
Further to my email earlier, and in line with the announcement of the Government, the Management has decided that the University should fully resume normal service and work arrangements with effect from Thursday, 18 February 2021.
Although the pandemic situation seems to be improving, staff are reminded to stay vigilant and follow strictly the health guidelines and advice provided by the Government from time to time.
Let's join hands together to fight the pandemic!
Regards,
Vincent Shek
Director of Human Resources
Updated Learning and Teaching Arrangements for 2021 Spring Term (Circular 40) 10/02/2021
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Dear Students,
We hope you are well and you are getting ready for the new term this month.
In view of the latest developments of the COVID-19 epidemic situation, I am writing to give you an update on the learning and teaching arrangements for 2021 Spring Term, which has started on 8 February 2021 for part-time programmes; and will start on 16 February 2021 #for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
#Classes of Bachelor of Education with Honours in Early Childhood Education (Leadership and Special Educational Needs) have started earlier. The School of Education and Languages should have informed relevant students separately.
1. Lectures and Tutorials
The University will continue to adopt mixed-mode teaching for the whole 2021 Spring Term, that is, lectures will be delivered by real-time interactive mode by using Zoom, and tutorials will be delivered by both real-time interactive mode AND face-to-face mode simultaneously.
As in the previous term, students have the option of attending the tutorials in person while maintaining social distancing in the classroom or attending the online tutorials. As online teaching is available for all classes, non-local students are not required to be physically present in Hong Kong for the 2021 Spring term. Non-local students should decide their travel plan according to their personal situation and closely monitor the quarantine requirements imposed by the Hong Kong SAR Government. Non-local students are welcome to consult the latest information on Covid-19 website.
|
Undergraduate and sub-degree
(full-time and part-time) |
Postgraduate
(full-time and part-time) |
Lecture |
Online mode |
Online mode * |
Tutorial |
Online mode and face-to-face mode simultaneously |
Online mode and face-to-face mode simultaneously |
* Some postgraduate courses may have special arrangements. Please pay attention to the email announcement by the respective School / instructor.
2. Laboratory Sessions and Practicum Arrangement
Laboratory Sessions and Practicum will be face-to-face. Schools will make separate arrangement subject to time-tabling consideration and also the arrangements of external parties involved. Make-up arrangements will be made for non-local students who will not return to campus in the Spring Term. Students will be informed by Schools separately.
3. Course Assessment
Same as the previous term, in addition to continuous assessment, where applicable, course assessment can take the form of online examination or take-home examination / assignment etc. as deemed appropriate and necessary.
May I take this opportunity to wish you all and your family good health and a prosperous Year of the Ox! Please continue to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene, stay vigilant and well!
Sincerely,
Reggie Kwan
Provost
(LiPACE students will receive email notifications from School / Course Instructors separately.)
Gradual resumption of normal service and work arrangements (Circular 39) 29/01/2021
Dear Colleagues,
Following the announcement of the Government on gradual resumption of normal service and operations, the Management has decided that the University should follow similar arrangements. In his regard, Schools/Units should start to gradually resume normal service and operations including normal work arrangements. Deans/Directors/Heads shall continue to have the discretion to decide the specific work arrangements for their staff and inform them individually.
In view of the continuing pandemic situation, staff should continue to strictly adhere to the health guidelines, measures and advice issued by the Government from time to time including observing social distancing, wearing face masks, washing hands frequently and properly, etc. The University will continue to provide enough face masks to staff and adopt all necessary preventive health measures including applying Germagic coating for sterilization of the campuses.
Stay safe and healthy!
Regards,
Vincent Shek
Director of Human Resources
Extension of Special Work Arrangements till 29 January 2021 (Circular 38) 21/01/2021
Dear Colleagues,
Due to the continued severity of the pandemic situation in Hong Kong, the HKSAR Government has decided to continue its special measures to substantially reduce people flows and social contacts including extending the special work arrangements for civil servants. In this connection, the University has decided to extend its special work arrangements till next Friday 29 January 2021. Subject to the provisions of all essential and emergency services, Units Heads will have the discretion to arrange their staff to work from home on a rotational basis. Individual staff will be informed of the arrangements by their Unit Heads separately.
Keep safe and healthy!
Regards,
Vincent Shek
Director of Human Resources
Extension of Special Work Arrangements till 22 January 2021 (Circular 37) 07/01/2021
Dear Colleagues,
Although the recent number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the HKSAR shows sign of slowing, the University has decided, in response to the call of the Chief Executive of HKSAR, to extend the special work arrangements for another 2 weeks till Friday, 22 January 2021. Unit Heads will have the discretion to arrange their staff to work from home on a rotational basis while maintaining the provision of all essential and urgent services. Individual staff will be informed of the detailed arrangements by their Unit Heads accordingly.
Stay safe and vigilant!
Regards,
Vincent Shek
Director of Human Resources
Extension of Special Work Arrangements till 8 January 2021 (Circular 36) 29/12/2020
Dear Colleagues,
In view of the current pandemic situation, the Management has decided to further extend the special work arrangements till 8 January 2021. Units Heads may continue to arrange their staff to work from home on rotation while maintaining the essential and urgent services. Individual staff will be informed of the specific arrangements by their respective Unit Heads.
May I take the opportunity to wish you a safe, healthy and happy New Year!
Regards,
Vincent Shek
Director of Human Resources
Announcement on Learning and teaching arrangements for 2021 Spring Term (Circular 35) 17/12/2020
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Dear Students,
As the end of 2020 Autumn term is approaching, I wish to give you an update on the learning and teaching arrangements for the 2021 Spring term that will start in February to help you better prepare for it.
1. Lectures and Tutorials
2021 Spring term will start as scheduled, i.e. to start on 16 February 2021 # for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, and on 8 February 2021 for part-time programmes. Under the impact of COVID-19, the University will continue to adopt mixed-mode teaching for the whole Spring Term in 2020/21 academic year, that is, all lectures will be delivered by real-time interactive mode by using Zoom and tutorials will be delivered by both real-time interactive mode AND face-to-face mode simultaneously.
As in the previous term, students have the option of attending the tutorials in person while maintaining social distancing in the classroom or attending the online tutorials. As online teaching is available for all classes, non-local students are not required to be physically present in Hong Kong for the 2021 Spring term. Non-local students should decide their travel plan according to their personal situation and closely monitor the quarantine requirements imposed by the Hong Kong SAR Government.
|
Undergraduate and sub-degree
(full-time and part-time) |
Postgraduate
(full-time and part-time) |
Lecture |
Online mode |
Online mode * |
Tutorial |
Online mode and face-to-face mode simultaneously |
Online mode and face-to-face mode simultaneously |
Remark:
# Classes of Bachelor of Education with Honours in Early Childhood Education (Leadership and Special Educational Needs) will start earlier. The School of Education and Languages will inform relevant students separately.
* Some postgraduate courses may have special arrangements. Please pay attention to the email announcement by the respective School / instructor.
2. Laboratory Sessions and Practicum Arrangement
Laboratory Sessions and Practicum will be face-to-face. Schools will make separate arrangement subject to time-tabling consideration and also the arrangements of external parties involved. Make-up arrangements will be made for non-local students who will not return to campus in the Spring Term. Students will be informed by Schools separately.
3. Course Assessment
Same as the previous term, in addition to continuous assessment, where applicable, course assessment can take the form of online examination or take-home examination / assignment etc. as deemed appropriate and necessary.
Please continue social distancing and maintain good personal hygiene. Stay healthy and well.
Sincerely,
Reggie Kwan
Provost
(LiPACE students will receive email notifications from School / Course Instructors separately.)
Extension of Special Work Arrangements till 31 December 2020 (Circular 34) 14/12/2020
Dear Colleagues,
As the pandemic situation continues to be severe and in response to the call of the Chief Executive of HKSAR, the University has decided to extend the below special work arrangements till 31 December 2020. Units Heads will have the discretion to arrange their staff to work from home on rotation while maintaining the essential and urgent services. Individual staff will be informed of the specific arrangements by their Unit Heads accordingly.
Should you have any queries, please feel free to contact your respective Human Resources Managers.
Regards,
Vincent Shek
Director of Human Resources
Confirmed COVID-19 case (Circular 33) 14/12/2020
Dear Colleagues,
The Human Resources Unit was informed by the School of Science and Technology that the husband of one of its staff in the STEAM Centre was preliminary tested positive for COVID-19 on Saturday, 12 December 2020. On Sunday, we received the news that both the staff concerned and her son were also tested positive. The staff concerned had returned to the office on 7, 9, 10 and 11 December during the past week. It was learnt that the staff concerned had no close contact with any staff except for those in the STEAM Centre.
The staff in the STEAM Centre have been advised to take the test and work from home for at least 14 days. The Finance and Facilities Management Unit also arranged and completed the deep cleansing/sterilization of the 9/F of the Cheng Yu Tung Building on Sunday.
For the sake of safety and health of the University community, I would like to strongly remind you that if you or your family members are suffering from any symptoms of COVID-19 or receiving the test, please do not come back to the campuses until the results of the test are negative.
As the pandemic continues to be serious, please stay vigilant and alert.
Keep safe and healthy!
Regards,
Vincent Shek
Director of Human Resources
Potential COVID-19 case (Circular 32) 11/12/2020
Dear colleagues,
One of our full-time staff in the Public Affairs Unit (PAU) informed us in the late afternoon yesterday that she was advised by the Department of Health her test for COVID-19 was positive. She was sent to the hospital for further check-up and advised not to return to the office.
The staff concerned returned to the office only on Wednesday, 9 December, during this week. According to the staff concerned, she wore mask all the time except lunch, and stayed mainly for desk work in her office on the 10/F of the Cheng Yu Tung Building. She went out to buy lunch and had not visited the canteen.
To play safe, all PAU staff have been asked to take the COVID-19 test and work from home for 14 days. Arrangements have been made to conduct deep cleansing/sterilization of the whole 10/F by today.
As the pandemic situation continues to be serious, please take all necessary precautionary measures as advised by the HKSAR Government to protect your health.
Stay vigilant and safe!
Regards,
Vincent Shek
Director of Human Resources
Updated learning and teaching arrangements for 2020 Autumn term (Circular 31) 01/12/2020
Dear Students,
Further to the announcement made on 10 September 2020 regarding the learning and teaching arrangements for Autumn term, 2020/21 (circular 27), I am writing to give you an update on this term's arrangements in view of the latest developments of the COVID-19 epidemic.
Starting from 2 December 2020, all lectures and tutorials will be delivered online by real-time interactive mode using Zoom until the end of 2020 Autumn term. All face-to-face teaching will be suspended. As online teaching is available for all classes, students are not required to be on-campus.
For face-to-face laboratory sessions and practicum arrangements, students will be informed by Schools separately.
The University will closely monitor the development of the COVID-19 epidemic and will issue updates to students from time to time. Please continue to stay alert and maintain good personal hygiene and practise social distancing.
Take care and stay healthy.
Sincerely,
Professor Reggie Kwan, Provost
(LiPACE students will receive email notifications from School/Course Instructors separately)
Special Work Arrangements from 2 to 15 December 2020 (Circular 30) 01/12/2020
Dear Colleagues,
In view of the severe COVID-19 situation and in response to the call from the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), the University has decided that while all essential and urgent services should be maintained, Unit Heads may have the discretion to allow their staff to take turn to work from home (say by A/B teams) between 2 and 15 December 2020 to further reduce people flows and social contacts. Unit Heads will decide and communicate the work from home arrangements with individual staff separately.
Other measures as announced in my below email shall continue to stand.
With our joint effort, I hope we shall overcome the epidemic very soon!
Regards,
Vincent Shek
Director of Human Resources
Announcement on Flexible Work Arrangements for Staff (Circular 29) 27/11/2020
Dear Colleagues,
In view of the recent resurgence of the COVID-19 cases, Deans/Directors/Heads are authorized to continue to exercise measures such as flexible work hours, staggered lunch breaks, online instead of face-to-face meetings, and mixed mode of teaching for their Schools/Units to reduce people flows and social contacts, while not affecting the normal operations and services to be provided.
You are advised to strictly follow all preventive health measures such as wearing face masks, washing your hands frequently and properly, and observing social distancing, and other measures as announced by the HKSAR Government from time to time. The University will continue to enhance the hygiene and preventive measures throughout the campuses including sanitizing the classrooms and workplaces by Germagic coating and supplying enough face masks for staff.
You are also reminded not to come back to the campuses if you are suffering from any symptoms of illness such as fever, fatigue, cough, loss of smell or taste, body aches and shortness of breath, and to report such case to your supervisors and the Human Resources Unit as soon as possible.
As announced earlier, please note the following arrangements for handling COVID-19 cases:
Type of cases |
Actions to be taken |
1. Confirmed COVID-19 cases or close contact (as defined by the Centre of Health Protection (CHP)) |
Hospitalized/quarantined/to undergo COVID-19 test as required by the CHP. Staff concerned should only return to office until they are fully recovered and/or a negative result is confirmed. |
2. Colleagues sharing the same workplace of the confirmed cases or close contact |
Work from home for at least 14 days. If they are required by CHP to undergo COVID-19 test, they should only return to office until a negative result is confirmed. |
3. Colleagues who are required by CHP to undergo COVID-19 test |
Work from home for at least 14 days or until a negative test result is confirmed. |
4. Colleagues who have a household member undergoing COVID-19 test |
Work from home until a negative test result is confirmed. |
Should you have any enquiries, please feel free to contact your respective Human Resources Managers.
Keep safe and healthy!
Regards,
Vincent Shek
Director of Human Resources
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Resumption of normal operations from Monday, 14 September 2020 (Circular 28) 11/09/2020
Dear Colleagues,
In view of the latest developments of the COVID-19 epidemic situation, the University has decided to fully resume normal operations and services from next Monday, 14 September 2020. All staff members including academic, administrative, general support and R&D staff are required to return to their offices to work during normal working hours.
To reduce flows of people and social contact, Schools/Units will continue to implement measures such as flexible working hours and staggered lunch breaks, online instead of face-to-face meetings where possible, and keeping social distance.
Staff members are reminded to strictly follow necessary preventive health measures such as wearing masks, washing their hands frequently and properly and observing social distancing. The University will continue to enhance the hygiene and preventive measures throughout the campuses including sanitizing the classrooms and workplaces by Germagic coating and supplying enough face masks for staff.
Regards,
Vincent Shek
Director of Human Resources
Updates on Learning and Teaching Arrangements for Autumn Term, 2020/21 (Circular 27) 10/09/2020
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Dear Students,
We hope you are keeping well. In light of the improving pandemic situation, I am writing to give you an update on the learning and teaching arrangements for Autumn Term, 2020/21.
1. Lectures and Tutorials
The Autumn Term 2020/21 will start as scheduled, i.e. to start on 28 September # for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, and 21 September for part-time programmes. The University will adopt mixed-mode teaching for the whole Autumn Term, 2020/21. In general, all the lectures will be delivered by real-time interactive mode by using Zoom. Tutorials will be delivered by both real-time interactive mode AND face-to-face mode simultaneously. Students have the option of attending the tutorials in person while maintaining social distancing in the classroom. As online teaching is available for all classes, non-local students are not required to be physically present in Hong Kong for the entire Autumn Term. Non-local students should decide their travel plan according to their personal situation and closely monitor the quarantine requirements imposed by the Hong Kong SAR Government.
|
Undergraduate and sub-degree
(full-time and part-time) |
Postgraduate
(full-time and part-time) |
Lecture |
Online mode |
Online mode * |
Tutorial |
Online mode and face-to-face mode simultaneously |
Online mode and face-to-face mode simultaneously |
Remark:
# Unless otherwise specified by the School of Nursing & Health Studies.
* Some postgraduate courses may have special arrangement. Please pay attention to the email announcement by the respective School / instructor.
2. Laboratory Sessions and Practicum Arrangement
Laboratory Sessions and Practicum will be face-to-face. Schools will make separate arrangement subject to time-tabling consideration and also the arrangements of external parties involved. Make-up arrangements will be made for non-local students who will not return to campus in the Autumn Term. Students will be informed by Schools separately.
3. Course Assessment
In addition to continuous assessment, where applicable, course assessment can take the form of online examination or take-home examination / assignment etc. as deemed appropriate and necessary.
Please keep observe social distancing and maintain good personal and environmental hygiene practices. Stay vigilant, stay healthy and stay well.
Sincerely,
Reggie Kwan
Provost
(LiPACE students will receive email notifications from School / Course Instructors separately.)
Gradual resumption of normal operations from Monday, 31 August 2020 (Circular 26) 28/08/2020
Dear Colleagues,
Further to my below email and taking into account the latest COVID-19 development, the University has decided to gradually resume its normal operations from next Monday, 31 August 2020.
All Schools/Units should plan for their staff including academic, administrative and general support staff to progressively return to their offices to work beginning next week. To reduce people flow, Deans/Directors/Heads are encouraged to exercise flexibility in their work arrangements such as adopting staggered working hours and lunch breaks.
Staff members are reminded to strictly follow necessary preventive health measures such as wearing masks, washing their hands frequently and properly and observing social distancing. The University will continue to enhance the hygiene and preventive measures throughout the campuses including sanitizing the classrooms and workplaces by Germagic coating and supplying enough face masks for staff.
Thank you for all your support in this difficult time. We will keep monitoring the COVID-19 situation and provide you with timely updates.
Regards,
Vincent Shek
Director of Human Resources
Announcement on Special Work Arrangements (Circular 25) 21/08/2020
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Dear Colleagues,
Due to the previous surge of the COVID-19 cases, the University has practiced special work arrangements for staff since mid-July, and limited the services on campus to essential and emergency services and basic services on a reduced level.
In view of the recent downward trend of the COVID-19 cases, the University has decided to gradually resume its normal business and services should the situation continue to improve in the coming few weeks. During the interim, Deans/Directors/Heads will continue to exercise discretion to decide on the special work arrangements for their staff, and to inform them of the arrangements separately.
Despite the improving outlook, you are strongly advised to continue to stay alert and vigilant to the risks of the spread of the disease, and keep yourself safe and healthy. As announced earlier, you are reminded of the following arrangements for handling COVID-19 related cases:
Type of cases |
Actions to be taken |
1. Confirmed COVID-19 cases or close contact (as defined by the Centre of Health Protection (CHP)) |
Hospitalized/quarantined/to undergo COVID-19 test as required by the CHP. Staff concerned should only return to office until they are fully recovered and/or a negative result is confirmed. |
2. Colleagues sharing the same workplace of the confirmed cases or close contact |
Work from home for at least 14 days. If they are required by CHP to undergo COVID-19 test, they should only return to office until a negative result is confirmed. |
3. Colleagues who are required by CHP to undergo COVID-19 test |
Work from home for at least 14 days or until a negative test result is confirmed. |
4. Colleagues who have a household member undergoing COVID-19 test |
Work from home until a negative test result is confirmed. |
If you encounter any of the above, please make a report to your respective Deans/Directors/Heads and inform HRU.
Regards,
Vincent Shek
Director of Human Resources
Announcement on a staff COVID-19 case (Circular 24) 21/08/2020
Dear colleagues,
I am sorry to inform you that one of our colleagues in the School of Education and Languages (E&L), whose office is located on the 4th Floor of the Cheng Yu Tung Building (Block A), Main Campus, was confirmed last night to have contracted COVID-19. According to the information, the colleague was infected by her family member. Her last visit to the office was on last Friday, 14 August 2020.
The Facilities Management Office has been notified of the development, and has already conducted deep cleansing and professional sterilization of the office as well as the areas that the colleague had visited with Germagic coating.
As a precautionary measure, all staff members of the School have been asked not to return to the office and to work from home until the end of this month. Meanwhile, the Department of Health will work with the staff concerned and the School Manager to identify the close contacts for follow-up actions.
The University will continue to monitor the situation, and take all necessary precautionary measures and steps to reduce potential health risks for protection of our staff, students and the University Community.
On behalf of the University, may I wish the infected colleague a speedy and full recovery.
Regards,
Vincent Shek
Director of Human Resources
Extension of Special Work Arrangements (Up to 23 August 2020) (Circular 23) 14/08/2020
Dear Colleagues,
With reference to the Government's recent announcement on the extension of the special work arrangements for civil servants, the University has decided that the special work arrangements for our staff be extended till Sunday, 23 August 2020.
Please continue to stay vigilant, safe and healthy!
Regards,
Vincent Shek
Director of Human Resources
Extension of Special Work Arrangements (Up to 16 August 2020) ) (Circular 22) 07/08/2020
Dear Colleagues,
Further to my below email, please be informed that the University has decided to extend the special work arrangements for another week up to 16 August 2020.
Please continue to stay vigilant in the fight against the pandemic to keep yourself, your family, friends, colleagues and the community safe and health.
Regards,
Vincent Shek
Director of Human Resources
Extension of Special Work Arrangements (Up to 9 August 2020) (Circular 21) 31/07/2020
Dear Colleagues,
Following the Government's recent announcement to extend the special work arrangements for civil servants, the University has decided that the special work arrangements as announced below be extended for another week until 9 August 2020.
Please stay vigilant in the fight against the pandemic and keep yourself safe and healthy!
Regards,
Vincent Shek
Director of Human Resources
Updated Learning and Teaching Arrangements for Autumn Term, 2020/21 (Circular 20) 27/07/2020
.style2 { text-decoration: underline;}Dear Students,
Updated Learning and Teaching Arrangements for Autumn Term, 2020/21
Since our last announcement dated 16 July 2020, Hong Kong has been hit hard by another wave of COVID-19. With this sudden surge in locally infected cases, no one can predict the situation in the next few months. In view of the uncertainties and the public health risks, the University has revisited the learning and teaching arrangements for Autumn Term, 2020/21.
The Autumn Term 2020/21 will start as scheduled, i.e. to start on 28 September 2020# for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, and 21 September 2020 for Part-time programmes. All lectures and tutorials will be conducted in real-time interactive mode by using Zoom until further notice. Face-to-face teaching including laboratory sessions and practicum will only be resumed, on an incremental basis, when the local pandemic situation is stabilized. As mentioned in the previous announcement, course assessment can take the form of on-campus examination, online examination or take-home examination/assignment etc. as deemed appropriate and necessary.
As the University will provide support for students to study remotely, non-local students (new and continuing) are not required to be physically present in Hong Kong. For various reasons if non-local students choose to take online classes in Hong Kong, they should assess their own risks and observe the mandatory quarantine requirement before and upon coming to Hong Kong.
The University will closely monitor the pandemic situation and adjust teaching and learning arrangement on a timely and need basis. Ample advance notice will be given to non-local students if and when the University resume face-to face teaching so that they can plan for their trips.
If you have any questions regarding the learning and teaching arrangement or you need academic advising, please contact the Registry or your programme leader.
Take care and stay healthy.
Reggie Kwan
Provost
# Remark: Some courses in full-time nursing programmes will commence a bit earlier. The School will inform students accordingly.
Special Work Arrangements till 2 August 2020 (Circular 19) 24/07/2020
Dear colleagues,
In view of the development of the COVID-19 pandemic and with reference to the Government's recent announcement on special work arrangements for civil servants, the University has decided that the special work arrangements as announced in my below email be extended up to Sunday, 2 August 2020.
I share that it is a difficult time for our staff and their family members, but I believe that together, we will win the battle, as we always do. Stay safe and healthy!
Regards,
Vincent Shek
Director of Human Resources
Special Work Arrangements till 26 July 2020 (Circular 18) 19/07/2020
Dear colleagues,
Taking into account the current development of the COVID-19 pandemic and advice from the Government, it has been decided that special work arrangements shall be enforced with immediate effect till Sunday, 26 July 2020 (inclusive). During this period, services on campus would only be limited to essential and emergency services and basic services on a reduced level. With the exception of staff carrying out the above duties, all other staff are advised to work from home and not to return to office. Deans/Directors/Heads will consider staff arrangements to maintain necessary services as per the School/Unit's situation and will communicate with their staff members separately.
Regards,
Vincent Shek
Director of Human Resources
Message from the Provost on teaching and learning arrangement (Circular 17) 16/07/2020
Dear Students,
In view of the recent surge of COVID-19 cases in Hong Kong, the University will sustain our COVID-19 preventative measures diligently in order to provide a safe learning and working environment to our students and staff members. Having considered the concerns and feedbacks from students and professors, the University decided to implement flexible mode of teaching for Autumn Term, 2020/21. The details are as follow:
Learning and Teaching for Undergraduate, Postgraduate and Part-time Programmes
1. Lecture and Tutorial
a) For a class size of 50 or below, teaching will adopt a face-to-face mode in a University's teaching room with spare seating capacity that allows adequate social distancing among students in the room.
b) For a class size above 50, teaching will adopt an online mode using Zoom with all teaching activities recorded.
2. Laboratory Sessions and Practicum Arrangement
Laboratory Sessions and Practicum will be face-to-face. Schools will make separate arrangement subject to time-tabling consideration and also the arrangements of external parties involved. Students please take note of the announcement by your School.
3. Course Assessment
The University will keep close monitoring of the pandemic situation. In addition to continuous assessment, where applicable, course assessment can take the form of on-campus examination, online examination or take-home examination/assignment etc. as deemed appropriate and necessary.
If you are currently outside Hong Kong, please be reminded to follow the government's mandatory quarantine requirement and plan for your travel arrangement in advance. If you have difficulties to resume your study on campus in September, please contact your Programme Leaders to seek their advice.
Please keep observe social distancing and maintain good personal and environmental hygiene practices. Stay vigilant, stay healthy and stay well.
Sincerely,
Reggie Kwan
Provost
Announcement on Flexible Work Arrangements for Staff (Up to 28 July 2020) (Circular 16) 14/07/2020
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Dear Colleagues,
In view of the recent surge of COVID-19 cases in Hong Kong, the University has decided to adopt flexible work arrangements for staff in the coming 2 weeks up to 28 July 2020 while maintaining the normal service and operations.
Deans/Directors/Heads are requested to review the situations in their Schools/Units, and exercise flexibility by adopting such measures as flexible working hours, staggered lunch breaks, relocation of staff into different workplaces and other arrangements, as and where appropriate.
The University has also decided to adopt the following arrangements for handling COVID-19 related cases with immediate effect:
Type of cases |
Actions to be taken |
1. Confirmed COVID-19 cases or close contact (as defined by the Centre of Health Protection (CHP)) |
Hospitalized/quarantined/to undergo COVID-19 test as required by the CHP. Staff concerned should only return to office until they are fully recovered and/or a negative result is confirmed. |
2. Colleagues sharing the same workplace of the confirmed cases or close contact |
Work from home for at least 14 days. If they are required by CHP to undergo COVID-19 test, they should only return to office until a negative result is confirmed. |
3. Colleagues who are required by CHP to undergo COVID-19 test |
Work from home for at least 14 days or until a negative test result is confirmed. |
4. Colleagues who have a household member undergoing COVID-19 test |
Work from home until a negative test result is confirmed. |
If you encounter any of the above, please make a report to your respective Deans/Directors/Heads and inform HRU.
To protect the health and safety of staff, campus access control will continue. Everyone entering the campus must show his/her staff/student ID and wear a mask to protect himself/herself as well as other people on campus. Body temperature screening will be conducted at campus entrances and anyone who is found to have developed a fever will be advised to seek medical consultation and not to enter the campus. If you are not feeling well, please consult a doctor, stay home and inform your supervisor accordingly. Please be assured that the University will provide enough masks, sanitizers and disinfectants for staff members to perform duties on campus.
In view of the development of COVID-19 in Hong Kong and elsewhere in the world, you are also advised to strictly follow the Government's guidelines and instructions to keep up your personal hygiene and help control the spread of the disease.
Together, we shall overcome!
Regards,
Vincent Shek
Director of Human Resources
Resumption of normal business and work arrangements (Circular 15) 17/04/2020
In view of the improving trend of COVID-19 in Hong Kong, and in line with the HKSAR Government to gradually resume services provided to the public, the Management has decided that Schools/Units should start to ramp up the office duty rosters in their administrative offices in anticipation of full resumption of normal business and work arrangements with effect from Monday, 27 April 2020.
Individual Deans/Directors/Heads will exercise discretion in making work arrangements for their respective Schools/Units and will communicate with their staff accordingly. This includes making discretionary arrangements for individual staff members who may need to continue working from home for one reason or another.
To protect the health and safety of staff, campus access control will continue. Everyone entering the campus should show their staff/student ID and wear a mask to protect themselves as well as other people on campus. Body temperature screening will be conducted at campus entrances and anyone who is found to have developed a fever will be advised to seek medical consultation and not to enter the campus. If you are not feeling well, please consult a doctor, stay home and inform your supervisor accordingly. Please be assured that the University will provide enough masks, sanitizers and disinfectants for staff members to perform duties on campus.
Since the development of COVID-19 around the world is changing rapidly, you are also advised to strictly follow the Government's guidelines and instructions to keep up your personal hygiene and help control the spread of the disease.
Together, we shall overcome.
Regards,
Vincent Shek
Director of Human Resources
Special Work Arrangements 6-19 April 2020 (Circular 14) 03/04/2020
Dear Colleagues,
Due to the high risk of continuing COVID-19 spread in the city and following the principle of putting health and safety of our colleagues as top priority, the Management has decided that the special work arrangements for staff as mentioned in my below email dated 22 March 2020 be extended for 2 weeks, i.e. up to Sunday, 19 April 2020.
You are kindly reminded that you are required to notify your Dean/Unit Head if
(i) you have developed any symptoms of the disease;
(ii) you have been in close contact with any confirmed/suspected cases;
(iii) you share the same residence with someone under home quarantine; or
(iv) you have travelled outside Hong Kong and/or are under quarantine order.
You are also advised to stay home if you fell ill or have any flu symptoms (even minor one).
In case you share residence with someone under home quarantine, you should work from home for 14 days and not return to the office. If you wish to return to the office, you should arrange the person to be quarantined in a location away from your home. Please also refrain from any close contact with the person during the quarantined period.
Please continue to stay vigilant and take good care of your health and safety. With the concerted efforts of the community, including everyone of us, we will get through the storm soon.
Vincent Shek
Director of Human Resources
A new confirmed COVID-19 case 31/03/2020
Dear Students and Colleagues,
The University was informed yesterday (30 March) that a full-time student who visited a restaurant in Tsim Sha Tsui on 19 March was confirmed with COVID-19 and she is currently hospitalized.
The student has not visited the OUHK campus since Chinese New Year and we will continue to communicate with her regarding her health progress.
We again urge and remind all our members to continue to stay vigilant and exercise good hygiene amid this critical time, and we wish the student concerned a speedy recovery.
Public Affairs Unit
Confirmed case of COVID-19 28/03/2020
Dear Students and Colleagues,
The University was informed yesterday (27 March) that a full-time student was diagnosed with COVID-19 after travelling back from overseas and she is currently receiving treatment in hospital.
The student confirmed that she has not visited the OUHK campus in the past 14 days. We will render her all necessary assistance and continue to communicate with her regarding her health progress.
We urge and remind all our members to stay vigilant amid this critical time. The University will continue to maintain ongoing communications with our members to provide necessary information and take precautionary measures proactively.
We wish the student concerned a speedy recovery. Let's fight against COVID-19 in unity.
Warmest regards,
Prof. Yuk-Shan Wong
President and Chairman of the Committee Against Novel Coronavirus (CANC)
Special Work Arrangements 23 March – 5 April 2020 (Circular 13) 22/03/2020
Dear Colleagues,
Due to the high number of Hong Kong residents returning from overseas, the number of COVID-19 cases has increased and the risk of further spread of the virus has heightened.
In response to the call of the HKSAR Government and to uphold our principle of making health and safety of colleagues our top priority, special work arrangements for staff will be brought back for 2 weeks starting from Monday, 23 March 2020 until Sunday, 5 April 2020.
During this period, necessary services and office work would be maintained. Academic staff should continue to work from home (or come back to the office, if necessary), and must ensure that their online/synchronized teaching and interaction with students are not affected. For Administrative and Support staff, arrangements would be made for them to work from home on a rotation basis. Deans/Directors/Heads will consider their School/Unit's situation and communicate the detailed work arrangements with individual staff members directly.
For staff members who have family members/co-inhabitants coming back from overseas, it is reiterated that they should work from home for 14 days and not come back to the office, unless they have arranged the returnees to stay in hotels or other places, away from their home. Please contact your HR manager if you have any questions.
Let's continue our efforts to stay vigilant, safe and healthy, and work hand-in-hand to get through this difficult time.
Vincent Shek
Director of Human Resources
Human Resources Unit
Declaration of Travel History - Updated arrangement 20/03/2020
Dear Colleagues,
As announced by the HKSAR Government, commencing from midnight on March 19, anyone returning to Hong Kong from abroad will have to undergo 14 days of compulsory quarantine irrespective of countries/territory but currently not including Macao SAR and Taiwan.
In addition to the advice and measures as detailed in my email below, the Management has adopted the following precautionary measures to be implemented with immediate effect:
1. For staff returning from overseas, they are now required to undergo a 14-day compulsory quarantine either at home or at the quarantine centres on their return as announced by the HKSAR Government. Staff are required to inform their Deans/Directors/Heads and HRU and work from home or at the quarantine centres during the 14-day quarantine period.
2. For staff who have family members or flat mates (sharing the same residence) returning from overseas, or have close contact with any persons suspected or confirmed to have contracted COVID-19, they should notify their Deans/Directors/Heads and HRU immediately, and take appropriate preventive measures such as arranging separate accommodation for their family members or flat mates or work from home.
3. For staff who are suspected or confirmed to have contracted COVID-19, or have developed any symptoms such as runny nose, coughing, sore throat and fever, they should not return to the office and should report the case to their respective Deans/Directors/Heads and HRU for advice and follow-up actions.
Thank you all for your co-operation. We hope to do the best to stay safe and healthy during this critical time.
Vincent Shek
Director of Human Resources
The Open University of Hong Kong
Declaration of Travel History 18/03/2020
Dear Colleagues,
I believe you have all been alerted about the news of the global outbreak of COVID-19 in different countries. In response, the Hong Kong Government has extended or will extend the health quarantine arrangements on inbound travelers from many countries, including those from the Mainland.
In this connection, staff who have undertaken any travel outside Hong Kong in the previous 14 days should inform their respective Deans/Directors/Heads, and complete the attached Health Declaration Form and copy it to their respective Human Resources Managers. They should not return to the office and are required to work from home. They should also monitor their health status for 14 days by filling in the attached Self-medical Surveillance Form.
In addition, staff members are advised to avoid undertaking any overseas/Mainland travel during this special period. If the trip is unavoidable, please inform your respective Deans/Directors/Heads prior to the trip and complete the Health Declaration Form / Self-medical Surveillance Form upon your return.
To allow more time for staff to clear their annual leave, the Management has also decided that annual leave balance in excess of 14 days for 2019/20, which should be cleared by 31 August 2020, be allowed to be carried forward and cleared by 28 February 2021.
Please continue to stay vigilant and wish you all safe and healthy!
Yours Sincerely,
Vincent Shek
Director of Human Resources
Latest update on online learning and assessment (Circular 12) 11/03/2020
.style1 { text-decoration: underline;}Dear Students,
It has been five weeks since we resorted to use online learning because of the threat of COVID-19. I wish we can all stay healthy and upbeat.
The main reason that I am writing to all of you once again is that I have two pieces of very important announcement.
The first one is about online learning. Owing to this COVID-19, the University shall continue with the online learning until the end of this Spring term in May 2020. During this period, please make use of the online learning platform and follow closely materials put up for your courses. You are also encouraged to stay in close connection with your professors, attend real-time sessions, email/call/text if you have any questions. Remember, your professors are always here to help. For courses that will require practical skills in laboratories, studios, etc., they may be taken on campus in small group or made up at a later date. You will be informed separately on the arrangement by your school.
The second announcement is about assessment. Course assessment will be adjusted to take various forms which may include final project, term assignment paper and/or examinations. If there are examinations to be held, they will be mainly conducted online so students are not required to return to campus. Schools are working out on the details and you will be informed as soon as possible. Examination period will be moved back to 4-24 May. There will be a revision week from 27 April to 2 May. For part-time distance learning courses, examination period will remain unchanged from 11 May to 7 June. By aligning the examination period back to the original academic calendar, we trust that there would be minimal impact on your study progression/graduation.
I am a strong believer that difficult times promote personal growth. I hope we can all go through this unprecedented crisis with optimism and resilience. Together, we shall overcome the difficulties and emerge stronger. Looking back in 30 years, we shall have good stories to tell our children/grandchildren.
Sincerely,
Reggie Kwan
Provost
Resumption of Normal Business and Work Arrangements (Circular 11) 28/02/2020
Dear Colleagues,
With effect from Monday, 2 March 2020, the University will start to gradually resume normal business and work arrangements in its administrative offices. Individual Deans/Directors/Heads will exercise discretion in making work arrangements for their respective Schools/Units and will communicate with their staff accordingly. This includes making discretionary arrangements for individual staff members who may need to continue working from home for one reason or another.
To protect the health and safety of staff, campus access control will continue. Everyone entering the campus should show their staff/student ID and wear a mask to protect themselves as well as other people on campus. Body temperature screening will be conducted at campus entrances and anyone who is found to have developed a fever will be advised to seek medical consultation and not to enter the campus. If you are not feeling well, please consult a doctor, stay home and inform your supervisor accordingly. Please be assured that the University will provide enough masks, sanitizers and disinfectants for staff members to perform duties on campus.
Since the development of COVID-19 around the world is changing rapidly, you are also advised to follow the Government's travel advice and to closely monitor the situation and be mindful of the health risks when planning for any trips. Destinations such as Japan and South Korea should be avoided.
Please stay vigilant, keep up your personal hygiene and stay healthy.
Regards,
Vincent Shek
Director of Human Resources
Human Resources Unit
The Open University of Hong Kong
Message from the Provost on teaching, learning and work arrangements (Circular 10) 21/02/2020
.style1 { text-decoration: underline;}Dear Students and Colleagues,
Teaching and Learning
With the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the University has decided to resort to using online learning since 3 February 2020 after the suspension of the face-to-face classes in campus. We are eager to resume our face-to-face classes, but before we can do so we shall further improve and enhance the effectiveness of our online teaching and learning. Besides the 'on-demand' lectures that students can access anytime anywhere over the past few weeks, Schools will increase real-time online tutorials and other interactive activities in the coming weeks.
The real-time learning environment will enable more online interaction and students are encouraged to participate as you will not be learning alone, and you can always reach out to your professors and get connected with fellow students if you have any questions.
You are welcome to provide your professors with suggestions on any enhancement of the online learning arrangements to further facilitate your learning. With our devoted faculty members working together with our students, I am confident that the disruption to the suspension of the face-to-face classes will be minimized.
For students who need to come to campus to use the library or the Computer Lab, please observe the limited opening hours and get the latest update on the University website.
Work Arrangements
The University has decided to continue practice special work arrangements till Sunday, 1 March 2020 (inclusive). However, in anticipation of the need to gradually resume normal academic and administrative activities and services, especially for preparation of class resumption on 30 March 2020, Deans/Directors/Heads will make necessary transitional arrangements to gradually ramp up service level beginning next week and will communicate with staff accordingly. The University is hopeful that normal business and work arrangements can be resumed with effect from Monday, 2 March 2020.
Please stay vigilant and put health as your top priority!
Warmest Regards,
Prof. Reggie Kwan
Provost
Special Work Arrangements on Novel Coronavirus (Circular 9) 14/02/2020
Dear Colleagues,
In view of the current development of the Novel Coronavirus, the University has decided to further extend the special work arrangements till Sunday, 23 February 2020 (inclusive). During the period, services on campus would only be limited to emergency and essential services and basic services on a reduced level. With the exception of staff carrying out the above duties, all other staff are advised to work from home and not to return to the office. Deans/Directors/Heads will consider staff arrangements to maintain necessary services as per the School/Unit's situation and will communicate with their staff members separately.
During the period of class suspension, the libraries and the computer lab will be open with limited hours, and students are advised to check latest update of the opening hours on the University website ( www.ouhk.edu.hk).
The University will continue to monitor and review the situation and will keep you updated on any changes and development.
Please stay vigilant and put your health on top priority.
Regards,
Vincent Shek
Director of Human Resources
Message from the Provost on teaching and learning arrangement (Circular 8) 12/02/2020
Dear Students,
The University has been monitoring the development of the coronavirus situation closely and continuing to make appropriate adjustments to the teaching arrangements. Although we are eager to resume our face-to-face classes on campus, we would not be able to do so as long as there is risk of infection in a crowded classroom. In view of the current coronavirus situation in Hong Kong, the University has decided to postpone resumption of face-to-face teaching until 30 March 2020 and modify the plan for the 2020 Spring term as listed below.
Please note that the teaching and assessment schedules for some professional programmes may differ from those described below, and will be announced separately by the relevant schools. The 2020 Spring term academic calendar including the examination period for part-time (distance learning) programmes will remain unchanged ( link).
Full-time undergraduate and taught post-graduate programmes
Jan 20 – Jan 24
Spring term started and face-to-face classes were conducted during this week.
Feb 3 – Mar 29
Online learning started on 3 February and will continue to 29 March 2020 for a total of eight weeks inclusive of the study break (Mar 9-14). The additional week of online teaching during Mar 9-14 is scheduled to allow better coverage of course content and for students to catch up with the materials.
Mar 30 – May 3
We hope to resume face-to-face classes on campus for five weeks. In case this is not possible because of ongoing health and safety concerns in Hong Kong, we will make an early announcement of alternative arrangements.
(In the event that it becomes safe to resume classes on campus before the end of March, we will not hesitate to do so and shall let students know at least 14 days in advance.)
May 4 – 9
We plan to maintain one-week study break to allow for revision and preparation for examinations.
May 11 – 31
We plan to conduct written examination on campus. The examination period will be moved back by one week to this period with the intention to bring the Spring term to a close by the end of May in order to minimize impact on students' plans for the Summer.
You are advised to stay at home for online learning before the resumption of face-to-face classes. Mainland students who are now outside of Hong Kong are advised to stay at your location to make use of online learning. Many thanks for your understanding and cooperation as we all work together to go through this difficult time. Please stay vigilant and continue to make personal health your top priority.
Sincerely,
Professor Reggie Kwan
Provost
Special Work Arrangements on Novel Coronavirus (Circular 7) 07/02/2020
Dear Colleagues,
In view of the development of the Novel Coronavirus, the University has decided to extend the special work arrangements till Sunday, 16 February 2020 (inclusive). During the period, services on campus would only be limited to emergency and essential services and basic services on a reduced level. With the exception of staff carrying out the above duties, all other staff are advised to work from home and not to return to the office. Deans/Directors/Heads will consider staff arrangements to maintain necessary services as per the School/Unit's situation and will communicate with their staff members separately.
During the period of class suspension, the libraries and the computer lab will be open with limited hours, and students are advised to check latest update of the opening hours on the University website.
The University will continue to monitor and review the situation and will keep you updated on any changes and development.
Please continue to be vigilant, step up your personal hygiene and put your health on top priority.
Regards,
Vincent Shek
Director of Human Resources
Message from OUHK President to students (Chinese version only) 06/02/2020
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親愛的公大同學們:
這兩周以來,肺炎肆虐,香港遭遇到新型冠狀病毒的侵襲,瘟疫蔓延,全城幾乎癱瘓。我希望你們在家裡要注意個人衛生,勤於洗手,善於帶口罩,保重身體,千萬不能掉以輕心。
為了應對疫情,大學迅速成立了防護抗疫委員會,並由我擔任主席。防護抗疫委員會一直忙於透過會議及網上討論,佈置防疫措施,安排同學們的網上學習,處理和應對有關師生們的各種問題。學校雖然停了課,但工友們還是一絲不苟地清潔校園,保障師生員工的安全。在停課期間,老師更是專心致意地在家裡或辦公室編排製作網上課材,攝製講課和佈置作業,通過網絡進行教學,其實比正常上課期間更加忙碌。另外,本校多年來具有豐富的在綫及遙距教學經驗,綫上學習效果並不比面對面學習遜色。
自從去年年底,同學們已經有一段時間未能回校正常上課,加上最近疫情蔓延的影響,同學們基本上只能依賴網上學習。我深深理解到大家的孤寂及沉悶。最近以來,我一方面為疫情蔓延感到揪心,另方面又為同學們生活的單調感到非常難過。天災難料,無法避免,希望同學們不要被困難嚇倒。讓我們在逆境中,更加學會照顧自己,關愛別人。從媒體報道中,我們看到無論是內地或香港的醫護人員,他們都在兇猛的疫情面前毫不退縮,冒着生命危險,勇敢地拯救市民,這種捨己為人的精神,令人欽佩。
今年農曆新年是一個獨特的新年,市面上呈現着史無前例的寧靜與冷清。既無原有的煙花巡遊、又沒有傳統的濃烈春節氣氛。這個春節將會在我們的往後記憶中,刻骨銘心,難以忘懷!在這冷清的日子裡,你們整天留在家裡,時間多了!是否可在網上下載一套喜歡的好電影看看?是否可以找一本以前想看又沒有時間看的書讀一下呢?網絡世界,海闊天空,希望你們在網絡的知識海洋裡,尋找你們的樂趣!
在防護抗疫委員會上,我也叮囑院長和系主任們,請他們告訴老師在網上教學平台上,多關心同學們。除了學習功課上的問題之外,也請你們多和老師們交流溝通,有什麼學習上的問題當然可向他們請教,縱使有生活上的問題也可以向他們傾吐。老師們都是非常關心你們,非常樂意幫助你們的。
同學們,讓我們進一步提高警覺,小心保護自己的健康,與全港市民共同努力防疫抗疫。我們一定會戰勝黑暗的病毒!寒冬總要過去,我們很快又將迎來春日暖陽,擁抱光明的未來!
校長 黃玉山
二零二零年二月五日 夜
Message from the Provost (Circular 6) 04/02/2020
Dear Students,
I hope the Year of the Rat has been kind to everyone despite the rapid growing threat of the novel coronavirus.
Today marks the second day that we resort to using online learning once again to make sure the negative effect of your learning is minimized in the current health crisis. Besides observing the advice given by our President, Professor Yuk-Shan Wong, on 31 January, please keep a close contact with your school, your department, and instructors of courses you are taking from now until March 2.
For those of you who need to come to campus to use the library or the Computer Lab, please observe the limited opening hours and get the latest update on the University website ( www.ouhk.edu.hk):
Library
Computer Lab
For the period between 3 to 7 February, the opening hours of the Libraries are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. while the Fong Connie Computer Centre at JCC opens from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. These facilities will be closed during the weekend of 8-9 Feb. Please note that the OUHK Electronic Library is available 24x7. You are encouraged to use the online resources in the E-Library for your study and research during this period.
Please also note that campus access control is currently in effect. Students entering the campus would be required to show their student ID. Body temperature screening are conducted at campus entrances. Anyone who is found to have developed a fever at the entrances will be advised to seek medical consultation and not to enter the campus. I would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone to observe the helpful guidelines from the Centre for Health Protection at https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/102465.html.
In view of the evolving situation, I hope you would make your best efforts to keep up with your learning and let us all work together for the health and safety of our community.
Sincerely,
Reggie Kwan, Provost
Special Work Arrangements on Novel Coronavirus (Circular 5) 01/02/2020
Dear Colleagues,
Taking into account the current development of the Novel Coronavirus and advice from the government, it has been decided that special work arrangements shall be enforced with immediate effect till Sunday, 9 February 2020 (inclusive). During this period, services on campus would only be limited to emergency and essential services and basic services on a reduced level. With the exception of staff carrying out the above duties, all other staff are advised to work from home and not to return to the office. Deans/Heads/Directors will consider staff arrangements to maintain necessary services as per the School/Unit's situation and will communicate with their staff members separately.
The University will continue to monitor and review the situation, and will keep you updated on any changes and development.
Thank you for your support in this challenging time. Stay vigilant and always put your health on top priority.
Regards,
Vincent Shek
Director of Human Resources
OUHK announces further suspension of face-to-face classes (Circular 4) 31/01/2020
Dear students and staff,
In view of the latest development of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) epidemic, the University, taking the health and well-being of students and colleagues as our top priority, has decided on the following measures with immediate effect:
- All face-to-face classes will be further suspended until 1 March 2020. Learning will continue online and such activities will start on 3 February 2020. Face-to-face classes are expected to resume on 2 March 2020 (Monday). Please monitor OLE and keep a close watch with announcements from your respective School.
- During the period of class suspension, all students in Hong Kong are strongly advised to stay in Hong Kong and refrain from travelling. You are also advised to stay at home for online learning and not come back to campus. Mainland students who are now outside of Hong Kong are advised to stay at your location to make use of online learning and return to Hong Kong closer to the time of class resumption. An online health declaration form will be distributed for mandatory completion in due time before class resumption. If you have travelled to the Mainland, you would be required to self-quarantine for 14 days before returning to campus.
The University will continue to monitor the situation closely and keep you informed of any further decisions regarding teaching and learning arrangements. During this period, you are urged to stay vigilant, step up personal hygiene and consult a medical doctor if you are not feeling well. Thank you for your kind understanding and cooperation. I am sure that together we can overcome the challenges and sail through this difficult time.
Warmest regards,
Prof. Yuk-Shan Wong
President and Chairman of the Committee Against Novel Coronavirus (CANC)
OUHK announces measures against the spread of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) (Circular 3) 28/01/2020
Dear students and staff,
In light of the latest development of the novel coronavirus, the University has established a Committee Against Novel Coronavirus (CANC) chaired by me, President of the OUHK, aiming to coordinate the University's efforts to ensure the health and safety of our community. This new committee will subsume the works and members of the current Emergency Response Team with immediate effect. While recognizing the importance of learning, health and safety are considered more important and should take priority. We shall try our best to minimize disruption of studies. The following measures will be implemented with immediate effect:
-
- Following the announcement of the HKSAR Government, special work arrangements for University operations will be implemented after the Chinese New Year holidays in order to help reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus. Effective from 29 January 2020, except for staff providing emergency and essential services, all staff are advised to work at home. The measure will be in place tentatively until 2 February 2020 and normal office hours will resume on 3 February 2020. We will follow the Government's future directives, monitor our University's situation and follow up further as appropriate.
-
- All face-to-face teaching will be suspended during the period of 29 January to 16 February 2020. Learning shall continue online and such activities will start on 3 February 2020. Face-to-face classes are expected to resume on 17 February 2020. Please monitor OLE and keep a close watch with announcements from your respective school and professors.
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- All local and non-local internships and placements, inbound and outbound student and staff exchange activities will be suspended until 16 February 2020. The University will continue to monitor the situation and make further announcement as necessary.
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- Mainland students who are in Hong Kong are advised to stay in Hong Kong during the period when classes are suspended. Those who are not in Hong Kong at present should not return to Hong Kong at this point in time. Support and precautionary measures for Mainland students would be provided by the Student Affairs Office and further details would be communicated via email.
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- All staff and students who have developed a fever or feel unwell are strongly advised to seek medical advice and take medical leave and refrain from coming to campus. Please inform your respective School/Unit accordingly. Reporting mechanism will be put in place and the details will be sent to you via email.
- Effective from 29 January 2020, the University will conduct campus access control. Everyone entering the campus should show their staff/student ID and wear a mask to protect themselves as well as other people on campus. Body temperature screening will be conducted at campus entrances. Anyone who is found to have developed a fever at the entrances will be advised to seek medical consultation.
We understand that students may be concerned about the progress of your learning and study. Please rest assured that the University would provide all measures practicable to facilitate your continuous learning online during this period of interruption. We thank you for your support. Together, let's stay vigilant, maintain good personal hygiene and work hand in hand to stay safe and healthy.
Warmest regards,
Prof. Yuk-Shan Wong
President
OUHK announces suspension of face-to-face classes (Circular 2) 25/01/2020
Dear students and staff,
As the situation of the Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) flu rapidly evolves with an epidemic looming, the University has decided to suspend face-to-face classes after the Chinese New Year holidays till 16 February 2020.
In the meantime, learning shall continue online and activities will start on 3 February 2020. Please monitor OLE and keep a close watch with announcements from your respective school and professors.
All administrative operations of the University will resume on 29 January 2020 after the CNY public holidays. If you have any questions, please contact your respective school/unit. Please be reminded to pay attention to personal hygiene and stay healthy. For easy reference, feel free to refer to the "OUHK Announcement" dated 24 January under "Events and News" of the OUHK home page.
During this first day of the Chinese New Year, may we wish you and your family a Happy and Healthy Year of the Rat! Let's work together for the health and safety of our community.
Warmest regards,
Prof. Yuk-Shan Wong
President
Prof. Reggie Kwan
Provost
Precautionary measures regarding the outbreak of Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) (Circular 1) 24/01/2020
Dear Students and Colleagues,
As the Chinese New Year Holiday is approaching, many of you may be travelling outside Hong Kong. The University would like to take this opportunity to advise you to always maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene at all time in view of the evolving outbreak of novel coronavirus infection in Mainland China.
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) advises the public to avoid close contact with persons with fever or respiratory symptoms in countries / areas with possible transmission of the novel coronavirus infection. If it is unavoidable to come into contact with them, put on a surgical mask and continue to do so until 14 days after returning to Hong Kong.
If you visited Hubei Province recently or had close contact with a suspicious case of novel coronavirus infection, please closely monitor your health condition. Should you develop a fever or acute respiratory symptoms:
- Put a surgical mask on,
- Do not come to attend classes or work,
- Consult the doctor promptly, and
- Notify your respective School / Unit and HRU immediately.
To step up the precaution measures, the University has established a cross-unit Emergency Support Team to monitor the latest development and take necessary actions to prevent the outbreak of the novel coronavirus infection.
- Set up "Health Service Stations" at A0/F & C0/F security guard posts on Main Campus and D0/F lobby on Jockey Club Campus to provide temperature measurement service, surgical masks and sterilized hand rub,
- Increase cleaning and disinfection frequency with 1:99 diluted bleach to the facilities and common areas on the Campus and the Student Hall,
- Conduct deep cleaning on Teaching Venue and common areas of Student Hall on weekly basis,
- Regularly update Students and Colleagues outbreak of novel coronavirus infection progress, and precaution actions,
- Produce video on precautionary measures including proper mask wearing, hand washing, personal hygiene etc., and broadcast in common areas after Chinese New Year holidays.
To prevent pneumonia and respiratory infection, you are advised to:
- Observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene,
- Wash your hands frequently with soap or use hand sanitizer where water is not available,
- Cover your nose and mouth with tissue when sneezing and coughing,
- Dispose soiled tissues into a lidded rubbish bin and then wash hands thoroughly,
- Wear a surgical mask especially going to crowded places, clinics, hospitals, etc.,
- Avoid close contact with patients with symptoms of respiratory infections,
- If you are exhibiting symptoms of respiratory infection, wear a surgical mask and consult a doctor promptly.
Students and Colleagues are also advised to check their temperature before coming to the Campus every day. Those with respiratory illnesses or fever should refrain from coming to the Campus. In the event that you have been confirmed with novel coronavirus infection, you should inform your respective School / Unit and HRU immediately, and regularly update the University of the development of your case.
For the latest updates and prevention measures from CHP, please refer to the following webpage for more information: https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/102465.html
Thank you for your co-operation and support.
May you have a prosperous and healthy Year of the Rat!
Professor Chong Sze Tong
Vice President (Administration & Development)
Message from OUHK President to students, staff and alumni 17/01/2020
Dear students, colleagues and alumni,
Warm greetings as we begin another new term! With 2020 just started and the Lunar New Year fast approaching, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my warmest welcome to all students returning to campus, and wish you all a happy and fruitful new year.
2019 was a challenging year for all of us. In the past half year, Hong Kong has experienced unprecedented difficulties and unrest, thus affecting the normal operation of some local institutions and organizations. Same as every Hong Kong citizen, I have been deeply distressed and earnestly hope that peace can soon be restored in our society, and our daily life can be gradually back to normal. More importantly, I heartily wish our students can continue their studies under a safe and harmonious campus environment.
In 2019, we celebrated the University's 30th anniversary. Despite the challenging social environment, we managed to successfully stage a series of activities to showcase significant milestones of the University and our outstanding achievements in the past decades to the public, thanks to the staunch support from our Council and Court members, donors, colleagues, students and alumni. On 5 December 2019, in our 30th Anniversary Banquet, over 1,200 students, alumni, staff, community leaders, and friends from different sectors gathered together in the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre to toast to the success of the University. We also took the opportunity to thank our supporters and friends for their unfailing support over the past three decades. Once again, I would like to express my sincere thanks to your support and participation.
Since November last year, the University cancelled our face-to-face classes owing to the volatile social situation and conducted learning and teaching activities online through our well established online Open Learning Environment (OLE) and iBookcase for the last three weeks of the semester. Leveraging on our rich experience in distance education and with the unremitting efforts of our colleagues, we were able to overcome many challenges and produced more than 1,350 lecture videos for students, conducted help sessions through our OLE, assisted students to use our laboratories when they could come back to campus, and made arrangements for them to submit assignments and take examinations online. We have also addressed the suggestions and concerns raised by students on various arrangements and solved many related problems.
As a result of the widespread traffic disruption and safety concerns, the University reluctantly cancelled graduation ceremonies scheduled for mid-November last year. As part of the remedial measures, we extended the gown rental period and set up graduation decorations in various parts of the campus for graduates and their families to come in for photo-taking. We fully understand the importance of the graduation ceremony to our graduates and their parents, and have continuously been working on arranging make-up sessions at an appropriate time. I am happy to announce that these efforts bear fruits and the Queen Elizabeth Stadium in Wan Chai has been secured for the make-up graduation ceremonies to run in late March. Information on detailed arrangements will be sent out to graduates soon.
As we look forward to 2020 with high hope and spirits, may I wish you all a prosperous year ahead and all the best with your studies!
Sincerely,
Yuk-Shan Wong
President
Pneumonia Case Precaution and Security Control 17/01/2020
Dear Students and Colleagues,
(1) Precautionary Measures
In view of the spread of pneumonia cases detected in Wuhan, Hubei Province, the Government launched the Preparedness and Response Plan for Novel Infectious Disease of Public Health Significance and activated the Serious Response Level on 4 January 2020.
Precautionary measures have been taken on campus. The campus facilities are cleaned and sterilized more often, including door handles, door push plates, lift button panels, handrails on staircases and escalators, etc. The teaching & meeting venues and toilets are also cleaned with 1:99 diluted bleach. In the meantime, more locations for provision of facemasks and hand sanitizers are available on campus.
The University will keep monitoring the latest developments of the novel infectious disease and make further arrangements whenever necessary. Students and staff are advised to remain vigilant against the disease and take precautionary measures as follows:
- Observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap. Use hand sanitizer where water is not available.
- Cover your nose and mouth with tissue when sneezing and coughing.
- Dispose soiled tissues into a lidded rubbish bin and then wash hands thoroughly.
- Wear a surgical mask especially going to crowded places, clinics, hospitals, etc.
- Avoid close contact with patients with symptoms of respiratory infections.
- If you are exhibiting symptoms of respiratory infection, wear a surgical mask and consult a doctor promptly.
You are also advised to take heed of the health advice below before coming back to Hong Kong from aboard:
Before you travel to Hong Kong
- Check the latest situation related to the Severe Respiratory Disease associated with a Novel Infectious Agent in Hong Kong https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/102465.html
- Do not travel and seek for medical advice if you have any of the followings:
- Feeling unwell, having fever, having respiratory symptoms, diarrhoea or vomiting.
- History of close contact with a suspected or confirmed pneumonia or respiratory tract infection patients within the past 7 days. Please postpone your travel and notify your respective School/Unit.
After arrival at the University
- Observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene.
- If feeling unwell, especially with symptoms of respiratory infection:
- Put a surgical mask on.
- Do not come to attend classes.
- Consult the doctor promptly.
- Notify your respective School/Unit promptly.
In the event that you have been confirmed with pneumonia and respiratory tract infection of whatever type, you should inform your respective School/Unit immediately. You should follow the medical advice of the Centre for Health Protection of Department of Health advice and should not come back to the University. You should regularly update the University of the development of your case.
Your cooperation in making our OUHK environment a safe and healthy one is much appreciated.
(2) Campus Access Control Update
To safeguard campus security, the University will continue to operate the campus access control. All students and staff should produce proof of identity (student / staff card) to the security guards stationed at campus entrance for entering the campus from 8:00 pm every evening effective from 20 Jan 2020 (Mon). If a student/staff is unable to produce identity card for checking, the security guards on duty will require details for registration, e.g. name, student/staff ID number, purpose of entry and the destination.
A review on the security arrangement will be conducted by the end of February (tentative). Your understanding and co-operation will be much appreciated. Please share with us if you have any views and suggestions.
Professor Chong Sze Tong
Vice President (Administration & Development)
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