Michael G. Gale Medal for Distinguished Teaching

The Michael G. Gale Medal for Distinguished Teaching at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology was established by the University Council in 1994 to commemorate the late Founding Council Member, Mr Michael G. Gale, for his distinguished service and outstanding contributions to the development of the University.

The Medal is awarded each year at the University Graduation Ceremony to a member of the academic staff who best exemplifies continued pursuit of excellence, devotion to teaching, and the ability to inspire and motivate others. The recipient is representative of the high quality of teaching and learning that the University offers and promotes.

Any full-time staff on regular (as opposed to visiting) appointment, who has primary responsibility for teaching an undergraduate or postgraduate course, including language courses, are eligible to be nominated and considered for the Award.

The nomination should have the consent of the nominee and be made on the prescribed nomination form pdf/doc. It must be supported by at least five members of the University community, including at least one faculty other than the nominee, and two students. Nominators may either sign together on one nomination form or on separate forms. A statement explaining why the person is nominated must be submitted jointly by a group of nominators, or separately by each individual nominator. The completed nominated form should be submitted to the Provost on or before the closing date for nominations.

Upon receipt of the nomination, the nominee will be approached by Office of the Provost for relevant evidence of excellence in teaching.

The criteria for excellence in teaching adopted by the selection committee are: quality of curriculum development, communication skills, ability to promote student learning, effective assessment of student learning, an innovative approach to teaching, and contributions to the development of teaching at the University. Click here for full details of these criteria.

A selection committee with faculty representatives from the four Schools and Interdisciplinary Programs Office as well as with student representation will be established to select one award recipient to be confirmed by the Senate. Faculty members who have been nominated for the Award may not serve on the committee.

Up to one award is to be made annually. A gold medal will be presented to the award recipient at the annual Graduation Ceremony held in November.