Who Does What

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) is supported by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China.

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        The University was established by the HKUST Ordinance.

        The Court is the University's supreme advisory body. The Council is the supreme governing body. The composition and duties of University bodies and other major matters are prescribed by Statutes made by the Council.

        Senate

        The University Senate is the supreme academic body. Under the Statutes, it has the power to make Academic Regulations subject to approval by the Council.

        The Senate establishes academic policies, either directly or through Senate committees. The Office of the Provost is responsible for formulating academic policies and overseeing their implementation by the units concerned.

        Statute 1 of the University Statutes governs the composition and operation of the Senate. The Senate's powers and duties are set out in Statute 2.

        University Officers

        The University is headed by the President, who is the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Academic Officer. He is assisted by a provost, three vice-presidents and deans of the four schools and the Academy of Interdisciplinary Studies.

        Senate Committees

        The Senate has several committees to help carry out its work:

        The Committee on Undergraduate Studies deals with all undergraduate matters at the University level. It has five undergraduate student representatives.

        The Committee on Teaching and Learning Quality is responsible for strengthening the University's quality assurance systems. The committee has one undergraduate student representative.

        The Student Disciplinary Committee deals with all student disciplinary matters at the University level. It has one or two undergraduate student representatives.

        The Committee on Student Affairs advises the Senate on policies and makes recommendations relating to student affairs. The committee includes two or three undergraduate student representatives.

        For further details and information about other committees, see Committees of Senate.

        University Administration and Schools

        HKUST is led by senior administrators who oversee the University’s well-being and long-term planning. Administrative offices are set up to support the operations of the University.

        HKUST has four schools:

        The schools are each headed by a dean, who reports to the Provost. The dean may be assisted by associate deans and committees.

        The School Board is responsible to the Senate. The board’s membership and powers are governed by Statute 3 and Statute 4 of the University Statutes.

        Under the Provost, Associate Provost (Teaching & Learning) has broad responsibility for overseeing the whole academic administration of the University’s educational programs and for ensuring continual improvement in the quality of teaching and learning at HKUST.

        The Academic Registry is part of the Associate Provost's (Teaching and Learning) remit and comprises three functional teams under the leadership and management of the Academic Registrar. Among the functional teams, the Quality Assurance and Enhancement (QAE) team acts as the secretariat for both the Senate Committee on Teaching and Learning Quality (CTLQ) and the Senate Committee on Undergraduate Studies (CUS) and has broad responsibilities of overseeing the quality assurance and enhancement of teaching and learning, as well as academic administration related to undergraduate studies; the Registry Services team is responsible for implementing academic policies, procedures and systems in relation to student records, registration, examinations and graduation; the Registry Systems team provides support and services to Academic Registry teams and other academic units in relation to Academic Registry information systems and business processes.

        Academic Departments

        The schools are composed of academic departments or divisions that offer degree programs.

        Each academic department and division has a head, who reports to the dean of the school.

        The Academy of Interdisciplinary Studies (AIS), led by a dean, is responsible for promoting cross-disciplinary collaboration and developing new interdisciplinary programs. Apart from the Dual Degree Program in Technology and Management and, the AIS offers a range of interdisciplinary programs including the BSc program in Environmental Management and Technology, BSc in Sustainable and Green Finance, and BSc in Individualized Interdisciplinary Major with the support of Division of Environment and Division of Emerging Interdisciplinary Areas.

        Student Participation

        You are encouraged to participate in the governance of the University through various means, from serving as a member of a University body to conveying suggestions to staff members formally or informally.

        The Senate includes the President of the Students' Union and an undergraduate student who is elected by full-time undergraduates. Both representatives must be full-time students.

        Student representatives also hold seats on some Senate committees and other committees that play decision-making or advisory roles in policy formulation and management matters, for example, the Undergraduate Hall Selection Committee.

        Students' Union

        The Students' Union is an unincorporated association formed by HKUST students who choose to register as its members and is independent from the University. As a full member of the Students' Union, you can run for office or apply to join a standing committee of the Students' Union Executive Committee or Council.

        There are over 100 student societies affiliated to the Students' Union that meet the diverse interests of students in sports, community service, arts and culture as well as academic affairs.

        Student Societies

        Students are free to form student societies and organize any activities they wish as long as the activities are not against the laws of Hong Kong or the rules and regulations of the University.

        All student societies can apply for affiliation with the HKUST Students' Union. Student societies and clubs affiliated with the Students' Union offer a range of activities to meet the diverse interests of students in sports, community service, arts, culture and academic studies. You are welcome to contact any organization that you wish to join.

        Student Life

        To explore more information on different student activities, see the website of the Dean of Students' Office.

        Frequent Contact Points

        During your study at HKUST, you may need help and advice in different aspects. You are encouraged to approach the following frequent contact points and channels:

        Academic study

        • Your schools and major departments

        General academic administrative matters and requests

        • Academic Registry
        • Student Information System (SIS) – Student Center via MyPortal website

        Student’s life and experience matters

        • Dean of Students

        Other academic studies and support services

        • Undergraduate Core Education Team
        • Center for Language Education
        • Library

        The above contacts can found at Useful Contacts.

        Personal Contact Data

        Update personal contact data is essential for effective communication. To amend personal details such as your name, address or telephone numbers, you can submit an application for personal data amendment directly to the Academic Registry or via SIS.

        Pages In this Guide
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        Who Does What

        The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) is supported by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China.

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        Academic Programs & Registration

        HKUST believes in total education. Our credit-based undergraduate programs combine the advantages of the sharp program focus of traditional Chinese and British universities and the broad approach characteristic of American universities.

        Our educational philosophy and your personal development require that you be exposed to fields outside your major area of study. The undergraduate curriculum is designed to ensure that you get this exposure.

        Under the 4-year curriculum, programs usually consist of eight regular terms of full-time study. All programs lead to honors degrees.

        Most programs are administered by academic departments/divisions. Joint programs involve two or more departments and are administered by a unit set up for that purpose.

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        Courses & Enrollment

        You are responsible for your own studies. It is important for you to plan ahead to ensure that you can complete the study within the permitted duration of study.

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        Academic Integrity

        Academic integrity and honesty are key values at HKUST.

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        Classes & Attendance

        The University does not have a policy on minimum class attendance. Instructors may take attendance into consideration when assigning grades, provided this is made clear to the students during the discussion of grading.

        The academic year begins on 1 September and ends on the following 31 August. A year consists of four terms – Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer.

        The Fall and Spring terms are the regular terms. Each has 13 weeks of classes, followed by a short study break and an examination period. Almost all formal instruction takes place in the regular terms.

        Normally, the Fall term begins in early September and ends in late December, while the Spring term begins in early February and ends in late May. The Summer term usually runs from late June to mid-August.

        The Summer and Winter terms may include regular courses, short credit-bearing skills courses, intensive language courses, workshops, lecture series, mini-conferences and other activities.

        Most undergraduates are not required to take courses during the Winter and Summer terms.

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        Assessment & Progress

        Grades are assigned for all courses. Your instructors will discuss the course content, structure, activities and grading scheme with the class at the start of each course.

        Typically, the course grade is based on student performance throughout the term and on the final examination. Instructors may consider factors such as class attendance, tardiness and classroom behavior in assigning grades, provided this is made clear to the students during the discussion of grading.

        Final examinations are held after the end of classes. There is normally a short study break before the start of the examination period.

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        Graduation & Degrees

        You are responsible for ensuring that you fulfill the course and credit requirements for your program in the time allowed. If you wish to graduate, you are required to indicate your intention of graduation via the Student Center in SIS. Failure to apply on time may result in a delay in graduation.

        The Academic Registry will track your graduation status based on the application for graduation. Your school/department may also monitor your progress and warn you if a problem appears.

        Your program will be completed when you have met all the program requirements. After reviews by your major department and school board, or AIS, your graduation will be approved by the Committee on Undergraduate Studies under authority delegated by the University Senate.

        You will be awarded at Congregation, which is the formal graduation ceremony. Attendance is not compulsory.

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        Useful Contacts