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EDUCATION
three language laboratories, and a video distribution system which serves all classrooms, lecture theatres and special teaching rooms.
The centralised laboratories and workshops provide laboratory support for the technically-based disciplines. The main laboratories provide 72 multi-purpose work stations equipped with an on-line data collection and processing system. In addition, this academic support centre operates a specialised optics laboratory and a design studio for use by students of building studies.
During the year, mutually beneficial relations were fostered between the City Polytechnic and the community, as well as with foreign institutions. All academic departments have set up departmental advisory committees and members of these committees are drawn from professional bodies, other academic institutions and appropriate sectors of society.
Throughout the year, there was a considerable number of visits from foreign academics. City Polytechnic staff also visited overseas institutions, attended local and international conferences, and delivered lectures and speeches at various meetings to promote further contacts. In particular, close liaison with the academic community in China was cultivated and ways of co-operation and exchange were explored.
A start was also made in the establishment of a modest research base, and the polytechnic was awarded a grant of $1 million for 1985–6 for the purpose by the UPGC.
The City Polytechnic is currently operating from its interim campus in Argyle Centre Tower II in Mong Kok, and is expected to do so until the beginning of the 1988–9 academic year.
In April, further work on the conversion of the building was undertaken. Empty floors were converted and provided with appropriate fittings. Computers and closed circuit television services were also installed. All work was completed by September.
During the same period, the planning and design of the permanent campus continued. The designated site at Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, was formally granted to the polytechnic in April. A 1:200 scale detailed design was completed and working drawings and contract documentation begun. If all operations run on schedule, Phase I development of the permanent campus will be ready for occupation by October 1988 and be completed by the end of 1989.
Hong Kong Baptist College
Established in 1956 by the Baptist Convention of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Baptist College has since November 1983 become a publicly funded institution of higher education with the bulk of its finances coming from the government through the UPGC. The college is an autonomous institution governed by its own ordinance which was enacted in August 1983 and took effect on January 1, 1984. Its statutory governing bodies - the Board of Governors and the Council - are composed chiefly of members independently appointed by the Governor from the sectors of commerce, industry and education. This form of governance is in line with internationally accepted practice and during the year nine additional members were appointed to the board of governors.
In keeping with the pace of development of its academic programmes, the college launched in May the first phase of a building programme to redevelop the existing campus in north Kowloon which it has been occupying since 1966. Under the programme, five new buildings are to be constructed to increase the space provision by 80 per cent over the existing area, and the first phase covers three buildings among which is an indoor sports centre at a site adjoining the campus. The programme also involves refurnishing the existing buildings.