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We acknowledge the need to strengthen formal processes for quality assurance and we recognize that greater formality is needed as we mature if we are to build on the solid foundations of our founding years. In particular, we must provide better mechanisms for good ideas and good practice to be shared among Our departments and teaching staff.
At every stage of the TLQPR process, the UGC has made it clear that the review is not intended to assess the quality of teaching. Instead, the panel members reviews policies and procedures and talk with staff and students about the ways that teaching and curriculum issues are addressed. It is our firm belief that the actual quality of teaching at HKUST ranks with the best in Hong Kong, and that our students' learning is second to none. Why?
HKUST has pioneered the use of technology in the teaching and learning process, Multimedia studios, computer teaching modules, and an interactive lecture theater are just some of the developments.
Our business faculty has been developing case study materials based on local and other Asian examples to supplement and replace the use of existing materials that are US-based. A number of them will be published in a book by a major textbook publisher and others are included in the portfolio of the Harvard Business School.
Our regular academic programs are supplemented by outstanding support and value-added activities. The HKUST Language Centre is a model of language enhancement activity in Hong Kong, and is singled out in the TLQPR report for its examples it provides of good practice and processes. Our Library is at the forefront of modem information technology. The new Center for the Arts is enriching the campus with numerous cultural events and workshops for students and faculty.
International exchange programs allow some of our best students to expand their horizons and distinguish themselves at some of the world's most prestigious universities.
In competitions with other institutions, our students have consistently done well. Our student computer programming team is ranked among the best in the world, while our English debate team took first place in local competition this year.
These accomplishments take extra effort on the part of our staff. The length of our academic semester ranks at the top of the list in Hong Kong. The School of Engineering has extended its offerings into the Summer session, to give students a chance to spread out their study load. Our method of teaching, based on continuous assessment, places great demands on both teachers and students.
There is little question that our students work harder than students at any other institution in Hong Kong-they are not shy about bringing this to our attention--but this reflects the additional work of the faculty.
HKUST aspires to be among the leading research universities in the world. We have no intention of abandoning that goal, but we also intend to be among the best places for students to learn.
We see no contradiction between these aims. One of the characteristics shared by the great institutions of learning throughout the world is the exciting intellectual environment they provide for scholars and students. This environment is created by first-rate minds inquiring into the deepest questions about society, the universe, and our place in them.
Excellent teaching, first-rate scholarship, quality research-these are ali essential to such an environment. And these are all ingredients that we are developing in abundance at HKUST.
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