ENG-1987 — Page 148

116

EDUCATION

Another significant development was the establishment of three new academic depart- ments in the polytechnic - Applied Science, Law and Manufacturing Engineering - bringing the number of teaching departments to 11. The expansion underscored the institution's commitment to develop courses to meet a diversity of academic interests and vocational needs in Hong Kong. The Department of Law, which will enrol its first group of degree students in October 1988, is the second law school in Hong Kong.

Site formation work for the polytechnic's 12.2-hectare permanent campus at Tat Chee Avenue in Kowloon Tong was completed in early 1987 and construction work began immediately on schedule. In June, the Governor officiated at the foundation stone-laying ceremony on the site of the permanent campus, the first phase of development of which is expected to be completed by October 1988. Meanwhile, the polytechnic is still operating from its interim premises in the Argyle Centre Tower II in Mong Kok.

In the summer, the two polytechnics introduced a joint admission programme for students. Applicants seeking entry to courses offered by either of the two institutions in the academic year 1987-8 were able to do so by submitting a single application form. Subsequently, in October, the City Polytechnic admitted about 2 000 new full-time and part-time students, bringing its total student population to 4 800. It also participated in the exchange of information on offers of admission with the other UPGC-funded institutions in Hong Kong in an exercise intended to ensure that all the available tertiary education places were filled as expeditiously as possible. It is envisaged that cooperation in student admissions and related matters among the tertiary education institutions will be further extended.

During the year, the polytechnic continued to develop its research activities. Existing policies were strengthened by engaging external assessors, in evaluating larger research projects and monitoring their progress. Priority in the allocation of funds was given to strategic research work that could lead to the advance of knowledge which had important practical significance in the context of Hong Kong. Moreover, additional sources of funding within and outside the polytechnic were identified to support smaller scale projects in order to supplement the research support grant from the University and Polytechnic Grants Committee. Research which promoted links with institutions and individuals in China was undertaken, and contacts with China in general were fostered through the polytechnic's China liaison arrangements.

Hong Kong Baptist College

Founded in 1956 by the Baptist Convention of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Baptist College became a degree-granting institution in 1986. As an autonomous institution which draws its income mainly from government grants, the college is governed by its own Ordinance enacted in 1983. Its governance structure is in line with internationally accepted practice, with its statutory governing bodies being composed predominantly of members independently appointed by the Governor from the sectors of commerce, industry and education.

For 1987-8, the college offered three degree courses: a BSc(Hons) in Combined Sciences; a Bachelor of Social Work; and a Bachelor of Business Administration(Hons). A fourth course, a BSocSc(Hons) in Communication has also been validated. In addition, there were six courses leading to the award of the honours diploma, and one diploma course in computing studies. These courses are offered through 17 departments grouped under four faculties, together with the language centre, centre for computing studies and services, and physical education unit. The faculties are: Arts (departments of Chinese