City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) received full recognition of its teaching quality in the Report of Quality Audit published by the Quality Assurance Council (QAC) of the University Grants Committee (UGC) today (25 October). The Report recognises CityUHK for its good practices in various areas, including academic governance, programme development, innovative teaching and learning (T&L), student support and continuous enhancement of academic quality. CityUHK welcomes the multiple commendations from the Audit Panel, believing that the Report fully reflects the University’s commitment to providing high-quality and innovative education.
Professor Freddy Boey, President of CityUHK, expressed his encouragement at the University’s recognition in the QAC Report and thanked the Audit Panel for their efforts in examining the University’s effectiveness in enhancing academic management, teaching and learning. “As we celebrate CityUHK’s 30th anniversary this year, the Report affirms the University’s achievements in, and commitment to, continually improving teaching quality and academic governance. The valuable feedback from the Audit Panel also provides opportunities for the University to further review its future development strategies to consolidate its leading position in education both in Hong Kong and globally,” he said.
“CityUHK will continue to lead its faculty and students with its commitment to “Innovating into the Future”, while embracing global development trends,” said President Boey. “We aim to provide more opportunities for our faculty and students to become global citizens and world-class researchers to contribute to Hong Kong society and the world.
Regarding the framework for managing academic standards and academic quality, the Report acknowledged that there is an appropriate and multi-layered academic governance structure in place to oversee and maintain academic quality and standards. The Audit Panel found a strong data-driven approach in the oversight of student performance, academic standards and programme quality. The Report also highlighted that the University systematically and effectively benchmarks student output and standards against other Hong Kong institutions and comparator universities globally, as well as with industry, to promote quality assurance and enhancement.
The Report affirmed that CityUHK has established a comprehensive set of policies and procedures that support new programme development and approval, as well as the monitoring and review of programmes. The Audit Panel found that notable among the features of new programme design is engagement with professional bodies and external stakeholders, such as prospective employers and other industry partners. The Audit Panel recognised that CityUHK’s approach to programme design is flexible, distinctive and successful, providing students with considerable space to develop their personal interests while pursuing professionally accredited education. Students also have opportunities to participate in research projects, internships and international exchange programmes, and many students make good use of these opportunities.
In terms of T&L, the Audit Panel commended the University for its commitment to innovative education by effectively utilising online technology to enhance course delivery, including establishing a Digital Learning Task Force, proposing team-based learning classrooms, and integrating Generative Artificial Intelligence into the programmes. The Report also acknowledged the balance struck between holistic and professional education at CityUHK, particularly through its ‘personalised learning’ approach. The Audit Panel noted that the University regularly conducts surveys on the learning experience and graduate employment to monitor graduate employability and assess the overall effectiveness of the learning experience. The Audit Panel also noted the dedication to supporting young faculty members through a structured mentorship programme and Teaching Start-up Grant support.
Furthermore, the Audit Panel confirmed that CityUHK is committed to providing comprehensive and effective support services to students at all levels, creating an inclusive learning environment by offering a wide range of activities and workshops for local, non-local and exchange students to help them smoothly integrate into the University. The Report also highlighted that various international cross-cultural learning opportunities are provided for students through partner institutions in over 45 countries or regions. Additionally, the Audit Panel observed that the University proactively and successfully invites ‘at risk’ students, including those requiring mental health support, to seek advice from counsellors.
Please click here for the full QAC Report.
