QAC releases HKU Audit Report

The Quality Assurance Council (QAC) released the Audit Report on The University of Hong Kong (HKU) today (November 27).

The Audit Report on HKU presents the findings on the quality of student learning experience at HKU. The findings confirm HKU's commitment in enhancing teaching and learning, which is underpinned by the University's central leadership in the planning of major educational initiatives and quality enhancement.

The Chairman of the QAC, Mr Philip Chen said, "The QAC is pleased to note HKU's impressive performance in teaching and learning supported by the University's various initiatives in this area. I would like to join the Audit Panel in congratulating HKU for responding positively to the educational challenges of the 21st century, including changes in the higher education landscape in Hong Kong. With its dedication and demonstrated capability, the QAC is confident that the University will scale new heights in the years to come."

The QAC is pleased that the HKU has embraced the opportunity of the new 4-year curriculum, and the audit self-review, to review and enhance its strategy, educational aims, objectives and operations. HKU's extensive use of external academics and professionals in assuring the quality of programmes, robust process of academic reviews, its serious consideration of student feedback, provision of wide range of co- and extra-curricular learning activities, and comprehensive support for research students are all very positive features.

In the light of the findings of the Audit Report, HKU has given an Institutional Response which is attached to the Report. The University has agreed to submit a preliminary plan within 18 months on its follow-up actions.

Background of the Quality Audit on HKU

The quality audit on HKU was undertaken by an Audit Panel appointed by the QAC. The Audit Panel was chaired by Professor Brian Robinson and comprised Professor Robert Harris, Professor Kerry Kennedy, Professor T C Pong and Mr Lo Wing-hung. The Panel reviewed the Institution Submission, which was prepared by HKU following a period of self-review. The Panel visited HKU from 20 to 23 April 2009 to meet staff and students from across the University. It also visited a number of external stakeholders such as local employers and graduates of the HKU. The Panel's findings are expressed as: commendations of good practices; affirmations which recognize improvements the institution is already making as a result of its self-review; and recommendations for improvement. The Panel's findings confirm that HKU is providing a high quality student learning experience that reflects its mission; and that the commitment to quality enhancement is demonstrated from the Council through to the teaching and supporting staff. The University will consider the Panel's recommendations in its pursuit of continuous improvement. The full report (including HKU's Institutional Response) can be found at http://www.ugc.edu.hk/eng/qac/index.html.

Background of the QAC

The QAC was established in April 2007 as a semi-autonomous non-statutory body under the aegis of the University Grants Committee (UGC).

The UGC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the quality of UGC-funded institutions and their activities. In view of institutional expansion of their activities and a growing public interest in quality issues, the QAC was established to assist the UGC in providing third-party oversight of the quality of the institutions' educational provision. The QAC aims to assist the UGC in assuring the quality of programmes (however funded) at first-degree level and above offered by UGC-funded institutions. The QAC fulfils this task primarily by undertaking periodic quality audits of the institutions.

***************

QAC Secretariat
November 27, 2009 (Friday)