The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Ordinance

To provide for the establishment of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and for matters connected therewith.

1.	Short Title
	This Ordinance may be cited as The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Ordinance.

2.	Interpretation
	In this Ordinance, unless the context otherwise requires —
	"Chairman" (主席) and "Deputy Chairman" (副主席) mean respectively the Chairman of the Council and the Deputy Chairman of the Council;
	"Chief Executive" (行政長官) means the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region;
	"Chief Executive Officer" ( 首席執行官) means the officer of the University who is empowered by the Council with full executive authority to manage the affairs of the University;
	"Council" (校董會) means the Council of the University established under section 5;
	"financial year" (財政年度) means the period fixed by the Council under section 13(2);
	"full-time staff" (全職員工) means persons who are deemed by the University to be full-time employees of the University;
	"full-time students" (全日制學生) means persons who are deemed by the University to be full-time students of the University;
	"member" (成員) means a member of the Council;
	"President" (校長) and "Deputy President" (常務副校長) mean respectively the President of the University and Deputy President of the University;
	"Senate" (教務委員會) means the Senate of the University established under section 8A;
	"University" (大學) means The Hong Kong Polytechnic University established under section 3.

3.	Establishment and objects of the University
	(1)	There is established The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (香港理工大學) as a body corporate with perpetual succession and capable of suing and being sued in its name.
	(2)	The University is capable of doing and permitting the acts and things that a body corporate may lawfully do or permit.
	(3)	The objects of the University are to provide for application-oriented education, training and research in technology, science, commerce, arts and other subjects of learning, as well as services to business, industry and professional sectors.

3A.	Officers of the University
	(1)	The officers of the University shall be the persons for the time being holding any of the following offices hereby constituted as offices of the University —
		a.	the Chancellor of the University;
		b.	the Chairman of the Council;
		c.	the Deputy Chairman of the Council;
		d.	the Treasurer of the University;
		e.	the President of the University; and
		f.	the Deputy President of the University.
	(2)	The Chief Executive is the Chancellor of the University and in his absence, the person for the time being assuming the duties of the Chief Executive according to the provisions of Article 53 of the Basic Law is the Acting Chancellor and has the powers and the duties of the Chancellor while acting.
	(2A)	The Chancellor may confer degrees and academic awards including honorary degrees and honorary awards in the name of the University and in the absence of the Chancellor, the Chairman may confer degrees and academic awards including honorary degrees and honorary awards in the name of the University.
	(3)	The Treasurer of the University shall be appointed by the Chief Executive from among the members of the Council appointed under section 10(1)(d).
	(4)	The appointment of the President and of the Deputy President (if any) shall be in accordance with section 8.

4.	Unauthorised use of name
	(1)	A person shall not form, or work in connection with or be a member of —
		a.	an organization, institution or body which, without the authority of the Council, claims or purports to be The Hong Kong Polytechnic University or a branch of or connected with the University; or
		b.	an organization, other than the University, which uses the title of "The Hong Kong Polytechnic University" or "香港理工大學" or any title in any language which so closely resembles the expression "The Hong Kong Polytechnic University" as to be calculated to mislead or deceive.
	(2)	A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine at level 1.

5.	Establishment of Council
	There is established a Council to be known as the Council of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University which may exercise the powers conferred and shall perform the duties imposed on the University.

5A.	Common seal of University
	The common seal of the University shall be affixed pursuant to a resolution of the Council and the affixing of the seal authenticated by the signature of two members of the Council authorised by the Council to act for that purpose and one of whom shall not be an employee of the University.

6.	The powers of the Council
	The Council is the governing body of the University with power to make policies and monitor their proper execution, to raise funds and develop resources and to do all such things as are necessary for, or incidental or conducive to, the better carrying out of the objects and policies of the University and may in particular, but without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing —
	a.	acquire, take on lease, purchase, hold and enjoy any property and sell, let or otherwise dispose of the same;
	b.	enter into any contract;
	c.	erect, provide, equip, maintain, keep in repair and regulate the buildings, premises, furniture and equipment and all other means necessary for carrying on the work of the University;
	d.	provide appropriate amenities for members, persons in the employment of the University and students;
	e.	provide residential accommodation and social and athletic facilities for persons in the employment of the University and students;
	f.	approve the expenditure of the funds of the University in the furtherance of its objects;
	g.	invest the funds of the University in such manner and to such extent as it thinks necessary or expedient;
	h.	borrow money in such manner and on such securities or terms, including mortgaging the property of the University, as it thinks expedient;
	i.	apply for any grant in aid for its functions on such conditions as it thinks fit;
	j.	employ any professional or expert person to advise it on any matter arising out of or in connection with any of its functions under this Ordinance;
	k.	receive and solicit gifts and act as trustee of moneys and other property vested in the University on trust;
	l.	confer degrees and other academic awards including honorary degrees and honorary awards;
	m.	enter into a partnership or any other form of joint venture with any person;
	n.	acquire, hold and dispose of interests in other corporate bodies and take part in forming corporate bodies;
	o.	provide for profit or otherwise advisory, consultancy, research and other related services.

7.	(Repealed 94 of 1994 s.9)

8.	Appointment of President and Other Staff
	(1)	The Council —
		a.	shall, in accordance with subsection (2), appoint a President as the Chief Executive Officer of the University in whom, subject to the control of the Council, shall be vested with full executive authority for the management, conduct and administration of the University and the discipline of students therein;
		aa.	may, subject to subsection (2), appoint a person to hold the office of Deputy President if it appears to the Council that such appointment is necessary or desirable, and the person so appointed shall undertake such duties as the President may direct;
		b.	may appoint such other persons to be employees of the University as the Council may consider expedient.
	(2)	The President and, if any person is proposed for appointment as Deputy President, the Deputy President shall be appointed by resolution passed by the votes of not less than two-thirds of all members for the time being.
	(3)	The policy governing the terms and conditions of service of persons in the employment of the University shall be determined by the Council.
	(4)	The President and the Deputy President may be removed from office by resolution passed by the votes of not less than two-thirds of all members for the time being on the ground of his misconduct, inefficiency or other good cause.
	(4A)	The President is not a member for the purpose of appointing or removing himself or herself.
	(4B)	The Deputy President is not a member for the purpose of appointing or removing himself or herself.
	(4C)	A Council Member who is proposed for appointment as President or Deputy President is not a member for the purpose of the appointment.
	(5)	The Council may appoint any person to act as President during the absence or incapacity of the President or if that office is or becomes vacant for any reason.

8A.	Senate of the University
	(1)	There shall be a Senate of the University appointed by the Council for the following purposes —
		a.	reviewing and developing academic programmes;
		b.	directing and regulating the teaching and research conducted in the University;
		c.	regulating the admission of persons to approved courses of study and their attendance at such courses;
		d.	conducting the examinations leading to the conferring of degrees and academic awards of the University;
		e.	determining the eligibility of persons to receive degrees, diplomas, certificates and other academic awards other than honorary degrees or honorary awards.
	(2)	The membership and procedure of the Senate shall be in accordance with rules made by the Council under Section 18.
	(3)	The Senate may appoint such committees for any general or special purposes as it thinks fit.
	(4)	Subject to subsection (5), the Senate may, with or without restrictions or conditions as it thinks fit, delegate any of its powers and duties to any committee appointed under subsection (3) or to any member of the Senate.
	(5)	The Senate shall not delegate a power that the Council may determine shall not be delegated.

9.	Committees Generally
	(1)	The Council may appoint such committees for any general or special purposes as it thinks fit and any such committee may consist partly of persons who are not members of the Council.
	(2)	Subject to subsection (3), the Council may, with or without restrictions or conditions as it thinks fit, delegate any of its powers and duties to any committee appointed under subsection (1) or any member of the Council.
	(3)	The Council shall not delegate to any committee appointed under subsection (1) or to any person the power —
		a.	to approve the annual programme and estimates required to be submitted under section 13;
		b.	to approve and issue the statements required under section 14(2);
		c.	to approve the policy governing the terms and conditions of service of persons in the employment of the University, other than persons in the part-time or temporary employment thereof; or
		d.	to make statutes under section 18.

10.	Membership of the Council
	(1)	The Council consists of the following members —
		a.	the President and the Deputy President;
		b.	(Repealed)
		c.	3 members from staff elected in accordance with statutes made under Section 18(g) and appointed by the Council of whom - (i) 2 are to be elected by and from the full-time staff; and (ii) 1 is to be elected by and from the Senate;
		d.	17 members who are not employees or students of the University or public officers of whom - (i) 9 are to be appointed by the Chief Executive; and (ii) 8 are to be appointed by the Council;
		e.	1 member from the alumni who is not an employee of the University and who shall be appointed by the Council;
		f.	2 members from the full-time students appointed by the Council of whom - (i) 1 is to be elected by and from the full-time undergraduate and sub -degree students; and (ii) 1 is to be elected by and from the full-time postgraduate students.
	(2)	The Chief Executive shall appoint one of the members appointed under subsection (1)d as Chairman.
	(3)	(Repealed 10 of 2012 s.9)
	(3A)	A member appointed under subsection (1)(d)(i) —
		a.	shall be appointed for a period of three years or such lesser period as the Chief Executive may in any particular case appoint, but may from time to time be reappointed;
		b.	may at any time by notice in writing to the Chief Executive resign from the Council.
	(3B)	A member appointed by the Council under subsection (1)(c), (d)(ii), (e) or (f) —
		a.	shall be appointed for a period of three years or such lesser period as the Council may in any particular case appoint, but may from time to time be reappointed;
		b	may at any time by notice in writing to the Chairman of the Council resign from the Council.
	(3C)	A member who became a member of the Council under subsection (1)(c) or (f) shall cease to be a member of the Council when he ceases to be a member of the body that elected him.
	(4)	The provisions of this Section are without prejudice to section 42 of the Interpretation and General Clauses Ordinance (Cap 1).
	(5)	The Chief Executive shall appoint one of the members appointed under subsection (1)(d) as Deputy Chairman, who shall act as Chairman during the absence or incapacity of the Chairman or if that office becomes vacant for any reason.
	(5A)	If for any period both the Chairman and the Deputy Chairman are unable by reason of absence from Hong Kong or incapacity to perform the functions of their respective offices, or if for any period both of those offices are vacant, the other members of the Council may appoint one of their number to act as Chairman during that period.
	(6)	More than one half of the total membership for the time being shall form a quorum at a meeting of the Council.
	(7)	Except as otherwise provided in section 8, any question before the Council at any meeting shall be decided by a majority of votes of the members present.
	(7A)	For the purpose of section 8(2) and (4) and subsection (7), the acting President or the acting Deputy President who is not a Council member has the right to vote.
	(8)	A meeting of the Council may be adjourned by the Chairman or, where the Council so resolves, by the Council.
	(9)	The members elected by the students are excluded from participating in the business of the Council that the Council determines they are to be excluded.

11.	Power of the Council to delegate to the President
	(1)	Subject to subsection (2), the Council may, with or without restrictions or conditions as it thinks fit, delegate to the President any of its powers and duties.
	(2)	The Council shall not delegate to the President the power —
		a.	to approve the annual programme and estimates required to be submitted under section 13;
		b.	to approve and issue the statements required under section 14(2);
		c.	to approve the policy governing the terms and conditions of service of persons in the employment of the University, other than persons in the part-time or temporary employment thereof; or
		d.	to make statutes under section 18.

11A.	Power of the President to delegate
	(1)	Subject to subsection (2), the President may, with or without restrictions or conditions as he thinks fit, delegate to such person or committee of persons as he thinks fit any of his powers and duties, including any power or duty of the Council delegated to him under section 11.
	(2)	The power conferred by this section on the President to delegate any power or duty of the Council delegated to him under section 11, and the exercise by any person or committee of persons of any such power or duty delegated by the President under this section, shall be subject to any restriction or condition imposed in respect thereof by the Council under section 11.

12.	Fees and charges
	(1)	The Council is to fix fees for government-funded courses of study provided by the University.
	(2)	The authority to approve concession and refund of course fees so fixed is vested with the President.
	(3)	The authority to fix, approve, modify, waive and refund charges for facilities, self-financed courses of study and services provided by the University is vested with the President.

13.	Estimates and financial Year
	(1)	In each financial year, before a date to be appointed by the Chief Executive, the Council shall submit to the Chief Executive, through a person nominated by the Chief Executive, a programme of its proposed activities and estimates of the income and expenditure of the University for the next financial year.
	(2)	The Council may, from time to time, with the prior approval of the Chief Executive, fix a period to be the financial year of the University.

14.	Accounts
	(1)	The Council shall maintain proper accounts and records of all income and expenditure.
	(2)	After the end of each financial year, the Council shall cause to be prepared statements of income and expenditure during the previous financial year and of the assets and liabilities of the University on the last day thereof.

15.	Auditors
	(1)	The Council shall appoint auditors, who shall be entitled at any time to have access to all books of account, vouchers and other financial records of the University and to require such information and explanations thereof as they may think fit.
	(2)	The auditors shall audit the statements prepared under section 14(2) and shall report thereon to the Council.

16.	Statements and Reports to be submitted to the Chancellor
	(1)	The Council shall, not later than six months after the end of each financial year, or before such later date as the Chancellor may allow in any particular year, submit to the Chancellor a report on the activities of the University and copies of the statements prepared under section 14(2) and the report made under section 15(2).
	(2)	(Repealed 94 of 1994 s.20)

17.	(Repealed 94 of 1994 s.21)

18.	Power of the Council to make statutes
	The Council may make statutes for the better carrying out of the purposes of this Ordinance and in particular, but without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, may provide for —
	a.	the regulation of its proceedings and the proceedings of the Senate and of any committee appointed under section 9;
	b.	the membership and quorum of the Senate and of any committee appointed under section 9;
	c.	the powers, functions and duties of the Senate and of any committee appointed under section 9;
	d.	the discipline of persons in the employment of the University;
	e.	the regulation of the conduct and discipline of students of the University;
	f.	the conferring of degrees and academic awards including honorary degrees and honorary awards;
	g.	the holding and conduct of elections of persons for membership of the Council by staff under section 10(1)(c) and by the full-time students under section 10(1)(f).

19.	Saving
	Nothing in this Ordinance shall affect or be deemed to affect the rights of the Central Authorities or the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region under the Basic Law and other laws, or the rights of any body politic or corporate or of any other persons except such as are mentioned in this Ordinance and those claiming by, from or under them.

THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY ORDINANCE