About CURI Residential College (RC)

Background

To provide students with opportunities to develop an interest in research and innovation early in their study life at PolyU, CURI Residential College (RC) with the theme of “Achieving Academic and Research Excellence through Inquiry-based Learning” has been established in the Ho Man Tin Halls of Residence. CURI RC is led by a Residential College Master and a team of Resident Fellows. The Residential College Master is a concurrent position for an academic staff member at the grade of Associate Professor or above who is accountable to the Dean of Students for the development of RC life. Specifically, their role is to provide pastoral care and intellectual guidance to residents, as well as opportunities for the pursuit of research and innovation activities and holistic personal growth. Resident Fellows are concurrent appointments for academic staff members at the grade of Research Assistant Professor (RAP) or above.

The RC Master and the Resident Fellows play a key role in helping residents strive for academic excellence and research competency, and in motivating residents to further their learning beyond the classroom through inquiry-based learning and research projects. They will also support residents’ personal and professional development.

College Goals

The CURI RC is set up with the following goals:

Provide dynamic opportunities for residents to pursue academic and research excellence, and holistic personal growth
Offer opportunities for residents to nurture creativity and innovation, as well as to enhance their awareness/experience on entrepreneurship
Offer support to residents during various transitions that students encounter (i.e. from high school to university study and study to work)
Strengthen inquiry-based learning among residents through various theme-based experimental learning activities
Prepare students for research studies and lifelong learning

Message from CURI Residential College Master

Professor Horace Mui

Welcome to the CURI Residential College (CURI RC)! I am Horace Mui, Associate Head and Professor of the Department of Building Services Engineering. Studies and best practices around the world have shown that a sustainable student life depends on different student affairs teams that practice beyond-the-classroom pedagogical approaches, especially in the living environment. Students can acquire free inquiry-based learning and innovation skills through scholarly activities in a residential environment.

While PolyU’s Student Halls of Residence foster the integration of local and non-local students, the CURI RC provides fertile ground for collaborative learning and joint research beyond the classroom. With a theme of “Achieving Academic and Research Excellence through Inquiry-based Learning”, CURI RC is a living and learning environment that offers dynamic opportunities to facilitate the holistic development of its residents through different theme-based academic and co-curricular activities such as high table dinners, research seminars, inspirational talks, community services and small-scale experimental innovation projects.

Through the warmth, love, sharing and companionship that living together generates, I believe that we, all CURI RC education staff members and student residents, will create a new era of residential education that nurtures creativity, motivates innovation, and encourages the pursuing of lifelong learning.