Dean of Students Talk: Inspiring Talk by Ms Janis Chan on “No Poverty Land”
SAO continued hosting the Dean of Students Talk Series in the 2022/23 academic year to invite inspiring figures from different spectra of society to share their wisdom. Ms Janis Chan, a media professional who was presented with the "2021 Touching China" award as an inspirational role model, shared her journey and experience in her talk “No Poverty Land”. She encouraged young people to explore the nation and the world, as well as experiencing the globe with their own eyes. The talk attracted at least 500 guests, with members from the PolyU community and secondary school students in attendance.
Student Participation in University Committees/Affairs
SAO took the initiative in April 2022 to revamp the process of mobilising students to participate in university governance; this included the 2022/2023 Election of Student Members for appointment to the PolyU Council and Court, as well as the selection of student representatives to serve at various non-Senate committees or institutional services. Student Members of PolyU Council
Two elected student members, Wu Wai Kuen (representing full-time undergraduate and sub-degree students) and Wu Yingqi (representing postgraduate and research students), were appointed to the PolyU Council and Court for a calendar year, after an e-polling conducted in October 2022.
Student Representatives on University Committees and Institutional Services
With over 200 applications, 20 student members were appointed to the University’s committees for a one-year office term. Another 11 student representatives were appointed to propose ideas for enhancing various student services and university development.
Support and Guidance for Student Organisations
With the introduction of a new model of student organisation management and support, PolyU Hosting Units of authorised student organisations will offer professional guidance, training and opportunities for their organisations to enrich students’ campus lives and holistic development.Election of 2023/24 Executive Committee Members of Affiliated Student Organisations
With help from SAO, student associations ran their first elections during semester 2 and the summer term of the academic year 2022/23 after affiliation with the University. Around 60 cabinets have been elected as the 2023/24 Executive Committee Members of Student Associations. These student organisations are committed to enriching the university lives and holistic development of the students from their corresponding faculties, schools, departments, non-local student groups and interest clubs.
University Blood Donation Marathon @PolyU
Since 2018, SAO and the Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service (BTS) have jointly organised an on-campus Blood Donation Campaign. Riding on the success of the previous campaigns, the University Blood Donation Marathon @PolyU was held from 20 to 22 March 2023, with over 170 students and staff participating by donating their blood for this good cause. Among them, 37% were first-time donors.
In the 2022/23 academic year, 54 PolyU students were awarded the Young Donor Medal, which recognises young blood donors who have completed three donations before their 26th birthday. In recognition of students’ continuous support, Dr Jennifer Leung, Head of Blood Collection and Donor Recruitment at the Hong Kong Red Cross BTS, and Prof. Albert Chan, Dean of Students, presented together the Young Donor Medals to the awardees. PolyU also received the “Elite Partnership Award 2023” from BTS in appreciation of the University’s continued support in driving blood donation on campus and promoting a positive message to the public.
Extra-Curricular Enrichment for Lifelong Learners Programme
Every semester, SAO offers non-credit-bearing courses for all full-time PolyU students to enrich their university lives via the Extra-Curricular Enrichment for Lifelong Learners (EXCELL) Programme. This enables students to learn essential life skills, become a more mature and confident person, unlock their potential, broaden their horizons and expand their networks.
In the 2022/23 academic year, there were over 1,200 students registering for 47 courses, held under the following five series:
1. Practical Skills Series
2. Planning Your Life Series
3. Language Series
4. Society, Politics and Economics Series
5. Physical and Mental Health Series
