Press Release

Quality Assurance Council report recognises HKBU’s good practices in teaching and learning 

Friday, 13 October 2023

 

The Quality Assurance Council (QAC) of the University Grants Committee (UGC) released its Report of Quality Audit of Hong Kong Baptist University today (13 October). Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) welcomes the Report.

Detailing the positive findings of the Audit Panel, which was appointed by the QAC, the Report confirms that “HKBU maintains effective oversight of academic standards and quality, and drives enhancement, through its well-defined Quality Assurance (QA) Framework.”  HKBU is greatly encouraged by the Audit Panel’s recognition of the University’s strong commitment to upholding a high academic standard and delivering the “Best Student Experience” – one of the University’s key strategic priorities in providing quality education.

Professor Alexander Wai, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKBU, welcomes the Report and expresses his gratitude to the QAC and members of the Audit Panel for conducting the Quality Audit.  He noted, “Findings of the audit exercise acknowledged HKBU’s solid commitment and achievements in providing high-quality teaching and learning to nurture all-rounded, future-ready young talents.”

“We are glad that the Audit Panel recognises HKBU’s clear alignment of its operations and activities with its Mission, Vision and strategic priorities set out in the Institutional Strategic Plan 2018-2028.”

Features of Good Practice

The Report, in particular, identified six Features of Good Practice of HKBU:

  • the systematic and effective use of benchmarking in quality assurance and enhancement demonstrates the University’s strong commitment to setting, monitoring and maintaining the academic standards of its awards;

  • the comprehensive approach to enhancing teaching and learning, as exemplified in the recruitment and professional development of academic staff and investment in innovative virtual teaching and learning initiatives, supports the implementation of institutional strategic priorities;

  • the considered and strategic approach to the introduction and deployment of authentic assessment, together with its impact, both in terms of response to the rapidly changing teaching and learning environment and preparedness for new technological challenges;

  • the non-credit bearing graduation requirement of the University Life Programme provides a holistic package of support for students including a wide range of Co-curricular Learning activities organised by various academic support units and departments according to community needs and student interests;

  • the establishment of career networking with the community through annual events and the launch of web portals to connect internal and external stakeholders; and

  • the approach of ‘inclusive admissions for diversity’, together with its practical initiatives such as providing financial support for specific student groups, peer support and community resources, promotes an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students.

The Features of Good Practice are testament to the University’s pioneering efforts in achieving teaching innovation, which clearly responds to societal expectations on university education, and promotes quality learning experience, academia-industry collaboration, and attention to the differences and unique needs of each individual.

HKBU thanks the Audit Panel for the two specific Recommended Actions with regard to the University’s academic advising system, and the teaching load for research postgraduate students.  The University will address the comments by reviewing the respective mechanisms and devising plans to strive for continuous improvement.

For the QAC Audit Report, please go to https://www.ugc.edu.hk/eng/qac/about/term/publications/report.html.  

For the Institutional Response to the Audit Findings, please go to Appendix B of the QAC Audit Report.

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