The University of Hong Kong (HKU) welcomes the Report on the third institutional Quality Audit by the Quality Assurance Council (QAC) of the University Grants Committee (UGC), which was released today (September 17, 2024). The Audit Visit was conducted in December 2023 and covered all programmes at the levels of sub-degree, first degree and above, however funded, leading to a qualification wholly or partly awarded by the University. This exercise underscores HKU's steadfast commitment to excellence in teaching and learning (T&L), and the University is gratified to receive many positive commendations and affirmations of its efforts.
The Report highlighted the University's robust and systematic processes for programme development, approval, monitoring and review. It also acknowledged the effectiveness of HKU's arrangements for enhancing T&L and the University's dedication to continuously improving its education provision and quality mechanisms. Of particular note is the Audit Panel's recognition of the clear academic governance frameworks at the University and HKU SPACE, emphasising the clarity in levels of authority, accountability and responsibility across the institutions.
The University is appreciative of the Audit Panel's acknowledgment that its quality assurance processes embed externality comprehensively, leading to significant benchmarking locally and globally for the enhancement of programmes and curricula. The Audit Panel's positive feedback extends to the diverse range of professional development activities organised by the Teaching and Learning Innovation Centre (TALIC), providing effective support for academic staff throughout their careers.
Additionally, the robust regulatory processes of HKU and HKU SPACE, including external examining systems, academic regulations and assessment processes, were recognised. The Audit Panel also complimented TALIC on its provision of extensive assessment resources which supports and enhances the diversification of assessment practice across the University. Furthermore, the Audit Panel acknowledged the effectiveness of the student support provided by the Centre of Development and Resources for Students, and regarded the development of the Student Information System, its accessibility to staff and students, and integration with the Learning Management System to facilitate the identification of students who may need additional support as a good practice.
The University is particularly grateful for the Audit Panel's assessment that "there are robust systems in place for managing academic standards and the quality of programmes" at all levels, and that "the University has effective systems for the collection, analysis, and review of internal and external data for the management of academic quality and standards, and for evidence-based decisions designed to enhance the quality of T&L". The University is already working on an action plan to ensure continuous T&L improvement throughout the campus.
