| |
The University |
| |
|
|
University Governance Statement |
| |
The
Hong Kong Polytechnic University
University
Governance Statement |
| |
Principles
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to the principles of good governance so as to ensure that the University is ‘fit for its purpose’ – as an institution of teaching and research, which also provides consultancy and other professional services to the community. These principles emphasise academic freedom and autonomy, performance in terms of added value to student education and academic advancement, public accountability and social responsibility, transparency, ethics and professionalism. These principles are to be upheld through the following provisos:
|
| |
| 1. |
Academic freedom and autonomy |
| |
PolyU will uphold and defend academic freedom and institutional autonomy so as to ensure that its education and academic pursuits are not subject to undue intervention.
|
| 2. |
Performance, ethics and professionalism |
| |
The University will strive for exemplary performance with the highest possible standards of professionalism and ethics and seek to provide high quality services at a reasonable and affordable cost.
|
| 3. |
Transparency and public accountability |
| |
The Council and the Management of the University will conduct their activities in a transparent manner, subject to legal restrictions and the need to protect the overall interests of the University.
|
| 4. |
Social responsibility |
| |
The University will strive to fulfil its social responsibilities. As such, the University will, as far as is reasonable and possible, facilitate the participation of its staff and students in community development activities and public services.
|
|
Structures and processes
PolyU is committed to the mission of achieving academic excellence in a professional context. The emphasis is to provide holistic education and training so as to equip students with all-round personal development as well as professional knowledge and skills through application-oriented programmes, and to undertake research, emphasising those of an applied nature which are relevant to industrial, commercial and community needs. Towards this end, the University recognises the importance of establishing and implementing an effective framework of governance and management in directing and monitoring its operation and financial performance. The University has put in place the following governance structures and processes:
|
| |
| 1. |
Council |
| |
The Council of PolyU is composed of members appointed in accordance with The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Ordinance. The majority of Council members, including the Council Chairman, are external to the University. As the supreme governing body of the University, Council will do its best to govern the University by ensuring effective management of the University by the University Management team led by its President who is the Chief Executive Officer of the University. All Council members are expected to provide support and advice to the University so as to ensure its well-being and sustainable development. Council members will diligently and faithfully discharge their duties in the best interests of the public, the University’s students, employees and other sectors of the University community.
|
| 2. |
Council committees |
| |
The Council will appoint standing Committees to support the governance of the major activities of the University. These Committees will include, but not be limited to, an Executive Committee, an Estate Committee, a Finance Committee and an Audit Committee. These committees will discharge their responsibilities according to the terms of reference prescribed by Council. The Council may also appoint ad hoc Committees or equivalent to take on matters of particular importance
|
| 3. |
Senate |
| |
The Council will appoint a Senate, as provided in the University’s Ordinance, to act as the supreme body in the academic governance of the institution. Senate is chaired by the President, with membership drawn from different quarters of the university community.
|
| 4. |
Management |
| |
The University adopts an executive-led management system in which executives will assume full responsibility and accountability for their respective portfolios and will be given corresponding authority for the purpose of discharging their responsibilities. University executives are expected to exercise their authorities in an equitable, fair and compassionate manner, and to make decisions after adequate consultation in a collegial spirit through various formal and informal processes which cover diverse perspectives to facilitate executives in reaching balanced and informed decisions.
|
| 5. |
Internal control and external reporting |
| |
The University Management will ensure high-level performance and cost-effectiveness in all aspects of the University’s academic and service operations through appropriate delegation of responsibility and authority as well as the deployment of check-and-balance mechanisms. It will also maintain an effective internal control system to appropriately monitor the exercise of executive authorities, safeguard the university’s assets and ensure their appropriate use or disposition, maintain proper accounts and records, and comply with relevant legal and regulatory requirements as well as to ensure appropriate risk management.
The University will publish an annual report and audited financial statements after the end of each financial year. To provide an objective and independent review of the financial reporting of the University and to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of financial resources, an external auditor is appointed by the University to conduct an annual audit of its financial statements.
The Audit Committee will provide an independent review of the effectiveness of the financial reporting process, internal audit process, internal control system and risk management of the University. The Audit Committee will receive reports from both the internal and external auditors and will ensure their adequate and fair disclosure in the University’s annual accounts, and the appropriate development, maintenance and implementation of control measures to address risks.
|
| 6. |
Human Resources Management |
| |
The University is a caring employer for all its employees, offering equal opportunity to qualified and suitable persons. It will provide a favourable and facilitating environment and opportunities for employees’ career advancement.
The University will endeavour to provide competitive compensation and benefits to its employees so as to attract and retain quality employees to provide high quality education services.
The Council will determine the employment policy and terms of employment of the University’s employees while the President, under delegated authority of the Council, will determine the terms of employment of individual employees in accordance with established regulations and procedures.
Management will establish and implement an effective system and mechanism to handle staff grievances and appeals in a fair and reasonable manner. |
|
|
[ Back to top ]
|
|