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University Of Hong Kong Ordinance


Published: 1997-06-30

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Cap 1053 - UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG ORDINANCE 1

Chapter: 1053 UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG ORDINANCE Gazette Number Version Date

Long title 30/06/1997


To repeal and replace the University Ordinance 1911.


[1 September 1958] G.N.A. 54 of 1958

(Originally 13 of 1958)

Section: 1 Short title 30/06/1997


This Ordinance may be cited as the University of Hong Kong Ordinance.
(Amended 1 of 1968 s. 2)


Section: 2 Interpretation 30/06/1997


(1) In this Ordinance, unless the context otherwise requires-
"Chancellor" (校監) means the Chancellor of the University and also any person acting as Chancellor of the

University by virtue of section 12(3);
"Court" (校董會 ), "Council" (校務委員會 ), "Senate" (教務委員會 ) and "Convocation" (畢業生議會 )

respectively mean the Court, the Council, the Senate and Convocation of the University; (Replaced 1 of 1968 s.
3. Amended 80 of 1997 s. 100)

"officers" (主管人員) and "teachers" (教師) respectively mean the officers and teachers of the University;
"Pro-Chancellor" (副校監) means the Pro-Chancellor of the University; (Added 1 of 1968 s. 3)
"statutes" (規程) means the statutes of the University;
"University" (大學) means the University of Hong Kong;
"Vice-Chancellor" (校長 ), "Deputy Vice-Chancellor" (首席副校長 ) , "Pro-Vice-Chancellors" (副校長 ),

"Treasurer" (司庫), "Deans of Faculties" (學院院長), "Registrar" (教務長) and "Librarian" (圖書館館長)
respectively mean the Vice-Chancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Pro-Vice-Chancellors, Treasurer, Deans of
Faculties, Registrar and Librarian of the University. (Replaced 22 of 1992 s. 2)
(2) For the purposes of this Ordinance, "good cause", when used with reference to removal from office,

membership or place and with reference to such of the members of the University and of the officers and teachers as
shall be designated by the Ordinance and statutes, means inability to perform efficiently the duties of the office,
neglect of duty, or such misconduct, whether in an official or a private capacity, as renders the holder unfit to continue
in office. (Amended 66 of 1988 s. 2)

Section: 3 (Repealed 53 of 2000 s. 3) 53 of 2000 01/07/1997


Remarks:
Adaptation amendments retroactively made - see 53 of 2000 s. 3

Section: 4 Incorporation 30/06/1997


Notwithstanding the repeal of the University Ordinance 1911 (10 of 1911), the University shall continue in
being with the name and style of "The University of Hong Kong", by which name the members of the University as
defined from time to time by Statute IV of the statutes shall constitute one body politic and corporate with perpetual
succession and a common seal, and with full power by and in such name to sue and be sued, and to take by gift or
otherwise, purchase and hold, grant, demise or otherwise dispose of real or personal estate, and with the other powers
conferred by, under or by virtue of this Ordinance.

(Amended 1 of 1968 s. 4; 74 of 1974 s. 3)




Cap 1053 - UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG ORDINANCE 2

Section: 5 Form of contracts 53 of 2000 01/07/1997


Remarks:
Adaptation amendments retroactively made - see 53 of 2000 s. 3


(1) Contracts on behalf of the University may be made as follows-
(a) a contract which, if made between private persons, would be required by law to be in writing under

seal, may be made on behalf of the University in writing under the common seal of the University;
(Amended 53 of 2000 s. 3)

(b) a contract which, if made between private persons, would be required by law to be in writing, and
signed by the parties to be charged therewith, may be made on behalf of the University in writing
signed by any person acting under the express or implied authority of the Council;

(c) a contract which, if made between private persons would be valid by law, although made by parole
only and not reduced into writing, may be made, by parole on behalf of the University by any person
acting under the express or implied authority of the Council.

(2) A contract made according to this section shall be effectual in law and shall bind the University and its
successors and all other parties thereto.

(3) A contract made according to this section may be varied or discharged in the same manner in which it is
authorized by this section to be made.

(4) Instruments under seal made on behalf of the University, sealed with the common seal of the University,
signed by the Chancellor or Pro-Chancellor or Vice-Chancellor or Deputy Vice-Chancellor or Treasurer and
countersigned by the Registrar shall be deemed to be duly executed. (Amended 22 of 1992 s. 3)

(Amended 1 of 1968 s. 5; 30 of 1972 s. 2; 86 of 1975 s. 3)

Section: 6 Dividends prohibited 30/06/1997


No dividend or bonus shall be paid and no gift or division of money shall be made by or on behalf of the
University to or among any of its members except by way of prize, reward, or special grant.

Section: 7 Court, Council and Senate, their constitutions, powers and

duties
20 of 2011 22/07/2011



(1) There shall be a Court, a Council and a Senate whose respective constitutions, powers, and duties shall be
prescribed by this Ordinance and the statutes.

(2) The Court shall, subject to the provisions of this Ordinance and the statutes, be the supreme advisory body
of the University. (Amended 20 of 2011 s. 2)

(3) The Council shall be the supreme governing body of the University, and shall provide for the custody and
use of the University seal, and subject to the provisions of this Ordinance and the statutes, the Council may exercise
all the powers and is to perform all the duties of the University other than those vested or imposed by this Ordinance
or the statutes in some other authority of the University or in an officer. (Amended 20 of 2011 s. 2)

(4) Subject to the provisions of this Ordinance and the statutes, and to the financial control of the Council, the
Senate shall have the regulation of all matters relating to education in the University.

(5) No act or resolution of the Court, the Council, or the Senate shall be invalid by reason only of any vacancy
in, or any want of qualification by or invalidity in the election or appointment of any member of, any such body.

Section: 8 Faculties and Institutes 30/06/1997


(1) There shall be Faculties of Arts, Social Sciences, Science, Medicine, Engineering, and such other Faculties
as may be constituted by the Court on the recommendation of the Council and the Senate. In the Faculty of Arts due
provision shall be made for the study of the Chinese language and literature. (Amended 49 of 1960 s. 2; 81 of 1978 s.
2)

(2) There shall be a Board and a Dean of each Faculty with such powers respectively as may be prescribed by
this Ordinance and the statutes.

(3) The Council may, on the recommendation of the Senate, form, dissolve or reform such institutes, schools,
centres, units and other sub-divisions of studies and learning as it may from time to time consider desirable.



Cap 1053 - UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG ORDINANCE 3

(Replaced 1 of 1968 s. 6)

Section: 9 Convocation 30/06/1997


(1) There shall be a Convocation, whose constitution, powers and privileges shall be as prescribed by the
statutes.

(2) Convocation shall have such and so many representatives in the Court and on such conditions as may be
prescribed by the statutes.

Section: 10 Honorary Degrees Committee 30/06/1997


For the purpose of advising the Chancellor with regard to the award of honorary degrees, there shall be an
Honorary Degrees Committee which shall consist of such persons as shall be provided by the statutes.

(Amended 63 of 1996 s. 2)

Section: 11 Committees generally 30/06/1997


(1) The Court, the Council, the Senate, and the Board of any Faculty respectively may establish such
committees as they think fit.

(2) Unless otherwise expressly provided, any committee may consist partly of persons who are not members of
the Court, the Council, the Senate or the Board of any Faculty, as the case may be.

(3) Subject to the provisions of this Ordinance and the statutes, the Court, the Council, the Senate, and the
Board of any Faculty respectively may, with or without restrictions or conditions as they think fit, delegate any of their
powers and duties to any committee.

Section: 12 Officers and teachers, their appointment, powers, duties

and emoluments
20 of 2011 22/07/2011



(1) The officers shall be the Chancellor, the Pro-Chancellor, the Vice-Chancellor, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor,
the Pro-Vice-Chancellors, the Treasurer, the Deans of the Faculties, the Registrar, the Librarian, and such other
persons as may be designated as officers by the statutes. (Amended 1 of 1968 s. 7; 83 of 1970 s. 3; 86 of 1975 s. 4; 22
of 1992 s. 4)

(2) The Chancellor shall be the chief officer of the University.
(3) The Chief Executive shall be the Chancellor. In the absence of the Chief Executive the person for the time

being assuming the duties of the Chief Executive according to the provisions of Article 53 of the Basic Law shall be
the Acting Chancellor, and as such shall have all the powers and duties of the Chancellor. (Amended 83 of 1970 s. 3;
53 of 2000 s. 3)

(4) The Chancellor may appoint a person to be the Pro- Chancellor of the University. The Pro-Chancellor shall
exercise such powers and perform such duties as may be prescribed by the statutes. In the absence of the Pro-
Chancellor, the Chancellor may appoint a person to act as Pro-Chancellor. The person so appointed may exercise all
or any of the powers, perform all or any of the duties, and have such of the privileges of the Pro-Chancellor as the
Chancellor may determine. (Added 1 of 1968 s. 7. Amended 66 of 1988 s. 3)

(5) The Vice-Chancellor shall be the principal academic and administrative officer of the University.
(6) The Vice-Chancellor, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, the Pro-Vice-Chancellors, the Treasurer, the Registrar,

the Librarian, and the other officers designated as such by the statutes shall be appointed by the Council in accordance
with the statutes, and the Council shall not terminate any such appointment except where after due enquiry into the
facts there exists in the opinion of the Council good cause for such termination. (Amended 83 of 1970 s. 3; 86 of 1975
s. 4; 66 of 1988 s. 3; 22 of 1992 s. 4)

(7) If, by reason of an amendment to the statutes, an officer ceases to be designated as such, he shall
nevertheless continue to be

entitled to the protection, with respect to the termination of his appointment, conferred by subsection (6).
(Added 1 of 1968 s. 7)

(8) The Deans of the Faculties shall be appointed in accordance with the statutes.
*(9) The teachers are the Chairs, Professors, Associate Professors and Assistant Professors of the University,



Cap 1053 - UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG ORDINANCE 4

and such other persons as may be designated as teachers by the statutes. The teachers are to be appointed by the
Council on such terms as it thinks fit. The Council shall not terminate the appointment of any teacher except where
after due enquiry into the facts and after receiving the advice of the Senate on the findings of such enquiry there exists
in the opinion of the Council good cause for such termination. (Amended 66 of 1988 s. 3; 20 of 2011 s. 3)

(10) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (6) and (9), any officer or teacher-
(a) who is appointed after or continued in employment beyond a retiring age determined by the Council;

or
(b) whose employment is temporary, part-time or for a fixed term, (Amended 20 of 2011 s. 3)

may be removed from office in accordance with the terms of his contract of service or on any other lawful grounds,
without any reason for such removal being assigned.

(11) An appeal shall lie to the Chancellor from any decision of the Council to terminate the appointment of any
officer or teacher.

(12) Subject to the foregoing provisions of this section, the Council may appoint one or more Pro-Vice-
Chancellors to exercise such powers and perform such duties as the Council may direct. (Replaced 83 of 1970 s. 3)

(13) During any period when the office of Vice-Chancellor is vacant or the Vice-Chancellor is absent from Hong
Kong or is for any other reason prevented from or incapable of performing the functions of his office, those functions
shall, unless the Council otherwise directs, be performed by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, or, failing him, by the Pro-
Vice-Chancellor who is currently in Hong Kong and who has then held the office of Pro-Vice-Chancellor for the
longest continuous period. (Added 83 of 1970 s. 3. Amended 22 of 1992 s. 4)

(14) The powers and duties of the officers and teachers, the periods and conditions for and upon which they hold
office and their emoluments shall be such as are prescribed by this Ordinance, the statutes, and the terms of their
respective appointments; but the Council may assign to any officer or teacher, subject in the case of the Chancellor to
his consent, such further powers and duties as it may think fit.

(15) The contract of service or employment of any member of the staff of the University who is not an officer or
teacher may be determined in accordance with the terms of his contract of service or employment, or on any other
lawful grounds, without any reason for such termination being assigned.
________________________________________________________________________________
Note:
* For the transitional provision relating to the amendments made by the University of Hong Kong

(Amendment) Ordinance 2011 (20 of 2011), see section 5 of the Amendment Ordinance.

Section: 13 Statutes 30/06/1997


(1) Subject to the provisions of this Ordinance, the University shall be governed in accordance with the
provisions of the statutes.

(2) The Council may propose to the Court additions to, or the amendment or repeal of, any of the statutes,
whereupon on the recommendation by the Court to the Chancellor, the Chancellor may make any such addition,
amendment, or repeal as recommended by the Court.

(3) Every such addition, amendment and repeal made by the Chancellor in accordance with subsection (2),
shall be published in the Gazette, and may be published in the Gazette of the University or in such other manner as the
Chancellor may direct.

(4) The statutes contained in the Schedule shall be deemed to have been made under this Ordinance.
(5) The Interpretation and General Clauses Ordinance (Cap 1) shall apply for the purposes of the interpretation

of the statutes as it applies for the purposes of the interpretation of an Ordinance, and all expressions defined in this
Ordinance shall bear the same meaning when used in the statutes, unless other provision is made in the statutes or a
contrary intention otherwise appears.

Section: 14 Examiners 30/06/1997


All examinations held by the University shall be conducted in such manner as the statutes and any regulations
made thereunder may prescribe:

Provided that for degree examinations for the final year and such other examinations for degrees as the Senate
may from time to time recommend, at least one external and independent examiner shall be appointed for each subject
or group of subjects forming part of the course of studies required, if practicable.




Cap 1053 - UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG ORDINANCE 5

Section: 15 Power to confer degrees, etc. 30/06/1997


The University shall have power-
(a) to confer such degrees as may be specified in the statutes;
(b) to award diplomas and certificates and such other academic distinctions as may be specified in the statutes;
(c) to provide such lectures and instruction for persons not members of the University as the University may

determine, and to grant certificates to such persons.
(d) after due enquiry, to deprive persons of such degrees, diplomas, certificates and other academic distinctions

as may be specified in the statutes. (Added 78 of 1994 s. 2)


Section: 16 Saving 53 of 2000 01/07/1997


Remarks:
Adaptation amendments retroactively made - see 53 of 2000 s. 3


Nothing in this Ordinance shall affect or be deemed to affect the rights of the Central Authorities or the
Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region under the Basic Law and other laws, or the rights of
any body politic or corporate or of any other persons except such as are mentioned in this Ordinance and those
claiming by, from or under them.

(Added 1 of 1968 s. 8. Amended 53 of 2000 s. 3)

Schedule: SCHEDULE L.N. 99 of 2015 10/07/2015


[section 13]


STATUTES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG


ARRANGEMENT OF STATUTES

Statute


I. Interpretation

II. Congregations
III. Degrees and other academic distinctions
IV. Members of the University
V. The Pro-Chancellor

VI. The Vice-Chancellor
VIA. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor
VII. The Pro-Vice-Chancellors

VIII. The Treasurer
IX. The Deans and Associate Deans of the Faculties

IXA. The Dean of Student Affairs (L.N. 165 of 1999)
IXB. (Repealed)

X. The Registrar and other officers
XI. The Auditors

XII. The Teachers of the University
XIII. Honorary and Emeritus Professors
XIV. Procedure Generally
XV. The Court

XVI. Meetings of the Court
XVII. Powers of the Court

XVIII. The Council
XIX. Powers of the Council
XX. The Honorary Degrees Committee



Cap 1053 - UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG ORDINANCE 6

XXI. Financial Procedure
XXII. The Senate

XXIII. Powers of the Senate
XXIV. The Teaching Departments
XXV. Institutes, Schools, Centres, Units or other Subdivisions of Studies and Learning

XXVI. The Boards of the Faculties
XXVII. Powers of the Boards of the Faculties

XXVIIA-XXVIIB. (Repealed)
XXVIII. Convocation

XXIX. Examinations
XXX. The Disciplinary Committee

XXXI. Powers of the Disciplinary Committee


STATUTES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG


STATUTE I


INTERPRETATION


In these statutes, unless the context otherwise requires-
"academic year" (學年) means such period, not exceeding 12 consecutive months, as the Senate shall from time to

time determine; (L.N. 516 of 1994)
"Disciplinary Committee" (紀律委員會) means the Disciplinary Committee appointed under Statute XXX;
"Faculty" (學院) means a group of related academic disciplines which may or may not be divided into teaching

departments and other subdivisions of studies and learning; (L.N. 123 of 1994; L.N. 299 of 1998)
"graduate" (畢業生) means a person-

(a) on whom a degree has been conferred at a congregation of the University; or
(b) whose name has appeared on the list of successful candidates for a degree of bachelor, master or

doctor of the University, published in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Senate, and who is
awaiting the conferment of that degree at a congregation; (L.N. 516 of 1994)

"hall" (院舍) means a residential or a non-residential hall and includes the Robert Black College and the Clinical
Students' Residence; (L.N. 516 of 1994)

"Ordinance" (本條例) means the University of Hong Kong Ordinance;
"postgraduate student" (研究生) means a person- (L.N. 516 of 1994)

(a) who is registered to read for a degree of master or doctor of the University; or
(b) who is registered as a student for a certificate or diploma of the University, one of the requirements for

entry to which is the possession of a degree of bachelor or such qualification as may for such purpose
be deemed equivalent thereto by the Senate;

"semester" (學期) means such part of an academic year as the Senate shall from time to time determine; (L.N. 516 of
1994)

"student" (學生) means an undergraduate student or a postgraduate student or a person who is otherwise registered for
a diploma or certificate of the University, or who is in a category of person defined by the Senate as a student for
the purpose of proceedings before the Disciplinary Committee;

"undergraduate student" (本科生) means a person who is registered to read for a degree of bachelor of the University;
"University" (大學), "statutes" (規程), "Court" (校董會), "Council" (校務委員會), "Senate" (教務委員會),

"Convocation" (畢業生議會), "Chancellor" (校監), "Pro-Chancellor" (副校監), "Vice-Chancellor" (校長),
"Deputy Vice-Chancellor" (首席副校長), "Pro-Vice-Chancellor" (副校長), "Treasurer" (司庫), "Deans of
Faculties" (學院院長), "Registrar" (教務長), "Librarian" (圖書館館長), "officer" (主管人員), "teacher" (教
師), shall have respectively the same meanings as they have in the Ordinance. (L.N. 137 of 1967; L.N. 4 of
1968; L.N. 167 of 1992; 80 of 1997 s. 100)

(L.N. 19 of 1971; L.N. 58 of 1976; L.N. 123 of 1994)



Cap 1053 - UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG ORDINANCE 7


STATUTE II


CONGREGATIONS


1. The time, place and procedure of the congregations of the whole University shall be determined by the
Chancellor.

2. The Chancellor, or in his absence the Pro-Chancellor or in the absence of both of them the Vice-Chancellor,
shall preside at congregations. (L.N. 4 of 1968)

3. At least one congregation shall be held in each academic year.


STATUTE III


DEGREES AND OTHER ACADEMIC DISTINCTIONS

1. The University may confer any of the following degrees-

(a) Bachelors degrees
Bachelor of Accounting
Bachelor of Architecture
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies
Bachelor of Arts in Conservation
Bachelor of Arts in Landscape Studies
Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies
Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences
Bachelor of Business Administration
Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and Finance
Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business and Global Management
Bachelor of Business Administration (Information Systems)
Bachelor of Business Administration (Law)
Bachelor of Chinese Medicine
Bachelor of Cognitive Science
Bachelor of Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Dental Surgery
Bachelor of Economics
Bachelor of Economics and Finance
Bachelor of Education
Bachelor of Education in Language Education
Bachelor of Education in Primary Education
Bachelor of Engineering
Bachelor of Engineering, in engineering disciplines as determined by the Senate from time to

time
Bachelor of Finance
Bachelor of Housing Management
Bachelor of Journalism
Bachelor of Laws
Bachelor of Management Studies
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
Bachelor of Nursing
Bachelor of Pharmacy
Bachelor of Pharmacy in Chinese Medicine
Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science



Cap 1053 - UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG ORDINANCE 8

Bachelor of Science in Applied Medical Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Bioinformatics
Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Information Systems
Bachelor of Science in Computer Studies
Bachelor of Science in Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Health
Bachelor of Science in Information Management
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Studies
Bachelor of Science in Quantitative Finance
Bachelor of Science in Quantity Surveying
Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Sports Science and Leisure Management
Bachelor of Science in Surveying
Bachelor of Social Sciences
Bachelor of Social Sciences (Government and Laws)
Bachelor of Social Work
Bachelor of Traditional Chinese Medicine

(b) Masters degrees
Juris Doctor
Master of Architecture
Master of Arts
Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics
Master of Arts in China Development Studies
Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Master of Arts in Transport Policy and Planning
Master of Buddhist Studies
Master of Business Administration
Master of Business Administration (International)
Master of Chinese Medicine
Master of Chinese Medicine in Acupuncture and Moxibustion
Master of Clinical Pharmacy
Master of Common Law
Master of Dental Surgery, in dental disciplines as determined by the Senate from time to time
Master of Economics
Master of Education
Master of Expressive Arts Therapy
Master of Finance
Master of Financial Engineering
Master of Fine Arts
Master of Geographic Information Systems
Master of Housing Management
Master of International and Public Affairs
Master of Journalism
Master of Landscape Architecture
Master of Laws
Master of Laws, in law disciplines as determined by the Senate from time to time
Master of Medical Sciences
Master of Nursing
Master of Nursing in Advanced Practice
Master of Orthodontics
Master of Philosophy
Master of Psychological Medicine (Psychosis Studies)
Master of Public Administration



Cap 1053 - UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG ORDINANCE 9

Master of Public Administration (International)
Master of Public Health
Master of Research in Medicine
Master of Science
Master of Science in Audiology
Master of Science in Chinese Medicines
Master of Science in Community Dentistry
Master of Science in Computer Science
Master of Science in Conservation
Master of Science in Construction Project Management
Master of Science in Dental Materials Science
Master of Science in Electronic Commerce and Internet Computing
Master of Science in Engineering
Master of Science in Engineering, in engineering disciplines as determined by the Senate from

time to time
Master of Science in Environmental Management
Master of Science in General Dentistry
Master of Science in Global Business Management and E-Commerce
Master of Science in Implant Dentistry
Master of Science in Information Technology in Education
Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Design and Management
Master of Science in Library and Information Management
Master of Science in Real Estate
Master of Science in Real Estate Development
Master of Science in Sports Science
Master of Science in Urban Planning
Master of Social Sciences
Master of Social Service Management
Master of Social Work
Master of Statistics
Master of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Acupuncture and Moxibustion
Master of Urban Design

(c) Doctor degrees
Doctor of Education
Doctor of Laws
Doctor of Legal Science
Doctor of Letters
Doctor of Medicine
Doctor of Nursing
Doctor of Philosophy
Doctor of Psychology
Doctor of Public Administration
Doctor of Science
Doctor of Social Sciences
Master of Surgery

(d) Honorary degrees
Doctor of Divinity honoris causa
Doctor of Laws honoris causa
Doctor of Letters honoris causa
Doctor of Science honoris causa
Doctor of Social Sciences honoris causa

(L.N. 516 of 1994; L.N. 99 of 1997; L.N. 490 of 1997; L.N. 299 of 1998; L.N. 165 of 1999; L.N. 81 of 2001;
L.N. 61 of 2002; L.N. 129 of 2003; L.N. 205 of 2003; L.N. 135 of 2005; L.N. 44 of 2006; L.N. 184 of 2013;
L.N. 99 of 2015)





Cap 1053 - UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG ORDINANCE 10

2. The University may award any of the following diplomas and certificates-
(a) Diplomas

Advanced Diploma in Education
Advanced Diploma in Endodontics
Advanced Diploma in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Advanced Diploma in Orthodontics
Advanced Diploma in Paediatric Dentistry
Advanced Diploma in Periodontology
Advanced Diploma in Prosthodontics
Advanced Diploma in Social Work
Diploma in Architecture
Diploma in Chinese Language
Diploma in Pharmacy
Foundation Diploma in Management
Postgraduate Diploma in Building Services
Postgraduate Diploma in Child and Adolescent Health
Postgraduate Diploma in Chinese Language Subject Knowledge for Graduate Teachers
Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Research Methodology
Postgraduate Diploma in Commercial Law
Postgraduate Diploma in Common Law
Postgraduate Diploma in Community Geriatrics
Postgraduate Diploma in Community Psychological Medicine
Postgraduate Diploma in Conservation
Postgraduate Diploma in Construction Project Management
Postgraduate Diploma in Creative Writing in English
Postgraduate Diploma in Dental Materials Science
Postgraduate Diploma in Dental Surgery
Postgraduate Diploma in Diagnosis and Therapeutics in Internal Medicine
Postgraduate Diploma in Earth Sciences
Postgraduate Diploma in Education
Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering, in engineering disciplines as determined by the Senate

from time to time
Postgraduate Diploma in English Studies
Postgraduate Diploma in General Dental Surgery
Postgraduate Diploma in Geographic Information Systems
Postgraduate Diploma in Infectious Diseases
Postgraduate Diploma in Information Technology and Intellectual Property Law
Postgraduate Diploma in Information Technology Law
Postgraduate Diploma in International Affairs
Postgraduate Diploma in International Arbitration and Dispute Settlement
Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism
Postgraduate Diploma in Laws
Postgraduate Diploma in the Law of the People's Republic of China
Postgraduate Diploma in Molecular and Diagnostic Pathology
Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing
Postgraduate Diploma in Psychological Medicine (Psychosis Studies)
Postgraduate Diploma in Psycho-oncology
Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health
Postgraduate Diploma in Public Law
Postgraduate Diploma in Science (Computer Science)
Postgraduate Diploma in Science (Electronic Commerce and Internet Computing)
Postgraduate Diploma in Surveying (Quantity Surveying)
Postgraduate Diploma in Surveying (Real Estate Development)
Postgraduate Diploma in Urban Design

(b) Certificates



Cap 1053 - UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG ORDINANCE 11

Certificate in Chinese Language
Certificate in Health Economics
Certificate in In-Service Education for Teachers
Certificate in Medical Sciences
Certificate in School Counselling and Guidance
Certificate in Social Study
Certificates in engineering subjects, as determined by the Senate from time to time
Hong Kong Common Professional Examination Certificate in Laws
Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Educational Studies
Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Research Methodology
Postgraduate Certificate in Education
Postgraduate Certificate in Laws
Postgraduate Certificate in Molecular and Diagnostic Pathology
Postgraduate Certificate in Psychological Medicine (Psychosis Studies)
Postgraduate Certificate in Psychology
Postgraduate Certificate in Psycho-oncology
Postgraduate Certificate in Public Health

(L.N. 516 of 1994; L.N. 99 of 1997; L.N. 490 of 1997; L.N. 299 of 1998; L.N. 165 of 1999; L.N. 81 of 2001;
L.N. 125 of 2001; L.N. 61 of 2002; L.N. 129 of 2003; L.N. 205 of 2003; L.N. 135 of 2005; L.N. 44 of 2006;
L.N. 184 of 2013)


3. Degrees shall be conferred by the Chancellor, or in his absence by the Pro-Chancellor, or in the absence of both
of them by the Vice-Chancellor, at congregations of the whole University. (L.N. 4 of 1968)

4. No person shall be allowed to proceed to any degree except an aegrotat degree without examination or other
adequate test, but honorary degrees may be conferred as the Chancellor thinks fit on the recommendation of the
Honorary Degrees Committee. (L.N. 144 of 1970; L.N. 490 of 1997)

5. No first degree, other than a degree in medicine or surgery, shall be conferred on any person who has not
completed at least a 3 years' course of study at a University or other place of learning, including at least 1 year at the
University of Hong Kong; and no first degree in medicine or surgery shall be conferred on any person who has not
completed a 5 years' course of medical or related study at a University or other place of learning, including at least 2
years at the University of Hong Kong. (L.N. 82 of 1979; L.N. 83 of 1992)

6. No new degree shall be established or other distinction of honour or merit adopted except on the
recommendation of the Senate. (L.N. 82 of 1979)

7. No person shall be deprived of any degree, diploma, certificate or other academic distinction except for good
cause by the Chancellor on the joint recommendation of the Council and the Senate.


STATUTE IV


MEMBERS OF THE UNIVERSITY

1. The members of the University shall be-

(a) the Chancellor and the Pro-Chancellor; (L.N. 21 of 1980)
(b) the Vice-Chancellor, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, the Pro-Vice-Chancellors, and the Treasurer; (L.N.

159 of 1970; L.N. 167 of 1992)
(c) the Deans of the Faculties, the Registrar, and the Librarian; (L.N. 54 of 1972; L.N. 58 of 1976; L.N.

167 of 1992)
(ca) the Dean of Student Affairs; (L.N. 19 of 1971; L.N. 165 of 1999)
(d) the members of the Court;
(e) the members of the Council;
(f) the members of the Senate;
(g) the members of the Boards of the Faculties;



Cap 1053 - UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG ORDINANCE 12

(ga) (Repealed L.N. 72 of 1993)
(h) the Honorary and Emeritus Professors;
(i) the teachers;
(j) the wardens of University and attached Halls and the masters of Colleges; (L.N. 137 of 1967)
(k) the graduates;
(l) the undergraduate students, and (L.N. 58 of 1976)
(m) the postgraduate students. (L.N. 58 of 1976)

In addition, such persons holding such offices of appointments at or made by the University as shall hereafter from
time to time be determined by the Council, shall be members of the University. (L.N. 96 of 1965)

2. A member of the University shall continue to be a member so long as he possesses any one of the qualifications
set out in this statute.


STATUTE V


THE PRO-CHANCELLOR

1. The Pro-Chancellor may, on the authorization of the Chancellor and on his behalf, exercise any of the powers or
perform any of the duties conferred or imposed on the Chancellor by the statutes.

2. The Pro-Chancellor may resign by written notice addressed to the Chancellor.

(L.N. 4 of 1968)


STATUTE VI


THE VICE-CHANCELLOR

1. The Vice-Chancellor shall be appointed by the Council after consultation with the Senate.

2. The Vice-Chancellor may resign by written notice addressed to the Council.

3. The Vice-Chancellor shall be a member of every committee of the Court, Council or Senate, and of every
committee of the Board of any Faculty but shall not be a member of the Disciplinary Committee. (L.N. 19 of 1971;
L.N. 58 of 1976; L.N. 72 of 1993)

4. The Vice-Chancellor shall have power to appoint a person to act as an officer during a temporary vacancy in the
office or in the temporary absence from duty or inability of the officer except where an alternative method of making
such a temporary appointment during a temporary vacancy or temporary absence is prescribed by the Ordinance or by
these statutes. The Vice-Chancellor shall also have power to appoint a person to act in any other official capacity as
may be determined by the Council during a temporary vacancy in such official capacity or in the temporary absence
from duty or inability of the holder of the official capacity. The person so appointed may exercise all or any of the
powers, perform all or any of the duties, and have such of the privileges of the holder of the office or of the holder of
the official capacity in which he is appointed to act as the Vice-Chancellor may determine. (L.N. 267 of 1988)

5. The Vice-Chancellor shall have such disciplinary powers in respect of students as may be conferred by these
statutes and any regulations made thereunder. (L.N. 19 of 1971)


STATUTE VIA


THE DEPUTY VICE-CHANCELLOR

1. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor shall be appointed by the Council after consultation with the Senate.

2. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor shall be appointed on such terms and conditions and shall have such powers and
duties as may be prescribed by the Council.



Cap 1053 - UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG ORDINANCE 13


3. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor may resign by written notice addressed to the Council.

(L.N. 167 of 1992)


STATUTE VII


THE PRO-VICE-CHANCELLORS

1. The Pro-Vice-Chancellors shall be appointed by the Council on such terms and conditions as the Council shall
prescribe. (L.N. 58 of 1976; L.N. 115 of 1991; L.N. 186 of 2003)

2. Subject to the Ordinance and Statutes and unless the Council shall otherwise prescribe, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor
who is in Hong Kong and has presently served the longest continuous period in that office shall, in the event of
vacancies in the offices of both Vice-Chancellor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, or of the absence or inability to act as
such of both the Vice-Chancellor and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, act as Vice-Chancellor. (L.N. 167 of 1992)

3. A Pro-Vice-Chancellor shall hold office for such period as the Council shall determine, and shall undertake such
duties as may be assigned by the Vice-Chancellor. (L.N. 32 of 1981; L.N. 186 of 2003)

4. The Pro-Vice-Chancellors may resign by written notice addressed to the Council.

(L.N. 159 of 1970)


STATUTE VIII


THE TREASURER

1. The Treasurer shall be appointed by the Council for 3 years and shall be eligible for re-appointment. The
Council may appoint a person to act as Treasurer during a temporary vacancy in the office of Treasurer or in the
temporary absence from duty or inability of the Treasurer. The person so appointed may exercise all or any of the
powers, perform all or any of the duties, and have such of the privileges of the Treasurer as the Council may
determine. (L.N. 267 of 1988)

2. The Treasurer may resign by written notice addressed to the Council.


* STATUTE IX


THE DEANS AND ASSOCIATE DEANS OF THE FACULTIES

(L.N. 83 of 1992)


1. The Dean of each Faculty shall be appointed by the Council in accordance with regulations-
(a) on the recommendation of the Vice-Chancellor;
(b) on such terms and conditions as may be determined by the Council; and
(c) for a period of 5 years or such other period as may be determined by the Council. (L.N. 186 of 2003)


1A. A Dean shall be eligible for re-appointment. (L.N. 186 of 2003)

2. Whenever the office of Dean becomes vacant a new Dean shall forthwith be appointed. (L.N. 186 of 2003)

3. The Dean shall be a member of all committees of the Board of the Faculty and shall present candidates for
degrees (except honorary degrees) in the subjects of the Faculty. (L.N. 299 of 1998)

4. A Dean may resign by written notice addressed to the Council. (L.N. 299 of 1998; L.N. 186 of 2003)

5. (a) Associate Deans of each Faculty shall be appointed by the Dean of the Faculty. (L.N. 299 of 1998)

(b) The period of office of an Associate Dean of a Faculty shall be determined by the Dean of the Faculty



Cap 1053 - UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG ORDINANCE 14

and shall not exceed or be extended beyond the period of office of the Dean. (L.N. 83 of 1992; L.N.
186 of 2003)


6. An Associate Dean of a Faculty shall discharge such duties as may be determined by the Dean of the Faculty.
(L.N. 83 of 1992)


7. An Associate Dean of a Faculty may resign by written notice addressed to the Dean of the Faculty. (L.N. 83 of
1992; L.N. 186 of 2003)

(L.N. 58 of 1976; L.N. 44 of 1985)


STATUTE IXA


THE DEAN OF STUDENT AFFAIRS

1. The Dean of Student Affairs shall be an officer and shall be appointed by the Council after consultation with the
Senate.

2. The Dean of Student Affairs shall be responsible to the Vice-Chancellor for such duties in connection with
student affairs as may be determined by the Council from time to time. (L.N. 4 of 1983)

(L.N. 19 of 1971; L.N. 165 of 1999)


STATUTE IXB


(Repealed L.N. 72 of 1993)


STATUTE X


THE REGISTRAR AND OTHER OFFICERS
(L.N. 167 of 1992)


1. The Registrar-

(a) shall be appointed by the Council;
(b) shall keep a register of all members of the University under their respective qualifications as specified

in Statute IV;
(c) shall be the custodian of the records and of the common seal of the University;
(d) shall discharge such duties as are specified in the Ordinance and statutes and such other duties as may

be determined by the Council;
(e) may exercise his functions as secretary to the Boards of the Faculties by deputy.


1A. (Repealed L.N. 167 of 1992)

2. The Director of Finance shall be an officer, and-

(a) shall be appointed by the Council;
(b) shall be responsible to the Council for the keeping of all University accounts;
(c) shall be responsible to the Vice-Chancellor for the discharge of such other duties in connection with

University finance as the Vice-Chancellor may determine. (L.N. 165 of 1999)

3. The Librarian-

(a) shall be appointed by the Council after consultation with the Senate;
(b) shall discharge such duties as may be determined by the Council after consultation with the Senate.


4. The Director of Estates shall be an officer, and-

(a) shall be appointed by the Council;
(b) shall be responsible to the Vice-Chancellor for general maintenance of all University buildings,

properties, and grounds;



Cap 1053 - UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG ORDINANCE 15

(c) shall be responsible to the Vice-Chancellor for the discharge of such other duties in connection with
the University buildings, properties, and grounds as the Vice-Chancellor may determine. (L.N. 56 of
1966; L.N. 15 of 1973; L.N. 165 of 1999)

(L.N. 54 of 1972; L.N. 58 of 1976; L.N. 167 of 1992; L.N. 72 of 1993)


STATUTE XI


THE AUDITORS

1. The Court shall appoint an auditor or auditors, who shall not be members of the Court, the Council, the Senate,
the Board of any Faculty or any committee. (L.N. 58 of 1976; L.N. 72 of 1993)

2. Auditors shall hold office for 1 year at a time, and shall be eligible for re-appointment.


STATUTE XII


THE TEACHERS OF THE UNIVERSITY

1. In addition to the persons designated as such by the Ordinance, the appointed Deans of Faculties and the Heads
and Deputy Heads of the Institutes, Schools, Centres and Units and other subdivisions of Studies and Learning
appointed under the provisions of Statute XXV shall be teachers. (L.N. 72 of 1993; L.N. 123 of 1994; L.N. 299 of
1998; 20 of 2011 s. 4)

2. The teachers whose services are exclusively at the disposal of the University shall not during the tenure of their
appointments engage in outside practice for reward without the consent of the Council.

3. The Senate shall organize the teachers into such Faculties, Teaching Departments, Institutes, Schools, Centres,
and Units and other subdivisions of studies and learning as the Senate shall see fit. (L.N. 123 of 1994; L.N. 299 of
1998)


STATUTE XIII


HONORARY AND EMERITUS PROFESSORS

1. Upon the recommendation of the Senate, the Council may appoint Honorary Professors and may confer the title
of Emeritus Professor upon any professor who has retired from office.

2. An Honorary or Emeritus Professor shall not ex officio be a member of the Court, Council, Senate or the Board
of any Faculty. (L.N. 72 of 1993)


STATUTE XIV


PROCEDURE GENERALLY

1. Except as provided in the statutes, in the absence of the president or chairman and, if there is a vice-president or
vice-chairman, of the vice-president or vice-chairman from a meeting of the Court, Council, Senate, the Board of any
Faculty, or any committee, the members present at that meeting shall choose a president or chairman, as the case may
be, to act at that meeting. (L.N. 69 of 1968)

2. Except as provided in the statutes, the Court, Council, Senate, Boards of the Faculties, and any committee shall
determine and may make rules for the time, place, and procedure of their respective meetings.

3. The minutes of all meetings of every committee held since the last preceding meeting of the parent body shall be
laid on the table at each meeting of that body, whether it be the Court, Council, Senate or the Board of any Faculty.




Cap 1053 - UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG ORDINANCE 16

4. The minutes of all meetings of the Boards of the Faculties held since the last preceding meeting of the Senate
shall be laid on the table at each meeting of the Senate.

5. The minutes of all meetings of the Court shall be sent to Convocation.

6. In the case of equality of votes on a question at a meeting of the Court, Council, Senate, the Board of any
Faculty or any committee, the president or chairman of the meeting shall have a casting vote.

(L.N. 58 of 1976; L.N. 72 of 1993)


STATUTE XV


THE COURT

1. The Court shall consist of-

(a) the Chancellor, the Pro-Chancellor, the Vice-Chancellor, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, the Pro-Vice-
Chancellors and the Treasurer; (G.N.A. 59 of 1960; L.N. 69 of 1968; L.N. 159 of 1970; L.N. 167 of
1992)

(b) life members;
(c) the following members ex officio:

the members of the Council,
the members of the Senate,
the Registrar,
the Chairman, Deputy Chairman and Clerk of Convocation; (L.N. 15 of 1973; L.N. 186 of 2003)

(d) the following elected members:
(i) 5 persons elected by the Members of the Legislative Council from among their own number, (67

of 1987 s. 2; L.N. 99 of 1997)
(ii) 12 members elected from among its number by the Standing Committee of Convocation;

provided that no member of that committee who is a member of the Court by virtue of any other
paragraph of this Statute shall be eligible for election, (L.N. 44 of 1985)

(iii) 5 members elected by the Court,
(iv) 3 members elected by the Grant Schools Council from among its number, (L.N. 82 of 1979;

L.N. 165 of 1999)
(v) 3 members elected by the Hong Kong Subsidized Secondary Schools Council from among its

number; and (L.N. 56 of 1986; L.N. 165 of 1999)
(e) not more than 20 members, not being already included in any of the foregoing classes, appointed by

the Chancellor.

2. Vacancies shall be filled as they occur or as soon thereafter as conveniently may be.

3. Any member of the Court except an ex officio member may resign by written notice addressed to the secretary to
the Court. (L.N. 58 of 1976)

4. The ex officio members shall continue members so long only as they hold the office in virtue of which they
became members of the Court.

5. The elected members shall hold office for 3 years at a time and shall be eligible for re-election.

6. The appointed members shall hold office for 3 years at a time and shall be eligible for re-appointment.

7. The Registrar shall be the secretary to the Court. (L.N. 58 of 1976; L.N. 167 of 1992)

8. If any appointed or elected member leaves Hong Kong and either remains absent for 3 months or more or gives
notice of his intended absence for 3 months or more the appointing or electing person or body may appoint or elect, as
the case may require, another person to act as member in his place during his absence. The acting member shall vacate
his office either on the return of the absent member to Hong Kong, or on the expiry of the absent member's term of



Cap 1053 - UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG ORDINANCE 17

office, whichever first happens. (L.N. 32 of 1987)

9. A member elected under paragraph 1(d)(i), (ii), (iv) or (v) of this Statute shall be deemed-

(a) to have resigned from the Court if he ceases to be a member of the body which elected him;
(b) to have resigned from his membership of the Court in that capacity if he becomes a member of the

Court in another capacity. (L.N. 44 of 1985; L.N. 165 of 1999)


STATUTE XVI


MEETINGS OF THE COURT

1. The Court shall meet at least once in each academic year.

2. The Chancellor shall be the president of the Court. In the absence of the Chancellor the Pro-Chancellor or in the
absence of both of them the Vice-Chancellor, shall preside at a meeting of the Court. (L.N. 69 of 1968)

3. The Chancellor may convene a meeting of the Court at any time.

4. One-fourth of the members of the Court for the time being shall form a quorum.

5. The Vice-Chancellor may require any officer or teacher to be present at a meeting of the Court to assist the Vice-
Chancellor or the Registrar. (L.N. 167 of 1992)


STATUTE XVII


POWERS OF THE COURT


Subject to the provisions of the Ordinance and the statutes, the Court shall have power-
(a) to recommend to the Chancellor additions to, or the amendment or repeal of any of the statutes on the

proposal of the Council;
(b) (Repealed L.N. 186 of 2003)
(ba) to elect, in accordance with regulations, its members to be members of the Council and to, on the

recommendation of the Council, give the approval referred to in paragraph 2 of Statute XVIII; (L.N.
186 of 2003)

(c) to consider the annual accounts together with any comments that may have been made by the auditors;
(d) to consider any reports that may be made by the Council to the Court;
(e) to discuss any motion on general University policy that may be introduced by a member; and
(f) to appoint life members and to prescribe the procedure for making such appointments.


* STATUTE XVIII


THE COUNCIL


1. The Council shall consist of-

(a) 7 persons, not being students or employees of the University, appointed by the Chancellor, one of whom
shall be appointed the Chairman by the Chancellor;

(b) 6 persons, not being students or employees of the University, appointed by the Council;
(c) 2 persons, not being students or employees of the University, elected by the Court under sub-subparagraph

(ba) of Statute XVII;
(d) the Vice-Chancellor;
(e) the Treasurer;
(f) 4 full-time teachers elected in accordance with regulations;
(g) 1 full-time employee of the University, not being a teacher, elected in accordance with regulations;
(h) 1 full-time undergraduate student elected in accordance with regulations; and
(i) 1 full-time postgraduate student elected in accordance with regulations. (L.N. 186 of 2003)



Cap 1053 - UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG ORDINANCE 18


1A. The Registrar shall be the secretary to the Council but shall not be a member thereof. (L.N. 58 of 1976; L.N.
167 of 1992)

2. A member referred to in paragraph 1(a), (b), (c), (e), (f) or (g)-

(a) shall serve for a term of 3 years;
(b) shall be eligible for re-appointment or re-election but no member may serve more than 3 consecutive terms

without approval of the Court; and
(c) may resign by written notice addressed to the Registrar. (L.N. 186 of 2003)


2A. (Repealed L.N. 44 of 1985)

3. A member referred to in paragraph 1(h) or (i)-

(a) shall serve for a term as determined by the Council from time to time;
(b) shall be eligible for re-election;
(c) may resign by written notice addressed to the Registrar; and
(d) shall cease to be a member when he ceases to be a full-time student of the University. (L.N. 186 of 2003)


4. (Repealed L.N. 186 of 2003)

5. Not less than one third of the members of the Council shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of the Council.
(L.N. 186 of 2003)

6. The powers of the Council may be exercised notwithstanding any vacancy in its number, but if at any time and
as long as the number of members of the Council is less than 10 the Council shall discontinue the exercise of its
powers.

7. The Chairman may require any officer or teacher to be present at a meeting of the Council. (L.N. 137 of 1967)

8. (Repealed L.N. 186 of 2003)


STATUTE XIX


POWERS OF THE COUNCIL

1. The Council may exercise all the powers and is to perform all the duties of the University other than those vested
or imposed by the Ordinance or the statutes in some other authority of the University or in an officer. (20 of 2011 s.
4)

2. Notwithstanding the generality of the powers vested in the Council by paragraph 1 and subject to the provisions
of the Ordinance and the statutes, the Council shall have power-

(a) to administer and manage the finances, accounts, investments, property, business, and all affairs
whatsoever of the University, and for that purpose to appoint bankers, counsel, solicitors, and such
officers or agents as it may be expedient to appoint;

(b) (Repealed L.N. 490 of 1997)
(c) to invest the moneys of the University, including any unapplied income, in such stocks, funds, fully

paid-up shares or securities, mortgages, or debentures or debenture stock as the Council shall think fit,
whether such investments be authorized by the general law for the investment of trust moneys or not,
and whether such investments be within Hong Kong or not, and to invest such moneys in the purchase
of leasehold property in Hong Kong, and to vary any investments by sale and reinvestment or
otherwise; (L.N. 32 of 1987)

(d) to purchase, grant, sell, convey, assign, surrender, and yield up, exchange, partition, mortgage, demise,
reassign, transfer, and accept leases of real and personal property on behalf of the University;

(e) to provide the buildings, premises, furniture, apparatus, and other means needed for the University;
(f) to borrow money on behalf of the University and for that purpose to mortgage all or any part of the



Cap 1053 - UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG ORDINANCE 19

property of the University, whether real or personal, or give such other security, whether upon such
real or personal property or otherwise, as it thinks fit:

Provided that the moneys borrowed and owing by the University shall not at any time exceed in
the whole the sum of $100000 except with the sanction of a resolution passed at a meeting of the
Council and confirmed by the vote of three-fourths of the members present and voting at a subsequent
meeting of the Council specially convened for the purpose and held not less than 7 days after the
former meeting;

(fa) to accept and execute, and to appoint any officer of the University or any trust company to accept and
execute, the office of trustee, or other like office of a fiduciary nature, of any trust or unit trust in
which the University, officers, teachers or other employees or students of the University have a
beneficial interest whether directly or indirectly including any supreannuation fund or pension scheme
for the benefit of employees of the University; (L.N. 72 of 1993)

(fb) to incorporate a trust company to accept and execute the office of trustee, or other like office of a
fiduciary nature, of any trust or unit trust in which the University, officers, teachers or other employees
or students of the University have a beneficial interest whether directly or indirectly, and to act as
investing or financial agent and receive money in trust for investment and to allow interest thereon
until invested; (L.N. 72 of 1993)

(fc) to incorporate or set up a unit trust and appoint trustees thereof; (L.N. 72 of 1993)
(g) to enter into, vary, carry out, and cancel contracts on behalf of the University;
(h) to maintain a University printing press and publish books and other matter on behalf of the University;
(i) to give directions to the Senate or to any officer or teacher of the University in any financial matter or

any matter affecting the property of the University;
(j) in consultation with the Senate to review the instruction and teaching of the University;
(k) to co-operate with other Universities and authorities for the regulation and conduct of examinations,

for the examination and inspection of schools and other academic institutions, for the extension of
University teaching, and for other purposes;

(l) to appoint any person or committee to entertain and, if appropriate, adjudicate upon, on its behalf,
complaints from members of the University and persons employed in it and to redress their grievances:
(L.N. 186 of 2003; L.N. 246 of 2003)

Provided that the Council shall not entertain or adjudicate upon any complaint which falls within
the jurisdiction of the Disciplinary Committee; (L.N. 19 of 1971)

(la) to allow or dismiss an appeal from the Disciplinary Committee and to vary any penalty imposed by the
Disciplinary Committee, or to appoint any person or committee to discharge those duties; (L.N. 19 of
1971; L.N. 186 of 2003)

(m) to propose to the Court additions to, or the amendment or repeal of any of the statutes;
(n) to draft statutes;
(o) to prescribe fees;
(p) to prescribe the duties of officers, teachers, and other employees whom it may appoint and to fix their

remuneration and the terms and conditions of their appointments;
(pa) to grant loans, whether secured or unsecured and in such amounts and on such terms and conditions as

it thinks fit, to officers, teachers and other employees whom it may appoint; (L.N. 115 of 1991)
(q) to appoint committees within or without Hong Kong to select candidates for any office to which the

Council may appoint; (L.N. 32 of 1987)
(r) to delegate any of its powers to any member of the Council or to any committee thereof or to any

officer or teacher;
(s) to do all such acts and things and perform all such duties as may be necessary for or incidental to

exercising the powers or performing the duties vested or imposed on the Council by the Ordinance or
the statutes. (20 of 2011 s. 4)


3. (1) The Council may by regulation provide for any of the following matters or for any of the following
purposes-

(a) the administration of the affairs of the University;
(b) the form of contracts;
(c) the University press and publications;
(d) fees;



Cap 1053 - UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG ORDINANCE 20

(e) the conduct of elections and the mode of appointments prescribed by the Ordinance and the statutes;
(L.N. 186 of 2003)

(f) the prescribing of anything which is by the Ordinance or the statutes to be prescribed by regulations
made by the Council; and

(g) generally, all matters which by the Ordinance or the statutes it is empowered to regulate.
(2) All such regulations shall come into operation on the day on which they are made, unless otherwise

provided by the Council.


STATUTE XX


THE HONORARY DEGREES COMMITTEE

1. The Honorary Degrees Committee shall consist of-

(a) the Pro-Chancellor, who shall be Chairman;
(b) the Vice-Chancellor, who shall be Vice-Chairman;
(c) a graduate, appointed by the Court, on whom an honorary degree has been conferred;
(d) 2 members of the Council, appointed by the Council, who are members of the Council under paragraph

1(a), (b), (c) or (e) of Statute XVIII, and of whom at least 1 is a graduate; (L.N. 186 of 2003)
(e) 3 Deans of Faculties, elected by the Senate; and
(f) a Director of The University of Hong Kong Foundation for Educational Development and Research

Limited, appointed by resolution of the Board of that Foundation. (L.N. 490 of 1997)


2. (1) The persons appointed under paragraph 1(c), (d) and (f) shall hold office for a period of 3 years, shall be
eligible for reappointment, and may resign by written notice addressed to the Registrar.

(2) The persons elected under paragraph 1(e) shall hold office for a period of 3 years, shall be eligible for re-
election, and may resign by written notice addressed to the Registrar. (L.N 490 of 1997)

3. The Registrar shall be the secretary to the Honorary Degrees Committee but shall not be a member thereof.
(L.N. 58 of 1976)

4. The Honorary Degrees Committee may recommend to the Chancellor the award of honorary degrees to persons
who have made, in the opinion of the Honorary Degrees Committee, a contribution of distinction in-

(a) services to the University; or
(b) services to the Hong Kong community; or
(c) services to academia. (L.N. 490 of 1997)


5. The Honorary Degrees Committee shall seek from the members of the Court nominations for the award of
honorary degrees, and shall have power to receive nominations from any other person or organization. (L.N. 490 of
1997)


STATUTE XXI


FINANCIAL PROCEDURE

1. The Council shall fix the financial year.

2. The Council shall appoint a Finance Committee, to which persons who are not members of the Council may be
appointed, and all matters within the jurisdiction of the Council which have important financial implications shall
stand referred to the Finance Committee.

3. The Finance Committee shall submit to the Council, before the beginning of the financial year, draft estimates of
income and expenditure, and such estimates, amended as the Council may think fit, shall be approved by the Council
before the beginning of the financial year.

4. The estimate shall show the income and expenditure of the University and the estimated surplus or deficit for the



Cap 1053 - UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG ORDINANCE 21

year. The estimated expenditure shall be shown under votes, heads, and (where applicable) sub-heads. The Council
shall make regulations for the preparation of the estimates and for the control of expenditure within them. The Council
may revise the estimates during the course of the financial year, and may make regulations for the amendment of the
expenditure estimates. Such last mentioned regulations may make provision for delegating the said powers of revision
so long as such delegation shall not extend to altering the total estimated expenditure. (L.N. 137 of 1967)

5. As soon as practicable after the end of the financial year, a Balance Sheet and Income and Expenditure Account
with supporting schedules shall be submitted to the auditors.

6. The audited accounts, with any comments thereon made by the auditors, shall be submitted to the Council.

7. But nothing in this statute shall deprive the Council of power to invest surpluses or prospective surpluses at any
time.

8. The audited account shall be submitted to the Court at its annual meeting. (L.N. 186 of 2003)


* STATUTE XXII


THE SENATE

1. The Senate shall consist of-

(a) the Vice-Chancellor, who shall be the chairman;
(b) the Deputy Vice-Chancellor;
(c) the Pro-Vice-Chancellors;
(d) the Dean of each Faculty;
(e) the Chairman of each Board of the Faculty;
(f) 12 Professors elected in accordance with regulations;
(g) 6 teachers, not being Professors, elected in accordance with regulations;
(h) the Director of the School of Professional and Continuing Education of the University;
(i) the Dean of the Graduate School;
(j) the Librarian;
(k) the Dean of Student Affairs; and
(l) 3 full-time students, at least one of whom shall be an undergraduate and one of whom shall be a

postgraduate, elected in accordance with regulations. (L.N. 186 of 2003)

2. The Senate has power to co-opt other members of the University to serve as members of the Senate for such
periods as the Senate may determine, provided that at any one time the total number of serving members of the Senate
does not exceed 50. (L.N. 186 of 2003)

3. (Repealed L.N. 186 of 2003)

4. The Senate shall meet at least once in each semester of every academic year, and at such other times as may be
necessary. (L.N. 516 of 1994)

5. Not less than one third of the members of the Senate shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of the Senate.
(L.N. 186 of 2003)

6. The chairman shall be empowered to require any officer or teacher to attend a meeting of the Senate.

7. The Registrar shall be the secretary to the Senate but shall not be a member thereof. (L.N. 58 of 1976)


STATUTE XXIII


POWERS OF THE SENATE




Cap 1053 - UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG ORDINANCE 22

1. Subject to the provision of the Ordinance and the statutes, and to the availability of the funds provided by the
Council, the Senate shall have power-

(a) in consultation with the Boards of Faculties to provide courses of study for the degrees, diplomas,
certificates, and other awards by the University and such other courses of study as may be thought
desirable, to direct and regulate the instruction and education in the University, to stimulate the
advancement of knowledge by research and publications, and to direct the manner in which
examinations shall be conducted; (L.N. 72 of 1993)

(b) to determine what examinations and courses of study in other Universities or places of learning shall
be deemed equivalent to examinations and courses of study in the University;

(c) to advise the Council on the provision of facilities for educational and other academic matters;
(d) to decide in accordance with the statutes and regulations what persons have qualified for the

conferment of degrees (other than honorary degrees), and the award of diplomas, certificates, and other
marks of distinction;

(e) to organize the Faculties and to review, refer back, control, amend or disallow any act of the Board of
any Faculty, and to give directions to the Boards of the Faculties; (L.N. 72 of 1993)

(f) to fix the time, mode and conditions of competition for, and to award fellowships, scholarships, and
other educational endowments and prizes in accordance with the terms thereof;

(g) to recommend any person for appointment to the post of teacher;
(h) to manage the libraries, laboratories, museums, and art galleries of the University;
(i) to provide for the welfare and discipline of students;
(j) to require any student on academic grounds to terminate his studies at the University;
(k) (Repealed L.N. 19 of 1971)
(l) to determine the policy to be followed by the Halls of Residence maintained by the University; and to

approve Halls and other accommodation for the residence of students not maintained by the University
and to prescribe the conditions under which students may be permitted to reside therein;

(m) to provide lectures and courses of study for persons who are not members of the University;
(ma) to entertain and adjudicate upon appeals on matters within the purview of the Senate, provided that the

Senate shall not entertain appeals against decisions made by the examiners in connection with degrees,
diplomas, certificates or other academic distinctions or attainments; (L.N. 490 of 1997)

(n) to advise the Council on any matter which may be referred to the Senate by the Council;
(o) to delegate any of its powers to any member of the Senate or any Committee thereof or the Board of

any Faculty or to any officer or teacher; and (L.N. 72 of 1993)
(p) to do all such other acts and things as may be requisite to give effect to the powers conferred on the

Senate by the Ordinance or the statutes. (L.N. 58 of 1976)


2. (1) The Senate may by regulation provide for any of the following matters or for any of the following
purposes-

(a) the admission, registration, residence, welfare, and discipline of students;
(b) the conditions for the award of degrees, diplomas, certificates, and other marks of distinction;
(c) courses of study and examinations;
(d) academic dress;
(e) the award of scholarships and other educational endowments and prizes;
(f) the use of the University libraries, laboratories, workshops, and other institutions;
(g) the prescribing of anything which is by the Ordinance or the statutes to be prescribed by regulations

made by the Senate;
(h) the prescribing of conditions under which persons may be exempted from the provisions of any

regulation made by the Senate; and
(i) generally, all matters which by the Ordinance or the statutes it is empowered to regulate.

(2) All such regulations shall be reported to the Council and shall come into operation not earlier than 1
semester after the day on which they are made, unless otherwise provided by the Council. (L.N. 516 of 1994)


* STATUTE XXIV


THE TEACHING DEPARTMENTS




Cap 1053 - UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG ORDINANCE 23

1. The Teaching Departments shall be formed by the Senate.

2. The Head of a Teaching Department allocated to a Faculty shall be appointed, with the concurrence of the Vice-
Chancellor, by the Dean of the Faculty in accordance with regulations for a period determined in accordance with
those regulations. (L.N. 186 of 2003)

2A. The Head of a Teaching Department allocated to a Faculty shall be responsible to the Board of the Faculty for
the organization of teaching in the Department. (L.N. 186 of 2003)

3. The Senate shall allocate the Teaching Departments to Faculties. A Teaching Department may be allocated to
more than one Faculty.

(L.N. 123 of 1994)


* STATUTE XXV


INSTITUTES, SCHOOLS, CENTRES, UNITS OR OTHER
SUBDIVISIONS OF STUDIES AND LEARNING


1. The Head and any Deputy Head of an Institute, School, Centre, Unit or other subdivision of studies and learning
shall be appointed by the Vice-Chancellor in accordance with regulations. (L.N. 186 of 2003)

2. An Institute, School, Centre, Unit or other subdivision of studies and learning may be allocated by the Senate to
one or more Faculties.

(L.N. 123 of 1994)


STATUTE XXVI


THE BOARDS OF THE FACULTIES

1. The Board of each Faculty shall consist of-

(a) the Vice-Chancellor;
(b) a Chairman, who shall be a member of the Board of the Faculty other than the Dean or a member

referred to in sub-subparagraph (g), elected by the members of the Board for a period of 3 years; (L.N.
299 of 1998; L.N. 186 of 2003)

(ba) the Dean of the Faculty; (L.N. 186 of 2003)
(c) the teachers who are members of the Faculty and who are full-time employees of the University; (L.N.

299 of 1998)
(d) such other teachers as may be appointed to the Board by the Senate;
(e) such other persons not being teachers as may be appointed to the Board by the Senate on the

recommendation of the Board, provided that the number of such persons shall not exceed one-fourth of
the whole number of members of the Board;

(f) (Repealed L.N. 186 of 2003)
(g) in respect of a Faculty in which the number of registered undergraduate students exceeds the number

of registered postgraduate students, 3 undergraduate students who shall be registered in that Faculty to
read full time for a degree, such undergraduate students being elected by the undergraduate students
similarly so registered, and one postgraduate student, not being an officer or a teacher or a person
employed by the University whose employment is permanent and full time or a member of the Board
in any other category of membership, who shall be registered in that Faculty, such postgraduate student
being elected by the postgraduate students similarly so registered; and, in respect of a Faculty in which
the number of registered postgraduate students exceeds the number of registered undergraduate
students, one undergraduate student who shall be registered in that Faculty, such undergraduate student
being elected by the undergraduate students similarly so registered, and 3 postgraduate students, not
being officers or teachers or persons employed by the University whose employment is permanent and
full-time or members of the Board in any other category of membership, who shall be registered in that
Faculty, such postgraduate students being elected by the postgraduate students similarly so registered.



Cap 1053 - UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG ORDINANCE 24

(L.N. 114 of 1989)

2. (a) The persons appointed under paragraph 1(d) and (e) shall hold office for a period of 3 years or for such

other period as the Senate may specify in any particular case and shall be eligible for re-appointment.
(L.N. 24 of 1984)

(b) The persons elected under paragraph 1(g) shall hold office for such periods as the Senate shall
determine, and shall be eligible for re-election provided that no person shall be elected more than
twice. (L.N. 115 of 1991; L.N. 186 of 2003)


3. The Board of each Faculty shall be responsible to the Senate for the teaching of the subjects assigned to that
Faculty and shall report thereon to the Senate from time to time.

4. The Registrar shall be the secretary to the Board of each Faculty but shall not be a member thereof. (L.N. 58 of
1976)


STATUTE XXVII


POWERS OF THE BOARDS OF THE FACULTIES


Subject to the provisions of the Ordinance and the statutes, the Board of each Faculty shall have power-
(a) to advise the Senate on any questions relating to the work of the Faculty; and
(b) to do all such other acts and things as may be requisite to perform any duty which the Senate may

delegate to it.


STATUTE XXVIIA-XXVIIB


(Repealed L.N. 83 of 1992)


STATUTE XXVIII


CONVOCATION

1. (1) Convocation shall consist of the following members-

(a) the Chancellor, the Vice-Chancellor, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, the Pro-Vice-Chancellors, the
Treasurer, the Deans of the Faculties, the Dean of Student Affairs and the Registrar; (L.N. 19 of 1971;
L.N. 58 of 1976; L.N. 82 of 1979; L.N. 167 of 1992; L.N. 72 of 1993; L.N. 165 of 1999)

(b) the Chairs, Professors, Associate Professors, Assistant Professors, Readers, Senior Lecturers,
Lecturers, Assistant Lecturers, Tutors and Demonstrators of the University; (20 of 2011 s. 4)

(c) graduates of the University registered in accordance with regulations made by the Council. (L.N. 112
of 1969)

(2) Persons on whom an honorary degree has been conferred shall not, solely by reason thereof, be members of
Convocation, but may be elected by Convocation to be members thereof.

2. A register of the members of Convocation shall be kept by the Registrar.

3. Such register shall be conclusive evidence that any person whose name appears therein at the time of claiming to
vote in Convocation is entitled to a vote and that any person whose name does not appear therein is not so entitled.

4. The Chancellor, if present, shall preside at the meetings of Convocation.

4A. There shall be a Standing Committee of Convocation which shall be the executive body of Convocation. (L.N.
15 of 1973)

4B. There shall be a Chairman of Convocation who shall at the same time be chairman of the Standing Committee.




Cap 1053 - UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG ORDINANCE 25

4C. Convocation may advise the Council on the rules for the time, place and procedure of its meetings and for the
conduct of its office bearers and on the regulations for the conduct of Convocation elections.

5. A meeting of Convocation shall be convened at least once in every year and at such other times at the Standing
Committee of Convocation may determine. (L.N. 32 of 1981)

6. A meeting of Convocation may also be convened by the direction of the Chairman thereof and shall be convened
at the request in writing of at least 20 members.

7. Notice of a meeting of Convocation shall be served in such manner as shall be prescribed by the Standing
Committee from time to time. (L.N. 32 of 1981)

8. 30 members of Convocation shall form a quorum.

9. All questions which may arise at a meeting of Convocation shall be decided by a majority of votes of the
members present and, in case of an equality of votes, the Chairman shall have a casting vote in addition to his original
vote.

10. Convocation shall have the following powers-

(a) to elect members of the Court from among their own number, in accordance with the provisions of
Statute XV;

(b) to elect a Chairman, who shall hold office for such period as Convocation may determine and who
shall in the absence of the Chancellor preside at its meetings;

(c) to discuss any matter whatsoever relating to the University including any matter referred to it by the
Court or the Council and to report its views on such matter to the Court or the Council or the Senate as
the case may be;

(d) to report its proceedings to the Court, the Council or the Senate; (L.N. 15 of 1973)
(e) to enter into communication directly with the Court, the Council or the Senate on any matter affecting

the University;
(ea) to solicit funds from amongst its own members and from others for the purposes of the University and

to determine the manner in which they may be made available in the form of scholarships, bursaries, or
other forms of disbursement; (L.N. 15 of 1973)

(f) generally to do any other act necessary to give effect to the powers conferred on Convocation by the
Ordinance or the statutes.


STATUTE XXIX


EXAMINATIONS


1. Examinations for degrees, diplomas certificates and other awards shall be conducted by examiners appointed by
the Council and the Senate on the recommendation of the appropriate Boards of Faculties, or committees of the
Senate. (L.N. 58 of 1976; L.N. 72 of 1993)

2. In respect of every paper in a Degree Examination for a final year and in such other examinations as may be
prescribed in accordance with the Ordinance, there shall be an external examiner appointed by the Council on the
recommendation of the Senate, who shall not be a teacher.

3. The Vice-Chancellor may in his absolute discretion appoint an examiner or, as the case may be, an external
examiner for any examination whenever a vacancy or other emergency requiring such an immediate appointment
occurs in relation to that examination.

4. The Registrar shall discharge such duties in respect of examinations as may be delegated to him by the Senate,
and he may perform these duties by deputy.


STATUTE XXX



Cap 1053 - UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG ORDINANCE 26


THE DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE


1. In this statute, unless the context otherwise requires-
"Committee" (委員會) means the Disciplinary Committee appointed under paragraph 2;
"Senate panel" (教務委員會小組) means the panel appointed under paragraph 3;
"student panel" (學生小組) means the panel appointed under paragraph 4.

2. (1) The Disciplinary Committee shall consist of-

(a) 3 members of the Senate appointed by the Registrar out of a Senate panel, being the 3 members of the
panel highest in order of precedence who have accepted appointment to serve on the Committee; and

(b) 2 students appointed by the Registrar out of a student panel, being 2 members of the panel highest in
order of precedence who have accepted appointment to serve on the Committee.

(2) The Registrar shall make appointments to the Committee in accordance with the procedure laid down in the
regulations made by the Committee.

(3) If the Registrar does not receive sufficient acceptances of appointment to enable him to appoint a full
Committee and subject to the power of the Senate to fill vacancies as provided in paragraph 3(3), the Chancellor shall
fill vacancies in the Committee from members of the University as defined in Statute IV.

3. (1) The Senate panel shall consist of 20 members of the Senate (not being students) appointed in a defined
order of precedence by the Senate. (L.N. 58 of 1976; L.N. 115 of 1991)

(2) Each member of the Senate panel shall appointed for a term of 1 year beginning on 1 July and terminating
on 30 June in the following year or upon conclusion of a case upon which he may be then engaged with the
Committee, whichever shall last occur, and shall be eligible for re-appointment.

(3) If the Registrar fails to make any appointment from the Senate panel as required under paragraph 2(1)(a)
such vacancy may be filled by the Senate by appointing a person from the Senate or from amongst the teachers as
defined in section 12(9) of the Ordinance and Statute XII.

(4) Neither the Vice-Chancellor nor the Dean of Student Affairs shall be eligible for appointment to the Senate
panel or as a member of the Committee under the provisions of subparagraph (1) or (3) of paragraph 2 or
subparagraph (3) of this paragraph. (L.N. 165 of 1999)

4. (1) The student panel shall consist of 20 students appointed in a defined order of precedence by the Council of
the Students' Union of the University.

(2) Each member of the student panel shall be appointed for a term of one year beginning on 1 July and
terminating on 30 June in the following year or upon conclusion of a case upon which he may then be engaged with
the Committee, whichever shall last occur, and shall be eligible for re-appointment.

(3) For the purposes of appointment to the student panel and proceedings before the Committee "student" (學
生) shall not include a teacher or a full time employee of the University.

(4) The President of the Students' Union shall submit to the Registrar before 1 June of each year the names and
order of precedence of the duly appointed members of the student panel.

5. The Registrar shall before 1 July of each year publish a list of the members of the Committee showing their
order of precedence within their respective panels.

6. The Chairman of the Committee shall be the member of the Committee who is highest in the order or precedence
of those Senate members and teachers appointed to and present at the Committee; except that where the Registrar has
failed to make any appointment from the Senate panel under paragraph 2(1)(a) and the Senate has failed to make any
appointment under paragraph 3(3), the Chancellor shall appoint the Chairman.

7. (1) The Registrar shall be the secretary to the Committee but shall not be a member thereof.

(2) The Registrar may exercise his functions as secretary of the Committee by deputy. (L.N. 58 of 1976)

8. At every meeting of the Committee involving consideration of a charge against a student there shall be present a
solicitor appointed by the University who shall act as legal adviser to but not as a member of the Committee. (L.N.



Cap 1053 - UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG ORDINANCE 27

123 of 1994)

9. (1) 3 members of the Committee shall form a quorum. If at any time during the hearing of a case involving a
charge against a student there are less than 3 members of the Committee present then the proceedings in that case shall
stand adjourned.

(2) Any member of the Committee who is absent for any part of the hearing of a case involving a charge
against a student shall cease to be a member of the Committee for the purpose of that case. (L.N. 123 of 1994)

10. (1) If at any time before the hearing of a case involving a charge against a student it is decided by the
Committee that a member of the Committee has a direct personal interest in the case which gives rise to a real danger
of injustice, such member shall cease to be a member and the Registrar shall appoint a new member to the Committee
in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 2(1). (L.N. 123 of 1994)

(2) If at any time during the proceedings in respect of any case involving a charge against a student it is decided
by the Committee that a member of the Committee has a direct personal interest in the case which gives rise to a real
danger of injustice such member shall withdraw from the proceedings and shall cease to be a member of the
Committee for the purposes of that case and shall not be a party to any decision subsequently made in respect of it.
(L.N. 123 of 1994)

(3) If at any time it appears to a member of the Committee that he has a direct personal interest in a case about
to be brought before the Committee or being heard before the Committee, such member shall declare his interest to the
Committee who shall decide whether or not such member shall withdraw under subparagraph (1) or (2).

(4) Notwithstanding paragraph 11-
(a) a decision as to the withdrawal of a member under this paragraph shall be made by a majority of the

members of the Committee who are present and voting other than the member whose personal interest
in the case is in question; and

(b) in the event of an equality of votes the decision of the Committee shall be deemed to be that the
member shall withdraw.

(5) (Repealed L.N. 123 of 1994)
(6) Where the withdrawal of a member has been ordered under this paragraph, the Committee shall forthwith

determine whether it shall continue the current proceedings without that member or abandon the same and order a new
hearing by the Committee in which the member so withdrawn shall not be a member.

11. Decisions of the Committee shall be made by a majority of the members present and voting at a duly constituted
meeting. In the event of an equality of votes the Chairman shall have a casting vote in addition to his original vote
except in the case of a verdict of guilty or not guilty. Where an equality of votes occurs in relation to any such verdict
upon a student a verdict of not guilty shall be recorded.

(L.N. 19 of 1971; L.N. 167 of 1992)


STATUTE XXXI


POWERS OF THE DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE

1. In this statute, unless the context otherwise requires, "Committee" (委員會) means the Disciplinary Committee
appointed under paragraph 2 of Statute XXX. (L.N. 58 of 1976)

2. (1) The Committee shall investigate and make findings upon any complaint ordered to be brought before it by
the Vice-Chancellor against a student who is alleged to have committed any of the following-

(a) an offence for which the student has been convicted in any court of law;
(b) assault or battery against the person of any officer, member, employee or student of the University;

(L.N. 115 of 1991)
(c) defamation of any officer, member, employee or student of the University; (L.N. 115 of 1991)
(d) wilful damage to or defacement of any property of any officer, member, employee or student of the

University; (L.N. 115 of 1991)
(e) wilful damage to or defacement of any property of the University or of approved halls and other

accommodation approved for the residence of students, or use or occupation of the same otherwise
than in accordance with the rules or other provision made therefor by the appropriate University



Cap 1053 - UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG ORDINANCE 28

authority; (L.N. 123 of 1994)
(f) theft, fraud, misapplication of University funds or property of any kind; (L.N. 123 of 1994)
(g) an offence in connection with degree, diploma, or certificate examinations, including violation of any

of the regulations of the Senate governing conduct at examinations or otherwise;
(h) falsification or serious misuse of University documents or records or both, including (without

prejudice to the generality of the foregoing) certificates in connection with degrees and other academic
distinctions;

(i) false pretences, misrepresentation, fraud or personation of others, within or without the University, in
connection with academic attainments or financial awards, or otherwise in connection with the
University;

(j) refusal or failure to comply with any order of the Vice-Chancellor or, if he is not available, a Pro-Vice-
Chancellor, prohibiting any conduct which he has reasonable cause to believe is likely-
(i) to disrupt teaching, study, research or the administration of the University; or
(ii) to obstruct any officer or employee of the University in the performance of his duties;

(k) refusal or failure to attend upon or comply with any summons before or order of or decision made by
the Committee or by the Vice-Chancellor in exercise of his disciplinary powers or by the Council;

(l) refusal or failure to comply with any order of any officer or teacher prohibiting conduct which he is
reasonably satisfied-
(i) is disrupting teaching, study, research or the administration of the University; or
(ii) is obstructing any officer or employee of the University in the performance of his duties;

(m) refusal or failure to comply with any reasonable order of the warden of a hall relating to regulations
governing residence made by the Senate or individual hall rules made in pursuance of such regulations;

(n) maliciously and without reasonable cause laying a complaint against any officer, member, or employee
of the University; (L.N. 72 of 1993)

(o) ragging; without prejudice to the generality of the term, "ragging" shall include conduct intended-
(i) to humiliate another student or hold him up to ridicule; or
(ii) to interfere with the peaceable enjoyment by another student of his privileges, benefits, rights or

facilities.
(2) A complaint shall be addressed in writing to the Registrar and shall be considered to have been made when

it is received by the Registrar. The Registrar shall inform the Vice-Chancellor within 7 days of the complaint, and the
Vice-Chancellor shall then decide within 28 days whether a charge is to be brought against the student before the
Disciplinary Committee. (L.N. 123 of 1994)

(3) No charge shall be brought before the Committee unless the complaint leading to the charge is made within
1 month of the time when the matter of such complaint arose:

Provided that if it is proved to the satisfaction of the Committee that the material facts relating to the complaint
were or included facts of a decisive character which were at all times outside the knowledge (actual or constructive) of
the complainant until a date which was after the end of the period of 1 month referred above, a charge may be brought
before the Committee notwithstanding the expiry of the said period of 1 month. (L.N. 123 of 1994)

3. The Council shall have power to provide for and regulate- (L.N. 123 of 1994)

(a) the procedure to be followed in making appointments to the Committee and in connection with
meetings of the Committee; and

(b) the conduct of all persons at any meeting of the Committee.

4. (1) The Committee may order the imposition upon any student found to be guilty of any of the offences
specified in paragraph 2 any of the following penalties- (L.N. 123 of 1994)

(a) reprimand:
Provided that such reprimand shall form part of such student's official record for the remainder of

his or her studies in the curriculum concerned; (L.N. 123 of 1994)
(b) fine (maximum to be determined from time to time by the Council); (L.N. 123 of 1994)
(c) withdrawal of any academic or other University privilege, benefit, right to facility other than the right

to follow courses of instruction and present himself for examinations;
(d) suspension; or
(e) expulsion from the University,

and where applicable may require such student to make good any damage to property or premises caused by him:



Cap 1053 - UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG ORDINANCE 29

Provided that where the Committee is satisfied that any damage to or defacement of property was accidentally
caused it shall not impose any penalty on the student responsible for such damage to or defacement of property, but
may require such student to make good the damage or defacement accidentally caused.

(1A) The Committee in addition to or as an alternative to imposing any of the penalties set out in subparagraph
(1) may report to the Council and the Senate the offence of which the student has been found guilty where such
offence falls within the provisions of paragraph 2(1)(g), (h) or (i) and has been committed in connection with a degree
or other academic distinction conferred upon the student and the Council and the Senate may if they think fit,
recommend to the Chancellor the deprivation of any degree, diploma, certificate or other academic distinction
conferred upon such person. (L.N. 123 of 1994)

(1B) Where a student has been found guilty of an offence which falls within the provisions of paragraph 2(1)(g),
the Committee shall report such offence to the examiners appointed under Statute XXIX for the relevant examination
who may then take such action within their competence as they consider appropriate. (L.N. 99 of 1997)

(2) In this paragraph "suspension" (暫時停學) means the withdrawal of all academic or other University
privileges, benefits, rights and facilities and during the period of suspension the student shall not be entitled to enter or
remain on any property or premises of the University:

Provided that the Committee may in its discretion and taking into account the length of the period of suspension
permit the student to remain eligible for the benefits of the University Health Service and the Personal Development
and Counselling Centre. (L.N. 123 of 1994)

(3) The Vice-Chancellor may at any time permit any student in respect of whom a penalty of suspension or
withdrawal has been imposed to enter and remain on the property or premises of the University for such purposes as
may be specified by the Vice-Chancellor in writing in letter addressed to the student.

(4) Where under this paragraph or paragraph 8 a student is suspended his entitlement to take any examination
shall be determined according to the regulations made by the Senate governing the conditions for the award of
degrees, diplomas, certificates and other marks of distinction, and governing courses of study and examinations.

(5) Where the Committee orders the imposition of any penalty the operation of any such order shall be
suspended until expiration of 14 days after the day on which such order was made or such longer period as may be
permitted by the Committee or by the Registrar for giving notice of appeal under paragraph 7. Where notice of appeal
is given the operation of any such order shall be further suspended until the determination of the appeal. (L.N. 167 of
1992)

5. Where it is alleged that a student has been convicted of an offence by a court of law the Committee shall confine
its proceedings to-

(a) hearing evidence in proof of conviction;
(b) hearing evidence as to the sentence imposed by the court;
(c) hearing evidence given in mitigation of any penalty which may be imposed by the Committee; and
(d) the imposition, if it thinks fit, of any penalty which it is empowered to impose under paragraph 4

(except a fine where a fine has already been imposed by a court of law):
Provided that no penalty to withdrawal, suspension or expulsion shall be imposed unless it is

satisfied that the continued presence of that student in the University or his continued enjoyment of any
or all of its privileges, benefits, rights or facilities would be detrimental to the well-being of the
University.


6. The Committee may summon before it for the purpose of giving evidence at any hearing any student, teacher or
employee of the University. Any failure to attend upon such summons by a student may be treated as an offence under
paragraph 2(1)(k) and any such failure by a teacher or employee of the University may be referred by the Committee
to the Council for further action.

7. (1) A right of appeal against any finding of or penalty imposed by the Committee shall lie within 14 days to the
Council:

Provided that the University shall have no such right of appeal.
(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of subparagraph (1), where the Committee has imposed a fine and where for

the same offence a fine has subsequently been imposed by a court of law, a right of appeal for a remission of the fine
imposed by the Committee in whole or in part shall lie to the Council within 30 days from the date of the imposition
of the fine by the court.




Cap 1053 - UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG ORDINANCE 30

8. (1) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 4(4), pending the findings of the Committee concerning any
complaint or pending an appeal to the Council against any finding of or penalty imposed by the Committee the Vice-
Chancellor may, where he is satisfied that it is absolutely necessary for the protection of the members or the proper
functioning of the University, temporarily withhold any privilege, benefit, right or facility from the student against
whom the complaint has been brought or who has appealed to the Council; and this temporary withholding shall lapse
30 days after the order for it has been made unless the Vice-Chancellor specifically renews it for a further period;
every period renewed by the Vice-Chancellor shall lapse 30 days after its date of renewal unless specifically further
renewed:

Provided that pending appeal to the Council the Vice-Chancellor shall not exercise his power of withholding
unless the Committee has imposed a like penalty of withdrawal.

(2) Any period of temporary withholding imposed by the Vice-Chancellor under this paragraph shall be taken
into account by the Committee in exercising its powers under paragraph 4 and by the Council in exercising its powers
to review penalties on appeal. Any period of withdrawal imposed by the Committee or by the Council shall be deemed
to include any period of temporary withholding imposed by the Vice-Chancellor under this paragraph.

9. The commencement or non-commencement of civil or criminal proceedings against a student shall not prejudice,
preclude or in any way restrict the powers of the Committee under this statute in so far as the same may be practicable.

10. The proceedings of the Committee shall be conducted in camera. While the Committee considers its decision on
any case before it the student and his representative and the University's representative shall withdraw but shall
thereafter return to hear the decision.

11. (1) The findings of the Committee shall be posted on such notice-boards as may be specified by the Registrar,
but a finding of "guilty" shall not be posted unless the time for appeal specified in paragraph 7(1) has elapsed and no
appeal has been made to the Council. (L.N. 167 of 1992)

(2) For the purpose of this paragraph "findings" shall include the name of the student against whom the
complaint was made, the nature of the offence complained of, the provision of the statute under which the complaint
was brought, the decision of the Committee on the complaint, and the penalty, if any, imposed by the Committee.

12. The Committee may exercise all or any of the powers conferred under this Statute notwithstanding that the
person against whom a complaint has been made had ceased to be a student at the time of the complaint or at the time
of the hearing by the Committee of the charge or at the time when the Committee makes its findings on the charge.
(L.N. 123 of 1994)

(L.N. 19 of 1971)
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Note:
* For the transitional provision relating to the amendments made by the Statutes of the University of Hong

Kong (Amendment) (No. 2) Statutes 2003 (L.N. 186 of 2003), see section 14 of the Statutes.