Cap 1075 - The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Ordinance 1

Chapter: 1075 The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Ordinance Gazette Number Version Date

Long title E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


To provide for the establishment of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and for matters connected therewith.
(Amended 94 of 1994 s. 2)


[24 March 1972] L.N. 68 of 1972


(Originally 40 of 1971)

(*Format changes—E.R. 2 of 2012)
_________________________________________________________________________________
Note:
* The format of the Ordinance has been updated to the current legislative styles.

Section: 1 Short title E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


This Ordinance may be cited as The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Ordinance.
(Amended 94 of 1994 s. 3)


Section: 2 Interpretation E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


In this Ordinance, unless the context otherwise requires-
Chairman (主席) and Deputy Chairman (副主席) mean respectively the Chairman of the Council and the

Deputy Chairman of the Council;
Chief Executive (行政長官) means the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region;

(Added 10 of 2012 s. 3)
Chief Executive Officer (首席執行官) means the officer of the University who is empowered by the Council

with full executive authority to manage the affairs of the University; (Added 10 of 2012 s. 3)
Council (校董會) means the Council of the University established under section 5; (Amended 94 of 1994 s. 4)
financial year (財政年度) means the period fixed by the Council under section 13(2);
full-time staff (全職員工) means persons who are deemed by the University to be full-time employees of the

University; (Added 10 of 2012 s. 3)
full-time students (全日制學生) means persons who are deemed by the University to be full-time students of

the University; (Added 10 of 2012 s. 3)
member (成員) means a member of the Council;
President (校長) and Deputy President (常務副校長) mean respectively the President of the University and

Deputy President of the University; (Added 94 of 1994 s. 4)
Senate (教務委員會) means the Senate of the University established under section 8A; (Added 94 of 1994 s.

4)
University (大學) means The Hong Kong Polytechnic University established under section 3. (Added 94 of

1994 s. 4)
(Replaced 5 of 1978 s. 2. Amended 94 of 1994 s. 4; 10 of 2012 s. 3)


Section: 3 Establishment and objects of the University E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


(1) There is established The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (香港理工大學) as a body corporate with
perpetual succession and capable of suing and being sued in its name.

(2) The University is capable of doing and permitting the acts and things that a body corporate may lawfully do or
permit.

(3) The objects of the University are to provide for application-oriented education, training and research in
technology, science, commerce, arts and other subjects of learning, as well as services to business, industry and



Cap 1075 - The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Ordinance 2

professional sectors. (Replaced 10 of 2012 s. 4)
(Replaced 94 of 1994 s. 5)


Section: 3A Officers of the University E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


(1) The officers of the University shall be the persons for the time being holding any of the following offices hereby
constituted as offices of the University-
(a) the Chancellor of the University;
(b) the Chairman of the Council;
(c) the Deputy Chairman of the Council;
(d) the Treasurer of the University;
(e) the President of the University; and
(f) the Deputy President of the University.

(2) The Chief Executive is the Chancellor of the University and in his absence, the person for the time being
assuming the duties of the Chief Executive according to the provisions of Article 53 of the Basic Law is the
Acting Chancellor and has the powers and the duties of the Chancellor while acting. (Replaced 94 of 1994 s. 6.
Amended 53 of 2000 s. 3)

(2A) The Chancellor may confer degrees and academic awards including honorary degrees and honorary awards in
the name of the University and in the absence of the Chancellor, the Chairman may confer degrees and academic
awards including honorary degrees and honorary awards in the name of the University. (Added 94 of 1994 s. 6)

(3) The Treasurer of the University shall be appointed by the Chief Executive from among the members of the
Council appointed under section 10(1)(d). (Amended 53 of 2000 s. 3)

(4) The appointment of the President and of the Deputy President (if any) shall be in accordance with section 8.
(Added 5 of 1978 s. 3. Amended 94 of 1994 s. 6)


Section: 4 Unauthorized use of name E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


(1) A person shall not form, or work in connection with or be a member of-
(a) an organization, institution or body which, without the authority of the Council, claims or purports to be

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University or a branch of or connected with the University; or
(b) an organization, other than the University, which uses the title of "The Hong Kong Polytechnic University"

or "香港理工大學" or any title in any language which so closely resembles the expression "The Hong
Kong Polytechnic University" as to be calculated to mislead or deceive.

(2) A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine at level 1.
(Replaced 94 of 1994 s. 7)


Section: 5 Establishment of Council E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


There is established a Council to be known as the Council of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University which may
exercise the powers conferred and shall perform the duties imposed on the University.

(Replaced 94 of 1994 s. 7)

Section: 5A Common seal of University E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


The common seal of the University shall be affixed pursuant to a resolution of the Council and the affixing of the seal
authenticated by the signature of 2 members of the Council authorized by the Council to act for that purpose and one
of whom shall not be an employee of the University.

(Added 94 of 1994 s. 7)

Section: 6 The powers of the Council E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


The Council is the governing body of the University with power to make policies and monitor their proper execution,
to raise funds and develop resources and to do all such things as are necessary for, or incidental or conducive to, the
better carrying out of the objects and policies of the University and may in particular, but without prejudice to the



Cap 1075 - The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Ordinance 3

generality of the foregoing— (Amended 5 of 1978 s. 4; 10 of 2012 s. 5)
(a) acquire, take on lease, purchase, hold and enjoy any property and sell, let or otherwise dispose of the same;

(Amended 74 of 1974 s. 3)
(b) enter into any contract;
(c) erect, provide, equip, maintain, keep in repair and regulate the buildings, premises, furniture and equipment

and all other means necessary for carrying on the work of the University;
(d) provide appropriate amenities for members, persons in the employment of the University and students;
(e) provide residential accommodation and social and athletic facilities for persons in the employment of the

University and students;
(f) approve the expenditure of the funds of the University in the furtherance of its objects; (Amended L.N. 446

of 1994)
(g) invest the funds of the University in such manner and to such extent as it thinks necessary or expedient;
(h) borrow money in such manner and on such securities or terms, including mortgaging the property of the

University, as it thinks expedient;
(i) apply for any grant in aid for its functions on such conditions as it thinks fit;
(j) employ any professional or expert person to advise it on any matter arising out of or in connection with any

of its functions under this Ordinance;
(k) receive and solicit gifts and act as trustee of moneys and other property vested in the University on trust;

(Replaced 94 of 1994 s. 8)
(l) confer degrees and other academic awards including honorary degrees and honorary awards; (Added 94 of

1994 s. 8)
(m) enter into a partnership or any other form of joint venture with any person; (Replaced 10 of 2012 s. 5)
(n) acquire, hold and dispose of interests in other corporate bodies and take part in forming corporate bodies;

(Added 94 of 1994 s. 8)
(o) provide for profit or otherwise advisory, consultancy, research and other related services. (Added 94 of

1994 s. 8)
(Amended 94 of 1994 s. 8)


Section: 7 (Repealed 94 of 1994 s. 9) 30/06/1997




Section: 8 Appointment of President and other staff E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


(1) The Council-
(a) shall, in accordance with subsection (2), appoint a President as the Chief Executive Officer of the

University in whom, subject to the control of the Council, shall be vested with full executive authority for
the management, conduct and administration of the University and the discipline of students therein;
(Amended 10 of 2012 s. 6)

(aa) may, subject to subsection (2), appoint a person to hold the office of Deputy President if it appears to the
Council that such appointment is necessary or desirable, and the person so appointed shall undertake such
duties as the President may direct;

(b) may appoint such other persons to be employees of the University as the Council may consider expedient.
(2) The President and, if any person is proposed for appointment as Deputy President, the Deputy President shall be

appointed by resolution passed by the votes of not less than two-thirds of all members for the time being.
(Amended 10 of 2012 s. 6)

(3) The policy governing the terms and conditions of service of persons in the employment of the University shall
be approved by the Council. (Replaced 10 of 2012 s. 6)

(4) The President and the Deputy President may be removed from office by resolution passed by the votes of not
less than two-thirds of all members for the time being on the ground of his misconduct, inefficiency or other
good cause. (Amended 10 of 2012 s. 6)

(4A) The President is not a member for the purpose of appointing or removing himself or herself. (Replaced 10 of
2012 s. 6)

(4B) The Deputy President is not a member for the purpose of appointing or removing himself or herself. (Added 10
of 2012 s. 6)



Cap 1075 - The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Ordinance 4

(4C) A Council member who is proposed for appointment as President or Deputy President is not a member for the
purpose of the appointment. (Added 10 of 2012 s. 6)

(5) The Council may appoint any person to act as President during the absence or incapacity of the President or if
that office is or becomes vacant for any reason.

(Amended 5 of 1978 ss. 5 & 9; 94 of 1994 s. 10)

Section: 8A Senate of the University E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


(1) There shall be a Senate of the University appointed by the Council for the following purposes- (Amended 10 of
2012 s. 7)
(a) reviewing and developing academic programmes;
(b) directing and regulating the teaching and research conducted in the University;
(c) regulating the admission of persons to approved courses of study study and their attendance at such courses;
(d) conducting the examinations leading to the conferring of degrees and academic awards of the University;

and (Amended 39 of 1988 s. 3)
(e) determining the eligibility of persons to receive degrees, diplomas, certificates and other academic awards

other than honorary degrees or honorary awards. (Added 94 of 1994 s. 11)
(2) The membership and procedure of the Senate shall be in accordance with rules made by the Council under

section 18.
(3) The Senate may appoint such committees for any general or special purposes as it thinks fit. (Added 94 of 1994

s. 11)
(4) Subject to subsection (5), the Senate may, with or without restrictions or conditions as it thinks fit, delegate any

of its powers and duties to any committee appointed under subsection (3) or to any member of the Senate.
(Added 94 of 1994 s. 11)

(5) The Senate shall not delegate a power that the Council may determine shall not be delegated. (Added 94 of
1994 s. 11)

(Added 5 of 1978 s. 6. Amended 94 of 1994 s. 11)

Section: 9 Committees generally E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


(1) The Council may appoint such committees for any general or special purposes as it thinks fit and any such
committee may consist partly of persons who are not members of the Council.

(2) Subject to subsection (3), the Council may, with or without restrictions or conditions as it thinks fit, delegate any
of its powers and duties to any committee appointed under subsection (1) or any member of the Council.
(Amended 94 of 1994 s. 12)

(3) The Council shall not delegate to any committee appointed under subsection (1) or to any person the power-
(Amended 94 of 1994 s. 12)
(a) to approve the annual programme and estimates required to be submitted under section 13;
(b) to approve and issue the statements required under section 14(2); (Amended 10 of 2012 s. 8)
(c) to approve the policy governing the terms and conditions of service of persons in the employment of the

University, other than persons in the part time or temporary employment thereof; or (Amended 10 of 2012
s. 8)

(d) to make statutes under section 18. (Amended 94 of 1994 s. 12)
(Replaced 2 of 1982 s. 2)


Section: 10 Membership of the Council E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


Remarks:
For the transitional provisions relating to the amendments made by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
(Amendment) Ordinance 2012 (10 of 2012), see section 13 of that Ordinance.

(1) The Council consists of the following members-

(a) the President and the Deputy President;
(b) (Repealed 10 of 2012 s. 9)
(c) 3 members from staff elected in accordance with statutes made under section 18(g) and appointed by the



Cap 1075 - The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Ordinance 5

Council of whom-
(i) 2 are to be elected by and from the full-time staff; and
(ii) 1 is to be elected by and from the Senate; (Replaced 10 of 2012 s. 9)

(d) 17 members who are not employees or students of the University or public officers of whom-
(i) 9 are to be appointed by the Chief Executive; and
(ii) 8 are to be appointed by the Council; (Replaced 10 of 2012 s. 9)

(e) 1 member from the alumni who is not an employee of the University and who shall be appointed by the
Council; (Amended 53 of 2000 s. 3; 23 of 2002 s. 54)

(f) 2 members from the full-time students appointed by the Council of whom-
(i) 1 is to be elected by and from the full-time undergraduate and sub-degree students; and
(ii) 1 is to be elected by and from the full-time postgraduate students. (Replaced 10 of 2012 s. 9)

(2) The Chief Executive shall appoint one of the members appointed under subsection (1)(d) as Chairman.
(Amended 94 of 1994 s. 13; 53 of 2000 s. 3; 10 of 2012 s. 9)

(3) (Repealed 10 of 2012 s. 9)
(3A) A member appointed under subsection (1)(d)(i)- (Amended 10 of 2012 s. 9)

(a) shall be appointed for a period of 3 years or such lesser period as the Chief Executive may in any particular
case appoint, but may from time to time be reappointed;

(b) may at any time by notice in writing to the Chief Executive resign from the Council. (Added 23 of 2002 s.
54)

(3B) A member appointed by the Council under subsection (1)(c), (d)(ii), (e) or (f)- (Amended 10 of 2012 s. 9)
(a) shall be appointed for a period of 3 years or such lesser period as the Council may in any particular case

appoint, but may from time to time be reappointed;
(b) may at any time by notice in writing to the Chairman of the Council resign from the Council. (Added 23 of

2002 s. 54)
(3C) A member who became a member of the Council under subsection (1)(c) or (f) shall cease to be a member of the

Council when he ceases to be a member of the body that elected him. (Added 23 of 2002 s. 54)
(4) The provisions of this section are without prejudice to section 42 of the Interpretation and General Clauses

Ordinance (Cap 1). (Replaced 23 of 2002 s. 54)
(5) The Chief Executive shall appoint one of the members appointed under subsection (1)(d) as Deputy Chairman,

who shall act as Chairman during the absence or incapacity of the Chairman or if that office becomes vacant for
any reason. (Amended 53 of 2000 s. 3)

(5A) If for any period both the Chairman and the Deputy Chairman are unable by reason of absence from Hong Kong
or incapacity to perform the functions of their respective offices, or if for any period both of those offices are
vacant, the other members of the Council may appoint one of their number to act as Chairman during that
period.

(6) More than one half of the total membership for the time being shall form a quorum at a meeting of the Council.
(Amended 94 of 1994 s. 13; 10 of 2012 s. 9)

(7) Except as otherwise provided in section 8, any question before the Council at any meeting shall be decided by a
majority of votes of the members present.

(7A) For the purpose of section 8(2) and (4) and subsection (7), the acting President or the acting Deputy President
who is not a Council member has the right to vote. (Added 10 of 2012 s. 9)

(8) A meeting of the Council may be adjourned by the Chairman or, where the Council so resolves, by the Council.
(9) The members elected by the students are excluded from participating in the business of the Council that the

Council determines they are to be excluded. (Added 94 of 1994 s. 13. Amended 10 of 2012 s. 9)
(Amended 5 of 1978 ss. 7 & 9)


Section: 11 Power of the Council to delegate to the President E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


(1) Subject to subsection (2), the Council may, with or without restrictions or conditions as it thinks fit, delegate to
the President any of its powers and duties.

(2) The Council shall not delegate to the President the power-
(a) to approve the annual programme and estimates required to be submitted under section 13;
(b) to approve and issue the statements required under section 14(2);
(c) to approve the policy governing the terms and conditions of service of persons in the employment of the

University, other than persons in the part time or temporary employment thereof; or



Cap 1075 - The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Ordinance 6

(d) to make statutes under section 18.
(Replaced 2 of 1982 s. 3. Amended 94 of 1994 s. 14; 10 of 2012 s. 10)


Section: 11A Power of the President to delegate E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


(1) Subject to subsection (2), the President may, with or without restrictions or conditions as he thinks fit, delegate
to such person or committee of persons as he thinks fit any of his powers and duties, including any power or
duty of the Council delegated to him under section 11.

(2) The power conferred by this section on the President to delegate any power or duty of the Council delegated to
him under section 11, and the exercise by any person or committee of persons of any such power or duty
delegated by the President under this section, shall be subject to any restriction or condition imposed in respect
thereof by the Council under section 11.

(Added 2 of 1982 s. 4. Amended 94 of 1994 s. 15)

Section: 12 Fees and charges E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


(1) The Council is to fix fees for government-funded courses of study provided by the University.
(2) The authority to approve concession and refund of course fees so fixed is vested with the President.
(3) The authority to fix, approve, modify, waive and refund charges for facilities, self-financed courses of study and

services provided by the University is vested with the President.
(Replaced 10 of 2012 s. 11)


Section: 13 Estimates and financial year E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


(1) In each financial year, before a date to be appointed by the Chief Executive, the Council shall submit to the
Chief Executive, through a person nominated by the Chief Executive, a programme of its proposed activities and
estimates of the income and expenditure of the University for the next financial year.

(2) The Council may, from time to time, with the prior approval of the Chief Executive, fix a period to be the
financial year of the University.

(Amended 5 of 1978 s. 9; 94 of 1994 s. 17; 53 of 2000 s. 3)

Section: 14 Accounts E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


(1) The Council shall maintain proper accounts and records of all income and expenditure.
(2) After the end of each financial year, the Council shall cause to be prepared statements of income and

expenditure during the previous financial year and of the assets and liabilities of the University on the last day
thereof. (Amended 94 of 1994 s. 18)

(Amended 5 of 1978 s. 9)

Section: 15 Auditors E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


(1) The Council shall appoint auditors, who shall be entitled at any time to have access to all books of account,
vouchers and other financial records of the University and to require such information and explanations thereof
as they may think fit. (Amended 94 of 1994 s. 19)

(2) The auditors shall audit the statements prepared under section 14(2) and shall report thereon to the Council.
(Amended 5 of 1978 s. 9)


Section: 16 Statements and reports to be submitted to the Chancellor E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


(1) The Council shall, not later than 6 months after the end of each financial year, or before such later date as the
Chancellor may allow in any particular year, submit to the Chancellor a report on the activities of the University
and copies of the statements prepared under section 14(2) and the report made under section 15(2). (Amended
94 of 1994 s. 20)

(2) (Repealed 94 of 1994 s. 20)



Cap 1075 - The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Ordinance 7

(Amended 5 of 1978 s. 9)

Section: 17 (Repealed 94 of 1994 s. 21) 30/06/1997




Section: 18 Power of the Council to make statutes E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


The Council may make statutes for the better carrying out of the purposes of this Ordinance and in particular, but
without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, may provide for- (Amended L.N. 446 of 1994)

(a) the regulation of its proceedings and the proceedings of the Senate and of any committee appointed under
section 9;

(b) the membership and quorum of the Senate and of any committee appointed under section 9;
(c) the powers, functions and duties of the Senate and of any committee appointed under section 9;
(d) the discipline of persons in the employment of the University;
(e) the regulation of the conduct and discipline of students of the University;
(f) the conferring of degrees and academic awards including honorary degrees and honorary awards;

(Replaced 39 of 1988 s. 4)
(g) the holding and conduct of elections of persons for membership of the Council by staff under section

10(1)(c) and by the full-time students under section 10(1)(f). (Replaced 94 of 1994 s. 22. Amended 10 of
2012 s. 12)

(Amended 5 of 1978 ss. 8 & 9; 94 of 1994 s. 22)

Section: 19 Saving E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


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.

(Amended 53 of 2000 s. 3)