The Open University of Hong Kong (OUHK) has earlier invited suggestions from all members of the OUHK community and the public for a more appropriate University title to better reflect its current status, nature, strengths and future development. OUHK is pleased to announce today (11 December) that a new University title, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, has been approved by the Council at its meeting held yesterday (10 December). The process of amending the ordinance governing the University will be started and formal approval from the Legislative Council (LegCo) will be sought before the official use of the new title. The University will continue to use its existing name, The Open University of Hong Kong, before the formal approval from the LegCo.
Speaking at the press conference today (11 December), OUHK President Prof. Yuk-Shan Wong is glad that the University has finally come up with a new title which can better reflect its remarkable transformation from primarily a distance learning institution into a full-time full-fledged university in the last decade. "The new title conveys the idea that our teaching and research are modern and forward-looking, and address the contemporary needs of the city and neighbouring regions. It also embraces diversity in the metropolis, which fits the present status and strategic goals of the University. The title is neutral in academic inclination which facilitates the University to develop into new areas that meet the changing learning aspiration and talent needs of the society. OUHK, being an integral part of an advancing metropolis, is also located in the vibrant metropolitan city of Hong Kong. Hong Kong is one of the metropolitan cities in China and the world, and I think the Council has made a right choice for the new title of the University," Prof. Wong said.
"Without changing our mission in education, I wish the new title could help the public better understand the mission and role of the University. I am confident that with our determination, perseverance and commitment to excellence, the University will be able to further its development and scale new heights in the years to come," Prof. Wong added.
In July 2020, the Selection Committee on University Title was set up by the Council of the University with the mandate to identify an appropriate title for the University. The Selection Committee comprises representatives of the Council, Court, staff, students and alumni. To facilitate the selection process, all members of the OUHK community and the public were invited to submit nominations for a new university title during the period from 23 August 2020 to 30 September 2020. In response to the invitation, over 1,100 nominations have been received by the end of the nomination period, including around 49 percent from the public, 26 percent from students, 22 percent from alumni and the remaining from staff members.
Based on the criteria for the selection of university title, the Selection Committee considered the title nominations carefully in several rounds of discussion and shortlisting. The first long shortlist with 51 titles was first formed in early October. Two narrowing lists of 26 titles and 16 titles were then come up after thorough deliberation at the Committee meeting held in mid-October and early November respectively. After thorough and in-depth consideration of the merits and disadvantages of the various titles, the Committee recommended three new titles to the University Executive Committee in November and then to Council for consideration, and final decision.
The University expresses its sincere thanks to the OUHK community and the public for their support and active participation in the exercise. It will now kick start the process of amending the ordinance governing the University and seek formal approval on the new title from the Legislative Council.
More details about the selection can be found at the University Retitling website: retitling.hkmu.edu.hk/ .
About the OUHK:
Established by the Government in 1989, The Open University of Hong Kong (OUHK) has developed into a full-fledged university providing high quality and flexible university education at various levels to secondary school graduates and working adults. As a dynamic and innovative university, the OUHK currently offers programmes of different academic levels to about 10,000 full-time students and 9,000 part-time students. Our mission is to advance learning, knowledge and research that meet students' learning aspirations and society’s talent needs, focusing on practical and professional programmes.
OUHK comprises six Schools, i.e. School of Arts and Social Sciences, Lee Shau Kee School of Business and Administration, School of Education and Languages, School of Nursing and Health Studies, School of Science and Technology, and Li Ka Shing School of Professional and Continuing Education (LiPACE). LiPACE provides lifelong learning opportunities by offering full-time sub-degree programmes, community learning and professional programmes. OUHK website: www.hkmu.edu.hk.
