City University of Hong Kong held an Information Day on 15 October to introduce programmes, campus facilities and news about the latest developments of the University to over 12,500 visitors including prospective students, their parents and teachers, as well as the general public.

 

CityU values strong linkages and close partnerships with different sectors of society,  and the annual Information Day is an excellent opportunity for the University to reach out to the community.

 

The theme for this year's event was "A University for the Professionals". It aimed at introducing CityU’s mission: to nurture professionals for the advancement of the Hong Kong community and other societies in the region. “CityU stresses professional education and applied research,” said Professor Richard Ho, Dean of Undergraduate Education. “We are committed to fostering talented young people with holistic development, creativity and an international vision. Our graduates are well-equipped professionals who will take care for, and make contributions to, the community and the world.”

 

 

The Information Day featured a series of progammes and activities organized by various departments and units to familiarize visitors with the University's campus ambiance, facilities and developments. Talks and exhibitions on the academic programmes offered by CityU were arranged to let secondary school students explore the vast array of learning opportunities available. The students also talked to CityU teaching staff and students to obtain more information and tips about selecting study programmes. In addition, visitors had a chance to tour the University’s laboratories to learn more about CityU’s research projects and their achievements. Other activities included campus visits and video shows. The student halls of residence located on Cornwall Street were also open to let the public know more about the life in the hostels.

 

 

A highlight of the event was a talk on “Learning at CityU – the Pathway to be a Professional” delivered by Professor Lilian Vrijmoed, CityU’s Dean of Student Learning. Professor Vrijmoed shared with the audience the differences between secondary and tertiary education, and suggested some tips on smart study.

 

“University education emphasizes ‘self-directed learning’ and ‘deep learning” instead of ‘teacher-centred learning’ and ‘surface learning’,” Professor Vrijmoed said. “At tertiary level, the focus should be on ‘education’ not ‘training’. University education should aim at bringing to the students a transformational experience that helps them to acquire life-long learning capabilities, achieve life-long growth, and develop life-long employability,” she said.

 

“Learning is the key,” Professor Vrijmoed added. “To become an effective learner, you need to be active, learn to set goals and prioritize things, and have good time management.” She introduced some of CityU’s facilities designed to enhance students’ learning and encouraged students to “be the best that they can be” and “make a life that’s worth living”.  

 

Ms Meiji Au Yeung and Ms Natalie Chiu, two Form Seven visitors, wanted to know more about CityU’s social work programmes. They joined a tour to the student residence and took part in some games organized by the Student Development Services.

 

“I’ve been on three other local universities’ open days and I’m most impressed by the hospitality and professional service here. When I ask about admissions, they immediately provide me with the required information and useful details,” Ms Au Yeung said.

 

Ms Cemon Tsui and Ms Joanne Yeung, both first-year students at CityU, put on Korean traditional clothes to introduce the Korean language programmes to visitors. “During the two-week preparation for this event, I’ve come to realize the importance of team spirit and effective division of work in order to achieve satisfactory results,” Ms Yeung said.