City University of Hong Kong (CityU) introduced its programmes, campus life and facilities to secondary students, parents, teachers and the general public at its annual Information Day on 14 October. The event provided the visitors with a clearer idea how CityU can help incoming students transform into well-educated professionals.

The theme "From Student to Professional" encourages students to use their time to study hard and prepare themselves to become ideal graduates and professionals. At the event, all student helpers, trained thoroughly by the University at briefing sessions on the main theme and presentations skills, wore formal dress to highlight their professionalism. Teaching staff also wore formal clothes.

The success of the Information Day 2006 demonstrated CityU's commitment in establishing strong linkage with different sectors of the society.

Professor Richard Ho Yan-ki, Vice-President (Undergraduate Education), said: "University life is an important part of the learning process, and university studies play a key role in building a foundation for career development in the future. This year's theme 'From Student to Professional' echoes CityU's mission to provide professional and application-oriented study programmes."

Individual faculties, departments and offices organized a series of activities to familiarize visitors with the University's campus ambiance, facilities and new developments. There were briefing sessions on CityU's academic programmes to help prospective students understand the vast array of courses offered.

Since CityU understands that parents play a decisive role in helping their children develop into professionals, a series of seminars were organized this year, during which University professionals and community celebrities explored issues of parents' roles in preparing for their children's university education.

Under the theme "How can parents guide their children towards tertiary education?", CityU academics and community celebrities gave talks under three topics:

l Personal development - Ms Chan Man-yee, TV artiste, and Dr Dennis Wong Sing-wing,

Associate Professor in the Department of Applied Social Studies, both of whom are parents who shared their views on parenting, encouraging parents to adopt a positive attitude in guiding their children towards university life.

l Financial management - Professor Richard Ho Yan-ki, Vice-President (Undergraduate Education), and Dr Chan Yan-chong, Associate Professor in the Department of Management Sciences, who looked into issues of financial planning and investing. Professor Ho also introduced details of CityU's "A+++ Scholarship" Scheme.

l Career development - Ms Sandy Yu Wing-shan, Assistant to the General Manager (Pay TV Production) of Television Broadcasts Limited, and Dr Ma Ka-fai, Assistant Director of the Chinese Civilisation Centre, who talked about techniques in advising students on their career development.