New Beginnings, New Dreams | A Glimpse into the 2024 New Faculty Induction Programme (NFIP) at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou)
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) (hereinafter referred to as "HKUST(GZ)") has welcomed a group of new faculty members brimming with passion and dreams. From September 9th to 10th, the 2024 New Faculty Induction Programme (NFIP) was grandly held in the Activity Center. The training was planned and prepared by the Department of Academic Personnel Administration (APA), with the participation of the University leaders and colleagues from administrative departments. The aim of this training was to build a platform for knowledge exchange and resource sharing for the newly joined faculty at HKUST(GZ), to help them quickly integrate into the campus culture, gain a deep understanding of the diverse resources provided, and to foster communication and collaboration among new faculty and colleagues. Through this training, the new faculty members will embark on a new journey in the field of education, jointly writing a new chapter in the educational endeavors of HKUST(GZ).

On the day of the event, nearly one hundred faculty members gathered together, checked in orderly, and took their seats.

The training commenced with an enthusiastic opening speech by the President, Prof. Lionel M. NI. President Ni first extended a warm welcome to the new faculty members. He then detailed the University’s origins, the concept of "Unified HKUST, Complementary Campuses", the organizational structure, and the aspirations and features of the University. His words were filled with high expectations for the new faculty and encouraged them to actively engage in the wave of educational innovation on this fertile ground of education, to bravely pursue and realize their professional dreams.

Professor Jingshen WU, Vice-President (Teaching & Learning), also extended a warm welcome to the new faculty members and further elaborated on the teaching philosophy, young faculty teaching skill development strategy, and his expectations for the new faculty. He expressed high hopes for the new faculty and, drawing on his own experiences, encouraged them to actively engage in the innovation of teaching methods and to serve the University community, contributing to the comprehensive growth and future leadership shaping of students.
During the two-day training, a total of fourteen administrative departments related to academic management and campus life, provided new faculty members with a wealth of training content. (Listed below in the order of the presentation schedule.)

Dr. Yingbo LIU, Head of the Department of Academic Governance and Senate (AGS), explained important issues such as academic governance and quality assurance, providing key information for new faculty to understand the University's academic governance framework and decision-making mechanisms.

Ms. Yok ZHOU, Deputy Head of the Department of Academic Personnel Administration (APA), introduced regulations and guidelines related to substantiation and promotion review, annual performance review, academic staff outside activities, and faculty code of conduct.

Ms. Rita ZHOU, Deputy Head of the Department of Academic Registry Service (ARS), shared information on course scheduling, registration, examinations, and grading.

Dr. Karen GUAN, Associate Dean of the Fok Ying Tung Graduate School (FYTGS), introduced the main responsibilities of the Graduate School, including postgraduate management, coordination and quality assurance. She introduced the recruitment process of postgraduates, curriculum development, policies on postgraduate scholarships and thesis guidance, provided a comprehensive perspective on postgraduate management for new faculty.

Professor Hui XIONG, Associate Vice-President (Knowledge Transfer), introduced the work scope of the Office of Knowledge Transfer (OKT) in promoting scientific and technological innovation, intellectual property management, and entrepreneurial incubation, as well as how to promote the commercialization and social application of academic research results through policy support and practical activities.




Professor Kaishun WU, Associate Vice-President (Research) and his team, introduced the divisional structure and responsibilities of the Office of Associate Vice-President (Research) (OAVPR), including research project construction and development, management of research platforms, and talent scheme application services. Dr. Franco LI, Head of the Research Department (RD), introduced services such as research project application and management; Ms. Leijun HUANG, Deputy Supervisor in the Research Construction and Development Department (RCDD), introduced the establishment and management process of on-campus research platforms, research award applications, and regulations on research integrity and ethics; Mr. Jiacheng WU, Deputy Supervisor in the Talent Services Department (TSD), introduced information on talent project categories, applications, subsidy policies, and postdoctoral management.

Dr. Kevin ZHEN, Dean of the Office of Student Affairs (OSA), introduced undergraduate recruitment and admission work, emphasizing and calling on faculty members to be aware of student mental health.

Dr. Carrie XIN, Deputy Head of the Department of Residential College Administration (RCA), outlined the goals and whole person educational of the Residential College and shared the efforts made by the College in the past to cultivate the comprehensive development of students.






Later that day, new faculty members gathered for a warm and chill welcome dinner. During the meal, everyone chatted happily, freely exchanged their experiences. This gathering provided a spiritual bridge for cross-departmental cooperation, injecting a lot of warmth and vitality into the journey that the new faculty members are about to embark on at HKUST(GZ).

The programme on the next day was also exciting. Professor Joseph KWAN, Associate Vice-President (Coordination & Laboratory Safety), introduced the University's safety management system and laboratory safety measures to the new faculty, reminding them to pay attention to laboratory safety, comply with safety procedures, and actively participate in safety training to ensure personal and campus safety.

Professor Ting Chuen PONG, Vice-President (Administration & Business) and team colleague, introduced campus development and administrative resources to the new faculty, including the campus development plan, living services, financial management, purchasing procedures, human resources management, asset management, and commercial insurance services.

Ms. Haowei ZHANG, Deputy Head of the Information Technology Department (ITD), provided a detailed introduction to the campus's information technology infrastructure, network security standards, artificial intelligence platforms, and technology development plans.

Mr. Foster ZHANG, Librarian of the University Library (LIB) and his team, introduced the library's collection resources, material management, and teaching support.

Ms. Dongni WU, Head of the Department of Internal Audit and Legal Affairs (IALA), explained the IALA's functions and introduced the assistance and support that can be provided to new faculty in terms of compliance.

Ms. Jingyao DAI, Vice Chairman of the Trade Union, introduced the important information provided by the Trade Union for faculty and staff, including holiday benefits, competition awards, traditional cultural activities, and support for children's education.

Near the end of the training, under the guidance of colleagues from the Integrative Administration Department (IAD), new faculty members visited the Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Integrated Communication, Sensing and Computation for Ubiquitous Internet of Things and Materials Characterization and Preparation Facility. With the explanation of the laboratory staff, faculty members showed great interests in the cutting-edge scientific and technological devices that have been established on campus and expressed a strong desire to engage in scientific research.
With the successful conclusion of this year's NFIP, we look forward to the new faculty members quickly integrating into the campus culture, effectively utilizing the resources and support provided by the University, and quickly promoting their own professional development and growth. Let’s grow together with HKUST(GZ), build the future, and create more brilliance!