Terms of Reference

1. To provide strategic oversight over matters relating to equal opportunities, diversity, and inclusion;
2. To promote education and publicity relating to equal opportunities, diversity, and inclusion, and raise relevant awareness;
3. To oversee policies, guidelines, and practices relating to equal opportunities, diversity, and inclusion;
4. In accordance with the Procedures for Handling Discrimination and Harassment Complaints of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou), to handle discrimination and harassment complaints lodged by students on campus (including undergraduate and postgraduate students), staff members, and other relevant persons, and to make recommendations on improving the relevant handling mechanisms and procedures;
5. To submit to the Chairman of the University Executive Committee by 31 January each year a written report on the work carried out by the Committee during the previous reporting cycle (from 1 January to 31 December of the preceding year).

Powers

1. The Committee shall have the power to review and endorse policies, guidelines, work plans, and implementation plans relating to equal opportunities, diversity, and inclusion in the University;
2. The Committee shall have the power to review and endorse mechanisms, procedures, and related work arrangements concerning the handling of harassment and discrimination complaints and consultations;
3. Matters relating to equal opportunities, diversity, and inclusion that fall beyond the Committee's authority shall, upon deliberation by the Committee, be submitted to the University Executive Committee for review and approval;
4. The Committee shall have the power to urge relevant units to implement matters approved by the Committee, and to follow up on and monitor their implementation.

Membership

Note: Prior to the establishment of the VPAA office, the Chair may appoint a secretary.

Chairperson

• Professor TANG Kai, Head of Smart Manufacturing Thrust

(appointed by VP (Academic Affairs))

Members

• Head of Office of Student Affairs
• Head of Human Resources Department
• Head of Department of Academic Personnel Administration
• Equal Opportunity Officer, appointed by the VP (Academic Affairs)
• Two faculty members, nominated by the Chair of University Executive Committee
• One postgraduate student, who must be a full-time registered student at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou), selected by the Head of Office of Student Affairs upon self-recommendation
• One undergraduate student, who must be a full-time registered student at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou), selected by the Head of Office of Student Affairs upon self-recommendation

(Members serve a term of two years and may be reappointed. In the event of any interim vacancies, the chairperson has the authority to fill the vacancy, and any appointed member will serve until the end of the term of the replaced member and is eligible for reappointment. The quorum shall be no less than 50% of the total membership.)

Secretary

• Office of the VP (Academic Affairs)