Dear Teachers, Colleagues and Students,
The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) is facing tremendous challenges this week. In view of the escalation of social movements across the territory, as well as the severe damage done to facilities on campus, the CUHK announced on 13 November 2019 the shortening of Term 1 of academic year 2019-20, and all classes including undergraduate and postgraduate conducted on campus are called off with immediate effect until the beginning of Term 2 on 6 January 2020.
On 18 November 2019, a general framework has been worked out and adopted by the University on alternative forms of assessment and learning support for students who have been taken courses in Term 1, 2019-20. Key points include (1) The centralized course examinations for first term 2019-20 scheduled by the Registration and Examination Section (RES) have been cancelled. (2) Alternative forms of assessment and learning are being considered by teachers. Details will be announced to students concerned by individual Faculties / Programmes / course teachers / coordinators via appropriate channels such as Blackboard or Faculty / Programme websites as early as possible within this week. (Refer to CPR website for details.)
The Divinity School of Chung Chi College held an urgent meeting yesterday morning to discuss a series of follow-up actions and contingency plans for colleagues’ consideration. Details are as follows.
(1) Although the term has ended earlier than scheduled, our teachers will upload the lecture notes, PowerPoint slides and other relevant information to Blackboard. If teachers are not using the Blackboard for their courses, they should use other appropriate channels to send the aforesaid information to students taking their courses.
(2) Teachers should adjust the assessment method of their courses according to the below guiding principles.
(a) For those assignments which students are required to submit before 13 November 2019 as specified in the course outlines of their respective courses remain unchanged. However, in view of the fact that students’ learning is affected by the reduced classes, teachers should have appropriate adjustment to the contents and requirements for those assignments which students are required to submit on or after 13 November 2019. Moreover, in view of the unavailability of reference books, teachers may let students write a piece of theological reflection as their learning experience based on an integration of their practical experience (or the current social issue) with their respective course as a substitute. The suggested assessment rubrics for short reflective essay are attached for your reference.
(b) Teachers are advised to make necessary adjustment for the assessment which is originally planned to be conducted in tutorial classes or presentation (if they have not yet been carried out).
(c) The centralized course examinations for individual course for first term 2019-20 scheduled on 4-20 December 2019 have been cancelled as announced by the Registration and Examination Section (RES) of the University. Teachers may consider to arrange online examination or take-home examination for your courses.
(d) For “Faculty Student Seminar” courses, the evaluation on students’ oral presentation in the remaining classes will be cancelled. Students are still required to hand in their thesis as scheduled (on or before 5 December 2019).
(e) For Graduate Thesis, the deadline of submitting the draft of the first chapter is extended to Term 2, 2019-20 (will announce later). Students will be assessed according to their progress before 13 November 2019. Students can discuss with their thesis teachers if they encounter any difficulties.
(f) Teachers should provide assistance and support to students who encounter learning difficulties. Students should try their best to achieve the learning outcomes of the courses and respect the academic integrity in order to assure the learning quality.
(g) Teachers are required to inform students the most updated assessment arrangement via appropriate channels such as Blackboard or Faculty / Programme websites as early as possible within this week. The most updated assessment arrangement should also be sent to our School (louisalo@cuhk.edu.hk). If students have not yet received the information, please contact our teachers.
(3) We know that some non-local students (including Mainland students) have left Hong Kong. Would these students please contact our School and teachers as soon as possible if you have queries in the above assessment scheme and encounter any learning difficulties.
(4) A series of recent conflicts has caused severe damages to the facilities on campus, and transport services have been affected. To ensure the safety of all staff and students, the CUHK announced closure of all offices from 18 November to 20 November 2019. Staff may attend to operations at home where circumstances permit. Teachers and students can contact our administrative colleagues by emails. The working arrangement after 21 November 2019 will be further announced by the University.
(5) The University is soliciting the service of an independent accredited laboratory to conduct air quality examination to ensure staff and student safety. So resident students are not recommended to stay in the Theology Building until further announcement by the University.
(6) The remaining Thursday Worship (including meal before worship and assembly) in this term will be cancelled as the term has ended. But where appropriate Prayer Meeting will be held at the School to pray for Hong Kong.
(7) Students should contact our School Chaplain and teachers if you are facing difficulties and frustration in learning or in despair.
(8) Term 2 will begin on 6 January 2020 according to the University announcement.
(9) Our School has started to implement the contingency measures in response to the challenges ahead. In order to unify and announce information more effectively, our School have set up Telegram (https://t.me/DSCCC_CUHK) and WeChat (especially for getting in touch with Mainland students).
Let us stand together in solidarity in this difficult time of Hong Kong and CUHK.
God bless Hong Kong
Professor Ying Fuk Tsang
Director
Divinity School of Chung Chi College
19 November, 2019