About HSMC – Facts and History
Diversity and Inclusion at HSUHK
The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong aspires to create and sustain a university-wide environment and culture that appreciates diversity, equity, and inclusiveness as essential values to the University’s mission, growth and continued excellence.
Through strategic initiatives and partnerships, research, education, and continuous enhancement to the University’s policies, measures and practices that support our campus and learning environment, experience and engagement, the University strives to foster a culture of inclusiveness that all HSUHK members of different cultures, backgrounds, abilities and preferences beyond age, gender, race, values and beliefs are socially and culturally accepted and welcomed. We also support and embrace equal opportunity for all HSUHK members to fully realise their strengths and potentials and contribute to the community at large as responsible and caring citizens.
Key Areas of Focus
The table below provides an overview of our diversity and inclusion measures, categorised into six focus areas:
The University enhances awareness and understanding of diversity and inclusion through various education and training programmes. Key initiatives include:
- Maintaining and continuously enhancing its library collection on diversity and inclusiveness.
- Organising regular training workshops on anti-discrimination ordinances, cultural competency, and inclusive practices to ensure staff and students are committed to upholding relevant legislation, fostering equal opportunities, and promoting awareness of diversity and inclusion within the HSUHK community.
- Promoting collaboration among offices, academic departments, and statutory bodies (e.g., Equal Opportunities Commission) to provide equity, diversity, and inclusion training materials to students and staff members.
- Providing a variety of inclusive activities organised to support diversity and inclusion for students throughout the year. Please visit Student Affairs Office’s webpage for the previous activities.
- Delivering a MOOC course “SAO1101 Diverse Learning Needs – Insights into SEN Characteristics”, which is available for all staff to acquire basic knowledge on supporting the learning, social, and emotional needs of diverse individuals, helping to foster understanding and inclusion.
The University nurtures an inclusive and supportive environment that empowers individuals with diverse needs to thrive. Key initiatives include:
- Enhancing staff welfare and well-being by offering professional counselling services, wellness programmes, and leave benefits.
- Providing various support services to students with diverse needs, such as support to non-Chinese speaking students through campus activities and collaboration with various offices to address specific cultural needs. Counselling consultations are available in Putonghua, English, and Cantonese for students.
- Offering special examination arrangements for students with diverse learning needs or physical disabilities, including extended time and breaks, and scheduling classes in accessible locations and classrooms equipped with appropriate furniture.
As an equal opportunity employer, the University upholds equal opportunity throughout all employment procedures. Key practices include:
- Implementing equitable employment practices in recruitment and appointment processes to ensure all individuals are treated in a fair, honest, and impartial manner.
- Fostering an inclusive workplace through the signing of the “Racial Diversity & Inclusion Charter for Employees” and the implementation of related practices and guidelines that advance the diversity and inclusion objectives.
The University enhances accessibility, barrier-free facilities, and assistive technologies to support individuals with diverse physical and learning needs. Key initiatives include:
- Providing advice to ensure the campus remains accessible, inclusive, and compliant with statutory regulations for students with special educational needs (SEN).
- Enhancing campus accessibility by installing more automatic doors, increasing accessible toilets, and providing sufficient assistive technologies and equipment for students with SEN.
- For more information, please visit the Inclusive Campus Facilities webpage and the Library’s Learning Resources, Assistive Devices and Technologies webpage.
The University promotes mutual respect, intercultural understanding, and community engagement within the University and the wider community. Key initiatives include:
- Advocating campus inclusion through various inclusive initiatives such as cultural celebrations, intercultural dialogues, student engagement, and community partnerships.
- Supporting the cultural adjustment and transition of mainland and international students through a comprehensive pre-arrival guide and orientation activities.
- Maintaining a buddy system and organising cultural exchange events to help non-local students integrate and connect within the HSUHK community.
The University upholds a transparent, fair, and responsible approach to addressing grievances related to discrimination, harassment, and unjust treatment. Key measures include:
- Establishing and regularly reviewing comprehensive policy guidelines and procedures to address complaints of discrimination and harassment. These are supported by a “Workgroup Against Sexual Harassment”, co-chaired by the Director of Human Resources and the Director of Student Affairs, to ensure effective complaint resolution and protections against victimisation.
- Maintaining the Personal Tutors System and encouraging students to seek assistance from their Personal Tutors regarding issues of discrimination and harassment.
Our Diversity and Inclusion Commitment
Diversity and Inclusiveness Sub-Committee
To promote HSUHK’s commitment to diversity and inclusiveness, the Diversity and Inclusiveness Sub-Committee, under the Sustainability and Social Responsibility Committee, has been established to oversee relevant policies for an inclusive learning environment, aligning with the university’s dedication to equal opportunity, whole-person development, and quality education.
