Dear colleagues, students and alumni, 

Exploring opportunities for the future development of the  Community College of City University

The Council of City University of Hong Kong (CityU) is constantly considering opportunities to further develop the Community College of City University (CCCU) to better serve the needs of its students, staff and the Hong Kong community. To this end, the Council has unanimously approved initiating a process to determine whether there is interest from an appropriately qualified international higher education institution to strategically partner with CCCU, with the possibility of an eventual transfer of ownership of CCCU. Such an initiative will enable CCCU to expand, progress and better contribute to the further development of self-financing higher education in Hong Kong. 

The proposed partnership aims to substantially increase the opportunity for CCCU graduates to articulate to a full degree programme. To achieve this, the Council is exploring the possibility of working with an appropriately qualified internationalhigher education institution and forming a strategic partnership to add value to the reputation of CCCU, and the current Associate Degrees, and to increase the opportunities for CCCU graduates to articulate to a full degree programme. We expect the partner institution to introduce a variety of top-up programmes to CCCU’s portfolio and eventually offer full four-year degree programmes. In addition, the partnership will facilitate both student and staff overseas exchanges between the institutions. 

"We are looking for a complementary strategic partner to work together with CCCU to realise CCCU's full potential. We see that a partnership approach will benefit CCCU students by providing even more options for progression within the post-secondary education system, as well as providing better opportunities for CCCU's staff,” explained Mr Herman Hu Shao-ming, Chairman of the Council. 

Students and staff at CCCU have already been informed that CityU is considering opportunities to further develop CCCU and have been assured that they will not be affected by any such developments. For current students, a commitment has been given that there will be no changes to their courses, their awards or tuition fees. The upcoming September intake of students will not be affected by any possible partnership. They will continue to be awarded qualifications by CityU upon graduation. Thereafter, it is envisaged that such a partnership will provide a wider range and diversity of options to benefit Hong Kong's post-secondary students in terms of both Associate Degrees and full degree programmes. The Council will also require any interested partner  to provide assurances that there will be no changes to CCCU staff’s current terms and conditions of employment. 

The Council has been briefed on potential CCCU development opportunities on previous occasions and was informed of the progress at its last meeting on 12 June 2014. The Council will critically assess potential partners based on the quality of the institution, their commitment to the students and staff of CCCU, academic offerings, plans for development and cultural fit. Any final development decisions will be made by the Council. 

The exploration is ongoing and there is no certainty that an appropriately qualified international higher education institution will be identified. In the best interests of CCCU, further details of future development plans will be shared with all stakeholders, including students and staff, at an appropriate time. 

Dr Kevin Downing Secretary to Council 30 June 2014

The Chinese translation of this University Announcement will follow shortly.