Orientation activities welcome new cohort to FLASS

Around 150 students enrolled in various programmes under FLASS through senior-year admission channel attend the faculty-based orientation on 5 August. The event was jointly organised by FLASS, Student Affairs Office, Centre for Language in Education, Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation Education, and Global Affairs Office.

The faculty-based orientation on 5 August kicks off a series of orientation activities to welcome the new cohort of students admitted through senior-year entry or as a first-year student.

August brings a flurry of orientation activities for new students. At FLASS, the kickoff was the faculty-based orientation on 5 August, which around 150 senior-year admission students attended. This was followed by orientation activities organised by the faculty on 13 August, where the first-year entry cohort was updated on important information regarding their programmes. On 14 and 15 August, the New Student Orientation Days were held to inform newcomers about the support available to them for a smoother transition to university life.

On 5 August, the Student Affairs Office and FLASS, with support from other university centres, jointly organised the faculty-based orientation activity. The event began with a video message from Dean of FLASS, Professor Li Wai-keung. In his welcome message to new students, Professor Li reassured them that FLASS strives to provide an education that inspires critical thinking, encourages them to pursue their passions, develops their character, and leaves a lasting impact on their lives. He also urged students to remain open to new ideas. “In return, you will learn new skills, gain experiences, acquire insights, build meaningful and life-long friendships, and forge memories that will last a lifetime,” Professor Li said.

Senior-year admission students usually finish their studies at EdUHK in two years. Dr Prudence Lau Leung-kwok, Associate Head of the Department of Cultural and Creative Arts, urges new cohort to use every opportunity to equip themselves for their future endeavours as their studies will finish in a blink of an eye.

The new cohort of senior-year admission students listen attentively to briefings on their respective programme.

Dr David Chan Tse-tin, programme leader of the BSc(AI&EdTech) from MIT, briefs the new cohort about the programme design, highlighting that a key feature of the programme is the provision internship opportunity at relevant organisations.

Dr Claudia Wong Ming-yu, Assistant Professor from HPE, tells students taking the BSc(SPSC) programme that they can work as an intern in partner organisations in Hong Kong or the Greater Bay Area during the summer before starting their final year of studies.

Dr Prudence Lau Leung-kwok, Associate Head of the Department of Cultural and Creative Arts, provided an overview of the faculty’s management structure and the academic focuses of the four departments* under FLASS. Senior-year admission students also learnt about support systems like academic advising and programme-based internships. Representatives from the Student Affairs Office, Centre for Language in Education, Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation Education, and Global Affairs Office updated students on available services and resources. Senior-year admission students then attended talks given by their respective programme leaders.

Chung Tsz-chun aims to acquire coaching qualifications for sports like kayaking and surfing during his two-year studies at EdUHK.

Among the students attending these talks was Chung Tsz-chun, a third-year student in the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Sports Science and Coaching programme (BSc(SPSC)) hosted by the Department of Health and Physical Education (HPE). “I want to become a coach for outdoor activities like rock climbing, swimming, or kayaking. I will actively seek opportunities abroad to enrich my coaching experiences,” Tsz-chun said. The newcomer shared that as the city has a rapidly growing sports industry and more sporting facilities are coming on stream, he is optimistic about finding a right job after graduation. “I will expose myself to new sports that I haven’t tried before, as this will improve my employment prospects,” he said.

Admitted as a third-year student to the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Artificial Intelligence and Educational Technology (BSc(AI&EdTech)) programme, Zoe Liu Zhaoyi discovered her passion for AI while studying computer science in her associate degree programme. “Areas like machine learning and deep learning are fascinating, and I want to understand them more deeply. As I am also interested in teaching, I opted for this programme, which combines AI studies with educational technology,” she said after attending the talk. Given the rapid evolution of the discipline, Zoe is prepared for intensive learning in her studies at the Department of Mathematics and Information Technology.

On 13 August, the new cohort admitted as first-year students to one of FLASS’ 10 undergraduate programmes attended individual briefing sessions, where programme leaders explained the focus, curriculum design, internship opportunities and career prospects of their respective programmes. The New Student Orientation Days were organised by the Student Affairs Office on 14 and 15 August. Newcomers were welcomed by their seniors and greeted with a wide range of performances and activities arranged by different student organisations.

Throughout these orientation activities, the new cohort was alive with excitement, eagerly anticipating their upcoming academic and social adventures. As the 2024/25 academic year approaches and newcomers explore university life, the faculty wishes them a rewarding learning experience on this beautiful campus.

Note*: After the Department of Cultural and Creative Arts has joined the Faculty of Humanities in September, there are four departments under FLASS. They are the Department of Health and Physical Education (HPE), the Department of Mathematics and Information Technology (MIT), the Department of Science and Environmental Studies (SES) and the Department of Social Sciences and Policy Studies (SSPS).

Dr Chong Yee-ling from the Department of Science and Environmental Studies answers questions from first-year students of the Bachelor of Education (Honours) (Science) programme. Programme leaders explain the curriculum design and career prospects of their respective programmes at the briefing sessions held for the new cohort of first-year students on 13 August.

To help new students feel at home and become acquainted with university life, Student Affairs Office organises the New Student Orientation Days on 14 and 15 August. On these two days, different student associations and recreational clubs explain their activities to newcomers.

FLASS encourages our students to join student clubs and societies where they can meet new friends, connect with like-minded individuals, and feel a greater sense of belonging.

Programmes with Senior Year Admissions/Top-up Degree:

Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Artificial Intelligence and Educational Technology (BSc(AI&EdTech))
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Integrated Environmental Management (BSc(IEM))
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Sports Science and Coaching (BSc(SPSC))
Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours) in Sociology and Community Studies (BSocSc(SCS))
Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours) in Social Entrepreneurship and Development Studies (BSocSc(SEDS))
Bachelor of Health Education (Honours) (BHE) (Self-financed Top-up Degree)

Programmes with Year 1 Admissions:

Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Artificial Intelligence and Educational Technology (BSc(AI&EdTech))
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Integrated Environmental Management (BSc(IEM))
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Sports Science and Coaching (BSc(SPSC))
Bachelor of Education (Honours) (Business, Accounting and Financial Studies) (BEd(BAFS))
Bachelor of Education (Honours) (Geography) (BEd(GEOG))
Bachelor of Education (Honours) (Physical Education) (BEd(PE))
Bachelor of Education (Honours) (Primary) - General Studies (Humanities and Science) (BEd(P)-GSHS)
Bachelor of Education (Honours) (Primary) - Mathematics (BEd(P)-MA)
Bachelor of Education (Honours) (Science) (BEd(SCI))
Bachelor of Education (Honours) (Secondary)-Information and Communication Technology (BEd(S)-ICT)