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The Council of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) has approved the appointment of Professor Chan Kwok-hong, Raymond as the University Dean of Students for a period of four years. He is expected to take up his office in January 2020.

Professor Chan began his academic career at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. He joined City University of Hong Kong (CityU) in 1993 and served as Dean of Students and Director of Communications and Public Relations between 2013 and 2018, effectively promoting good communications between the University and those involved with it. He has solid experience in student engagement, crisis management and strategic planning in student-related issues. He is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences of CityU mainly teaching social work and social policy courses.

Professor Chan said, “I am very pleased to be appointed as the Dean of Students at CUHK. I am ready to accept this new challenge. I attach great importance to students’ opinions and I will actively establish mutual respect and trust. No matter it is about study, life or emotional difficulties, my door will always open for students.”

Professor Chan obtained his Master of Arts degree and his PhD in Social Service Planning/Sociology from the University of Essex. His research areas include comparative social welfare in Asia, risk and social policy, life-course social policy, care arrangement, and labour and unemployment issues. He has conducted researches in Hong Kong, the mainland, Taiwan and Japan. Professor Chan is a Registered Social Worker in Hong Kong. Before joining the education sector, he engaged in youth and community development work and has always been concerned about the well-being of the grassroots. Serving as  the Vice-chairman of the Community Investment and Inclusion Fund, he has actively participated in promoting the development of social capital in Hong Kong, bringing together cross-sectoral collaborative groups and social support networks.

The Appointment of a Full-time University Dean of Students for the First Time

The post of the University Dean of Students has been taken up by a faculty member on a concurrent basis in the past. In view of the wide spectrum of student-related matters and the high level of engagement involved in the work portfolio of the University Dean of Students, it is considered more appropriate that this role be taken up on a full-time basis. An open search exercise was launched and a Search Committee was appointed to review all the applications/referrals.

The Search Committee reviewed a total of 86 applicants/referrals. After due consideration, the Search Committee unanimously agreed that Professor Chan Kwok-hong, Raymond was the most suitable candidate for the position. He was subsequently nominated by the Vice-Chancellor and President and endorsed by the Administrative and Planning Committee. The Council approved that Professor Chan Kwok-hong, Raymond be appointed as the University Dean of Students.