補習-Building delays set to hit three universities

Three universities are in danger of having to cram additional students in already cramped classrooms with expansion works to prepare for the new education system having fallen behind schedule, the University Grants Committee said.
Universities start admitting students under the new 3-3-4 education system from September 2012.
“The eight institutions are stepping up even more their efforts in preparing for the change and reporting to the UGC their progress on various fronts, including curriculum development, student admissions and campus development,” UGC chairwoman Laura Cha Shih May-lung said.
The committee oversees seven universities and the Hong Kong Institute of Education. Cha did not name the three institutions facing space problems.
ADVERTISEMENT
“But some institutions’ construction of academic buildings may not be completed before September next year,” she said.
“Actually, construction delays are common, not just at institutions. We have communicated with the institutions. They are aware of the potential delay and have made relevant arrangements such as adjustments of classrooms,” she said.
Committee member Pamela Chan Wong- shui said the delays were due to various factors, such as the weather.
The University of Hong Kong and the Chinese University said that their expansion of academic facilities are expected to be completed before the new school year.
A Hong Kong Baptist University spokesman said parts of its construction works for the new school system have been completed.
“The other new academic facilities are expected to be finished before the new school year in 2012,” he said.
A Hong Kong Institute of Education spokeswoman said no construction of academic facilities are underway at present.
Meanwhile, the UGC said it decided to provide additional funding of up to HK$20 million each year to facilitate humanities and social sciences research.
It will also establish a new research assessment exercise.