By Ash KUMAR (Chan Sui Kau Hall)

Twenty-one enthusiastic student residents, two crucial members of the Student Residence Office, a mini fruit snack and the curious Professor Way Kuo were the key elements of a casual meeting hosted by the Office of the President on 22 Mar 2011. The informal dialogue allowed a small body of our student representatives from the residence community to converse directly with the President himself and voice our experience at the City University campus and the Student Residence so far.
For those of you who are unaware, prior to his arrival at City University of Hong Kong, Professor Way Kuo was a Distinguished Professor and the Dean of Engineering at the University of Tennessee.  His vast experience and exposure to the nature of academia and student development were clearly demonstrated by his willingness and interest in hearing about our individual experiences and backgrounds.

One aspect of this discussion that it is essential to appreciate was Professor Kuo’s realistic approach to the suggestions, queries and issues that each student from various departments and residential halls raised. Key issues were centered around 24 hours opening of the campus during the final weeks of classes and examinations, structures and operations of Residents’ Associations, sports facilities  on campus, a potential online student newsletter for the University, learning opportunities  of different  students in the residence and university communities, building  hall culture and nurturing hall conventions  etc. As a student, I had to appreciate his flexibility in weighing possible options of change even if realistically the changes would take time to establish themselves effectively.

Overall, the dialogue with the President was a good experience of relating with other students over the same issues and having someone guide us through the process.  I would like to take this opportunity to express a personal Thank You to Professor Kuo and the SRO for inviting me to this discussion and giving us students a voice to express our opinion.  For those of you who are interested in keeping up with Professor Kuo and his insightful updates, do not hesitate to read his frequently updated blog at http://wikisites.cityu.edu.hk/sites/president/default.aspx.