Learning @ HKBU

Welcome to HKBU! We are thrilled to have you join our big family.

As a new student, you are bound to have questions. Our student orientation activities are designed with you in mind, helping you find answers, transition successfully to university study, and become acquainted with our campus and EdTech resources.

Getting Ready for the New Semester

Digital learning and teaching are widely utilised in higher education. Our University is bringing a paradigm shift to the teaching curriculum and assessment. You are encouraged to use the following materials to learn effectively in an online or blended learning environment (e.g. flipped classroom).

Use of Moodle

You should watch the videos on how to access the study materials on Moodle. More video guides can be found on the Digital Learning & Teaching@HKBU website.

Use of Zoom

You should also learn how to attend online classes hosted by your teachers. A guide showing the basics of Zoom is available here.

University Life Orientation Workshop 2 (UOW2) - Insights into the 7 HKBU Graduate Attributes

For AY2025/26, the UOW2, part of the Academic Integrity and Ethics Awareness Programme (AIE-AP), will be conducted at the HKBU campus on 22 August 2025 (Friday).

Further details about your attendance will be sent to you via HKBU email.

Please check your newly registered HKBU email account regularly and stay tuned for any updates on the UOW2.

New Assessment

Assessment shall evaluate not only your subject knowledge but also your capabilities to apply a repertoire of knowledge and skills to solve real-world problems throughout the learning process. In line with HKBU’s paradigm shift in curriculum and assessment, new forms of assessment have been adopted in our courses. More details, including the assessment arrangements of your enrolled courses, will be provided by your teachers at the beginning of the semester.

Cantonese version | Putonghua version

7 HKBU Graduate Attributes

“What do these have to do with me?”

Education at HKBU aims to unlock your potential and competencies in all aspects of whole person development. HKBU defines this educational philosophy through a spectrum of Graduate Attributes for university graduates (YOU) to develop:

(approved by the Senate for implementation with effect from Academic Year 2025/26)

Expectations of Employers from Today’s University Graduates

“Why are the HKBU Graduate Attributes important to me?”

Employers in Hong Kong have expressed their desired qualities/competencies in YOU. These desired qualities/competencies comprise the 7 HKBU Graduate Attributes (GAs).

• Global mindset, ethical responsibility, cultural sensitivity.
• Strong academics, industry expertise, and relevant knowledge.
• Reflective, independent, adaptable problem-solvers with the use of technology.
• Innovative, entrepreneurial, solution-oriented mindset.
• Multilingual, effective, empathetic communication.
• Collaborative, inclusive, diverse group engagement.
• Resilient, balanced, overall wellness focus.

Sources: "Insights from the 2022 QS Global Employer Survey" and "Research Report on Employment Trend of University Graduates in Hong Kong and The Findings of Their Strengths and Weaknesses".

Your Learning Development at HKBU

(A) Learning Analytics for Your Studies

Student Learning Experience Questionnaire (SLEQ)

As a student, it would be useful for YOU to think of learning as an ongoing process in which your expectations and actual experience can fuel your development in your study and life at HKBU. The Student Learning Experience Questionnaire (SLEQ) assists YOU as well as the University in understanding your study and university life experiences and your development progress for the University’s Graduate Attributes. SLEQ will be conducted at different points along the timeline of your stay at HKBU:

SLEQ will help you reflect on your expectations and experience. More importantly, your responses in SLEQ will provide important data for the University to enhance its learning and teaching initiatives continuously. Timely support in both academic and personal growth could also be rendered to YOU if necessary.

To help you trace and track your completion in the exercise, after completing each SLEQ, you will receive your report on your progress as compared with the previous one, as well as against the progress of your fellow students. The report will provide you with useful information about your education at HKBU. You can view your results of the SLEQ here.

(B) Academic Integrity and Ethics Awareness Programme (AIE-AP)

HKBU’s Policy on Academic Integrity

At the heart of university education, there must be an emphasis on your developing academic integrity and ethics, which are essential proper conduct for your personal growth and future professional careers.

Academic integrity is a cornerstone of HKBU’s Whole Person Education ethos, and HKBU takes academic integrity very seriously. As one of HKBU’s University Life Programme requirements, the Academic Integrity and Ethics Awareness Programme (AIE-AP) is specifically designed to reinforce and stress the obligations of all students to uphold the highest standard of academic integrity at HKBU.

There are two major components in the AIE-AP, conducted at the start of your study at HKBU to signify that you are expected to behave ethically with integrity not just at HKBU but also for the rest of your life as you become a life-long member of the HKBU community. The two major components are:

All undergraduate students are expected to complete the AIE-AP as soon as practicable as they are essential and helpful for studying at HKBU.

Academic Integrity Online Tutorial (AIOT)

HKBU offers AIOT as an introduction to promoting academic integrity by increasing your awareness of the issues involved. Using pertinent cases as examples, each of the six modules in AIOT provides information and strategies that can be applied to avoid committing academic misconduct unintentionally.

If you fail to complete the AIOT before the end of your 2nd semester, you may be barred from accessing the course grades or enrolling for courses.

Please refer to the deadline specified in your University Life Programme Attendance Record in BUniport.

More details of the step-by-step guide to the Academic Integrity Online Tutorial are available here.

Outcomes-Based Teaching and Learning (OBTL) at HKBU

“What can I achieve after taking the courses?”

Outcomes-Based Teaching and Learning (OBTL) is primarily concerned with focusing on what you are actually learning and how well you have learnt it. OBTL is a pedagogical process which, as its name suggests, focuses on the achievement of certain specified abilities.

Criterion-Referenced Assessment (CRA) is adopted for effective OBTL implementation. Here are two important concepts of CRA:

• Use of objective criteria.
• No pre-set distribution of grades.

The document, Policy for the Assessment of Student Learning, is available on the BUniport. There are some points you should not miss:

• Normally, you will receive marked/graded assessments with appropriate feedback no later than three weeks after the submission deadline.
• Assessment rubrics will be used to assess your works.

Digital Learning & Teaching@HKBU

“What does this have to do with me?”

HKBU provides different technology platforms, including Moodle and Zoom, to support digital learning and teaching. With various digital learning & teaching tools adopted by experienced faculty members, HKBU strives to deliver interactive, convenient and engaging learning experience for you.

The Digital Learning & Teaching@HKBU website can guide you on how to:

• learn more about the available digital learning & teaching tools;
• find support and useful resources, such as self-help guides; and
• access the learning management system directly.

“What can I do with these digital learning & teaching tools?”

Learning Management System - Moodle

• share files/links with other students and the instructors, e.g. through discussion boards;
• submit assignments;
• access course content outside classrooms.

eSurvey Tool - Qualtrics

• build questionnaire.

Personal Response System (PRS) - Mentimeter

• set up polling, quizzes, and collect lively feedback from the audience.

Anti-plagiarism Tool - Turnitin

• check your assignment against plagiarism.

Academic Advising

Academic Advising (AA) is here to help new students like you adapt to university life. Your academic advisor offers support as you choose your major, register for courses, develop study plans to meet graduation requirements, and learn about important university policies, etc.

Beyond your classes, your advisor will introduce you to a variety of learning opportunities, like student exchange, internships, experiential learning, service-learning, and residential education. With such guidance, you will be able to set your personal and academic goals and work towards achieving them. AA is a key part of making sure you have the Best Student Experience during your time at HKBU.

AA continues throughout your university learning journey — not just in your first year. Your advisor will help you update your study plans, connect what you are learning to your future career or further study goals, and overcome any challenges you may face.

You will have regular opportunities to meet and communicate with your advisor through both formal consultation meetings and informal gatherings, either one-on-one or in groups.

"When should I Meet My Academic Advisor?"

• In your first year in the University, you must meet with your academic advisor at least once every semester.
• From Year 2 of study onwards, you are encouraged to meet your advisor whenever you need advice or want to discuss your progress.
• You will also need to meet your advisor if you:
  • declare or change your major
  • change advisors
  • are placed on academic probation
  • opt out of a transdisciplinary second major (TSM) or second major (SM).

"What am I expected to do as an advisee?"

• Take an active role in academic advising activities
• Reach out to your advisor for advice
• Attend scheduled meetings and keep to any agreed consultation times
• Create your own study plan and keep track of your learning progress
• Learn about academic policies and regulations as well as graduation and programme requirements

AA is designed to help you make the most of your university experience. Do not hesitate to ask questions and seek support whenever you need it!

For further details, please refer to the ‘General Guidelines for Academic Advising at HKBU’ and AA resources on Moodle courseroom.