HKUST Genesis = 同創, Volume 3, Number 5

THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Volume 3 Number 5 June 1992

Safety and environmental protection begin at HKUST

At HKUST, the Safety and Environmental

Protection Office (SEPO) has been included as an integral part of the Estates Management Office. It

has already begun providing classes, information, training, and advice; and will expand as the University expands in order to ensure a safe working conditions for staff and students, and to ensure University activities do not damage the environment.

The manager in charge of this key office is Dr Joseph Kwan. Since joining the University in November 1991 he has been laying the groundwork, both in terms of activity and personnel, for a comprehensive safety programme for the entire University. His plans are outlined in a policy paper, "Safety and Environmental Programme" which has been approved in principle by the Standing Committee of the University Council. An Environ-mental Health and Safety Committee has been appointed; and a campus network of Departmental Safety Representatives has been organised.

As currently envisaged, the Office's activities will be distributed among six sections, as follows: Radiation (concerned with, e.g., lasers, uv, microwaves, radioactive isotopes); Safety Engineering (physical hazards encountered in, e.g., construction); Chemical/Biological; Environmental Protection (e.g., gaseous, liquid and solid waste handling, recycling, energy conservation); Training; Occupational Medicine. Staff for these sections will be hired in phases over the next three years.

Departmental Safety Representatives

Meanwhile, the SEPO has already begun provid-ing trainprovid-ing, information, and protection, attestprovid-ing to Dr Kwan's strong belief in the value of safety edu-cation for all levels of staff. The Departmental Safety Representatives (DSR) are an integral part of his overall scheme. Numbering approximately 40, the DSR are responsible for co-ordinating safety activities in their respective offices and departments. These activities include both general University safety--e.g., procedures during fire drills-as well as more specific needs determined by the nature of the work of individual departments. In the recent fire drill (2 May), they helped organise and direct orderly evacuation and re-ent,ry of the buildings.

Training programmes

The SEPO has also initiated training programmes. Courses in radiological and chemical safety have been provided for research faculty and technicians. Presentations on lab safety have been made for classes of students. In other cases, for what the SEPO is not currently teaching, HKUST staff are sent to courses organised by the Government's Occupational Safety and Health Council.

Publications

At the same time, the Office has begun issuing publications. "Radiological Safety Programme" has already been published and distributed, while a second pamphlet, "Chemical Safety Programme", is under review, and a third concerning laser safety is being written. In the future, Dr Kwan is considering publishing a regular newsletter and/or circulars on individual safety topics.

Such topics could range from industrial to personal concerns. An example of the latter is the safety of microwave ovens. "Commercial ovens-which have not been repaired or modified-are so well made these days that virtually no radiation leaks out," says Dr Kwan. "If there is leakage, it usually comes from the back of the oven and, if it is significant, you will feel it as heat," he adds.

A community resource

For Dr Joseph Kwan, HKUST's SEPO's role is to be a resource, not only for the campus but also, hopefully, for the community. "This is an exciting time in Hong Kong because people here are becoming more aware of safety and environmental concerns. We want to provide solutions, answer questions-anticipate and take care of problems," he says. "I have a personal commitment to help

build a first-class safety and environmental programme, [ and] my colleagues here understand and value what we are trying to do, so they cooperate and contribute." Through SEPO's efforts, the University, at least, will be a safer place.

An Internal Communication

What's

Inside ...

P.2: Staff Introductions P.3:

Questions & Answers (English)

P.4:

Questions & Answers (Chinese) Rennie's Mill Programme P.5: Staff Development P.6:

Dragon Boat Victory PAO News

P.7:

Graphically Speaking Video of the Month On the Light Side

P.8: Announcements Administration Circulars Advertisements Home Affairs /

2

Staff Introductions

_{June 1992} Wendy Chan, EOI, PVC (Academic

Affairs)'s Office. Born 29 November in HK; married with two daughters, aged 17 and 19. Ms Chan was an EOII at CUHK before she and her family migrated to Toronto in 1983. There she first ran a restaurant, and later worked at York U. as the Program Secretary of East Asian Studies-while studying at U. Toronto. She finished last year, earning a BA with Highest Distinction.

Ms Chan joined HKUST in January, and primarily assists in coordinating undergraduate programmes and admission. In her leisure time she enjoys swimming, travelling and reading.

Albert Au-yeung Fung-hon, EOI, Dean of Engineering's Office. Born 11 April in HK; married. Graduated from U. Alberta with a BA in Geography. Returning to HK after earning his degree, Mr Au-yeungjoined CUHK's Information Office, where he remained for eight years. He joined HKUST in January; his work involves postgraduate student admission and equipment procurement for the School of Engineering.

Mr Au-yeung enjoys sports; soccer, badminton, and table tennis are three favourites.

David Yu Tak-wai, EOI, Dean of Engineering's Office. Born 23 September in HK; single. Graduated from CUHK with a BSocSci, having majored in Government and Public Administration. He subsequently taught English and Economics to Form 4-6 students, then became an officer in the Correctional Services Dept; and then worked as an EO in various government departments. Mr Yu joined HKUST in April. He is currently helping set up the University's industrial training programme.

For fun, Mr Yu enjoys outings and basketball.

Joanne Mak Lai-ban, EOII, Micro-electronics Fabrication Centre. Born 20 June in HK; single. Graduated from CUHK with a BA in English. Ms Mak subsequently taught English for one year in a secondary school, and then took up an EO post in Government's Civil Engineering Department.

Ms Mak joined HKUST in March. She mainly handles correspondence and coordinates work in the Centre.

For fun, Ms Mak enjoys reading books and watching films.

Rita Lam Yun-yee, EOII, Admissions, Records & Registration Office. Born 21 July in HK; single. Graduated from York U. (Toronto) with a BA in Economics. Ms Lam has worked for an airline company and for the East Asia Open Institute (affiliated with U. East Asia in Macau) as an administrative officer. She joined HKUST in November, 1991, and works primarily on postgraduate admissions.

In her spare time Ms Lam is now studying for an MBA from her former employer, the East Asia Open Institute. To relax, she plays tennis, shops, and listens to music.

Clara Li Suk-ha, Assistant Account-ing Officer, Finance Office. Born 27

November in HK; married with an 8-month old son. Graduated with a Prof. Dipl. in Management Accountancy from HK Poly; she has also qualified to apply for Associate Membership in the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (UK). Ms Lee has worked for a textile company, a pharmaceutical

manufacturing company, and a jewellery factory. She joined the payment unit ofHKUST's FO in May.

In her spare time, Ms Lee shops, reads, and plans trips. Dennis Chung Ching-shan, Assistant

Accounting Officer, Finance Office. Born 5 August in HK; single. Graduated from the HK Poly with a Prof. Dipl. in Management Accountancy. After graduation he worked as an accountant, first for Ernst & Young and later for Chartered Bank, until joining HKUST in mid-May. Here he is mainly involved with budgetary control-coordinating department budgets with UPGC allocations.

For relaxation, Mr Chung drives. He finds the northern parts of the territory great for cruising on weekends and week nights. Yvonne Ho Pui-yin, AA, Personnel

Office. Born 26 September in HK; single. Graduated from HKU with a BA ( double major in Translation and English Studies & Comp. Lit.); later completed a Postgrad. Dipl. in Management Studies at the City Poly. After leaving HKU, Ms Ho became an Administrative Assistant at the HK Poly. She joined HKUST in April 1991, and now is

involved with the recruitment of academic staff.

In her spare time, Ms Ho dances-a mixture of jazz dance and aerobics-for both fun and fitness.

June 1992 3

QUESTIONS?

The University's Superannuation Scheme for Non-Ancillary Staff will be enacted qs of 1 July. Each eligible staff member will receive a letter inviting him/her to join the Scheme, together with rules of the Scheme. All Terms B staff (i.e., executive, clerical secretarial, and technical staff) and those Terms A staff (i.e., academic and equivalent administrative staff) who are on their second contract or who have been offered reappointment must decide whether or not to join the Scheme before the specified deadline, as the Finance Office will require time to prepare the July payroll.

A superannuation scheme for ancillary staff will be implemented later. It is the intention of the University to implement that Scheme retroactively, with effect from 1 July also.

The following are some of the questions and concerns which have been raised concerning the Superannuation Scheme.

What is the difference between "substantive employment" and "probationary employment"?

If an employee is on "probation", his performance will be reviewed by his Head of Department just as under contract employment. Depending on his performance, an appointee may be offered substantive employment, or his probation period may be extended, or his employment may be terminated during or on completion of the probation period. "Substantive employment" is open-ended; that is, the employee may hold his position until he resigns or retires, or unless the employer presents good reasons for discontinuing his appointment. With regard to monetary benefits under the Scheme, there is no difference between "probationary employment" and "substantive employ-ment" so long as the member is contributing to the Scheme.

What if a staff is not "substantiated" or leaves during the probation period?

If a staff leaves before the end of the one-year probation period or is not substantiated and leaves before completing one year of superannuable service, he receives only what he contributed to the Scheme (i.e., 5% of his monthly salary) plus interest.

In calculating years of service for the Scheme, will the probationary period be included? For serving staff, will years before the Scheme started be included?

For new staff, the probationary period will be included in calculating years of service as long as the staff has been contributing to the Scheme during that time.

For serving staff, only years of service contributing to the Scheme will be counted for calculating benefits. (For years of service previous to joining the Scheme, staff will have received a gratuity.) Hence "years of service"t o the Scheme will be less than years of service to the University; the latter-i.e., years of service to the University-will still be used for calculating all other personnel benefits.

Are there public telephones on campus? If so, where?

Staff who join the Scheme will receive their gratuity on a pro-rata basis. When will they receive this money?

Pro-rata gratuities will be paid as soon as possible to staff who join the Scheme from 1 July. Because of the number involved, payments will probably be made in August or with the August payroll.

Are Superannuation benefits taxable?

The University has applied to the Inland Revenue Depart-ment, requesting that benefits be exempted from salaries tax; no major problem is expected in obtaining approval. Under current Hong Kong laws, benefits from the Scheme are normally not subject to salaries tax. For details, staff should seek professional advice.

At HKUST, staff must be in the Scheme six years before they receive "defined benefits". HKU staff receive such benefits after two years; at CUHK, after four years. Why must we wait so long?

This number is determined with reference largely to the size of the invested benefits and, to a lesser extent, to the degree of financial risk which an institute is prepared to accept.

Can staff withdraw their superannuation money early (before resigning)?

No. Benefits can only be withdrawn upon leaving the service ofHKUST.

Can staff withdraw from the Scheme once they have joined?

No. Furthermore, forTermsB staff now serving ( on gratuity-bearing contracts), when those contracts expire, they will not be offered another contract-but will be offered superannuation terms of appointment. Similarly, all new Terms B staff-save for those who have already been offered contract terms of appointment prior to 1 July 1992-will automatically be enroled in the Scheme.

Public telephones fall within the jurisdiction of CCST; Joseph Pang replies: Two types of public telephones are installed on campus, namely the PABX phones and payphones. The main difference is that the payphones can make IDD calls while the

P ABX phones can only make local calls.

At this time, eight public P ABX phones have been installed: two near the entrance to ARR; one each in the LG 1 and LG3 re eption areas of the Multi-Purpose Sports hall; two in the Atrium outside the entrance to Lifts 17-18; one outside Lecture Theatre B; and the eighth on the 4/F near Lift 3.

A for public payphones, eight will be provided-ideally of the newest model, which can accept coins or cards (most

convei \mt for IDD calls). Technical problems have arisen in testing the model, delaying installation. If these problems are not resolve( , d models ( accepting only cards) will be installed by early July. These phones will be located as follows: one outside the staff, : en; one on LG 1 outside the Sports Hall; one in the G/F entrance of the Student Residence Hall; and five at various locations 1fJ staff quarters.

僱員公積金計劃 大學為非輔助級教職員而設的僱員公積金計劃，將於本年t 月 一日實行。所有合資格員工均會收到一封詳列條款的邀請信並須 在t 月中的限期前決定是否參加新計劃。合資格的員工包括：正履 行第二份合約或己與大學續簽第二份合約的教學及同級行政人員和 ，所有現職受騁於行政事務助理、文員、秘書及技術員的服務條件 的僱員，至於輔助級員工的僱員公積金計創將於稍後公佈，但實施 日期仍為t 月一日。以下是有關新制度的一些答問。 問：仍在試用期的員工與正式員工有甚麼分別？ 答：在試用期間的員工，其工作表現將由部門主管評定，與合約 聘用的情況一樣。主管人員將按員工的表現，以決定是否聘 任為正式員工，或延長試用期，或者在試用期間予以解僱。 過了試用期的正式員工，可以留在現職至退休或辭職為止， 除非主管人員能提出充份理由，不會受無理解僱。 在公積金計剖方面，若員工按計創供款，不論他在試用期或 已被聘為正式員工，所得回報沒有分別。 問：如果員工在試用期內離職，從僱員公積金計剖，可以取回甚 麼得益？ 答：如果員工在一年的試用期內離職，他只能得回他本人的供款 （即月薪的E分之五）及利息。 問：在計算員工的服務年期時，試用期是否計算在內？對現職員工 來說，實施僱員公積金計劃之前的服務年期是否計算在內？ 答：只要新員工在試用期內，每月均向公積金計劃供款，在計算新 員工的服務年期時，試用期亦將會計算在內。至於現職員工 在離職或退休時的得益，只會計算他在參加計劃後的年期。 但在計算非公積金的其他福利（如假期）時，則在公積金計 劃實施前的服務年期亦將包括在內。 問：參加新計割的現職員工將可按比例取回滿約酬勞。請問甚麼 時候可以取得款項？ 答：於t 月一日參加計割的現職員工將可於今年八月按比例取回 科大同學關心調景嶺居民 存在7 數十年的調景嶺難民區，將於一九九三年五月開始清拆 。大部的居民將被安排入住將軍i奧厚德村。而調景嶺則將改建為一 容納十一萬居民的新市鎮。 調景嶺位於將軍i奧南端，港府於五十年代初曾在此設立華民政 務司辦事處，專責管理難民。難民多是國民黨南來官兵，且多來自 北方。他們在此地初期未能找到生計，有的開辦了小食店，使此地 成為香港其中一處可以吃到真正北方風味小吃的地方。 至九一年九月的統計數字，這裡人口逾五千人，其中百分之十 五年齡在二十歲以下，百分之廿三在六十歲以上。儘管區內的青少 年和老人較多，老人和青少年的服務設施卻嚴重不足。 這裡長期存在的社會問題包括教育水平低落、社會服務缺乏等 等。區內現有三所小學和三所中學，但師資水平不足。兒童要到區 外求學，交通又成問題。這裡沒有銀行，沒有超級市場，只有雜貨 店和士多。 為了 7 解居民意願和住戶資料，調景嶺社區發展部將於本年六 月中至t 月中，以家訪形式向所有住戶進行問卷調查。所得資料， 將用於 7 解居民對清拆、安置及賠償的意願，作為影響政府制定有 關政策之根鑽。調查所得之住戶資料，將用於爭取政府支持，協助 居民解決在清拆方面所引起的問題。 香港科技大學最近成立的社會服務團，出於對鄰近居民的關心 ，決定發起一個大型的社會服務活動：把募義工參與上述的問卷調 滿約酬勞。 問：公積金制的得益需否納稅？ 答：根鐵本港現行法例，公積金的得益不用納稅。大學方面已正 式向稅務局申請免稅事宜。相信不會有大問題。 問：香港科技大學的員工須工作六年，才可取回公積金的全部款 項。香港中文大學只須四年，而香港大學僅須兩年。為什麼 科大需時那麼久？ 答：決定員工可取回全部款額的年期，部的由投資款額大小決定 ，部份由校方願意承擔的財政風險決定。 問：員工可否提前取回款項？ 答：不可以。員工只可以在離職或退休時才可取回款項。 問：己參加計劃的員工可否中途退出？ 答：不可以。況且乙級員工在完成現在的合約後，一律須參加 新計割。而所有新的乙級員工在上任時，均會自動參與此 計割。 公用電話 問：請問校園內有沒有公用電話？ 答：大學的計算及電訊中心主理其事。攝負責人彭先生表示：校 圍內裝有兩種公用電話－PABX及收費電話兩種。前者僅可撥 通本港電話，而後者則可以打 IDD 。目前，大學共裝有八部 PABX公用電話機。其中兩部在入學註冊處入口附近﹔在多功 能體育館 LGl 及 LG3 的進口接待處各有一部﹔在大堂有兩部 ﹔在演講廳外有一部﹔在 4 字樓的第 3 號電梯附近有一部。 至於公眾收費電話亦將有八部，理想、地將是那種同時收 取輔幣及電話卡（方便打 IDD ）的最新型號。因為發生了一 些技術問題，因而延誤了安裝。如果這些問題得不到解決， 舊型號（只收電話卡）將於t 月初安裝。安裝地點如下：教 職員餐廳外一部﹔在 1β1多功能體育館外有一部﹔學生宿舍地 下一部﹔其餘五部分散在教職員宿舍各樓層。 查，并為謂景嶺居民籌辦多項社區服務。節目包括帶領小張子參觀 太古汽水廠，為升中四同學補課，辦家庭日，兒童宿營及攤位遊戲 白等等。已報名參加的同學，截至本刊截稿時，有數十人之多，情 況踴躍。 社區服務計劃詳目舉行日期如下： t 月廿五日 調景嶺攤位遊戲日 t 月三十日 兒童參觀香港公園及「必勝客」 八月九日 家庭同樂日 八月十五日 參觀太古汽水廠 八月廿二至廿三日 見童宿營 詳情查詢請找學生社會服務團主席倫學婉同學。

Renni皂，sMill is going to be reconstructed next year. The Social Service Group ofHKUSTstudents is launching a community service programme for residents living in Rennie

’

s Mill. Activities included are: assistance in a survey of the residents, a funfair for children, a visit t。

“

Pizza Hut" and Hong Kong Park, Family Day, a visit to Swire Bottlers L肘， acamping trip, and tutorial classes for F.4 students. For further information please contact Miss Janice Lun, Chairman of the Social Service Group.

June 1992

Staff welcome to enrol in HKUST classes

Admission of staff to undergraduate classes has been approved by the University Senate, and procedures are being worked out to enable staff to enrol for the fall semester. The criteria for admission will be similar to those applied to regular or mature applicants. For all courses, this means passing an English test or otherwise demonstrating an adequate standard of English. The allocation of course places to staff will be at the discretion of the departments offering the courses and will depend on vacancies not filled by full-time undergraduates.

Courses offered. Details of undergraduate classes to be offered in the fall semester will be in the University Calendar-which will be available in August. Meanwhile, the list at the right gives an idea of what can be expected.

Language test. Staff possibly interested in taking a course this fall should take the language test now. Application for the test should be made through ARR, as described below. The test lasts about three hours, and includes components in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

Procedure for enrolling. NOW:

1. Obtain an English Test Application Form from ARR. 2. Complete and return this to ARR before 16 July. ARR

will pass the application forms on to the Language Centre, which will arrange the tests and contact applicants with the time and date of the test.

3. Take the test, to be conducted in late July/early August.

If your pass, you will be able to enrol in classes. If not, you will need to study (e.g., enrol in the University's under-graduate English courses in the fall) and sit the test again (or pass the University's course).

MID-AUGUST:

1. Determine from the Calendar which course you would like to take.

2. Obtain from, and submit to, ARR a course application form. To complete the form you will need:

a. Approval from your head of department/office to be released for study. (Staff released for study may be required to work every Saturday.)

b. Certification from the Language Centre that your English is adequate.

3. Wait until full-time undergraduate enrolment is complete ( early September). If your head of department approves work release, if you pass the language test, and if the department offering the course approves your applica-tion, ARR will advise you in writing.

Staff in undergraduate courses will not be considered as enroled in degree-awarding programmes but they will receive credit for courses successfully completed. Those who accumu-late credits may accumu-later apply to be admitted with advanced standing to a degree programme-either at HKUSTor elsewhere. The issue of tuition fees is still under discussion. One proposal is that staff be charged a tuition fee which would be refunded upon successful completion of the course; a decision is expected before October.

5

While the fu,ll list of courses to be offered in the fall sem(!ster will not be available until the Calendar appears in August, the following is a tentative list of courses which do not require-or require minimal-prerequisites.

Preliminary List of First Year Courses (Fall, 1992)

Course Code Course Title Prerequisite ACCT 101 Financial Accounting None BICH 121 Introduction to Biochemistry AL CHEM or AL BIOL BINF 111 Business Statistics None BIOL 105 Introduction to Modem Biology I ALBIOL CHEM 101 Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry AL CHEM CHEM 111 Organic Chemistry I AL CHEM CHEM 131 Inorganic Chemistry I AL CHEM CIVL 101 Civil Engineering and Society None COMP 101 Computing Fundamentals None COMP 102 Computing Fundamentals and

Programming None

COMP 111 Software Tools COMP 102 (co-requisite)

ECON 111 Microeconomics None

ELEC 101 Basic Electronics None

ELEC 112 Linear Circuits Theory None LANGOOl Language Skills Enhancement I None MATHOOl Beginning Calculus HKCEEMATHS MATH005 Algebra and Calculus I HKCEEMATHS MATH101 Multivariable Calculus AL MATHS or MATH 002 MATHlll Linear Algebra AL MATHS or MATH 002

MATH132 Discrete Structures None

MATH 151 Differential Equations and

Applications MATH 002 or equivalent MECH102 Statics and Dynamics None

MECH 121 Fluid Mechanics I None

PHYS 101 General Physics I AL PHYS or PHYS 001 PHYS 121 Electricity and Magnetism AL PHYS HUMAlOl Introduction to the History of

Hong Kong and Macau · None HUMA107 Indigenous Modes of Thought in

Pre-Buddhist Chinese History None

HUMA109 Philosophy and Life None

HUMA111 Introduction to Anthropology None HUMA203 Science, Technology and Value None

sosc

101 The Geography of the

World Economy None

sosc

102 The Geography of International

Development None

SOSC105 Introduction to Social Science None

sosc

107 Introduction to Politics None

sosc

108 Comparative Politics None

sosc

109 International Relations None

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Students' dragon boat wins Rotary Club Cup

In this year's dragon boat races-the first in which HKUST has competed*, the student crew won the NT Rotary Club Cup '92. Nudging out fellow UPGC rivals CUHK and Lingnan College ( among others), the HKUST boat crossed the finish line with a clear margin of victory. For their efforts they received a trophy, a flag, and the traditional barbecued suckling pig.

HKUST fielded four boats in the Sai Kung races held on 5 June. Two were crewed by staff-one of27 rowers with captain Fan Poon-keung (EMO) and one of 8 rowers with captain Wayne Yung (CCST). The third was the student boat (with 12 rowers and captain Yiu Sun-tat, an undergraduate in EEE), while the fourth was a women's boat crewed by staff and students, with captain Wileen Chu (OLS). None of the other HKUST boats placed, but the crews and cheering contingent of some 60 HKUSTstaff and family seemed to enjoy the festival regardless.

*

Last year crews representing HKUSTwere prepared to race, but all dragon boat races in Sai Kung were cancelled after a shark killed a swimmer off Silver Strand Beach.

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The crew of HKUST' s long boat wield their oars to the beat of the drum in the bow.

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PAO NEws

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PAO programmes target prospective

students and their parents

Satisfied with last year's performance, the Publicity Com-mittee for Admissions, which includes Directors of PAO, ARR and the Chairman of the Sub-Committee on Undergraduate Admissions, is planning a similar range of student outreach programmes for the upcoming academic year. Ongoing and future programmes include the following:

* Exhibitions. PAO will again design a booth for the Educa-tion and Careers Expo, co-sponsored by the Trade Development Council and the Labour Department and attended last year by more than 100,000 people. On a smaller scale, PAO has prepared printed material and slide sets which the Labour Department displays in their Career Centres; PAO is also producing informa-tion packets comprising a set of eight posters and a video to be given to all secondary schools, and it will also send the poster ~ets to public libraries, public housing estates and large private housing estates in September.

Something new this year is a travelling exhibit comprising contributions from each of the seven UPGC institutions. The exhibit, which focuses on postgraduate programmes, will be

displayed on each campus in tum, beginning in November. Similarly, to attract prospective postgraduates from overseas, PAO has sent posters to more than 200 major overseas universities-particularly those with large ethnic Chinese or Hong Kong student contingents.

*

To help parents learn more about the University's pro-grammes, PAO this year arranged for the distribution of the Undergraduate Prospectus in Chinese to each household at all public housing estates and major private housing estates. This was so successful that plans are being made to distribute the prospectus annually. PAO also encourages visits from the es-tates, and since October 1991 nearly 40 housing estates have come to tour the campus.

*

To introduce HKUST's academics and inform the general public on topics in popular science, the "Popular Science Lecture Series", co-sponsored by PAO and the Science Mu -seum will be continued. Six lectures are planned, one Sunday each month, beginning in July.

*

Meanwhile, as an ongoing service, HKUST Newsletters are sent regularly to all secondary schools, local tertiary institutions, and many overseas universities, to keep them informed of recent developments in all aspects of the University.

June 1992

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Video of the Month

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SKY ABOVE, MUD BELOW

12:30 p.m., Wednesday, 8 July

Room 1, Media Resources Centre LG/F, Library

"[This is the] true story of explorers who crossed the

11 ost dangerous uncharted Stone Age jungles of Dutch New

G.iinea in 1959. Their cameras captures bizarre native

rituals and cannibal tribes." Described as "One of the best,

a remarkable feat" by the N. Y. Herald Tribune. 92 minutes;

colour; in English.

'9 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••

.1

7

Design Classics

I don't like to make fun of the same people or things too frequently, but it's not easy to dream up new (allegedly)

humorous topics each month. So I have to go with what made

me laugh in the hope that it will do the same for you, the

readers. This month, once again, I discovered some really

funny things about our buildings.

The first thing that gave a chuckle a few weeks ago has to do with the notorious entry code pads on the lower ground

floor of the staff quarters. These are of the same type that we

see inside the academic building in places where people got tired of waiting for the duplicate keys to be manufactured

(evidently in a galaxy far, far away). The entry pads are

famous for failing in the rain and also whenever the humidity

is high. The inevitable 'retrofit' was finally installed.

In a dazzling display of ingenuity, the fix-up did not involve replacing the device by one designed to work outdoors, but rather the installation of a silly looking plastic roof over the pad! The plastic birdhouse is clearly Iiot designed to protect the pad from the rain, since the rain falls horizontally around here. Therefore, it is clear that the genius who thought up this solution intends the roof to protect the device from

humidity, which, as everyone knows, falls straight down.

I was in the process of nominating the door code birdhouse for some sort of booby prize as a Design Classic, when a senior official responsible for physical plant assured me it wouldn't have a chance in competition with another great

quick fix. In the long-delayed Visitors' Quarters, a drain for

unanticipated (really!) moisture from the air conditioning system has been provided by installing a pipe from the ceiling of the bathroom through the marble top of the bathroom sink.

I understand these drain pipes are not placed against the wall,

but go more or less right through the middle of the marble top.

The designers assured us that this was "aesthetically

accept-able" to them. I presume it is good news that the aesthetic

sensibilities of these folk have not been offended, but I suspect that says more about them than it does about the appropriateness of the design.

Announcements

• Salaries will be paid on 29 July.

• Minibus Route 12A (HKUST-Sai Kung) has expanded its service to include two more trips in the morning. The timetable is as follows:

Morning: Leaving HKUST: 7:00, 7:25, 7:50, 8:15 a.m. Leaving Sai Kung: 7:25, 7:50, 8:15, 8:40 a.m.

Noon: Leaving HKUST: 12:35, 1:00, 1:25 p.m.

Leaving Sai Kung: 1:00, 1:25, 1:50 p.m.

Evening: Leaving HKUST: 5:35, 6:00, 6:25 p.m.

Leaving Sai Kung: 6:00, 6:25, 6:50 p.m. This service runs Mondays to Saturdays only, with no service on Sundays or public holidays. The fare is $5. • The University's shuttle bus service has been expanded.

Commencing 1 July, two buses will follow the Tai Wai route: one 20-seater coach will serve only Tai Wai, while the

original coach will serve the rest of the route. Also commencing

1 July, a 45-seater coach will serve the Tsuen Wan route. • Faculty are reminded of upcoming deadlines:

UPGC Research Infrastructure Grants Proposals - First 1992-93 deadline: 1 August.

UPGC Direct Allocation Grants Proposals - 1992-93 deadline: 1 September.

UPGC Research Grants Council (RGC) Competitive Grants Proposals - 1992-93 deadline: 1 October. Croucher Foundation Proposals

- Next deadline: 1 October.

• Library hours for the summer (4 July - 16 August) are:

Monday - Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Sunday Closed

• Weekend campus access. With the Phase II contractor's

permission, from 12 noon Saturday- 6 p.m. Sunday and 8.a.m.

- 6 p.m. on public holidays, vehicles bearing a University parking label may enter or leave the campus via the southern access road. Sign posts will be erected to assist.

• Day visitors. Staff no longer need to register their guests in

advance with the guard at the gate. During office hours, guests'v ehicles and those on business ( e.g., collecting admission forms) will be admitted.

• The deadline for submission of nominations fqr the Distinguished Teaching, Research and Service Awards has been extended by the University Senate until the end of the fall semester.

• The Badminton Club is organising a training course during JulyandAugust. VincentLi(OLS)andMokKwok-wah(PO) will coach the classes, scheduled for Wednesday evenings,

6-7 p.m. To join the class, phone Mok Kwok-wah (Ext. 6583).

Administration Circulars

Typhoon Arrangements, Administration Circ. 2/92 Staff Contribution to Hospital Maintenance Fees,

Personnel Circ. 4/92

Accounting Policies on Pre-Payments and Pre-Commitments

of Recurrent Grants, Finance Circ. 1 /92

Amendments to Budget Requisition Amount,

Finance Circ. 2/92

Staff Medical Insurance Scheme, Personnel Circ. 5/92 Staff Superannuation Scheme, Personnel Circ. 6/92

Advertisements

• Tsuen Wan flat for rent. 900 sq ft, 4 bedrooms (including 1 master bedroom and 1 servant room) brand new, near Tsuen Wan MTR; spacious (85% usable area), built-in wardrobes, 4 air con, gas heaters; high floor with sea-view. Available now

at $13,500/month; carpark $1,600/month. Convenient shuttle

bus/van and public transport to MTR. Call Ext. 6603 for details.

• BMW 728i for sale; 1981; gold colour, good condition, low mileage. $80,000. Please call Joe or Maria Lung at 358-8165. • Tai Wai new flat for rent. 750 sq ft, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms;

4 air con, heaters, cabinets, etc.; near Tai Wai KCR. Available

now at $13,000/month (including rates & management fee).

Please call Winnie (Ext. 6667).

Home Affairs

• Leung Yee-ling (FO) announces the birth of a son, Sun Chak-yan, 6 May.

• Lee Yim-kum (Eng) announces her marriage to Law Kam-wah, lOMay.

• Johnny K.O. Sin (EEE) announces the birth of a daughter, Angela Sin, 15 May.

• Mark Yau Sze-fong (EEE) announces the birth of a daughter,

Gina Yau Man-yee, 15 May.

• Pang Suk-han (Library) announces the birth of Ip Tsz-ho, 23 May.

• Lee Kwok-kit (EMO) announces his marriage to Lee Ngan

-hai, 27 May.

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'lime Out for English

Sign in a Japanese hotel:

You are invited to take advantage of the chambermaid.

HKUST Genesis June 1992

wnwm

Volume 3 Number 5

wm:mru

Managing Editors: Martha Dahlen,

Priscilla Chung. Production

Edi-tors: Timothy Ngan, Danny Yung. Contributors: Mary Lau, Louis Ting.

Genesis is published monthly by PAO. Contributions from all staff are welcome. Deadline for sub-mission is the 20th of each month.