More than 150 parents of Year 1 students of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences attended the first Parents’ Day hosted by the Faculty on 3 November.

Parents’ Day provides an opportunity for parents of the freshmen to learn about the Faculty, understand the study life of their children and exchange views on university education.

“CityU is one of the top 100 social sciences universities in the world,” said Professor Martin Painter, Acting Dean of the Faculty. “The Faculty aims to develop students’ skills and equip them with professional knowledge so they can develop an international vision and a passion for life-long learning to pursue their career goals and make a contribution to society.”

Parents were introduced to programme curriculums and their features by representatives of five departments, including the Departments of Asian and International Studies; Chinese, Translation and Linguistics; English and Communication; Public and Social Administration; and Applied Social Studies.

Dr Alice Chong Ming-lin, Associate Dean of the Faculty, explained to parents the faculty’s approach. “The faculty is devoted to whole-person development of the students,” said Dr Chong. “Besides organising various extra curricular activities, the faculty also offers professional internship, overseas exchange programmes and summer school to provide cross-cultural learning opportunities for students. These can surely help broaden students’ horizons and explore their potential.”

To give parents a feel for how classes are conducted at the University, CityU Teaching Excellence Award winner Dr Cheung Ho-ming, Assistant Professor of the Department of English and Communication, performed a lively teaching demonstration. On the other hand, Kwan Yee-mei, a graduate of the Department of Public and Social Administration who joined the Airport Authority as a management trainee, shared with parents her study life at CityU.

“I had a very substantial and happy university life in CityU,” said Kwan Yee-mei. “I thank CityU for providing precious learning opportunities, such as the overseas exchange, being a student ambassador and my internship at the Airport Authority, which built up my self-confidence.”

The Parents’ Day was well-received by the parents. “I am glad the University is actively fostering links with parents. I hope CityU can organise more activities for us and continue its efforts in nourishing excellent students,” said Mrs Chow Chan Lai-fong, one of the participating parents.

CityU places a high value on communication with parents and has taken various initiatives to increase the understanding of freshmen’s parents and secondary school students’ parents about the University. In addition to the above Parents’ Day hosted by the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, the Faculty of Business organised a Parents’ Day in March this year. The Community Relations Committee under CityU’s Council also held a Parents’ Day on 27 September for parents of secondary school students to help them make the best preparations for their children to pursue university studies. Also, on CityU’s Information Day on 13 October, various activities were held to introduce features of CityU’s programmes, university life and campus facilities so that secondary school students, their teachers and parents, as well as the general public, could understand how CityU helps students equip themselves to become professionals.