The First Six Years 1963-69

for school-leaving and matriculation. They are largely oriented toward passing the required examination and have worked on a curriculum which places major emphasis on memorization. The University is therefore faced w ith the immediate task o f reorienting these students to a situation which is established on the principle o f academic freedom. Once acclimated in this new environment, the freshmen find ample opportunity to engage in extra-curricular activities. Each College has its own Student Union representing the entire student body. The Current Affairs Committee o f the Student Union plays a major role in promoting topical cultural activities. In addition, there are independent societies o f two types: those formed on a departmental basis and those organized on an entirely vo lun tary basis. There are, in fact ， so many clubs ， societies ， and com mittees, all striving for student interest ， that the students often find it d ifficu lt to decide which ones to jo in . The following list gives a representative idea o f the scope o f student activities in the con stituent Colleges: Bridge Club Forensic Club Catholic Student Association Judo Club Chess Club Life Guard Club Chinese Music Club Music Club Choral Society Oratorical & Debating Society Christian Fellowship College Students Social Service Team (College Branch) Photography Club Rotaract Club Drama Club World University Service (College Branch) Fencing Club The Benjamin Franklin Centre was completed on the new University campus in December 1968 at a cost o f $2.5 m illion. The complete cost o f this facility, which has a total floor area o f 44,000 sq. f t . ， was donated by the people o f the United States o f America. I t is designed as a central meeting place for students on a univer sity-wide basis. A t present, the Centre is being occupied by the Central Offices o f the University pending completion o f a per manent Adm inistration Building now projected in February 1971. Immediately thereafter, the Centre w ill be released for the purposes originally intended. I t w ill become the community centre o f the University fam ily including students, faculty, administrative staff ， alumni ， and guests. The Benjamin Franklin Centre is more than a bu ild ing ; it is also an organization and a programme. As an organization, it is the “ living room" o f the University that w ill not only provide ser 71