A New Era Begins 1975-78

III Foundation for the Future: New Ordinance The recommendations of the second Fulton Report were accepted by the Hong Kong Government and a new University Ordinance incorporating these recommendations was then drafted. The draft bill passed its third reading after a few minor amendments and the new Ordinance was enacted upon on 23rd December, 1976. Thereupon it became law and replaced and repealed the then existing Chinese University of Hong Kong Ordinance based on the first Fulton Report. Re-organization Accordingly, the former College Boards/Trustees were dissolved and new College Boards of Trustees were formed whose members included more academicians and new Chairmen were elected. From then on, their main duty was to look after the financial affairs of funds owned by the Colleges, to supervise their expenditure, and to raise more funds to promote student welfare. They were separated from the academic and administrative duties of the Colleges. For the first time, the division of labour between the Boards of Trustees and the Colleges was made clear legally. The New Pro -Vice -Chancellors The new Ordinance also provides for the appointment of at least one Pro-Vice-Chancellor and on 1st March, 1977, two Pro-Vice- Chancellors were appointed. They were to chair the newly established Administrative and Academic Staff Review Committees. The two Committees were empowered to review the promotions, increments, substantiation, retirements, extensions of service and new appointments o f all staff members and to report to the Administrative and Planning Committee through the Vice-Chancellor. At the same time, new Heads of the Colleges were appointed to replace the former College Presidents. It is to be noted that all these new appointees were senior academics who are already familiar wi th the general state of affairs of the University and who would ensure its smooth functioning without dislocation. Besides, the two Pro-Vice- Chancellors and three College Heads continued to discharge their teaching duties. This was completely in line wi th the cardinal principle advocated by the Working Party and strongly reinforced by the Fulton Commission that there should be full participation by teachers in University governance. 23