A New Era Begins 1975-78

operate an identical three-year programme, w i th the courses of study restricted to vocational/professional training. Nor is it possible to reproduce here the substantial counter-arguments of The Chinese University in its determination to preserve its four-year programme implementing its distinctive educational mission and providing its graduates wi th both the breadth of liberal learning and the depth of specialized training. A monolithic system of higher education is not appropriate for Hong Kong's open society wi th its enormous diversity of needs. As a matter of historical fact, the principle of conformity as regards the two universities was specifically ruled out when The Chinese University was established (see Section I), and its autonomy in shaping its distinctive educational goals and programmes has been fully respected since its establishment. Section I of this Report is entitled “The Enduring Goals of The Chinese University", and the operational word is "enduring". 41