A New Era Begins 1975-78

IX Public Service: The Chinese University in the Hong Kong Community As fully described in The Emerging University, The Chinese University is committed to the three knowledge functions of the modern university, conventionally stated as teaching, research, and public service. Public service, properly understood, means The Chinese University's use of its wide-ranging expertise and its intellectual resources for the public benefit, by helping to solve Hong Kong's complex social, economic, scientific, commercial, and technological problems, and by contributing to the enrichment of its cultural life. The present Section discusses a number of ways in which the public service responsibility of The Chinese University is currently being discharged. The “Open Door“ Policy The entrance of the University has no gate, but an impressive pylon with four stone pilars, which can be traced back to the Han Dynasty. It is symbolic of the University's "open door" policy. The magnificent campus is open all year long to the public, regularly attracting numerous visitors at weekends. The Art Gallery is especially kept open during Saturday and Sunday afternoons for those who cannot attend the exhibits and view their priceless collections during office hours. The University Library System serves not only the members of the University but also the community at large. Within the University there are approximately 6,000 registered borrowers. In addition, readers tickets have been issued to a large number of visiting scholars and to members of the community who can demonstrate a legitimate need for the use of the facilities. As a good example, the continued availability of the Chung Chi Library to church workers reflects its respect for traditional ties. In this way, the University Library System makes a substantial contribution to Hong Kong and the scholarly world. Personal Participation The most direct form of community service is through the participation of the University's individual staff members on various governmental, semi-official, and private committees, bodies and organizations. A faculty member serves in the Hong Kong Government as an Unofficial Member of its Legislative Council. Many members of the Faculty of Business Administration render their service to organizations such as the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong Productivity Centre, Hong Kong Management Association, etc. Members of the Faculty of Science serve as members of Committee for Scientific Coordination, Hong Kong Training Council, Hong Kong Examination Authority, etc. 71