Calendar 2005–06

Support Facilities, Services, and Staff Organizations 169 • to strengthen relations with the University authorities on the basis of mutual respect and understanding; • to promote the cultural, social, educational, and recreational well-being of its members. CUSA aims to keep its members informed of the welfare and benefits offered in institutions funded by the University Grants Committee, and negotiate or consult on behalf of its members with the University authorities on all matters of common interest. The executive body which governs the association is its executive committee, whose members are elected biennially by secret ballot during alternate annual general meetings. Standing sub-committees and ad hoc working groups are appointed to advise the executive committee on matters relating to members’ general benefits. Each year social activities are organized to provide opportunities for members working in different departments and units in the University to acquaint themselves with one another. In June 1999 CUSA joined the Federation of Hong Kong Higher Education Staff Associations as a full member, with two representatives participating as the federation’s council members. Teachers’ Association of The Chinese University of Hong Kong The Teachers’ Association of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUTA) was established in 1974 and was registered with the Hong Kong Government in 1988 as a trade union. Its membership is open to all full-time teaching staff employed by the University. The main objectives of the association are • to safeguard and promote the professional rights and interests as well as the welfare of CUTA members; • to represent and express members’ views on University affairs, and to work for the development and betterment of the University; • to adopt an amicable, collaborative, and negotiative approach to resolving disputes among members, between members and other University employees, and between members and the University authorities. Major decisions are made at the association’s general meetings. The council of the association (hereafter referred to as ‘the council’) becomes the highest decision-making and supervising body during intervals between general meetings. Its 24 members are elected from among and by the voting members through secret ballot on a faculty basis. The president of the council, elected from among and by the council members, represents the association in all its external relations and affairs, and is the ex officio chairman of both the general meeting and the council. The executive committee, whose members are elected from among and by the council members through secret ballot, is responsible to the council and implements the council’s policies.