Student-centered work
with active listening
Regarding the mission of the University Dean
of Students, Professor Chan talked about three
dimensions. The first one is to build bonding with
students and listen to their opinions. Professor Chan
shared he recently had breakfast with students
with special education needs. In this interaction,
he found out the need for more easily accessible
passages in differentsome locations on campus.
Secondly, Professor Chan described his duty as a
bridge to foster communication and collaboration
between the university and constituent colleges
as well as relevant units. The third aspect of duty,
which he considered as the most challenging, is to
satisfy students
´
diverse needs.
“
I am still figuring
out the operation of different units of CUHK. I find it
challenging for me to deploy resources in meeting
students
´
different needs.
”
Professor Chan shared
that he had received text messages from student
leaders inquiring about freshmen course selection,
“
I need time to familiarise the available resources of
various departments and reflect students
´
opinions
to the related departments.
”
Achieve mutual communication
with friendly attitude
Professor Chan emphasised the importance of
communication with students in order to comprehend
different students of different backgrounds.
Asked about the methods of achieving effective
communication, Professor Chan deemed smile,
which is the indicator of friendly communication, is
essential.
“
I believe if everyone upholds friendly
communication, half the effort will yield twice the
result.
”
Professor Chan confronted that we might
not always achieve win-win results, but being nice
to each other is always important.
“
Smile is a kind
of emotional contagion.
I hope to step forward to
show kindness and provide comfortable environment
for people to express opinions.
”
Professor Chan
also set up WhatsApp group with students. They
would discuss particular issues in the group, and
communication became more convenient.
“
I am the
older generation. I don
´
t have Facebook yet. I do
appreciate students giving their phone numbers to
me. I consider it is an expression of trust. I cherish
the good relationship with students.
”
Let your
Smile
Change the
World,
not ViceVersa
P
rofessor H.Y. Edwin Chan is a Professor at the School of Life Sciences. He has been a Warden of
Postgraduate Halls since 2005 and the Chairperson of the Joint Committee on New Student Orientation
between 2009 and 2014. For years, Professor Chan has established good relationship with students. This
year, he was newly appointed to become an Associate Vice-President and the University Dean of Students.
3
INTERVIEW
NOV 2017
UMP
大學廣場
Interview of Professor H.Y. Edwin Chan,
University Dean of Students
Student reporter: Cheryl Lee
