The issue of processes for review of curriculum designs has been discussed above. Some areas related to this recommendation of the TLQPR Report still need to be effectively addressed, but there has been substantial progress on several of the specific issues raised.

A number of programs have strengthened their discussion with potential employers, both directly and through formation of local advisory committees. Some of the results have been unexpected. For business programs, where a local emphasis would seem to be particularly significant, many employers have advised us to develop a global focus. This may, in fact, make particular sense as a market niche for HKUST, since there are already excellent programs firmly rooted in the local business environment at other institutions. Nevertheless, in the business and management disciplines, we have been focusing investment of Teaching Development Grants on development of local case study materials. These materials allow even multinational and transnational issues to be discussed with students in the context of local experience.

There has been considerable change in the design of the Humanities and Social Science curriculum. Course modules have been redesigned to develop three theme areas in Humanities and five in Social Science. The Senate has approved minor programs in Humanities and Social Science that build on these themes. These curriculum changes were introduced for the first time in the 1997-98 academic year, and the first intake to the minor programs is in Spring semester 1998. There will no doubt be additional refinements as we gain experience.