Leadership & Governance

A scenic view of the central façade of HKU's Main Building

University Governance

The University of Hong Kong was established and incorporated by the University Ordinance 1911, which in 1958 was replaced by the University of Hong Kong Ordinance (Cap. 1053). The Ordinance outlines the University’s powers and duties, privileges and constitution and empowers it to make, repeal and amend the Statutes of the University. The Statutes set out in detail important constitutional and procedural matters. Additionally there are regulations made by the University, which provide for the orderly conduct of day-to-day operations. Whilst the Ordinance and Statutes can only be amended by the Legislative Council, the regulations are under the custodianship of the University.

The Ordinance and Statutes generate the University’s structure of governance. The principal governing bodies are the Court, Council, Senate and Boards of Faculty. Of these, only the Council and Senate are empowered by the Ordinance and the Statutes to make regulations. All of these bodies may form committees and delegate to them their powers, but not their responsibilities, as they see fit.

The University of Hong Kong Ordinance The University of Hong Kong Statutes Fit for Purpose report 2003

The Court

The Court is HKU’s oversight and legislative body, comprising University and lay members. Its purpose is to represent the wider interests of communities served by the University, and has the power to make, repeal, and amend statutes.

The Council

The Council is HKU’s governing body, and is responsible for managing the University’s financial and human resources for future development.

The Senate

The Senate is the University’s principal academic authority. It is responsible for all academic matters and student welfare. Its 50 members are primarily academic staff, with several student representatives.