HUMAN RESOURCES OF HKU

To: All Professoriate Staff

Conferment of Chair Professor Title

            Following the Council’s approval in July 2008, the concept of “Chair Professor” in this University has been re-defined.  “Chair Professor” is no longer a separate and independent rank above that of Professor, but is an honour and a title to be conferred on Professors based on personal merits.  Under the University’s three-tier system of academic ranks (viz. Assistant Professor, Associate Professor and Professor), the term Professor refers to a single academic rank regardless of whether the Professor is simultaneously the holder of an Endowed or Named Professorship.  Chair, Endowed or Named Professor titles can be held by Professors and they will be considered as a single academic rank.  An illustration of academic ranks and titles is as follows:-

            Assessment procedures are in place to ensure that academic and professional standards have been met before the Chair Professor title is conferred.  The criteria and procedures for conferment are set out in document 56/608 amended (attached).  Nominations for the year 2010/11 are now being invited from Faculty Deans with a deadline of December 31, 2010.  Professors who are conferred the Chair Professor title will hold the title with effect from July 1, 2011.  Nominations will cease to be considered further once a nominee tenders written notice of resignation, or if the effective date of the Chair Professor title is expected to fall within 6 months of the nominee’s date of retirement (at the age of 60)/termination/contract expiry from the University.  If the nominee is conferred the title during a period of unpaid leave, the effective date of the new title will be the first day of return to duty.

                                                          Professor Roland T. Chin
                                                 Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost
                                                          Chair of Computer Science

cc:    Vice-Chancellor
        Registrar
        Faculty Secretaries