Open University is to launch its first full-time degree programme, a four-year bachelor of business administration in management, in September. Students can opt for an associate degree after two years or the bachelor's on completion. Other associate degree graduates can enrol in the third-year. CITYU TO CONFER HONORARY DEGREES City University is to confer honorary degrees at its 18th congregation in November on David Eldon, HSBC chairman; Henry Tang Ying-yen, Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology; Professor Andrew Yao Chi-chih, the first Chinese scientist to receive the A.M. Turing Award; and Professor Zhang Jun-sheung, chancellor of Zhejiang University. STUDENTS BOYCOTT UNION OVER RIGHTS Chinese University students' union has boycotted the inauguration of a new union at the University of Hong Kong over the dismissal without pay of three staff early this year by the former HKU union. The CUHK group said the former union had violated human rights. SARS 'WELL-WISH' BOOK ON THE WAY The University of Hong Kong's School of Professional and Continuing Education is putting together a booklet of 'well-wish'' e-mails collected from alumni, tutors and other sectors of the community for medical workers and Sars patients. The encouraging words can be seen on www.soul.hkuspace.org/ wellwishes. CHAMBER OFFERSOU LAUNCHES FIRST FULl-timE DEGREE $125,000 AWARD The American Chamber of Commerce has announced the 2003 AmCham Charitable Foundation US Studies Scholarship, worth US$16,000 (HK$125,000) to a local secondary school student with a confirmed place on a four-year degree programme at a US university starting 2003/2004. Deadline for applications is May 29. For inquiries call 2603-5771. Application details can be found at www.iiehongkong.org/amcham.htm .