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HKU council controversy
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The meeting will be held at the University of Hong Kong's main campus. Photo: K. Y. Cheng

Psychology prof Terry Au appointed to key HKU post

Council makes decision at Tuesday meeting; rejection of previous candidate Johannes Chan Man-mun sparked controversy and student protests

The University of Hong Kong’s governing council yesterday appointed senior scholar Professor Terry Au Kit-fong to a key managerial post.

Au, the university’s chair professor of psychology, had been acting for the post of pro-vice-chancellor in academic staffing and resources since January.

The appointment will be effective from June 1 for three years.

The session was also held at the university’s main campus for the first time in 10 months since angry students and protesters stormed a meeting in July to protest against the council’s “mishandling” of liberal scholar Johannes Chan Man-mun’s promotion to the post, which was eventually rejected in September.

The university’s search for the pro-vice-chancellor has been ongoing for two years. After Chan was rejected, a new selection committee was set up to identify the latest candidate.

Au was in the committee that identified Chan.

Council member Eric Cheung Tat-ming said he believed the selection committee had followed through the procedures, including consulting stakeholders with the candidate.

He said the council had passed the nomination unanimously.

“I believe the council should respect the selection committee’s recommendation, instead of taking matters on its own and Google the candidate’s background,” said Cheung, apparently referring to the council’s rejection of Chan. “I hope such [controversy] will not repeat again.”

Au joined the university in July 2002 and served as head of the department of psychology from 2003 to 2005, and from 2007 to 2008.

She obtained her undergraduate degree in psychology and social relations at Harvard University in 1982, and her PhD in psychology at Stanford University in 1987.

Before joining HKU, she was associate professor at Brown University and professor at the University of California, Los Angeles.

She also served on different bodies such as the Research Grants Council, the Barrister Disciplinary Tribunal Panel, the Independent Commission Against Corruption Operation Review Committee and the Family Council.

Terry Au was on the selection committee that identified Johannes Chan Man-mun (pictured) for the post previously. Photo: Sam Tsang
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