Consultation Document on Expanding Membership Base of SU 理大學生會擴大會員基數諮詢文件 by Derek Liu

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Students’ Union 香港理工大學學生會 VA302, Shaw Amenities Building, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong. Telephone: (852) 2766-7025 Fax: (852) 2766-7024 Email: su@su.polyu.edu.hk

Ref. SU27/ADV/R-01E Prepared: 9th April 2020 Discussion of Expanding Students’ Union Membership Base I.

Background Discussion of expanding membership base of the Students’ Union had often raised while no further discussion or follow-up actions were made. Honorary Advisor of the Union wrote Specere – a development blueprint for the Union, with recommendation integrating postgraduate and exchange students as eligible members of the Union. This paper serves as a summary on both analysis in Specere and the questionnaire sent to postgraduates last year, while bringing in recommendations for the right and obligation of such members. Before commencing the discussion, enrolment figure by level and mode of study are quoted are follows: Full-time

Part-time

Total

Research Postgraduate

01,750

00,000

01,750

Taught Postgraduate

03,200

05,000

08,200

Undergraduate

14,450

00,400

14,850

Sub-degree

01,050

00,000

01,050

Total

20,450

05,400

25,850

Currently there are altogether 15,500 members in SU (including those with privileges suspended), if the membership base of the Union will be expanded, the total number of eligible students will raise by 10,350 to 25,850. At the meantime, total number of ordinary members will be increased to 15,900. This proposal is intended to present the position of the Students’ Union, we would like to receive comments and feedbacks from and among postgraduate students, your constructive comments are most welcomed. This proposal, if adopted, will be in effect from the 2021/22 academic year.

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Ref. SU27/ADV/R-01E Prepared: 9th April 2020 II.

Development Plan The existence of Students’ Union serves for completing students’ university life, taking care of the needs to extra-curricular activities of students and striving interest of members. However, propaganda from the Union alone is impossible leading more students willing to participate in Students’ Union affairs. More members of the Union lead to a more diversified background of members. Members with different background are with different attributes: Full-time undergraduates are students devoting most of their time in the campus and campus life, it is also their first chance in contact with Students’ Association after graduating from secondary school; Exchange students are in a similar situation, yet they would be staying in campus for just one or half of a year. Part-time program students usually having a full-time work at the same time, reasons for most of them pursuing degrees are for gaining accreditation. Those students are currently having no means participating in Union’s activities. Postgraduate students are usually with certain social experience, they either studying full-time or part-time, it is impossible to generalize their situation. Postgraduate students usually have certain experience, while with their life goals set. It is certainly beneficial if they are possible to take part in the Union affairs; However, students in first degree might have their opportunity deprived if postgraduates are given with same right, compared with current members while being able to become executives in organizations of the Union. In the contrary, if the Union only provide such students with some member rights, such as allowing them using facilities of the Union including Welfare Outlet and Photocopying Centre. This arrangement brings no harm to the development of the Union, as well as themselves. It is however worthwhile to note that undergraduates and sub-degree students are the main group that the Union serving for, exchange students, postgraduates should come after such group of students. To differentiate between the two, the Union proposes establishing Associate Membership for exchange and postgraduates, this could enable them participating in activities held by the Union and enjoying benefits becoming members of the Union while prioritizing for undergraduates.

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Ref. SU27/ADV/R-01E Prepared: 9th April 2020 III.

Proposal and Data Analysis The Union proposes the following to be adopted: 1.

Integrate part-time undergraduates as ordinary members of the Union; and

Integrate exchange and postgraduate students as associate members of the Union.

The Union, however, is required to provide both welfare and administrative support to the increased number of members. This will certainly bring extra workload to the Union while the Union will have to deal with. Before discussing on the right and obligation of associate members, we will go through the data that the Union received from a survey conducted among postgraduate students last year. The survey was done bilingually in May 2019, aiming to understand expectation of Students’ Association from postgraduate students. There were altogether 152 responses with 92 local students. Following are the analysis of the survey: (Number in parentheses are mean value with maximum of 5.) First and foremost, respondents agree that the Students’ Union is having lack of exposure among students (2.63); Many of postgraduates have no knowledge or understanding of the Union (2.37). Certainly, this phenomenon does not only applicable to the current non-members to the Union. As most of services provided by the Union may be unable reaching all students directly, fulltime undergraduate inclusive. This is not only the responsibility from the Executive Committee but the entire structure of the Union, where more integrated activities should be held. Moreover, the expectation on Students’ Association are similar despite the origin of students, are follows, in sequence: striving for students’ welfare (4.20), reporting campus development to students (4.19) and providing platforms for students participating in events (4.17). In the contrary, enhancing students’ awareness on social issues (3.82) and promoting current affairs (3.87) comes the last. Apart from the above, respondents expect the Students’ Union could provide opportunities to students’ chance becoming student representatives (4.30), provide welfare and benefit to students (4.29) and unify students (4.25).

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Ref. SU27/ADV/R-01E Prepared: 9th April 2020 III.

Proposal and Data Analysis (Cont.) From the above, we could observe that postgraduates do usually put least concern on external affairs of the Union, while a portion of respondents recognize Students’ Associations shall be apolitical (2.51). To conclude, postgraduates are expecting for a Students’ Association providing welfare and events to their members. It is worthwhile mention that some local students believe that the Union should unite local students and work for a co-governing campus by students and staff, which is in line with the purpose of the Union. It brings no harm if the Union attempt integrating with postgraduate students. Nearly 80% of respondents agree that the Students’ Union should extending its membership base. In terms of rights of membership, most respondents expected the Union shall allow postgraduates take part in events and activities (3.92), participate in Referendum (3.83) and join Affiliated Associations (known as interest clubs). They have however no interest in becoming executives of organizations in the Union. Although not many of postgraduates took part in the survey, this is an indicative pilot study of the plan to expand membership base of the Union.

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Ref. SU27/ADV/R-01E Prepared: 9th April 2020 IV.

Right and Obligations of Associate Members To balance the development of first-year first degree (FYFD) students and benefits of postgraduate students, the Union proposes to establish associate membership in the current hierarchy and allows exchange and postgraduate students to join the Union as associate member. Following are the right and obligations as associate members: 1.

Voluntary membership for exchange and postgraduate students to join the Union.

Associate members, except the right to vote in Referendum and General Meeting; and participate in election and assume any post, enjoy same rights as ordinary members: a. attend all General Meetings and the Union Council Meetings. b. use all facilities of the Union in accordance with the regulations of the Union. c. participate in any activity of the Union. d. entitled to all interests granted by the Union Council. e. withdraw from the Union in accordance with the regulations of the Union.

Annual subscription fee of associate members is HKD 90 with no entrance fee, subscription fee will not be allocated to the concerned Faculty/ School Students’ Association and Departmental Society.

Firstly, associate members shall be “members affiliated to resolutions of the Union”. We should note that principal decisions and policies shall be made by undergraduate students, such arrangement could bring them autonomy and lead the development of the Union. Hence, it could fulfil the purpose of the Union – promote spirit of utility, cooperation and democratic autonomy. Since associate members have no right participating in any of decision-making authority of the Union, the Union proposes exchange and postgraduate students could join the Students’ Union as associate member in voluntary basis. Any eligible students paid with annual subscription fee are entitled to enjoy the rights and benefits as an associate member of the Union.

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Ref. SU27/ADV/R-01E Prepared: 9th April 2020 IV.

Right and Obligations of Associate Members (Cont.) To align with the definition above, the Union suggests the right of such associate members would be limited to follow resolutions made in Referendum, general meeting and Union Council meeting. Associate members are hence not granted with right of vote in Referendum and general meeting; “Students’ Union does not represent me” would definitely come to mind as if associate members do not possess with the right of vote in supreme decision-making authorities. So, the Union suggests hosting Opinion Poll at the meantime that a Referendum in the Union is on progress. The ballot in the Opinion Poll will not affect the result and quorum of Referendum, yet this is indicative for postgraduate students expressing their opinions via this method. Apart from that, to leave opportunities for undergraduates exercising their right alternating Students’ Union affairs and retaining their decision-making power in the Union. In order to provide them with opportunity exhibiting their ability, the Union proposes that associate members will not be granted with the right to assume any post in the Union, as well as the right to participate in the Election thereof. Currently, postgraduate students are eligible to become members of the PolyU Postgraduate Student Association (PGSA) after settling the annual subscription fee of HKD 50. Postgraduates interested in taking leadership role in students’ organizations could still become one of their committees. The main purpose of the Students’ Union to associate members is to provide them with activities held by numerous clubs in the Union, with regular welfare includes buying snacks and stationery at lower price in Welfare Outlet and using Photocopying Centre. At the meantime, the proposed rate of annual subscription fee is set to HKD 90. The main reason charging subscription fee per annum is the difference of period of study between programs, annual subscription fee brings a fairer and more evenly distributed contribution from students. The rate is calculated based on the proposed entrance fee of ordinary members at HKD 360 (to be approved). Associated members are entitled withdraw from the Union at any time; if such members request for a refund of subscription fee, they are expected to observe the requirement stipulated as in the Clause 19.8 in the current version of Constitution:

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Ref. SU27/ADV/R-01E Prepared: 9th April 2020 IV.

Right and Obligations of Associate Members (Cont.) A member whom has not proceed with any privileges of the Union shall submit the payment proof with application form to the office of the Students’ Union within fourteen (14) days of the settlement of payment or fourteen (14) days since commencement of academic year, whichever occurs later, after approved by the Executive Committee, such material shall be submitted to the Financial Division for handling and refund. —— Clause 19.8, HKPUSU Constitution The other point to observe is that the subscription fee will not be allocated to Faculty/ School Students’ Association or Departmental Society level at this stage. If associate members are intended to participate in charged activities held by the concerned society such as balls and singing contests, they may have to pay the participation fee in a higher rate. Organizations in Students’ Union will attempt integrating students from different backgrounds, allowing more PolyU students take part in the Union affairs and activities before exercising this proposal. We hope that the bargaining power and mandate of the Union could be enhanced swiftly after the proposal is adopted.

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Ref. SU27/ADV/R-01E Prepared: 9th April 2020 V.

Conclusion The discussion establishing associate membership has initiated for years, yet the past proposals were not adopted due to limited resources or inability getting consents. Hence this proposal portrays the plan from more perspectives with numerous recommendations backed, we hope this proposal is welcomed by most of postgraduates. This paper also serves as the second pilot study, collecting opinions from and among postgraduates. Although you might be unable to enjoy the rights as our members before your graduation, your valuable comments are essential to our next or upcoming cohorts. We hope that under the framework of “voluntary participation” would enhance the acceptance among postgraduate students. We welcome you joining us, become one of our members and enjoy your benefits and rights. Hope to see you in the near future!

Prepared by LIU Kin Kwan, Derek Honorary Advisor, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Students’ Union

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Ref. SU27/ADV/R-01C Prepared: 9th April 2020 擴大香港理工大學學生會會員基數諮詢文件

背景擴大會員基數的討論久不久就會偶起漣漪而缺乏後續討論。本會名譽顧問在兩年前曾撰寫《淬鏡》一書作為學生會發展藍圖，當中曾建議將深造課程學生、研究生及兼讀制課程學生納入為學生會會員，並提供詳細分析。以下將就《淬鏡》內的分析節錄，及將去屆學生會幹事會在去年進行的調查整合如下，從而研究在學生會內增設附屬會員及其會員權利及義務。首先，現時根據學制及課程的學生人數大約分佈如下：全日制學生

兼讀制學生

總數

研究生

01,750

00,000

01,750

深造課程學生

03,200

05,000

08,200

本科學生

14,450

00,400

14,850

高級文憑學生

01,050

00,000

01,050

總數

20,450

05,400

25,850

現有學生會會員（包括凍結會籍者）為 15,500 人，倘學生會會員基數能得以拓闊，學生會會員基數可增加 10,350 人至 25,850 人。而基本會員數字則可增加至 15,900 人。本文件的主要目的期望能夠透過此文件向各位深造課程學生及研究生諮詢有關建議的實行方案。本會歡迎各位同學向本會提供更多對於以上計劃的實質建議。如本方案能獲學生會會員大會通過，將會於二零二一／二二年度開始實行。

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Ref. SU27/ADV/R-01C Prepared: 9th April 2020 II.

發展方略學生會之所以存在，目的是為同學帶來完整的校園生活、照顧同學對課餘活動之需求，並對外為全體會員爭取權益。但要令更多同學參與學生會事務，此非光靠學生會單方面憑藉上述口號作宣傳可達成的。學生會吸納更多新會員，代表著學生會會員的種類能變得更多元化。不同背景的同學擁有著不同的特質：全日制本科學生是全職就讀於理大的學生，他們把所有時間投入於校園生活中，亦是學生踏入成年後初次接觸學生組織的時間；交換生與全日制本科學生類同，但他們只會於理大短期就讀半年至一年；而兼讀制學生一般有正職，他們於理大就讀的目的主要為換取專業資格，而現時他們於課餘時間並無機會參與學生會的活動；至於深造課程學生則有相當社會經驗，他們或有可能是就讀全日制或兼讀制課程，因此未能一概而論，但就讀的目的亦是與一般兼讀制課程學生類同。深造課程學生有一定社會實踐經驗，他們在理論上對人生有一定目標。倘若他們能參與學生會成為學生會會員，對學生會將有一定禆益，但倘若讓他們享有與基本會員相同的權利並成為組織幹事，於某程度上會剝奪了全日制本科生初嘗大學生活的機會。反之倘學生會只為他們提供部份會員的權利，例如容許他們享用學生會部份福利：包括使用福利專門店及學生會影印中心，這對學生會的成長實百利而無一害。如他們能成為學生會會員，不論對他們自身；或是學生會，都有存在意義。

但必須留意的是，學生會的主要服務對象應為全日制本科課程學生，交流生、兼讀制學生及深造課程學生次之。為彰顯兩者地位的不同，本會建議設立附屬會員制度，讓有關同學在參與學生會活動及享用權利之際，仍能讓全日制本科生優先享用。

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Ref. SU27/ADV/R-01C Prepared: 9th April 2020 III.

建議方案及問卷數據分析本人建議學生會可考慮同時採用以下兩個措施： 1. 將兼讀制學士學位課程學生納入為學生會基本會員；及 2. 將來校交換生、研究生及深造課程學生納入為學生會附屬會員。但當會員人數有所增加，學生會需要向更多的會員提供福利及支援，對於學生會的壓力也自當會有所增長。但相信學生會將會在實行附屬會員制度前能夠處理有關問題。第二十六屆學生會幹事會在去年五月與學務長辦公室合作，向深造課程學生及研究生發放問卷，諮詢有關同學對於學生會等學生組織之期望。有關問卷調查以雙語方式進行，並收到 152 個回應，當中 92 個回應者來自香港。以下將就各類學生的期望作分析：（括號內數字為平均值，滿分為 5 分）

首先，理大學生會對於上述學生而言的曝光率略低（2.63），而更多同學對於學生會更是沒有充份瞭解（2.37）。但當然，學生組織不為同學所認識一事亦非只適用於非會員。對於會員及全日制本科生而言，學生會有不少的服務也未能直接接觸同學；的確這是學生會相對較弱的面向，但要為同學所認知，這不僅限於幹事會的責任，乃至於各會內組織，也當盡力的接觸更多會員。

其次，不論是來自各地的學生，他們對於學生組織的期望依次為：爭取福利（4.20）、向學生報告校園發展（4.19）及舉辦文康活動（4.17），至於推動關注社會議題（3.82）及關心時事（3.87）則為同學較不關心的面向。再者，就對理大學生會的期望，學生們都認為學生會應該提供成為學生代表的機會（4.30），提供福利（4.29）及團結學生（4.25）。

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Ref. SU27/ADV/R-01C Prepared: 9th April 2020 III.

建議方案及問卷數據分析（續）由以上數字可見，深造課程學生及研究生對於學生會的外務事宜是不甚關注的，更有不少學生認為學生會不應太政治化（2.51）。總體而言，他們期望的，還是一個能夠為他們為會員帶來福利及活動的學生組織。但當然，亦有本地學生認為學生會應該團結本地學生，及盡力達致員生共治，這與學生會現時的綱領相符；故此擴展學生會會員基數亦無不可。

接近百分之八十的受訪者都認同學生會應該拓展深造課程學生會籍。就會員權利，當中最多的受訪者均依次認為學生會應該讓他們參與活動（3.92），參與全民投票（3.83）及參加附屬組織（3.69）。同時地，他們對於成為學生會的幹事不甚感到興趣。雖然參與是次問卷調查的深造課程學生並不多，但對於計劃拓展學生會會員基數而言有具指標性的作用。

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Ref. SU27/ADV/R-01C Prepared: 9th April 2020 IV.

附屬會員的權利及義務為了平衡首年首學位課程學生的發展及深造課程學生的利益，本人建議在現有的會員制度下增設附屬會員制度，從而讓交換生、深造課程學生及研究生能夠加入學生會，以下為附屬會員的權利及義務： 1. 不設有「必然會員制」，研究生及深造課程學生可選擇自行加入學生會； 2. 除會員大會及全民投票表決權、學生會職務選舉的選舉與被選舉權外，均享有所有和基本會員相同的權力； i. 出席所有會員大會及評議會會議。 ii. 可根據規章享用學生會一切設施。 iii. 參與學生會任何活動。 iv. 可享有一切評議會授予之權益。 v. 根據學生會會章，可享有退會之權利。 3. 以年費方式向附屬會員收取會費每年港幣九十元整，不設入會費，會費亦不會撥予其所屬學院會、學系會及學科會。首先，附屬會員於學生會的定義應該是「附屬於學生會決策下的會員」。主要而言，學生會的決策應該是由本科課程學生主導的，如此方能為他們帶來學生自治及主導權，從而達致學生會「發揚團結互助，民主自治精神」的宗旨。亦是因著這個原因，本會建議附屬會員制度為自願參與，符合資格的學生（包括交換生、深造課程學生及研究生）可自由選擇繳交會費加入學生會，以享用部份學生會會員福利及權益。就上述定義而言，本會建議附屬會員的權力僅限於跟隨學生會於全民投票、會員大會及評議會會議等決議，故附屬會員不應於會員大會及全民投票表決權具表決權。但當然，為了讓附屬會員直接表達其意見，本會建議在全民投票進行的同時可以「民意調查」的方式向附屬會員進行諮詢，唯有關票數並不會計算於全民投票的有效門檻，有關會員所投選的選項亦會分別計算及處理，而不會影響基本會員的表態。

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Ref. SU27/ADV/R-01C Prepared: 9th April 2020 IV.

附屬會員的權利及義務（續）另為了讓本科課程學生能夠繼續的主理學生會的事務及主要決策權，從而為他們帶來更佳的發揮機會，本會建議附屬會員不具有參與本會任何職務的權力，亦不具有被選舉權。但當然，現時深造課程學生及研究生均有權參與校方的 Postgraduate Student Association (PGSA)，會費為港幣五十元整，有興趣參興學生組織領導工作的仍可成為其組織幹事。至於學生會於有關學生的主要功用還是提供常規福利，包括使用福利專門店、學生會影印中心，及讓他們參與附屬組織與其舉辦之活動。就會費方面，本會建議附屬會員會費按年收取，主因是學生的修讀年期各有不同，按年收費對於有關學生而言相對公平。會費水平亦將定於基本會員新會費港幣三百六十元整的四分之一（待通過生效），即每年港幣九十元整。而附屬會員亦可根據會章享有隨時退會及於時限內退回已繳會費之權利，唯仍須符合會章訂明之條件：

會員如在該年度未曾享用學生會內任何會員權利，可於繳交會費後十四天內，或在學年開始後十四天內（以較遲者為準），將申請表連同繳費證明交予學生會辦公室，經幹事會審批後，有關的資料將交由財務處處理及退還。 ——《香港理工大學學生會會章》

第 19.8 條

另由於附屬會員所繳交的會費大多用於學生會的日常運作開支，而附屬會員均大多不會受益於學院會單方面撥款舉辦的活動；學院會、學系會及學科會層級上暫不會根據附屬會員數字獲得任何撥款，直至會員人數穩定止。如附屬會員有意參與由有關組織舉辦之活動，可能需要繳交更多費用。學生會各組織將會在附屬會員制度正式實施前逐步邁向國際化，讓更多理大學生能夠參與學生會的事務及活動。本會期望透過擴大學生會的會員基數，學生會的議價能力及代表性能得以提升。

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Ref. SU27/ADV/R-01C Prepared: 9th April 2020 V.

總結附屬會員的討論由來已久，但在過往的討論中，很多情況下都因為學生會資源不足、未能取得共識等原因而中止。故此，本會特此詳細的從不同面向的分析及提供建議，期望各位深造課程學生及研究生能夠藉此獲益。本建議書亦是推行附屬會員制度的第二個先導研究，盼此草案能夠蒐集相關學生的意見，從而作為修訂本計劃的參考。即使你們未必能夠在本計劃實行前加入成為學生會會員，享受會員福利，但你們的意見對於我們推行本計劃的準備尤其重要。我們希望在「自願參與」的基制下，各位深造課程學生及研究生能夠接納本會的有關建議。我們在此歡迎你們加入成為學生會的一員並享受當中的福利及權利。希望能夠在不久的將來能夠服務大家。

草擬人香港理工大學學生會名譽顧問廖建鈞

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