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Important: New Students Participating In Student-led Orientation Activities

Important: New Students Participating In Student-led Orientation Activities

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Understanding Student-led Orientation Activities at HKU

Each year, student societies organise various orientation activities, usually just before the beginning of the first semester. The purpose is to help new students adjust to university life by acquainting you with the ideals, resources, people and opportunities of HKU.

Before enrolling for student-led orientation activities, please visit HKU SOConnect at soconnect.cedars.hku.hk for a list of activities acknowledged by the University. The organisers of these activities have pledged to comply with Orientation Regulations for Student Societies 2026 and received relevant trainings provided by CEDARS on a wide range of themes including preventing sexual harassment, financial management, health, safety, conduct and supporting students with SEN, ensuring a safe, welcoming and inclusive experience for you.

Principles
The organisers of the officially acknowledged student-led orientation activities have agreed to adopt the following principles during their student-led orientation activities:
  1. Prioritise the health, safety and well-being of individuals;
  2. Recognise participants’ free will and well-informed consent;
  3. Embrace the values of respect, diversity and inclusion;
  4. Seniority must not be used to create any form of power imbalance or privilege. Such practices undermine equal rights and may lead to the exploitation of others;
  5. At no time should the new students be forced to participate in any activities through coercion, penalty, disturbing behaviours, or misleading information;
  6. At no time should the dignity, rights and life of an individual be infringed upon;
  7. All activities must be strictly free from any form of discrimination, harassment, or prejudice. There shall be no discrimination against any individual based on characteristics including, but not limited to, gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, or disability; and
  8. Ensure that the activities are lawful under the laws of Hong Kong and adhere to the University Policies.
HKU has zero tolerance for harassment, abuse, violence, discrimination or other misbehaviours in violation of the University Policies. Any student-led orientation activities found to contain such prohibited elements will be immediately stopped, and the responsible parties might face disciplinary proceedings.
Practices
Student societies shall adopt the following practices during the Student-led Orientation Activities:
  1. Student societies are strongly encouraged to use English as the primary language for conducting Student-led Orientation Activities and related communications to ensure accessibility for all new students regardless of their background. For Hall Orientation Programmes, they shall generally be conducted and prepared in English. Other languages may be used to facilitate effective communication.
  2. Student societies are strictly prohibited from possessing, consuming, or distributing alcoholic drinks, tobacco, drugs, and any other obscene, unwelcome, dangerous or illegal items and they shall strive to prevent the presence of these prohibited items.
  3. Furthermore, student societies must not solicit or accept any sponsorship, sponsored product, donation, promotional support or other benefit, whether in cash or in kind, from any person or entity in relation to alcoholic drinks, tobacco, drugs and other prohibited items.
  4. Student societies are strictly prohibited from disturbing or commenting on other Student Societies or their activities; and
  5. Student societies shall practice stewardship of campus resources in a legal, ethical and value-driven manner. No student society shall be allowed to use HKU resources for individual gain or profit.
Health, Safety & Well-being

The University is committed to ensuring a safe environment for all participants in student-led orientation activities. New students should be aware of the following:

  • Health Declaration and Waiver: When enrolling in an orientation activity, participants are required to sign a health declaration form and a waiver. It is crucial to read these documents thoroughly and provide accurate information to facilitate proper safety measures and emergency protocols.
  • Personal Responsibility: Students are expected to take responsibility for their own health and well-being by making an informed decision about their participation.
  • Right to Reject and Withdraw: During any activity, please be aware that you have the absolute right to reject any inappropriate arrangements that may endanger your health, safety or well-being, to refrain from participating in specific parts of the programme, and to withdraw from the activity altogether if you feel it is necessary. The University fully supports your right to prioritise your personal well-being.
  • Seeking Support: For both emergency and non-emergency assistance, please refer to the Essential Contacts List.
Refund Policy
New students are entitled to request and receive refunds for student-led orientation activities (excluding membership fee) before the activities commence. The refund amount will be determined as follows:
  1. If the refund request is submitted before the end of Registration Day (i.e. on or before 23:59 on 9 Aug 2026), the student will receive a full 100% refund.
  2. If the refund request is submitted 48 hours or more before the start of the orientation activity and after the end of Registration Day, the student will receive a 75% refund.
  3. Refund requests submitted within 48 hours of the activity start time may be declined at the discretion of the Student Society.
The full Refund Policy can be found on the website of CEDARS.
Orientation Incident Reporting Channels
New students who feel that any part of the student-led orientation activities is in violation of the Orientation Regulations for Student Societies 2026, including the principles and practices mentioned above, can report their complaints to CEDARS directly via the following contact methods: