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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 organisations (e.g. faculty / academic societies, hall / college students’ associations, sports / cultural / independent clubs / associations) 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, you are strongly advised to refer to the website of Centre of Development and Resources for Students (CEDARS) for a list of activities acknowledged by CEDARS. The organisers of these activities have pledged to comply with Orientation Regulations for Student Societies 2025 and received relevant trainings on preventing sexual harassment, financial management, risk management and SEN support provided by CEDARS, ensuring a safe, welcoming and respectful 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. At no time should the dignity, rights and life of an individual be infringed upon;
  5. At no time should the new students be forced to participate in any activities through coercion, penalty, disturbing behaviours, or misleading information;
  6. Student Societies are strictly prohibited from keeping / consuming / 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;
  7. Student Societies are strictly prohibited from disturbing or commenting on other Student Societies or their activities;
  8. Student Societies shall practise 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.

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.

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 10 Aug 2025), 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.
  4. Article (a) shall prevail in case of any conflicts between Article (a) and (c).

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 2025, including the principles and policies mentioned above, can report their complaints to CEDARS directly via the following contact methods: