37 36 HKUST Annual Report 2020-2021 BEST-IN-CLASS OPERATIONS EMPLOYER OF CHOICE The University administration has remained agile throughout the pandemic, successful ly maintaining operational efficiency, including talent sourcing via online meetings and interviews with local and overseas candidates. A human resources management framework was also put in place to support the setting up of HKUST(GZ), taking into account both Clear Water Bay campus policies and market practices in Guangzhou. Talents for HKUST(GZ) were sourced through secondment from Clear Water Bay, as well as international and local recruitment in Guangzhou. HKUST(GZ) faculty members have been offered affiliated appointments with the Hong Kong campus to foster knowledge exchange and cohesion. The Committee on Faculty Diversity and Early Career Support carried out surveys that indicated improvement in gender diversity among faculty, and varying degrees of engagement in faculty mentorship programs at the school/ department level. The latter led to recommendations on strategies to enhance mentorship-support to early career faculty. As a boost for retention, a structured approach was introduced to offer extension of appointments beyond the University's normal retirement age for high-performing substant iat ion-track facul ty wi thout administrat ive appointments. In March 2021, HSEO arranged for a mobile lab from CMA Testing, a third-party assurance body, to offer a rapid polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test using a portable instrument developed by Prof. WENWeijia (Physics). A total of 570 staff and students took the test over three days, with no positive result found. SAFEGUARDING HEALTH AND STAYING VIGILANT Over 2020-21, the Health, Safety and Environment Off ice (HSEO) cont inued to work wi th departments across the University and outside health agencies to tackle COVID-19. Among major undertakings, HSEO advised senior management on anti-epidemic policies and campus preventive measures, and provided guidance and consultation to departments and units on specific prevention measures. HSEO also inspected workplaces including laboratories, teaching facilities, catering outlets, and sports facilities to ensure compliance with requirements such as reduced capacity, enhanced ventilation, and other hygiene measures. For most of 2020-21, the Conference Lodge campus hotel was used as a self-isolation facility for members traveling from areas with higher infection risk. From December 2020, after inspection and approval by the Centre for Health Protection, the Lodge became an approved facility for compulsory home quarantine. Some 1,200 University members used the Lodge for self-isolation or quarantine over the past year. In our efforts to resume normal teaching and learning and other campus activities starting fall 2021, the University announced in May 2021 that all students, faculty, staff, and contractors working on campus were encouraged to get vaccinated by the Fall Term, or conduct regular testing if unfit for vaccination. In June 2021, HSEO worked with the Civil Service Bureau to arrange an on-campus COVID-19 vaccination service. More than 700 University members received two injections of a COVID-19 vaccine through this service. Over the year, HSEO maintained close communication with the relevant government bodies and coordinated efforts to identify possible contacts of HKUST members and contractors with confirmed COVID-19 infection, arranged PCR testing, recommended temporary accommodation where necessary, and ensured additional cleaning was carried out in appropriate locations. Most cases were isolated and did not cause further transmission on campus. The two related cases occurred in the workplace, and they did not lead to further transmission. In recognition of the dedication and commitment shown dur ing COVID-19 and the social incidents, senior management issued Letters of Appreciation to 94 staff recipients for their exceptional contributions to the University community and HKUST’s mission.
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