Leadership and Service-Learning as General Education

In 2010, PolyU decided to make leadership and service-learning core elements of the general education section of all our undergraduate programs.  All undergraduates are required to take one subject in leadership and another one in service-learning.  The policy was developed under the leadership of the then Vice-President for Academic Development Professor Walter Yuen, and came into effect in 2012.  The policy has been implemented successfully with the hard work of many people.  The first cohort of students admitted under this policy graduated in 2016.  Currently roughly 4,000 students take leadership and service-learning subjects each year.  

In 2016, the team that spear-headed the service-learning effort was given the University Grants Committee Teaching Award.  I am very honoured to have been part of the team.  

In 2018, the team that spear-headed the leadership effort is given the same UGC Teaching Award.  

It is strong vindication of the design of the general education program at PolyU, particularly the leadership and service-learning elements.  We can all be very proud.  We have already started the process of integrating leadership education with service-learning, to take both to the next level and achieve broader and deeper impact.  These continue to be challenging and exciting times.