HKBU requires society executives to sign charter and declare criminal records

Starting this school year, students from the Hong Kong Baptist University will have to sign a charter to promise they will protect the school’s reputation and declare any criminal records or convictions over the past three years before taking up executive positions in societies. 

If the students are under investigation or charged with offenses related to national security and public order, the school would deem that they are unfit to take up any executive positions. 

This came as the university emailed societies on Thursday to announce the Student Leaders’ Charter in 2023/24. 

HKBU said the Charter “highlights responsibilities of student leaders’ involvement in student organizations and sets out the moral standards expected of these leaders. 

“It aims to prompt student leaders to dedicate themselves to their duties, serve their peers, support the university’s mission and vision, build a harmonious and inclusive campus, maintain the university’s reputation, and promote the sustainable development of society.” 

HKBU said it has earlier consulted student representatives from societies and introduced them with relevant details before the official launching. 

The school also said it will continue to communicate with relevant student societies.