補習-Hope for vets' school after review

http://www.hktutorcity.com-上門補習

The University Grants Committee will set up a task force to review a new proposal by City University for a school of veterinary science.

The about-turn came three years after the committee rejected the university's application for such a school.

Chairman Edward Cheng Wai-sun said the panel will comprise five to seven local and overseas experts.

The panel will review demand for vets, among other things.

It is hoped its report can be completed this year and submitted for consideration.

In 2010, the grants committee rejected the City University proposal after doubting the feasibility of a vets' school.

But the university revised the proposal and re-submitted it to the council last month.

Speaking after a meeting yesterday, Cheng explained that the task force will study the academic and community needs, students' prospects and sustainability of a school.

He added that the new university proposal covers issues such as the hospital, courses, research works and food hygiene.

Cheng denied the grants committee has done a U-turn, saying it is willing now to examine the CityU proposal because the university has submitted new information and has spent effort on it.

"The UGC has expressed no views or established any stance on City U's revised proposal for the time being," Cheng said. "We respect academic freedom and autonomy of institution."

There have been suggestions that Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying, who is the former City University Council chairman, may have helped push for the approval of the new proposal.

Cheng said Leung had discussed the school with the grants committee when he was council chairman "but I confirm that Leung has not talked to us after becoming chief executive."