| Chapter 10 | Non-formal Learning Activities |
10.1 WE.CARE Framework and Student Development Portfolio
“WE.CARE” is a whole-person development model introduced by the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) to nurture its students to become responsible global citizens and leaders by participating in a wide array of non-formal experiential learning activities. The acronym “WE.CARE” represents six essential personal qualities that CUHK aims to instill in its students:
- Wisdom and Intellectual Development
- Entrepreneurial Spirit and Leadership Development
- Community Engagement, National Education and Global Citizenship
- Appreciation of Life and Aesthetic Development
- Resilience Building and Moral Development
- Energy and Wellness
The Student Development Portfolio (SDP) (Appendix 10-1) system facilitates the recording and presentation of students’ accomplishments in co-curricular learning. This electronic system records students’ out-of-class learning activities, and provides a platform for students to reflect upon, and to make meaning of, their participation in such activities. A student’s portfolio also serves as a supplement to their resume that allows students to showcase their efforts and achievements in non-academic endeavours during their university studies.
The SDP has been further enhanced to “SDP 2.0” with the aim to:
- refresh the I.CARE framework and enhance it to WE.CARE, incorporating five wheels of student development that resonate with the University’s Strategic Plan;
- introduce an E-certificate to enhance convenience for students and streamline administrative procedures for staff; and
- extend the platform to include full-time postgraduate students.
10.2 Guidelines for Monitoring, Supporting and Organizing Student Activities
The Guidelines for Monitoring and Supporting Activities for Students (Appendix 10-2) ensure the efficacy and quality of experiential learning and other non-formal learning. They describe general procedures for better coordination and monitoring of activities organized by different Departments/ units for reporting information on outbound activities and for providing support to students, especially in cases of emergency or crisis.
10.3 Other Forms of Support
Appendix 10-3 shows a summary of other support services and activities available to students during their course of study. Chapter 14 of the Code of Practice for Taught Postgraduate Studies (Appendix 2-9) and Code of Practice for Research Postgraduate Studies (Appendix 2-11) also provide relevant materials.
Please see also Chapter 11 for learning activities at Colleges, and Chapter 12 for student exchange activities.