New Faculty Orientation: Teaching and Learning at HKUST | FALL 2026

Start Date

Wed, 2026-08-19 12:00

The New Faculty Orientation (NFO) is designed to support new faculty and teaching staff as they begin their teaching journey at HKUST. Through two compulsory sessions, participants will gain an understanding of HKUST's educational vision, teaching expectations, and the support available through the Center for Education Innovation (CEI). The program also explores the characteristics and diverse backgrounds of HKUST students, strategies for creating an inclusive learning environment, practical insights from experienced HKUST faculty, and the essential digital tools that support teaching, including Canvas and CEI eTools. By the end of the program, participants will be well prepared to create engaging, inclusive, and effective learning experiences for their students.

Program Schedule

Date:	19 August 2026 (WED)
Venue:	Learning Forum, Advanced Learning Hub (Room 6558, Lift 27-30)
Organized by:	Center for Education Innovation (CEI)

Session 1

Foundations of Effective Teaching and Learning

09:00 – 09:20

Registration

09:20 – 10:00

Starting Your Teaching Journey with CEI
Discover the teaching support, professional development opportunities, and resources available to help you succeed at HKUST.

10:00 – 10:20

Teaching at HKUST: Our Educational Vision
Hear from the Associate Provost (Teaching and Learning) on HKUST's educational vision, teaching priorities, and expectations for faculty.

10:20 – 10:50

Essential Compliance and Staff Development
Learn about the University's mandatory compliance requirements and essential staff development programs.

10:50 – 11:10

Coffee Break

11:10 – 11:40

Understanding Your Students
Explore the characteristics, learning experiences, and diverse backgrounds of HKUST students to create engaging and inclusive learning environments.

11:40 – 12:00

Embracing Student Diversity
Understand how to support students with diverse learning needs, including those with special educational needs (SEN), and foster an inclusive classroom.

12:00 – 12:45

Lessons from Experienced HKUST Faculty
Hear practical teaching insights, strategies, and first-hand experiences from award-winning and experienced HKUST faculty.

13:00 – 14:15

Get-together Lunch

Session 2

Teaching with Technology

14:30 – 16:30

CEI eTools Overview and Canvas Basic
Discover CEI's educational technologies and learn the essentials of Canvas to support engaging, interactive, and effective teaching.

Compulsory Sessions

Session 1: Foundations of Effective Teaching and Learning
This session introduces new faculty to the teaching and learning environment at HKUST, helping them build a strong foundation for a successful teaching journey. Participants will gain an understanding of the University's educational vision, teaching expectations, and available support from the Center for Education Innovation (CEI). The session also explores the characteristics and diverse backgrounds of HKUST students, including strategies for supporting students with special educational needs (SEN). Experienced HKUST faculty will share practical insights and lessons learned from their own teaching experiences. The programme concludes with a networking lunch, providing opportunities to connect with colleagues across disciplines.

Session 2: Teaching with Technology
This session provides a brief introduction to several CEI-supported educational technology tools available to enhance teaching and learning. Participants will gain an overview of the key eTools and their potential applications in different teaching contexts. The session will then focus on a more in-depth introduction to Canvas LMS, covering core features such as course structure, content organization, communication tools, and basic course management. This guided walkthrough will help participants become familiar with the essential functions of Canvas and how it can support their teaching.