Learning and Other Support
Support Services
- Learning Support
- Peer Support
- Assistive Devices / Software for Loan
- Counselling and Psychological Services
- Other Support and Campus Resources
- Community Resources
Learning Support
Reasonable academic accommodations / adjustments
Reasonable academic accommodations / adjustments aim to minimise or eliminate the disadvantaging effects of students’ conditions on their learning. They are meant to “level the playing field” instead of undermining academic integrity or the core requirements of a course or programme.
We provide recommendations on reasonable academic accommodations / adjustments which address individual needs in the following aspects:
- Special examination arrangement
- Special classroom arrangement
- Course materials in an accessible format
As students’ educational needs in HKU may differ from those in the past, there may be modifications to the academic adjustments and examination arrangements granted in HKU.
After reviewing individual cases, we will issue a letter of recommendations on reasonable accommodations / adjustments (LoRA) to the respective Faculties and the Examinations Office for approval and implementation. Students will also receive a copy of our letter via email for their record.
Since requests for reasonable academic accommodations / adjustments require a processing time of at least 8 weeks, students are recommended to register with us as early as possible. Late applications may not be accepted.
The LoRA expires every year. Students are responsible for communicating with us to review their needs and renew the letter before or at the beginning of a new academic year.
Special Library Support
We collaborate with the Libraries to provide special support and facilities to students with SEN. Requests for special library support must be referred by the SEN Case Manager from SEN Support.
- Liaise with publishers to provide electronic textbooks
- Support for converting materials into accessible formats
- Special rooms equipped with assistive technology
- Hardware: Computers with larger monitors, reading aids (e.g. Braille display, magnifier, etc.), and power scanners
- Software: Screen reader software JAWS (which also offers speech synthesizers for English and Chinese languages) and Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software ABBYY
- Special lift access for students with physical disabilities
Peer Support
Note-taking Support
We may arrange SEN PIN members to note down major learning points delivered in lectures for students who have difficulties in writing their notes. Please be reminded that this support service is not a substitute for class attendance.
Campus Orienteering
You are strongly advised to get familiarised with the campus facilities and locations before you start your studies. Please visit Campus Accessibility and Resources for useful information.
If you require accessible routes to classrooms or campus facilities due to your conditions, please contact us at cedars-SEN@hku.hk.
Counselling and Psychological Services
We offer free and confidential counselling, psychological assessments, and treatments to facilitate your university adjustment and learning and to promote adaptive coping. Click for how to make a counselling appointment.
Assistive Devices / Software for Loan
Other Support and Campus Resources
Medical Services
The University Health Service (UHS) provides accessible primary health care. You can consult UHS for medical advice and referral to specialist services.
Special Housing Arrangement
If students wish to apply for a student residence based on the needs arisen from their disabilities/ SEN conditions, they must be registered with SEN Support. Based on the relevant documentation proof provided by the students, all applications will first be assessed by the SEN Case Manager.
It is the students’ responsibility to obtain and provide sufficient and relevant document(s) to support their application. The document(s) must be issued by qualified professionals. It shall indicate the student's diagnosis, his/her current conditions, the specific recommendations and justifications for the request.
The application will be jointly considered by Counselling and Person Enrichment (SEN Support) and Campus Life (Accommodation) of CEDARS. We may also consult the Director of University Health Service, depending on the student's needs.
Please note that students are still required to submit an on-line application within the application period (same as other students). Please visit CEDARS – Campus Life (Accommodation) for more information.
All HKU student residences offer one-year residency only. If students wish to continue to live in a particular residential hall / college in subsequent years, they must apply for re-admission in the Round II application exercise, which normally takes place in March / April. Students with SEN are expected to approach their SEN Case Manager and present updated evidence to support their application for re-admission.
For new students, please contact SEN Support as soon as you have received an offer letter of admission in early August.
For students who are applying for a student residence based on other special needs (e.g. temporary medical conditions), please write to CEDARS (cedars.housing@hku.hk) directly.
Printing Facilities
Study Rooms / Tables
- Chi Wah Learning Commons (managed by Information Technology Services)
- The Libraries
