Dear Members of the UM community:

We have witnessed a good deal of progress within the University during the spring semester. As we are now approaching the end of the 2008-2009 academic year, I would like to share some major initiatives that have enhanced the University as a whole, as well as those that will surely keep us busy in the coming 2009-2010 academic year.

New Campus Development

Since the beginning of this semester, we have engaged in the development of a plan for our new campus in Hengqin. While it is the University Council that makes major campus development decisions, many members of our university community – current and former students, academic and administrative staff – became heavily involved in this new campus project, actively participated in consultations, and constructively provided ideas and criticisms that were critical, important, and visionary. For example, many students correctly pointed out that we should eliminate the immigration barrier between Macao and the new campus to improve efficiency. Furthermore, some academic staff stressed that in order to maintain the long traditions of this University, the current education system and its philosophy of academic freedom must be preserved. And to keep this University as the University of Macau and for Macao despite the location, the legal and administrative system of the Macao SAR should be applied within the Hengqin campus. These contributions, along with many others, demonstrate that our university community is responsive, caring, and constructive. The input from our community is extremely valuable and has been adopted in the initial recommendations which we have submitted to the University Council.

Now, the Hengqin Campus proposal is being reviewed by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress this week, with consideration to delegate power to the Macao SAR to administer our new campus in Hengqin, this news signifies that the views of our university community has been taken seriously by the highest political organ of our Nation. This development of a new campus is about all of us – about our dreams, about our perseverance, about securing an excellent educational environment for Macao's future generations. It is your active participation and valued contribution in voicing your opinions, comments and suggestions through various channels that have made a difference. I am certain that reaching this significant milestone will inspire us to unite our effort to overcome unforeseen challenges and advance the University's long-term development. As we move on to the next phase, a more concrete development plan and a sustainable base budget will become crucial elements for consideration. We will call upon representatives from every faculty and unit to derive and refine the campus development plan in more practical details and to pursue the best combination of initiatives in order to ensure that the University moves on its current trajectory, building the best people-oriented campus in the region.

Let me also highlight other tasks we have accomplished:

	Our Honours College has entered its first year of implementation and the student recruitment is progressing successfully. The College anticipates recruiting the top 5% of undergraduate students for its three-year program.
	Three new academic support units have been established to cope with our development need and they are now in operation. They include: Research and Development Administration Office, Global Affairs Office and Alumni Affairs Office.
	With the approval of the Chief Executive, the University conferred the title of Doctor of Social Sciences honoris causa upon the 41st President of the United States, Mr. George Herbert Walker Bush on 21 April 2009 in recognition of his remarkable contributions to Sino-American relations.
	Working with all academic staff through several rounds of discussions and meetings, the University Senate and, consequently, the University Council, approved an enhanced policy for the promotion of current academic staff and a new policy stating the contract conditions for assistant professors. Currently, we are engaging in the academic promotion exercise in accordance with these enhancements.

Furthermore, we are making good progress in the following tasks:

	We are now processing the recruitment of new deans for FBA and FST respectively. It is expected that the new leadership will be in place during the 2009-2010 academic year.
	All faculties are working vigorously to formulate a new curriculum model to take effect during the 2011-2012 academic year. The unique, new curricular approach is aimed at effectively preparing students for complex global challenges, as well as the core intellectual skills and values that our undergraduates should acquire.
	All faculties and administrative units are preparing the annual budget for fiscal year 2010. Considerable work has been done with leaders of all faculties and units to identify the most effective way to re-invest the savings on new initiatives and special projects.
	To express our appreciation and enhance productivity of our academic staff, Vice Rector (Research), Prof. Rui Martins is leading a work group for the purpose of developing a faculty award system. We expect to announce the new award system in the fall. In the meantime, please provide your input to Prof. Martins.

All the accomplishments of the University are due to dedicated services and efforts of our university community. It is this kind of communication, care, and cooperation that makes this university community so unique and precious. The endeavors described above would be virtually impossible without the diligence of the faculty, staff, students and alumni who work to strengthen the University in so many important ways. I take enormous pride in what our teamwork has achieved for UM!

Have a wonderful and safe summer, and I look forward to seeing you again during the Fall Semester 2009.

Yours sincerely,

Wei Zhao
Rector