go to Top
In Crisis? Want someone to talk with,
text Open Up  or call 18111 (in Hong Kong), click here

Message from Dean of Student Affairs

Message from Dean of Student Affairs

Home » Message from Dean of Student Affairs


Dear Students,

Welcome to The University of Hong Kong! Whether you are a new undergraduate, taught postgraduate, or research postgraduate student, or returning to continue your journey, we are excited to have you all joining our vibrant community. I am Professor Samson Tse, currently the Dean of Student Affairs. My work focuses on mental health, particularly supporting individuals with mental health challenges and addressing addiction.

As you navigate this period of “newness”, it's important to recognise that starting a new journey is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it offers countless opportunities for new experiences, pushing you out of your comfort zone and expanding your horizons. On the other hand, it can bring confusion, unpredictability, and the challenge of adapting to unfamiliar routines which can feel vulnerable.

As you embark on this journey, I would like to share two Dos and two Don'ts for your first semester at HKU:

Dos:

  1. Do visit CEDARS website (www.cedars.hku.hk). You will be impressed by the range of support and services we offer to students. We assist with finance, housing, student societies, and much more, including counselling and mental health services, as well as career development and employment support.
  2. Do it! Manage your time wisely and prioritise what is important, especially if you have limited time and energy.

Don'ts:

  1. Don’t expect perfection. Embrace the learning process and give yourself grace. Remember that setbacks, including a low GPA, can be valuable learning experiences.
  2. Don’t be a people pleaser. Focus on your own goals and well-being. Set boundaries and respect your own pace and readiness.

Wishing you all the best as you embark on this exciting chapter. Welcome again, and I look forward to seeing both new and returning students thrive!

Warm regards,

Professor Samson Tse

Dean of Student Affairs


Follow CEDARS:           

 

Biography

Professor Samson Tse  [謝樹基教授] ] is the Professor of Mental Health and currently serves as the Dean of Student Affairs (September 2020- ) at The University of Hong Kong. He is the Fellow and Accredited Supervisor of the Hong Kong Professional Counselling Association (HKPCA). The corpus of Professor Tse’s research and scholarship is on building knowledge for the human services that support people with severe mental illness and those affected by addiction problem and in turn, to improve the wellbeing of service users, families and caregivers. Prior to his relocation to Hong Kong, he worked in New Zealand – Dunedin and Auckland− for over 20 years. Professor Tse has authored/ co-authored over 210 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters in the field of addiction and mental health. He has served on various government committees in Hong Kong and overseas and has held honorary and visiting professorial positions at Yale University, the University of Melbourne, and the University of Auckland throughout the years. In 2024, he received the University Grants Committee's Teaching Award in the Collaborative Team category and the Mental Health Award for Excellence in Care from the Mental Health Foundation, Hong Kong.

 

(Last update: November 2024)