Event Details
Date : 20 Mar 2026 (Fri) and 27 Mar 2026 (Fri)
Time : 2:30pm – 4:00pm
Venue : Learning Lab (RRS 321, 3/F, Run Run Shaw Building, Main Campus, HKU)
Overview of the Professional Development Programme Directors Initiative
Being a Programme Director is a highly complex task that calls for a wide range of skills, such as knowledge of curriculum design, knowledge of quality assurance, pastoral care, ability to collaborate, mentoring skills, administration and trouble-shooting to mention but a few. Programme Directorship has been referred to as leading others without direct authority or responsibility without power (Caddell et.al. 2022:25). Programme Directors are disciplinary experts who often have little or no experience in leadership. There is no job description for Programme Directors, yet they play a pivotal role in the university. Programme Directors lead the curriculum, manage the consequences of change – such as staff changes – and carry the main responsibility for the students’ experience on a programme. That experience, in turn, feeds into university ranking.
This professional development initiative for Programme Directors at HKU new to their role aims at supporting colleagues in this challenging role. It is facilitated by TALIC and colleagues from the Faculty of Education, but supported by colleagues from across the university who have years of experience in acting in the role of Programme Directors.
Reference: Caddell, M., Ellis, S., Haddow, C., and Wilder-Davis, K. (2022) A national approach. Foregrounding programme leadership in Scotland. In Lawrence, J., Morón-Garcia, and Senior, R. (Eds) Supporting Course and Programme Leaders in Higher Education. Practical Wisdom for Leaders, Educational Developers and Programme Leaders. Routledge: London and New York.
[20 Mar 2026] Professional Development for NEW Programme Directors
Date : 20 Mar 2026 (Fri)
Time : 2:30pm – 4:00pm
Venue : Learning Lab (RRS 321, 3/F, Run Run Shaw Building, Main Campus, HKU)
Facilitators :
- Dr. Jannie Roed, Director, TALIC, HKU
- Dr. Elizabeth Barrett, Assistant Dean (Teaching and Learning), Faculty of Education, HKU
- Ms. Tanya Kempston, Principal Lecturer, Faculty of Education, HKU
Abstract
This workshop is a general introduction and exploration of the Programme Director role.
Themes to be covered and discussed:
- What does the job description as Programme Directorship role cover in your context?
- What data sources and evidence are Programme Directors expected and able to access as part of their role?
- To what extent are Programme Directors empowered to lead enhancements across the programme?
- To what extent is the Programme Director expected to lead or manage the team?
- What opportunities exist for shared exploration or co-production of evidence for enhancement across the programme team?
- How is student feedback addressed within courses and across the programme?
Following the workshop, participants will be invited to join Action Learning Sets (optional) over the following three months.
This workshop is designed for staff who are relatively new to the role of Programme Director. If you simply wish to learn more about the role of a Programme Director, you are also welcome to attend.
[27 Mar 2026 ] Professional Development for EXPERIENCED Programme Directors
Date : 27 Mar 2026 (Fri)
Time : 2:30pm – 4:00pm
Venue : Learning Lab (RRS 321, 3/F, Run Run Shaw Building, Main Campus, HKU)
Facilitator : Dr. Jannie Roed, Director, TALIC, HKU
Abstract
This workshop is aimed at experienced Programme Directors. The workshop explores the role of Programme Directors at HKU. We will discuss the leadership involved in the role, key challenges we are faced with, and how to create a network for mutual support. The workshop will provide a backdrop for further development which will consist of small Action Learning Sets that will meet monthly for three months.
About the Facilitators
Ms. Canice MOK
Teaching and Learning Innovation Centre- 3917 6069
- tsmok@hku.hk