Open University Invites Name Change Suggestions

The Open University of Hong Kong said it is planning to change its name, in what the authorities said was a bid to change an impression that it only offers distance learning classes.

The university said on Monday that it has set up a selection committee to collect views from various sectors on a new name, which it said would more appropriately demonstrate the institution's strengths and development focuses.

Members of the public are invited to submit their suggestions online before the deadline on September 30, and the university's Students’ Union also posted a message on its Facebook page inviting submission.

One person commenting on the social media post said he’d rather the institution kept its name, but put more effort in building more student halls and creating a more comprehensive campus life, so students would develop a stronger sense of belonging.

The comment said the word “open” can be interpreted as providing accessible education for everyone, adding the reputation of a university comes not from its name, but its culture and campus life.

But another person said the name “Open University” would give rise to difficulties when its students want to further their studies elsewhere, as Taiwan, Singapore, Europe or the United States might mistake it as an distance learning institution and refuse to accept relevant qualifications.

Some called for a “referendum” to be held for students and teachers to collect their views. Others offered names including “Hong Kong People’s University”, “Hong Kong Liberation University”, and “the Communist University”.

The institution now has around 10,000 full-time students, and around 9,000 part-time students.