CUHK Apologizes After Student Distressed by Faculty's Bureaucratic Response to Grief-Related Course Withdrawal
On.cc · 2 SOURCESabout 4 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
The Chinese University of Hong Kong has apologized after a student's complaint about the Faculty of Social Sciences' insensitive bureaucratic response to a late course withdrawal application went viral on social media. The student, who was grieving over the death of a close family member, received a standard administrative email requesting explanations about preventing future late withdrawals, despite having submitted supporting documentation from a clinical psychologist. CUHK confirmed it has since contacted the student and made appropriate arrangements.
Key Points
- A CUHK student applied for late withdrawal from a general education course titled "Dialogue with Humanities" after their grandmother's recent death, submitting a death certificate and clinical psychologist's memo via CUSIS on October 20
- The course instructor expressed understanding and supported the withdrawal request, yet the Faculty of Social Sciences later sent an email asking the student to explain why only this course was being withdrawn and how they would prevent future late withdrawals
- The student disclosed a pre-existing history of emotional difficulties requiring regular psychological counseling, with a clinical psychologist recommending late course withdrawal on October 16 and sending a supporting memo to the instructor on October 23
- CUHK responded to inquiries acknowledging the standard procedural reply caused misunderstanding and distress, offering sincere apologies and condolences to the student and their family
- The university stated the faculty has since communicated directly with the student, listened to their concerns, and made appropriate arrangements to address their individual circumstances
Why It Matters
This incident exposes how rigid administrative procedures can inadvertently inflict additional emotional harm on students already in vulnerable states. The case has resonated widely in Hong Kong's higher education community, where institutions are increasingly expected to balance institutional regulations with genuine pastoral care .
This incident exposes how rigid administrative procedures can inadvertently inflict additional emotional harm on students already in vulnerable states. The case has resonated widely in Hong Kong's higher education community, where institutions are increasingly expected to balance institutional regulations with genuine pastoral care .