HKBU Alumni Gratitude Fund (AGF) 香港浸會大學恩傳資助
Introduction
The Fund was set up with donations raised by the Village CARE Campaign in 2019. A group of HKBU alumni pledged a sum donation in support of students with special educational needs (SSEN). The Fund represents a way to show the alumni’s gratitude to their alma mater, an encouragement for the next generation of students to thrive in their own way.
Objectives
Through providing financial assistance to SSEN for their study and learning:
- To facilitate the SSEN’s adjustment and adaptation in the University.
- To enhance the sense of belonging, support and care of SSEN.
- Select
- Eligibility
Eligibility
Full-time HKBU students studying UGC funded programmes, registered with special educational needs, as categorised as follows:
- Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Hearing Impairment
- Mental Illnesses
- Physical/Mobility Disabilities
- Speech Impairment and/or Language Impairment
- Specific Learning Disabilities
- Visceral Disability / Chronic Illness
- Visual Impairment
- Multiple Types of Disabilities
- Others
Selection Method and Criteria
Method
Open application
Criteria
1. Applications will be assessed on the basis of the followings:
- Effectiveness and need on the use of the proposed item/service in facilitating the applicant’s learning.
- The impact on enhancing the applicant’s university life experience.
2. Preference will be given to eligible applicants who have never received any SEN-related funding before.
3. Retrospective applications will not be considered and funded normally. Special medical intervention related to a disability/SEN may be considered with strong justifications.
4. An average allocation of the grant shall be applied to each SEN category. Applications would be considered on a case-by-case basis.
5. Only one successful application will be granted for a SSEN per academic year.
6. Up to eight recipients per year subject to the availability of the funding source.
7. Maximum Fundable Amount
- Each applicant will be granted not more than HK$20,000 per academic year.
- Funding will be granted for one year at a time for each applicant and will be subject to the availability of funds.
- Discretion will be exercised to approve additional funds for items/services with strong justifications
Application Timeline and Procedures
Timeline for 2024-25 applications
1 September 2024 to 30 June 2025 | Application Period |
Within 5 calendar weeks | Notification of application result |
Within 2 calendar weeks upon receipt of the assistive aid or service |
Submission of required documents |
Around 8 - 12 weeks upon submission of completed set of required documents |
Receive Reimbursement |
15 October 2025 |
Deadline for submission of required documents |
Interested students should:
1. complete the online application form,
2. submit the following supporting documents to USSEN via email:
(a) Supporting/information of the medical intervention/special transportation service related to the disability;
(b) At least one verbal / email quotation shall be provided along with all supporting documents. An applicant is required to provide an original or a photocopy of the certified copy of the price quotation.
Successful applicants shall:
1. be notified of application results within five calendar weeks after submission of all required documents/meeting held and further information provided if any;
2. receive and sign an offer letter of the fund;
3. submit the following documents within two calendar weeks upon receipt of the assistive aid or service:
(a) a sharing article,
(b) original invoice and receipt from the service provider,
(c) bank account details and
(d) three photos;
4. not submit the above documents late as this may result in score deduction in applying for other HKBU SEN-related financial schemes;
5. be invited to present/share the application and outcomes;
6. receive reimbursement normally in around 8 - 12 weeks upon acceptance of the final auditing and submission of documents; and
7. hold valid HKBU full-time equivalent (FTE) studentship at the time of reimbursement, or no approved fund will be reimbursed USSEN reserves the final rights on the decisions of subsidy allocation and guidelines amendment at any time as appropriate.
Contact
For any enquires, please contact us at the Unit for Students with Special Educational Needs, Counseling and Development Centre, Office of Student Affairs:
Tel : +852 3411 2806
Email : ussen@hkbu.edu.hk
Address : Room DLB704A, Level 7, David C. Lam Building, Shaw Campus
Opening Hours
Mondays to Fridays – 9:00am to 1:00pm and 2:00pm to 5:30pm
Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays – Closed
Recipients of HKBU Alumni Gratitude Fund 2023-24
I am deeply grateful for the support of the HKBU Alumni Gratitude Fund (AGF). This fund has been a proper lifeline, allowing me to focus on my studies without worrying about medical expenses.
My primary objective in applying for the AGF was to reduce the financial burden caused by my medical condition, which required ongoing treatment and care. The grant of $20,000 has been a game-changer, enabling me to fully cover the costs of Peritoneal Dialysis materials and hospital expenses. This support has been invaluable, freeing me from the stress of finding additional sources of income to cover these essential medical needs.
The fund has had a profound impact on my university experience. With the financial burden of medical expenses lifted, I have dedicated more time and energy to my studies, allowing me to focus on academic pursuits and personal growth. This has significantly improved my academic performance and overall well-being, as I no longer need to juggle part-time work alongside my studies.
The acquired items, including the Peritoneal Dialysis materials and the ability to cover hospital expenses, have exceeded my expectations. These essential medical resources have ensured that I receive the care and treatment I require, allowing me to maintain my health and well-being. This, in turn, has had a positive ripple effect on my academic and personal life, as I no longer need to worry about the ..(more)
As I navigate through the complexities of my academic journey in Computer Science with a specialization in Artificial Intelligence at the university, I am profoundly grateful for the generous support from the donors of the HKBU Alumni Gratitude Fund (AGF) and the unwavering assistance provided by the Unit for Students with Special Educational Needs (USSEN). Your contributions and support have immensely alleviated the burdens that threatened to undermine my academic progress and overall well-being.
Pursuing an advanced degree in such a demanding field requires immense dedication and focus. However, balancing my rigorous academic requirements with my health challenges has been a formidable task. I have been under continuous medical care with regular consultations in various specialties. The frequency of these medical appointments, along with the substantial financial implications, had begun to take a toll on my ability to concentrate on my studies and research in AI.
The medical expenses associated with multiple specialist visits are considerable. Each visit not only adds financial strain but also impacts my physical and mental energy, leaving less for my studies and research projects. Before the intervention of AGF, the stress of managing these expenses was overwhelming. There were moments when the financial burden of medical care seemed insurmountable, threatening to derail my educational objectives and future career in technology. ...(more)