Interview with Dr. Tse
By Wai Cheong

With several years of effort, the new Charter of the University of Macau (UM) came into effect on September 1, 2006. The new legislation, which has reformed the governance structure, will free the University from some civil service rules so that it will have the autonomy to conduct its own academic and administrative affairs while being held accountable to the public.

Dr. Daniel Chi-Wai Tse, Chair of the University Council (UC), in an exclusive interview with Umac Bridges reporters on November 17, elaborated extensively on the significance of the transformation and benefits UM has gained from this restructuring.

Reforming the Governance Structure

Under the new UM Charter, the governance of the University is carried out essentially by two bodies: the University Council (UC) and the Rector. The UC is the highest governing body of the University which is responsible for charting the broad policies and directions of the University and securing its annual budget through government and private funding. It is also invested with a supervisory role to monitor the operations of the University on behalf of the community.

The Rector is the leading authority of the University management who administers the