Faculty Regent Carl Marc Ramota conversed with the University of the Philippines Open University’s faculty members and Research, Extension, and Professional Staff (REPS) during the Ugnayan (Usapang Guro at Pamayanan) at Ikot Unyon, a series of consultative meetings in constituent universities across the UP System, held on 11 May 2023 at the Audio-Visual Room, UP Open University, Los Banos, Laguna.
Faculty Regent Ramota updated the faculty and REPS on the course his office plans to take during his term as Faculty Regent during the Ugnayan. This includes the establishment of a Faculty Welfare Council and Committee on the Promotion and Protection of Academic Freedom and the amendments to the Faculty Regent selection process guidelines.
During the Ikot Unyon part, Mr. Larry Cruz, OIC-President of the All UP Academic Employees Union – Open University (AUPAEU-OU) Chapter, presented the local chapter report. Dr. Rommel Rodriguez, Vice President for Faculty of the AUPAEU National, also reported the AUPAEU National Chapter updates.
Faculty Regent Ramota, OIC-President Cruz, Vice President Rodriguez together with Staff Regent Victoria Belegal addressed the issues raised by the faculty and REPS who participated onsite or online via Zoom during the open forum. The discussion centered on the salary adjustment, additional items and benefits, retirement plan, staffing and workload, and the general well-being of faculty and staff while serving in the university.
Ugnayan is one of the initiatives launched this year by the Office of the Faculty Regent which aims to provide a forum for open discussion of the challenges, concerns, and goals of constituent units.
Written by Jelaine Bagos
Edited by Myra C. Almodiel and Larry N. Cruz
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