OVCAA Spearheaded the Launching of the Virtual Round Table Discussion (VRTD) Series on the University of the Future (UoF)

The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs (OVCAA) launched The University of the Future (UoF) Round Table Discussion Series with Chancellor Melinda dP. Bandalaria as the keynote speaker. Dr. Bandalaria gave a talk on the University of the Future: An Articulation of a Perspective. 

The webinar was held on 19 November 2020, 9:00 to 12:00 am followed by the first session of Virtual Round Table Discussion Series entitled,  “Quality in the Context of the University of the Future” which was facilitated by the UPOU’s Quality Assurance Team from 1:30 to 5:00 pm. The launching and first session of the Virtual Round Table Discussion (VRTD) series on the University of the Future (UoF) were participated in by faculty members, REPS, administrative staff, selected students and alumni  from the University of Philippines Open University. 

Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Dr. Melinda F. Lumanta described the University of the Future (UoF) VRTD series as a response to a collective decision of the Chancellor’s Advisory Committee (CAC) to begin to chart UPOU’s direction amidst disruptions to the educational landscape. With the shift of most higher education institutions to remote teaching and learning, UPOU is expected to lead in the conceptualization of the so-called University of the Future. 

Dr. Melinda dP. Bandalaria shared her thoughts and perspectives on the University of the Future in terms of education, research and societal engagement. She emphasized that college degrees are still important  in the University of the Future configuration. She also mentioned research as an open research and open science. Furthermore, she discussed concepts of quality, accessibility, inclusion, flexibility, and sustainability. She concluded her talk by citing that universities nurture the hopes of the world.

A panel of reactors shared the views of the different sectors. Representing the faculty was Dr. Diego Maranan; the REPS was represented by Ms. Margaret Suarez; the Admin sector by Ms. Amalia Perez; Mr. Bryant Christopber Gonzales was the Student Representative. The webinar was moderated by Asst Prof. J. Aleta Villanueva from the Faculty of Education.  Assistant to the Vice Chancellor for Research and Publication, Dr. Myra D. Oruga wrapped up the morning session of the University of the Future virtual round table discussion series She also announced the upcoming sessions to be led by the Faculty Offices – FICS, FMDS, and FEd.