Internationalization of the College of Graduate Studies (CGS) surfaced during the strategic planning conducted on October 29, 2016, at Lucas Wharf in Catbalogan City. Dr. Rodrigo G. Estrada and the CGS Dean, Dr. Victoria M. Tafalla opened the workshop with 35 participants from various stakeholders of SSU-CGS.
Resource persons talked on the key results area (KRA) of a state university and planning towards quality programs delivery emphasized on the compliance to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and global standards. They presented the possible future of graduate education the country and the planning activity is intended to prepare the school for that future. The future where schools are amalgamated, the ASEAN integration and borderless education.
The activity was the last in the series of unit-level strategic planning activities of the University. Attended by 35 faculty members of the graduate and post graduate programs of CGS, students, the administration, as well as other stakeholders was grouped into five who then developed plans for various programs of CGS.
Key programs identified includes the capacity building through formal education, exposure tours or experiential learning in the different fields of CGS. The enhancement or upgrading, as well as the offering of new programs, was also tackled. The improvement or offering of programs must be in areas where the university is positioning in the event of amalgamation. Research in the Graduate School, especially for the faculty in compliance to CMOs was also on the center stage. The strengthening of the policies on admission and retention of students is necessary. Like in other planning activities conducted by the University, financing the plans remains the most challenging task. Partnerships/linkage and proposals to funding institutions for development programs, research, and extension are possible strategies in answer to the scarcity of funds.
The University President in her closing remarks have said that university has reaped some fruits from the efforts of men and women of the University both present and the past. She, however, told the participants that SSU and CGS, in particular, should not sit on her laurels as the challenges are getting tougher. She further emphasized that these recognitions must benefit the stakeholders, the community, that is Samar, and beyond.