Higher education institutions (HEIs) in the Philippines face a growing number of challenges, among them the massification, diversification, internationalization, and marketization of higher education. In addition, there are challenges specific to HEIs in ASEAN Member States (AMS), including the need to keep in step with the ASEAN International Mobility for Students (AIMS) initiative, gain recognition through the ASEAN University Rankings system, and prepare themselves for the unique local and regional challenges that come with the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) agenda.
In efforts to build the capacity of Southeast Asian HEI leaders to be equipped with the relevant skills and knowledge needed to effectively lead thriving and resilient universities in the region, the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) in partnership with The HEAD Foundation has conducted four successful runs of the "Leadership Development Program for Higher Education Institutions (LDP-HEIs)," in January 2019, January 2020, April 2021 and November 2021. Thus far, the program has enhanced the abilities of 98 higher education leaders from eight Southeast Asian countries.
Within the Philippine higher education sector, there is a need to raise the standard of Philippine HEIs and drive them towards enhanced relevance and competitiveness in the 21st century. This can only be done by building on their leadership and management capacities within the context of global challenges asserted by the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. Better outcomes are needed with respect to stronger academe-industry-government connectivity and curricular innovations that are in step with the current needs and challenges, e.g., in creating business opportunities, particularly from agriculture and developing the entrepreneurial and 21st century skills of students for disruptive innovations.
For 2022, the overarching theme would be "Designing Your University's Future" by envisioning the Desired Future, exploring the delivery of education to achieve Applicable Educational Outcomes, supported by Required Enablers in form of People (Self – Leadership and External Stakeholders).
Contents
Who should apply?
There will be a maximum of 30 participants from at least 15 universities. All participants will be from comprehensive universities in the Philippines with a college/faculty of agriculture and members of the State Universities and Colleges-Association of Colleges of Agriculture of the Philippines (SUC-ACAP).
Participants should be in leadership positions (Chancellors/Rectors, Campus Directors, Vice-Chancellors, Deans, Directors, Registrars) in the University who are at least master's degree holders, spend half of their time in administrative/managerial work, and/or new to their posts.
Program Outcomes
The Program will provide participants with:
- An understanding of the trends that are driving changes in the labor market and in business and industry;
- A vision of how higher education is evolving with the advent of new technologies and new experiences from remote learning and corresponding pedagogies;
- An opportunity to discuss common contemporary challenges and appropriate responses;
- A forward-looking work approach and strategies to address the rapidly changing environment of higher education in the face of opportunities and challenges not only in the Philippines but also in the region;
- How Educational Outcomes need to be aligned for future needs;
- New perspectives of their roles as university leaders to empower them to drive change in their institutions;
- Relevant knowledge about higher education leadership and management; and
- Post-workshop leadership coaching and alumni sharing to guide them towards successful planning and execution of their vision and mission.
Program Overview and Components
Designed with three themes, the Program will start with visualizing a Desired Future for Philippine HEIs by identifying drivers of change and focusing on desired university outcomes and trajectory, then move on to determining Applicable Educational Outcomes. This includes discussions on the evolution of university teaching and learning to meet the new paradigm of curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment. The Program will end by recognizing Required Enablers to promote faculty development in the digital era and engaging key stakeholders from industries and partners.
To ensure relevance and effectiveness of the training, and continuity of learning in the participants' institutions, the Program will comprise the following components:
- Workshops which will include faculty presentations, group presentations (by participants), and follow-up discussions;
- Keynote addresses by well-established experts and leaders in academe, industry, and government;
- Assignments (pre- and post- workshop modules) which will culminate in a final presentation of each participating institution's Re-Entry Action Plan (REAP);
- Coaching calls to discuss progress and challenges in implementing re-entry action plan (REAP, dates to be determined).
Program Duration and Platform
The Program will be a hybrid offering, with the first six sessions conducted online via the SEARCA Online Learning and Virtual Engagements (SOLVE) Platform every Thursday from 3 November to 9 December 2022 (last day as Friday). A virtual alumni sharing session will also be conducted on 13 December 2022. The second part of the Program will be implemented face-to-face on 11 to 13 January 2023 at the SEARCA Headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines. Online coaching calls will be conducted after the face-to-face sessions to help participants in refining their respective REAPs.
Program Fees
Applicants should come from invited SUC-ACAP members and are to apply via the Commission on Higher Education (CHED)-funded project of SEARCA titled Leveling-Up Philippine Higher Education Institutions in Agriculture, Fisheries, and Natural Resources (LevelUPHEI AFAR). Successful applicants will be awarded a grant to participate in this Leadership Development Program for Higher Education Institutions in the Philippines.
Application and Requirements
The online registration platform for nominees is accessible at https://heiafnr.searcaapps.org. Pertinent requirements are to be uploaded to the platform, such as the CHED Nomination Form, Re-entry Action Plan, Statement of Commitment, updated curriculum vitae, and photocopy of valid government ID (e.g., PRC ID, UMID, Driver's License, Passport, Postal ID).
*CHED Nomination Form and Re-entry Action Plan template will be provided and coursed through SUC ACAP members' Heads of Institutions. For interested applicants, kindly contact the offices of your respective HEI heads for the templates.
CHED Requirements for Awarded Participants
- Fully signed SEARCA Award Letter;
- Travel Authority (for Cross-Visits);
- Grant Agreement (GA)
- Return Service Agreement (RSA); and
- Photocopy of one (1) valid government ID with three (3) original specimen signatures from the grantee and HEI Head.
*GA and RSA templates will be provided once awarded.