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NwSSU joined the Zonal Reorientation and Forum with the HEIs, as represented by Dr. Myra L. Pilpa- SAS Director, Dr. Ana Gretchen D. Tobe and Louise R. Horca, SIPP & Local Off Campus Coordinator, Main and San Jorge Campus, respectively at Summit Ridge Hotel, Tagaytay on November 9-10, 2023. The forum focuses on CMO No. 63, s. 2017, otherwise known as the Policies and Guidelines for Local Off-Campus Activities, Republic Act No. 11313, otherwise known as the Safe Spaces Act (Bawal Bastos Law), and RA No. 11053, otherwise known as the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018.

Ms. Jonah Salcedo, University Planning Officer and one of the participants in the QS Higher Education Summit in Malaysia actively engaged during the panel discussion in AI: Reshaping Education’s Future Norms as part of the summit’s second day on November 8. In the discourse, Salcedo queried on the credibility of information generated by AI. Another highlights of Day 2 were panel discussions on specific topics in talent building and industrial evolution, experts focus forum, and business school forum to which NwSSU delegates enthusiastically participated.

Setting in the international stage and with more than 100 universities serving as witnesses, Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo- the University President formally received the 3-Star University accolade at QS Higher Education Summit: Asia Pacific in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, November 7. Based on eight evaluation criteria and a score ranging from 0 to 5 stars, the QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) World Ranking is an assessment method that concentrates on higher education institutions’ operational and educational performance in accordance with internationally recognized standards. Last August 30, 2023, the NwSSU management has completed its evaluation and was rated with star performance ratings in the following categories: Teaching (5 stars), Inclusiveness (5 stars), Academic Development (4 stars), Employability (4 stars), Facilities (4 stars), Specialist Criteria – Education & Training (3 stars), and Social Responsibility (3 stars), with an overall 3-Star rating.

Jam-packed with quality pursuits, the NwSSU delegates led by Dr. Benjamin Pecayo participated in the following activities: Expert Focus Forum, Opening Panel on Higher Education in APAC: Defining and Measuring Success, Panel Discussion on Quality and Quantity: Refining and Improving International Student Enrolment, Keynote on the Role of Universities in Nurturing and Preparing Talent for Future Work, and Open Research on Strategies to Maximize and Safeguard the Value and Trust in Research, November 7.

NwSSU delegation led by University President, Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo attends the first day of the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Higher Education Summit: Asia Pacific 2023 at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Malaysia. The representatives are also set to accept NwSSU’s recognition for being rated 3 stars by the QS Intelligence Unit.The summit with the theme, “Creating the Right Outcomes: Universities and the Future of Work in the Asia Pacific” runs until November 9 and delves into the pivotal role of universities in shaping the future of work in the dynamic Asia Pacific region.

In order to assess the sustainability and development of CHED-funded project of Northwest Samar State University titled, “UAV-Aided Decision Support Tool with Analytic Hierarchy Process for the Floodplain Risk Assessment”, CHED evaluators namely: Mayumi G. Belandres, OIC Division Chief, CHED-OPRKM-RMD, Adelma C. Tercia, Education Program Specialist I, CHED-OPRKM-RMD, Gely Ann B. De la Paz, Supervising Admin Officer, CHED-HEDFS, and Norin T. Espocia, Education Program Specialist, CHEDRO 8 representative visit the University. They are warmly welcomed by Dr. Riz Rupert L. Ortiz- University Vice-President for Research, Innovation, and Extension from the airport arrival to a scrumptious lunch at the University Hotel and Restaurant. The project assessment shall cover until tomorrow, October 25.

Represented by Dr. Ramil S. Catamora, Vice-President for Academic Affairs, Northwest Samar State University joined the 11th Asia Technological University Network (ATU-Net) Board Meeting 2023 at Rizqun International Hotel, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam on October 23, 2023.   This annual congregation mainly highlights an overview of the 2023 ATU-Net achievements together with the 2024 planning, ATU-Net Consortium Collaboration Exchange/Signing Ceremony for new member institutions, and Networking High Tea.

To ensure quality processes, methods, skills, and controls of the institution, the three-day QMS Updating and IQA Capability Building Training Workshop had ensued on October 18, 2023 and concluded today, October 20 at BDC, NwSSU. This was attended by the faculty members of the university. On the first day, a pre-term exam and introduction were given to the participants. It was followed by in-depth discussion of relevant topics on the second day. On the last day, the prospective auditors underwent mock and actual audits on Curriculum Development, Library Management, Learning and Development, and Management of Learning. The capability building training workshop aims to boost the processes and structures of the institution and raise awareness on the quality management system of the University.

Fourteen (14) faculty members coming from the different colleges of Northwest Samar State University participated in the annual cross-learning activity titled, “Modelling Extension Programs and Projects from a Level-IV State University” spearheaded by the Office of the Extension Services through its Director, Dr. Catherine Rodriguez at Visayas State University, Baybay City, Leyte and Southern Leyte State University, Sugod, Southern Leyte on September 25-27, 2023. The visit focused on best practices in extension program and project implementation, and the alignment of processes and policies in extension services. The activity provides the participants actual exposure and interaction with the implementers, beneficiaries, and the areas where the two Universities implement their projects. The outcomes are designed to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to effectively contribute to the development and management of their respective extension programs and projects, fostering sustainability, community engagement, and responsible tourism practices.