Looking forward to a productive academic year, UNP faculty members gathered at the Marcos Hall on September 6, 2024. University President Erwin F. Cadorna reminded the faculty that their roles in teaching, research, extension, and community service “must be grounded in ethical practices and core values.”

“By embodying these principles, we not only enhance the educational experience for our students but also contribute positively to our communities,” Dr. Cadorna added.

The event also saw the presentation of the new faculty members of the Second Term, AY 2023-2024 and First Term, AY 2024-2025 by Mrs. Jane Leones, head of the Human Resource Management Office.

“Let us continue to strive for excellence in our roles, ensuring that we uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in all we do,” Cadorna admonished the faculty members.

The president also emphasized that UNP faculty members’ ethical practices should promote a respectful and inclusive learning environment, for they are posed with the responsibility to “present accurate and objective information, encourage critical thinking, and treat all students with dignity.”

At the crux of their roles is academic freedom which allows them to explore, discuss, and disseminate ideas without fear of censorship or retaliation. Nevertheless, with this freedom comes the responsibility to exercise it judiciously, ensuring that their contributions, whether in teaching, research, or public service, are grounded in scholarly rigor and ethical considerations.

Themed “Embracing a New Academic Year, Invigorating Commitment in the Academe,” the event was spearheaded by the Instruction and Faculty Development Office with Dr. Luzviminda P. Relon at the helm.

Relon also encouraged the faculty to prepare students well to flourish in a volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world.

Through higher education, she added, the faculty prepare students for a better future.

“In the last decades, the capability of higher education institutions like UNP should cope with the ensuing changes brought by the rapid advancement of technology, cultural diversity, as well as the readiness to embrace these changes,” she added.

In the same event, the three vice presidents of the University also delivered lectures on various facets of the faculty members’ roles.

VPAA Rolando B. Navarro talked about how the faculty may position themselves toward a more productive future in the academe, encouraging them to look forward to a better future in the University by fulfilling well their mandates.

Meanwhile, VP for Finance and Administration Albert Tejero focused on financial and administrative concerns, such as the faculty’s responsibilities when applying for funding and following government procedures for attendance to seminars, trainings, and conferences.

He assured them of the University’s financial support, especially now that the UNP is calibrating its gears further toward internationalization.

VP for Research and Extension Fatima Rocamora, represented by extension director Lloyd Mata, also talked about the interface of research and extension. She encouraged the faculty to implement strategies through which they can share or transform their research projects through extension activities that benefit the broader community.

Article by Mark Louie Tabunan. Photo by Joel Tipon.